What’s Living In Selbyville DE Like? 🌊 Explore Our Moving to Selbyville Guide

Selbyville, Delaware, is special—it’s the kind of place where the air smells like salt and pine, where neighbors wave from their front doors, and where walks end at the water’s edge. Whether you're eyeing this location for its peaceful atmosphere, easy access to vacation fun, or simply because you’re ready to purchase a home that’s around the corner from the boat dock, Selbyville should be a top contender. Its established charm, inviting atmosphere, and close-knit community make it a great place to live! If you’ve been dreaming of a place that boasts a convenient location, natural beauty, and a slow-paced lifestyle, this is your sign that moving to Selbyville is the right decision!

Considering Living in Selbyville DE? Let’s take a deep dive into this quaint town and what it has to offer! 

Where Is Selbyville?

You will find Selbyville in Sussex County, Delaware, on the Maryland border. Millsboro is the nearest large metro area to the town, and the closest beach town is Fenwick Island. Although it’s a Delaware city, Selbyville is part of the Salisbury metropolitan area. It's 16.8 miles to Ocean City, MD, and 17.6 miles to the beautiful Ocean City Beaches.

The Assawoman Bay is also nearby, a popular fishing destination for local residents. 

Selbyville DE Population & Demographics

Per the 2020 census, 2,617 people are living in Selbyville DE, showcasing its quaint and tight-knit atmosphere. Delaware is considered one of the best places to retire in the US, with numerous senior-centric cities to consider, as reflected in Selbyville’s age demographics. The median age here is 50.8, and 50% of the population is over 50 years old. 

The median household income is slightly above the US average, at $81,845; only 3.8% of the population lives in poverty, and there are an average of 2.6 people per household. 84% of residents own their homes, whereas the renter population is only 16%. Single-family homes comprise 92% of Selbyville’s housing structures, meaning apartments are few and far between. The people living in Selbyville DE are moderately educated, with 88.4% having their high school diplomas and 24.9% having bachelor's degrees or higher. 

Before relocating, let’s take a deeper dive into the city’s demographics: 

• Sex ratio: 50 males to 50 females
• Foreign-born population: 12% 
• Veteran population: 6.2% 
• Marital status: 56% married versus 44% unmarried
• Mean travel time: 21.8 minutes 

Racial and ethnic makeup: 

• White (Non-Hispanic): 72.8%
• Hispanic or Latino (any race): 18.5%
• Black or African American (Non-Hispanic): 7.8%
• Two or More Races (Non-Hispanic): 0.6%
• Other Race (Non-Hispanic): 0.3%

Is Selbyville Delaware Safe?

According to data provided by the FBI, Selbyville is a very safe place to live. 

• Selbyville DE crime rate per 100,000 people: 2,126
• Delaware crime rate per 100,000 people: 2,348
• US crime rate per 100,000 people: 2,324

The crime rate in Selbyville is 9.5% lower than the state and 8.5% lower than the country. 

The violent crime rate in Selbyville follows a slightly different trend, as the city’s violent crime rate is 451 per 100,000 people, 17.6% higher than the state and 22.0% higher than the country. The murder rate is 0 per 100,000 people, or 100% lower than the state and national average. 

The property crime rate here is 14.7% lower than the state and 14.3% lower than the country, which translates to 1,675 per 100,000 people. Only 60 property crimes took place in Selbyville in 2022. 

The Selbyville Police Department ensures its citizens are safe and informed. You can view monthly crime statistics on their website and leave feedback so they can address any issues that aren’t best serving residents.  

Cost of Living in Selbyville DE

According to BestPlaces, the Cost of Living Index (COLI) in Selbyville, Delaware, is 108, making it 8% more expensive than the average US city. Selbyville and Delaware have the same cost of living index.

If you’re trying to figure out if you can afford living in Selbyville DE, consider what the Economic Policy Institute has to say; they suggest a family of four make no less than $103,213 if they wish to live comfortably in Sussex County. 

One area you will likely save money is on your taxes. Delaware is considered a tax-friendly state, with unique incentives like no state or local sales tax, tax rates well below the US average, and fully tax-exempt Social Security income.

Real Estate Selbyville DE

The housing market here is only somewhat competitive, with homes typically selling within 55.5 days, and 1.3% of homes selling below the listing price. The average price per square foot is $235, with a median sale price of $417,000. Homes for sale in Selbyville DE, are plentiful, meaning you will have options when relocating here. While there is a fair amount of new construction communities, there are also many historical homes and neighborhoods, meaning that, despite your preference, you will have options. 

Renting is less common here, as there are only a handful of houses for rent in the city limits and only a few apartment complexes. According ot Zumper, the average rent in Selbyville for any size rental unit is $2,600. 

Neighborhoods in Selbyville 

Not sure where to live upon moving to Selbyville? Here are a few of the town’s most desirable neighborhoods. Whether you’re a retiree, a growing family, or a young couple, you’ll surely find the place to set your roots. 

Bayside

This Selbyville neighborhood offers resort-style amenities, a golf course, and access to coastal living just minutes from Fenwick Island. Bayside, a master-planned community, is popular with both retirees and vacation homebuyers. Living in a coastal area like Selbyville often inspires residents to explore other beach destinations beyond Delaware. When it’s time to trade the quiet charm of the Delmarva Peninsula for a different coastal setting, Florida’s Gulf Coast is a popular choice. Luxz Living offers upscale vacation rentals in St. Petersburg, Tampa, and Treasure Island, featuring thoughtfully designed spaces ideal for relaxing, remote work, or extended stays, making it easy to enjoy a seamless and comfortable beach getaway.

Edgewater Acres

Edwater Acres provides aesthetic, ranch-style homes in a quiet and established neighborhood. The landscaping is mature, and its location provides easy access to the beach. 

Coastal Villages

Coastal Villages is one of the top new communities in the area with a plethora of new homes at affordable prices, which start as low as $351,000. These D.R. Horton new construction homes ensure your investment is lasting! 

Selbyville Weather & Climate

Living in Selbyville DE means you will experience an enjoyable humid subtropical climate (Koppen Cfa). The summers are warm and humid, ideal for cooling off in the nearby oceans. In contrast, the winters run very cold and very windy. The average daily high in the warmest month (July) is 84 degrees Fahrenheit, and the average daily high in the coldest month (January) is 44 degrees. 

Selbyville sees about 44 inches of rainfall a year and about 11 inches of snow. Its snowiest month is January, and the rainiest month is August. The best time to visit is summer, between May and September, when the temperatures are ideal and the sun shines brightly. 

Things to Do in Selbyville DE

Living in Selbyville DE offers tons of activities; keep reading to explore the things to do in and near this quaint community. 

Antique Junction

Looking for unique decor for your new coastal home? Stop by Antique Junction, Selbyville’s very own antique shop that sells a wide range of items that are unique to the region. 

3 W Railroad Ave, Selbyville, DE 19975, (302) 436-5189 

Freeman Arts Pavilion

Catch a show at the Freeman Arts Pavilion in Selbyville. You will find everything from comedy shows to blues bands and more.  

31806 Lake View Dr, Selbyville, DE 19975, (302) 436-3015 

Fenwick Island State Park

You can immerse yourself in the state's natural beauty at Fenwick Island State Park, which is only a few miles east of Selbyville. This park is a birding hotspot and beloved by kayakers, open-water swimmers, and bikers. It’s also a highly sought-after beach with all the resources to make your visit feel stress-free and convenient.

DE-1, Fenwick Island, DE 19944, (302) 227-2800

Additional Activities

• Main Street - Entertainment options like The Tavern bar, which has live music and tasty dishes. 
• Great Cypress Swamp - Nature preserve a few miles west of Selbyville. 

Restaurants in Selbyville DE

Thanks to its proximity to salt water, Selbyville offers some of the freshest seafood dining options around. Not interested in indulging in deep-sea creatures? You’ll also find other tasty options, which we cover below. 

Catch 54

Enjoy Catch 54’s delicious Atlantic-caught seafood and waterfront views. This eatery has more than 1,000 positive reviews, with crab cakes, gumbo, and shrimp and grits being the stars of the show. Their affordable happy hour deals bring Selbyville residents by the droves. 

38931 Madison Ave, Selbyville, DE 19975, (302) 436-8600

On The Way Café Selbyville

This hidden gem in Selbyville is known for its delicious breakfast and fresh coffee. You will find traditional items like pancakes and sausage, but also unique lunch dishes like cheesesteak sandwiches and creamed chipped beef. 

38555 Dupont Blvd, Selbyville, DE 19975, (302) 988-8778

La Sierra Mexican Restaurant

Take a break from seafood and experience Mexico in your own hometown at La Sierra, one of the most highly reviewed Mexican Selbyville DE restaurants. The most popular menu items are the authentic tacos, pupusas, and empanadas. 

58 Church St, Selbyville, DE 19975, (302) 436-4446

Jobs in Selbyville DE

Unless you’re moving here to retire, you’ll have to find a job that can support this region's high living costs. Most people living in Selbyville DE commute to work, but those who work within the city likely have jobs in hospitality, construction, or healthcare. The largest local industry is hospitality, which employs 218 people. At the county level, there are more agricultural, tourism, and manufacturing opportunities available; Sussex County is one of the nation’s top poultry producers. 

If you’re ready to start looking for Selbyville jobs, consider the county’s top employers: Dogfish, Delmarva Power, and Beebe Healthcare. Public sector work is another great option, as the town of Selbyville jobs offer competitive pay and impressive benefits.

Selbyville Schools 

If you’re moving to Selbyville with children, here’s everything you need to know about its school district! 

Indian River School District (IRSD) serves Selbyville, Bethany Beach, Millville, Georgetown, Fenwick Island, and others. The district covers roughly 360 square miles and serves 10,700 students. With its 7 elementary schools, 3 middle schools, 2 high schools, magnet arts school, early learning center, and special education school, IRSD is the fourth-largest school district in Delaware. 

Schools that serve K-12 public school students living in Selbyville DE are: 

• Phillip C. Showell Elementary School - Recognized historically as a Title I and “No Child Left Behind” award‑winning school.
• Southern Delaware School of the Arts - Grades 1 through 8 magnet elementary-to-middle school.
• Selbyville Middle School - Ranked #68 of 201 DE middle schools by U.S. News (top 50%). 
• Indian River High School - Situated in Frankford, serving 1,088 students. 
• Sussex Central High School - One of the area's largest high schools, serving over 2,000 students, located in one of the state's biggest cities, Georgetown. 

In addition to its 12 National Blue Ribbon Awards, IRSD boasts unique programs such as Spanish immersion, robust instructional technology initiatives, and a growing focus on student mental health. The International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) has awarded IRSD with the "Distinguished District" award.

Selbyville Library 

If you’re seeking additional educational assistance or resources, the Selbyville Public Library is a great place to look. You can find anything from thousands of free books to homework help and even mental health services. 

Selbyville Statistics & Information

• Selbyville DE county: Sussex County
• Selbyville DE area: 3.60 square miles
• Selbyville DE zip code: 19944, 19975
• Selbyville De area code: 302
• Selbyville DE elevation: 36 feet
• Selbyville DE time zone: Eastern Standard Time (UTC-5 and -4)
• Closest airport to Selbyville DE: Salisbury Regional Airport is the nearest airport to Selbyville

Selbyville Map

Moving to Selbyville With First-Rate Movers

Whether you find this town attractive because it's just minutes from the beach or because it has some of the best educational institutes in the region, you're in for a world of fun when you live in Selbyville. This city is an ideal destination for families, business professionals, and retirees. There are stores galore to choose from, lots of activities nearby, and natural beauty everywhere you look. There's a reason visitors don't want to leave!

If you want to experience Selbyville's numerous amenities, then hire a reliable Selbyville moving company to assist with your relocation. Call First-Rate movers today at (302) 448-2372 for a free estimate!