Is Middletown Delaware a Good Place to Live? 🌊 Explore Living in Middletown DE With Our Guide

Is Middletown Delaware a good place to live? Thanks to its location and small-town charm, living in Middletown DE is great. It offers a rich history and modern conveniences, making it an ideal place to call home, whether you’re a growing family, aspiring business professional, or retiree looking to settle down. 

The Middletown Historical Society makes ample efforts to preserve the town's rich history dating back to the 1600s. It was first surveyed in 1678 and was incorporated on February 12, 1861. It’s since been nicknamed “Diamond Town of the Diamond State.” 

People are relocating to Delaware for many reasons. Some seek the best places to retire in Delaware, while others want the right community to start a family. If you wish to move to one of the biggest cities in Delaware in hopes of growing your business or finding a quaint town to settle down in, let our Delaware movers lend a hand. We know all about first time home buyer programs in Delaware and how to become a resident of The Diamond State.

Where Is Middletown?

Middletown is located in Castle County Delaware. Is Middletown Delaware a good place to live if you seek proximity to larger cities? Its location provides easy access to other prominent communities: 

• Middletown De to Wilmington DE: 27.7 miles
• Middleotwn DE to Philidelphia PA: 59.3 miles 

What Towns Are Close to Middletown DE?

Wilmington, New Castle, Newark, Odessa, Dover, and Cecilton MA, are all within 30 miles of Middletown, DE. 

Middletown is about 10 miles from the Delaware River, which has fresh, brackish, and saltwater; Lewes is the nearest town with Ocean access, which is 66 miles southeast.

• Question: Is Middletown Delaware a Suburb?
• Answer: Middletown is a suburb of the Wilmington-Newark area.

Getting Around The Town of Middletown - Dart Bus 

Is Middletown Delaware a good place to live if you rely on public transit? Dart Bus Route 46 provides public transportation to Middletown, with stops at Wal-Mart, Middletown Village, Bethesda UM Church Park & Ride, Middletown Crossing Shopping Center, Odessa Park & Ride (Connections to Rts. 46 & 301), and Odessa’s Main Street. You can utilize Route 302 to travel from Middletown to Dover or Willington. 

If you have any questions or concerns, contact the Dart Bus at 214-749-3333. 

Middletown Population & Demographics - Is Middletown Delaware a Small Town? 

With a population of 23,192 and a 7.9% population increase since 2010, Middletown, DE, is a medium-sized town with a rapidly growing population. Delaware Today reports that the town's quick development is accredited to the area’s ample attractions, prime location, award-winning schools, and business-favoring environment and incentives. 

According to Census Reporter, the median age here is 38.4, with many residents (38%) under 30. Middletown, DE, is a family favorite with a low senior population (around 22%). There are 8,726 households in the city limits, with an average of 2.8 people. Of the 8,858 structures, 82% are single family homes, whereas 17% are multi-units. Only 1% of the structures are mobile homes, roughly 87.26. 

• Question: What is the average household income in Middletown Delaware?
• Answer: $115,252 

What Is the Race Population in Middletown Delaware?

Is Middletown Delaware diverse? According to Census Quick Facts, the race population in Middletown is diverse. 10.5% of its population is bilingual;56.5% of people are White (55.1% non-Hispanic or Latino), and 28.1% are Black or African American. 6.2% are two or more races, 5.7% are Hispanic or Latino, and 5.7% are Asian. 

Diverse demographics come with various benefits. For example, Middletown DE hosts unique storefronts like Naz’s, a delicious Halal restaurant, an African market, and Land of Spice, a Desi farmers market.

Is Middletown Delaware Safe? 

According to the FBI, Middletown Delaware is a very safe place to live and is the 20th safest US state. Its crime rate is 6% lower than the state and 7% lower than the country. 

When living in Middletown DE, there is only a 1 in 46 chance of becoming a victim of crime and a 1 in 273 chance of being a victim of violent crime. Its murder rate is zero, and only 92 total violent crimes were committed in 2022. 

• Middletown crime rate per 100,000 people: 2,184
• Delaware crime rate per 100,000 people: 2,348
• US crime rate per 100,000 people: 2,324

• Middletown violent crime rate per 100,000 people: 367
• Delaware crime rate per 100,000 people: 384
• US crime rate per 100,000 people: 370

The violent crime rate in Middletown is 4.3% lower than the state and 0.8% lower than the country. 

• Middletown property crime rate per 100,000 people: 1,817
• Delaware property crime rate per 100,000 people: 1,964
• US property crime rate per 100,00 people: 1,954

455 property crimes were committed in Middletown in 2022, which is 7.5% lower than the state and 7.0% lower than the country. 

Is Middletown Delaware a good place to live if safety is a main priority? Yes, the Middletown Police Department puts forth maximum effort to keep Middletown safe. There are 30 sworn officers, which equals two officers per 1,000 citizens. 

Cost of Living in Middletown

Is Middletown Delaware a good place to live on a budget? According to BestPlaces, the Cost of Living Index (COLI) in Middletown DE is 4.1% above the US average. For comparison, the cost of living in Delaware is 8% above the US average, making this town an affordable option compared to other cities in the state. 

The Economic Policy Institute suggests a household income of $114,892 for a family of four to live comfortably in Castle County. 

Typical *Middletown living expenses:

• Inexpensive restaurant meal: $16.00
• Gallon of milk: $4.69
• Loaf of white bread: $3.23
• Dozen eggs:$2.40
• Pound of local cheese: $7.00 
• Average Middletown DE utilities per month: $2.67 (per Doxo)

Source: Numbeo

*The above figures are for Wilmington, so prices may differ when living in Middletown.

• What is the property tax rate in Middletown Delaware?
• The Middletown, Delaware, property tax rate is $0.30 per $100 of New Castle County's assessed value (0.30% of assessed value). For example, if your property's assessed value is $519,925 (the average property value), your tax would be calculated by dividing the assessed value by 100 ($519,925 ÷ 100 = $5,199.25) and multiplying the tax rate ($519,925 × $0.30 = $1,559.78).

Therefore, the property tax rate in Middletown for a $519,925 home is $1,559.78 per year. 

The average American household spends around $2,459 on their annual property tax bill, meaning Middletown’s property taxes are below the US average. There are property tax breaks for Delaware senior citizens, and the state sales tax is 0%.

Middletown Real Estate - Homes for Sale Middletown DE

Is Middletown Delaware a good place to live and buy a house? RedFin says the real estate market in Middletown is only somewhat competitive, with a median sale price of $437,450. Most Middletown homes sit on the market for 56 days, with 38.5% selling above the listing price. Homes for sale in Middletown DE are selling slightly above the US median ($419,200).

If you’re not interested in buying a house, renting is a great option. The average rent in Middletown is $1,832 for a 1,199-square-foot rental.

Middletown Neighborhoods - Where to Live in the Town of Middletown DE

Is Middletown DE a good place to live? Middletown offers residents a unique blend of communities, meeting the needs of anyone looking to call this town home. 

BayBerry Middletown DE - Expansive Community With New Construction

BayBerry is a large construction community located in Middletown, Delaware. The community has six different neighborhoods, with two being 55+ only. The Overlook and The Meadows are known for their family-friendly atmosphere and ample amenities. Both boast large parks (around 70 acres) with a lake to kayak and walking trails to explore.

Parks Edge and The Ponds are the two retirement communities that offer resort-style living, ideal for anyone interested in retiring in Delaware. 

Pleasanton Middletown DE - Family-Friendly 

For a centrally located neighborhood with new homes in Middletown DE, look to Pleasanton, a community with large, 3,000-plus square-foot homes. It’s near Drawyer Creek and US Route 301, off Cedar Lane Road. This neighborhood is zoned for top-rated Cedar Lane Elementary (8/10), Waters (Alfred. G) Middle School (7/10), and Middletown High School (7/10), making it a great choice if you have children.

The Reserve at Weston - Top Apartments in Middletown DE

Not everyone is looking to buy, so we’ve included this luxurious Middletown apartment complex on our list of the top neighborhoods in Middletown. The Reserve has several units with a unique modern farmhouse design. There are 1, 2, and 3-bedroom floor plans starting at 985 square feet and going as large as 1,550. 
The complex amenities include a fitness center, a large clubhouse, a resort-style pool, and sundeck, and a library. All units have balconies or patios, quartz countertops, tiled baths, and more. 

Middletown Weather & Climate

Middletown DE weather is typical of coastal Delaware; the town has a humid subtropical climate, which is classified as Koppen Cfa. The summers are warm and humid, and the winters are cold and snowy. The warm season is 3.6 months long, starting in May and ending in September, with an average daily high of 77 degrees Fahrenheit. The cold season begins in December and ends in March, with an average low of 27 degrees. The average annual snowfall is 15 inches. 

Is Middletown Delaware a good place to live despite its weather patterns? The area experiences four seasons with no extreme weather patterns. It can get very cold in the winter, with heavy rainfall in the rainy seasons (April to August). Although tornados are not common in Middletown, the state does experience them on occasion. 

The best time to visit Middletown is early June to early July and from early August to late September. The early summer months provide warm weather, and the late summer offers a lower precipitation rate. 

Things to Do in Middletown DE

Are you looking for the best things to do in Middletown? This town has lots to offer, from quaint shops to annual carnivals and countless local parks. 

Silver Lake Park

This community facility boasts a handful of well-maintained soccer fields, tennis courts, a pool, and a running track. You can sign your children up for recreational sports or use the facilities for free during open hours. 

200 E Cochran St, Middletown, DE 19709, (302) 378-2711 

Westown Movies

Westown Movies is the perfect date night or family outing option. Catch the newest showings in the modern theatre with reclining seats and a stocked concession and bar. 

150 Commerce Dr, Middletown, DE 19709, (302) 378-2436

Novus Escape Room Middletown DE

Not sure what to do in Middletown DE? For a unique activity, consider the Novus Escape Room, where you and your group of favorite people must work together to find your way out. 

727 N Broad St, Middletown, DE 19709, (302) 696-2387

Is Middletown Delaware a good place to live as a busybody? There are tons of activities to partake in when residing here. 

Additional Attractions 

Community involvement is a huge part of relocating to a new city; if you want to get to know your neighbors, look to the Middletown Parks and Recreation Department, as they host special events that are fun for the whole family.  

Middletown Restaurants - Top Eateries 

Middletown is home to great restaurants and cafes. Here are the top eateries in the Diamond Town of the Diamond State.

Outback Steakhouse

This popular chain is one of the most popular restaurants in Middletown DE. It offers perfectly cooked steaks paired with one of their delicious sides. And, of course, their infamous Bloomin’ Onion!

503 Merrimac Ave, Middletown, DE 19709, (302) 696-2762

Fratelli’s Italian Specialties

Experience Europe without leaving your hometown! Fratelli’s serves traditional Italian cuisine like chicken parmesan, tomato bruschetta, and chicken piccata. 

2394 Dupont Pkwy, Middletown, DE 19709, (302) 407-4376

Jackson House

Jackson House is one of the top Middletown DE restaurants, thanks to its delicious menu options like sweet potato cornbread and crab and artichoke dip. It’s an ideal place to watch a big game or casually celebrate. 

17 Wood St, Middletown, DE 19709, (302) 378-7317

Jobs Middletown DE

Is Middletown Delaware a good place to live for professionals? Thanks to its positioning in Delaware’s third fastest-growing county, Middletown’s economy is prosperous and diverse. With hundreds of jobs in Middletown DE, seeking qualified candidates, you should have no issue finding work after moving to Middletown. 

The main industry in Middletown is manufacturing, as an Amazon warehouse employs more than 3,500 people alongside a handful of advanced engineering companies. Its bustling main street ensures there are ample retail career opportunities. According to Lensa, the most profitable companies in the city limits are Amazon, Walmart, Verizon, and Lowers. City of Middletown DE jobs and Appoquinimink School District jobs are great resources if you’re looking for a job in the public sector.  

Middletown Schools - Middletown Public Schools

Middletown, DE, is served by the Appoquinimink School District, which has 13,000 students and 15 schools. The district offers various unique programs, such as outstanding music education options. It was recognized as one of the best communities for music education. The National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) has awarded Appoquinimink School District an award for its advanced psychology services.

The district has a graduation rate of 95% and a <1% dropout rate. 41% of students take at least one AP course. ASD performs higher than the state in all reading and math subjects for all ages. 

Top public schools within the city limits: 

• Middletown High School
• Appoquinimink High School
• Louis L. Redding Middle School
• Bunker Hill Elementary School
• Silver Lake Elementary School

Private Schools in Middletown DE

Is Middletown a good place to live if you prefer a private education? There are a handful of prestigious private schools in Middletown, including St. Andrews, and St. Anne's Episcopal School. 

Middletown Library 

Appoquinimink Library is funded by Castle County and serves Middletown residents. In addition to its thousands of books and ample community events, there are online resources such as art lessons, ebooks, and language development courses. 

Middletown Map

Explore more of this city with this map of Middletown Delaware. 

Middletown Statistics & Information

• Middletown county: Castle County
• Middletown area: 13.65 square miles
• Middletown zip code: 19709
• Middletown area code: 302
• Middletown time zone: Eastern Time Zone (UTC-5 and -4)
• Middletown elevation: 66 feet
• Closest airport to Middletown: Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) is 40 miles from Middletown

Moving to Middletown With First-Rate Movers

Is Middletown Delaware a good place to live? This Delaware town offers unique activities, a low crime rate, and great schools, making it a great place to live. As Middletown grows, we think you'll be glad you made the big transition. If you decide to make this community your new home and are interested in a free estimate, call the best Middletown movers, First Rate Movers, at (302) 448-2372.