What Makes Delaware an Exciting Option for Home Buyers

Rehoboth Beach | Image credit: Alvin Matthews

Delaware is a small state, home to just over a million residents. Located along the Atlantic Ocean, Delaware boasts pleasant waterfront environments and has a charm defined by its preserved colonial buildings, lighthouses, and cities with unique histories to uncover. Let’s dive into what makes Delaware such an intriguing option for buyers seeking a new home. 

Scenic Natural Settings

When considering a new home, buyers tend to look at its proximity to scenic areas. Delaware residents can enjoy many gorgeous natural attractions, not the least of which includes the coast. Many are drawn to the state’s picturesque beaches and trails lining the ocean and renowned destinations, including Rehoboth Beach and Fenwick Island. 

In addition to its beaches, Brandywine Creek State Park and Alapocas Run State Park are also spectacular destinations in Delaware. These densely-forested areas have much to see, from winding creeks to steep rock walls. True to Delaware’s stature as a historical hub, many of its parks and forests also have historical sites for visitors to explore and learn about. 

Delaware | Image credit: Joel DeMott

Year-Round Outdoor Recreational Opportunities

Delaware’s setting on the water contributes to boundless opportunities for residents to get out and enjoy the ocean. Its coastal communities are lined with many marinas and boat launches, making it a sought-out locale for boating, sunbathing, and fishing. Delaware also has scenic mountain biking trails and forested hiking trails offering picturesque views.

Come winter, there is still much to enjoy in Delaware. The beaches get coated with a thin layer of snow, and winter hikes are a common way to enjoy the season. While Delaware isn’t known as an epicenter for skiing, there are ski destinations just a short drive from many of the state’s biggest cities. 

Rehoboth Beach | Image credit: Ashim D’Silva

Charming Cities

Delaware has a small population, ranking as the fourth-least-populated state in the U.S. Unlike some of its neighboring states, major metropolises won’t be found here. However, Delaware has charming towns that offer residents a diverse selection of pleasant places to live.

Wilmington, Delaware’s biggest city, is known for its thriving economy, housing some of the biggest corporations in America as a hub for finance and technology. It also has an excellent food scene. Dover, Delaware’s capital, is a historic community with preserved architecture and renowned museums. It has pleasant parks and scenic bay settings. There are also smaller towns like Selbyville, a quaint and rural historical community just minutes from the beach. 

Dover | Image credit: Michael Pierce

High Affordability Ratings

Those hoping to make Delaware their home will be pleasantly surprised by the financial incentives of living in this state, including a low property tax rate. In addition, there is no sales tax, so shopping trips are much more affordable than in other destinations, and many people go to Delaware from neighboring states to do their shopping. 

Even purchasing a home in Delaware is more affordable than in many other US states. According to Redfin in 2022, the median cost of a home in Delaware is around $310,000, so residents can enjoy all the benefits of this beautiful state while still paying prices significantly below the national average.

Dewey Beach | Image credit: Gökhan Kara