Although Milford is a small town, it has a rich history and was once a shipbuilding hub. Milford was first settled in 1680 and incorporated in 1807. Many of Milford’s buildings are listed on the National Register of Historic Places, including Abbott's Mill, the Milford Railroad Station, the Milford Shipyard Area Historic District, the Mispillion Lighthouse and Beacon Tower, and the Old Fire House.
Today, Milford is a vibrant community where you’ll find galleries, local businesses, performance venues, and outdoor spaces. Notable people from Milford include 7 former governors, the most recent being Ruth Ann Minner from 2001 to 2009. Milford DE is a good place to live.
Here’s what you have to look forward to after moving to Milford, Delaware!
Milford is located in Kent and Sussex counties and is split north and south by the Mispillion River. The city is about 100 miles south of Philadelphia and about 96 miles east of Baltimore, and 95 miles east of Washington D.C. Milford is bordered by Slaughter Beach to the east, Lincoln to the south, Houston to the west, and Frederica to the north.
According to the 2020 census, the Milford population is 11,190. Per the 2010 census, a 17% jump from 2010. The median household income in Milford is $47,849. By comparison, the average household income in Delaware is $72,724. The racial makeup of Milford is 62% White, 26% African American, 0.6% Native American, 1.4% Asian, 0.3% Pacific Islander, and 4.5% from 2 or more races. Notable people from Milford include baseball player Jeff Baldwin and Harold Peterman, a state legislator.
Milford DE demographics:
The violent crime rate in Milford is 650 per 100,000, which is higher than the national average. Milford property crime rate is 4,119 per 100,000. It’s important to note that most crime takes place in certain areas that can be avoided. Those living in Milford generally feel it is a safe place to live. The Milford Police Department is dedicated to serving and protecting the citizens of Milford.
The cost of living in Milford is 95.4, meaning it’s 6% cheaper than the national average. One Milford typical living expense, housing, is 7% lower. The cost of goods and services, groceries, transportation, and utilities are all 3% to 13% higher than the U.S. average, but healthcare and housing are about 7% to 8% lower.
Housing is affordable in Milford. The Milford housing market is somewhat competitive, and the median sale price of a home in Milford is $342,000, up 8.9% since last year. By comparison, the median sale price of a home in Delaware is $327,300. The median sale price per square foot is $191, an increase of 5.2% since last year. Check out homes for sale Milford DE to get an idea of how much it will cost when moving to Milford.
If you are planning to rent in Milford, the average rent is $1,608 a month, according to RentCafe. For more in-depth of typical living expenses in Milford, take a look at the Economic Policy’s Family Budget Calculator.
Source: Numbeo, Philadelphia Metro
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Milford is a small city but offers a variety of neighborhoods for you to choose from. Here are some of the best neighborhoods in Milford, depending on what you’re looking for:
The Country Club Estates neighborhood of Milford offers smaller, single-family homes at affordable prices. These homes are great for new families and young married couples. Most homes range in size from around 1,300 square feet to over 1,400 square feet. The average price for a home in Shawnee Acres is $299,900 to $325,000. The homeowner’s association charges a small monthly fee of about $3.
Lighthouse Estates is one of Milford’s newest neighborhoods. Homes here were built between 2020 and 2023 and feature various styles, including Colonial and traditional, on quarter-acre lots. Homes start at about 1,600 square feet and go up to about 2,100 square feet. The average price for a home in Lighthouse Estates is $399,000.
The Heath is one of the most expensive neighborhoods in Milford. Homes there average about 3,500 square feet, and the median price for a home in the community is $789,000. Many of the homes here offer waterfront living on Haven Lake. You’ll find Spanish-style architecture in the neighborhood with large lots.
The Mildford DE weather has summers that are warm and muggy, while the winters are very cold, snowy, and windy. The hot season runs from June through mid-September. The hottest month of the year is July. The average temperature in Milford is 86°F and a low of 69°F in summer. Winter typically runs from December to early March. The coldest month is January, with an average low of 29°F and a high of 43°F. In Milford, you’ll get about 45 inches of rain per year and about 12 inches of snow. The best time to visit Milford is May.
Milford has a variety of activities and interesting places to visit for all ages. You’ll also find convenient shopping in Milford Village, Milford Plaza, and Milford Commons. Here are some of the best things to do in Milford:
The 376-acre Milford Mill Nature Center is part of Abbott’s Millponds Nature Preserve that offers over 5 miles of trails where visitors hike through Atlantic White Cedar woodlands. A boardwalk takes you over streams and into wide open meadows with a picnic area. The visitor center hosts opportunities to see live animals and taxidermy animal displays up close. Abbott’s Pond includes a public boat ramp.
15411 Abbott’s Pond Road, Milford, DE 19963, 302-422-0847
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For craft beer lovers, Mispillion River Brewing has been a staple in Milford for over 9 years. The brewery, complete with a tasting room, is the place to come for delicious locally brewed beers. Try one of their popular “War” series beers, such as the War Badger, War Goose, War Possum, or War Llama. The beers have unique colors and flavors, including mixed berry, grape, and fruit punch.
255 Mullett Run St, Milford, DE 19963, (302) 491-6623
Gallery 37 is a local art gallery featuring work from 45 artists and artisans from around the country. The gallery was voted the Best Gallery downstate in 2015 by DE Today Magazine. Displays include fine art, wood-turned vessels, high-end pottery, Arden Bardol polymer clay jewelry, Ceramic horseshoe crabs, Silas Kopf marquetry furniture, fibers and glass art, and more.
8 South Walnut Street Milford, DE 19963, (302) 265-2318
Still looking for things to do in Milford? Milford has a variety of parks that feature outdoor spaces, picnic areas, basketball courts, boat docks, walking trails, and more. The City of Milford Parks and Recreation Department manages 12 parks. Check out more fun things to do with Milford’s city event calendar.
Milford has plenty of tasty choices when it comes to places to eat. From casual to upscale dining, you can find something for every taste. Here are some of the top-rated restaurants in Milford:
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If you’re looking for a delicious bite to eat in the mornings before you head to work, Surf Bagel is where it’s at! This local favorite serves breakfast and lunch on their bagels, including sandwiches, plain bagels, and more.
204 NE Front St #1, Milford, DE 19963, (302) 503-3629
Mama Maria’s is a family-owned Italian restaurant that has been serving traditional Italian cuisine in Milford for over 34 years. The menu includes pizza, homemade pasta, sandwiches, and traditional Italian dishes such as Lasagna, Ravioli di Aragosta, Manicotti, Vitello alla Parmigiana, and more.
945 N Dupont Blvd, Milford, DE, 19963, 302-422-2661
Surf and Turf Milford DE is the restaurant for All American casual dining. They use fresh products sourced from local vendors to create the best homemade food in Milford. Try their signature pancakes and burgers or their flavorful chicken dinners. At Westside, you can feel at home because they treat you like family.
947 N Dupont Blvd, Milford, DE 19963, (302) 503-5555
The average salary in Milford is $60,000 a year, according to PayScale. The largest industries in Milford are Manufacturing, Health Care & Social Assistance, and Construction. The highest paying industries are Public Administration, Educational Services, and Educational Services, & Health Care & Social Assistance.
Major employers in Milford include:
If you’re ready to explore your career opportunities in Milford, check out Milford City jobs and employment on Indeed or other job search sites.
The Milford School District serves the city of Milford with 6 schools: Milford High, Milford Central Academy, Banneker Elementary, Mispillion Elementary, Ross Elementary, and Morris Early Childhood Center. Milford Christian School is the only private school in Milford.
There are 159 colleges within 100 miles of Milford due to its proximity to Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Washington D.C. Delaware Technical and Community College Owens in Georgetown is the closest college to Milford, 14.7 miles away. The top-rated school in the area is Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore. The largest college in the area is the University of Maryland, with 55,323 students. Baltimore City Community College in Baltimore is the most affordable school. The tuition is $2,640 per year. Students and people of all ages can also enjoy the free Milford Public Library.
Check out other fun attractions, events, and restaurants with this map of Milford.
If you’re moving to Milford, give First Rate Movers a call at 302-703-9981 for a free moving estimate today! Our top-rated Milford movers will exceed all your expectations and give you the stress-free move you deserve.
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