8 Best Places To Live In Delaware In 2025

Delaware perfectly embodies the phrase, "Good things come in small packages." The First State might be one of the smallest in the country, but it ranks high among the most desirable to live in. This is a credit to its year-round mild climate, beautiful coastal scenery, ample recreational spaces, and access to quality healthcare and education.

Delaware also enjoys a friendly tax landscape, affordable cost of living, and strong employment opportunities across various industries. Whether you're seeking the energy of city-adjacent suburbs, the calm of rural towns, or the freedom of coastal living, Delaware offers something for every lifestyle. This mix of factors makes it a choice destination to put down roots, whether for young professionals, established families, or retirees.

Delaware City

This tiny port town in New Castle County is a popular stop for those moving to Delaware and is a recognized gateway to an impressive mix of historical and natural treasures. It hosts Fort DuPont State Park, whose waterfront location opens doors to various recreational activities. These include fishing, boating, picnicking, and more. Dragon Run Park presents an alternative escape for outdoor lovers, boasting picturesque scenery and panoramic views of the surroundings.

Potential residents will appreciate that Delaware City is generally affordable, with the cost of living almost at par with the national average. However, the median home price of $267,500 is significantly cheaper than most places in the state. Also, the town's proximity to Wilmington, less than 30 minutes off, exposes residents to employment opportunities in the big city.

Elsmere

This small community in New Castle County lies on Wilmington's western border, which provides access to urban conveniences. Elsmere has several park areas where residents can enjoy outdoor recreation, including Maple Avenue Park and Fairgrounds Park. These are also popular public gathering spots that encourage socialization among community members. The town has a community baseball league where you can sign up your children for after-school practice to get them started young.

A working local police service ensures overall safety in Elsmere, while the cost of living is almost the same as the national average. With a median home price of around $260,000, you won't struggle to buy a home. Finally, proximity to Wilmington ensures access to high-quality charter schools, hospitals, and other primary needs.

Claymont

Claymont is a historic town in New Castle County with its fair share of interesting markers and patches of green grass throughout its territory. The Claymont Stone School is its most famous landmark. This vintage structure was built in 1805 by John Dickinson and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Claymont also houses enough areas for public recreation, and those who want to step outside can head to Woods Haven Kruse Park. It has a quiet walking trail ideal for walkers, hikers, and joggers.

A high median household income allows residents to afford household necessities comfortably. This includes the average home, which costs $350,000 in Claymont. The town also has a highly rated public school system comprising elementary, middle, and high schools for families with school-going children.

Bear

About fifteen miles south of Wilmington, settling in Bear ensures you are close to the city and all the urban comforts it presents. Despite this, the town has a relaxed neighborhood feel with beautiful nature areas for your moments of rest. Lums Pond State Park is the hub for all things outdoor recreation, offering a 1,700-acre playground on the banks of Delaware's largest pond. If you are a young family, your children can expect adequate playtime with their peers at Kids Empire Bear. The amusement center has diverse facilities and games designed for young ones.

The Colonial and Christina School Districts serve the Bear region and provide great public schools. Additionally, the average cost of homes in the community is $360,000, within the financial reach of many incoming residents. It even gets better when you consider that the household income is above the United States average.

Christiana

This lovely municipality sits minutes from downtown Wilmington and enjoys a variety of vital social amenities and facilities. It is home to the Christiana Mall, which addresses all your shopping needs. The sprawling retail center boasts over 100 retailers, eateries, and entertainment venues, headlined by brands like JCPenney and Macy's. Meanwhile, the Christiana Hospital serves as the primary medical facility in the area, assuring newcomers of reliable attention whenever they need it.

The town also has a developed transport network, given its location along Delaware Route 1 and Interstate 95. ChristianaCare is the largest local employer, providing jobs to over 14,000 people. Finally, the local median home price of $360,000 is decent for a town proximal to the state's commercial epicenter.

Long Neck

One of the best places to live in Delaware in 2025, Long Neck is a tiny municipality in the Millsboro postal service area, about four miles from Millsboro. It enjoys sunny weather and an easygoing atmosphere, thanks to its setting on a peninsula between Indian River Bay and Rehoboth Bay. Ready access to the sea sets the stage for exciting aquatic adventures, with residents heading to Massey's Landing Public Boat Ramp for fun on the water.

Long Neck also enjoys a growing downtown area with several popular restaurants, such as Brick Works Brewing & Eats. The corridor is a preferred gathering spot for the public to meet and mingle during their free time. Although Long Neck has a relatively higher cost of living than most places in America, this is a fair price for the perks it promises. Lastly, the median home price is $348,200.

Newark

Newark is home to the highly rated University of Delaware, making it an excellent option for growing families and young professionals seeking career opportunities. A thriving local arts scene encourages frequent interactions between residents, with many gathering to watch compelling theatrical presentations at Resident Ensemble Players. White Clay Creek State Park addresses all your recreation needs by offering miles of mountain biking trails, hiking routes, picnic areas, and fishing streams across its 3,000-acre territory.

The downtown area is chock-full of boutiques, restaurants, galleries, and other local businesses. Families can spend the perfect day having fun at Vince's Sports Center, which offers arcade games, miniature golf, and batting cages. Despite all its valuable amenities, Newark is conveniently affordable, with a median home cost of $375,000.

Bridgeville

Bridgeville is a suitable hometown for those seeking rural life amidst a friendly town of less than 3,000. This tight-knit community takes pride in its agricultural heritage and ensures all residents have an adequate supply of groceries from establishments like T S Smith & Sons. At the Bridgeville Historical Society, newcomers can learn about local heritage by browsing a fine selection of archives and documents that highlight topics such as transportation, agriculture, and more.

Senior citizens also benefit from tailored amenities at Heritage Shores, home to a premier golf course where they can enjoy a friendly round with peers. Bridgeville's cost of living is slightly higher than the national average, although housing is cheaper, with the average home going for $385,000,

Why These Delaware Towns Stand Out in 2025

Whether seeking to settle along the scenic shores of the Atlantic Ocean or the pastoral backcountry areas of the United States, the best places to live in Delaware in 2025 demonstrate the variety of options available. The important thing is that you can look forward to a high quality of life sheltered from the rigors of city living. Also, the cost of living is much cheaper without compromising access to vital amenities, and the communities are friendlier and more accommodating.