These Are the Best Places to Live in Delaware

35 great towns: How does yours rate? Plus, check out our exclusive chart that shows home sales in more than 200 Delaware neighborhoods from 2006 through 2010.

Adobe Stock | Felix Mizioznikov

Niche released its list of the best places to live in Delaware. These eight neighborhoods in the First State received A+ ratings.

Home and lifestyle ranking website Niche is one of the most trusted sources for those planning to relocate in the United States. Niche uses a thorough process to connect people with their future schools, neighborhoods and workplaces. Each year, it rates the best places to live in the United States based on categories like crime and safety, public schools, housing, diversity and more. After ranking thousands of neighborhoods based on key statistics from the U.S. Census and expert insights, the results are in. According to Niche, these eight neighborhoods, each earning an “A+ Overall Niche Grade,” are the best places to live in Delaware.

8. Bethany Beach

Want to live closer to the coast? Bethany Beach is a great place to relocate. One of the smaller Delaware beach towns, Bethany’s population is just under 1,000. There’s a large retiree population, and most people own their homes. Bethany Beach is a great alternative to Rehoboth Beach, with more affordable housing and a quieter community.

What We Love: Bethany Beach may be a small town, but its restaurant scene is home to plenty of Delaware favorites. Bluecoast Seafood Grill won three Best of Delaware awards in 2022: Best American Restaurant, Best Seafood and Best Wine List. Bethany Blues BBQ also boasts a couple Best of Delaware titles: one for barbecue and one for catering. Downstate Delaware’s Best Chef award went to a Bethany Beach chef, Christian Costantino at Off the Hook. Along with being one of the best places to live in Delaware, Bethany Beach is certainly one of the best places to eat.

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Read the Niche rating report.

7. Delaware Avenue

For Northern Delawareans who rent, Delaware Avenue is quickly climbing the charts as one of the best places to live in Delaware. With a median rent of $1,168, this Wilmington neighborhood is affordable, walkable and family-friendly. Nestled between Trolley Square and the Brandywine Park and Zoo, there’s no shortage of fun walkable activities. Niche named this neighborhood #1 for young professionals in Wilmington and #5 for raising a family in Wilmington.

What We Love: The Brandywine Zoo is affordable fun for the whole family! With fun 21+ events like Sip & Stroll and Spirits at the Zoo for Halloween, there’s plenty of fun to be had for children and adults alike. Plus, supporting the Brandywine Zoo means supporting some amazing conservation efforts in the First State.

Read the Niche rating report.

 

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6. Rehoboth Beach

Rehoboth Beach falls at number six on Niche’s list of the best places to live in Delaware. As a seasonal beach, Rehoboth offers both the hustle and bustle of a tourist town and a quiet place for retirees and families to call home. The public schools in Rehoboth Beach are highly rated, and there’s plenty of recreation, great restaurants and unique shopping.

What We Love: Shopping in Rehoboth is an all-seasons affair. Rehoboth Beach is home to amazing locally owned shops like Cashmere Gardens (another Best of Delaware winner) for upscale women’s wear. Plus, enjoy all the boutiques and gift shops at the charming Penny Lane Mall, one of our favorite Instagram-worthy locations in Delaware.

Read the Niche rating report.

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5. Lower Highlands

This neighborhood is one of the best places to live if you’re looking to plant roots, but still want a taste of city living. Most residents own their homes, but the median rent is reasonable when compared to surrounding Wilmington neighborhoods. With Rockford Park on one end and Trolley Square on the other, this neighborhood is the perfect urban/suburban mix.

What We Love: This Wilmington neighborhood offers easy, walkable access to Rockford Park. With wooded areas, trails for running or biking, a dog park, tennis courts and more, this park is ideal for families, young pet owners, active seniors and everyone in between. Plus, support the annual Wilmington Flower Market, which has improved the lives of Delaware children since 1921. The charity organization’s three-day art festival at the park is an opportunity for local vendors to sell art and merchant wares, all while supporting a good cause.

Read the Niche rating report.

4. North Star

North Star is a census-designated area on the Delaware/Pennsylvania border with Limestone Road on one end and a corner of White Clay Creek State Park at the other end. This area is one of the best places to live if you prefer a quiet suburban lifestyle. This corner of Delaware offers wide, open spaces and twisting suburban cul-de-sacs with small wooded areas in between.

What We Love: On one end of this suburb is White Clay Creek State Park, which provides great views and amazing hiking trails. On the other end is Best of Delaware winner Woodside Farm Creamery. Woodside Farm produces ice cream the old-fashioned way, right onsite. Watch the cows grazing while you enjoy some of the best ice cream in upstate Delaware. Plus, with plenty of fun events from live music and farm stands to telescope viewing evenings and story times, there’s always something fun to do.

Read the Niche rating report.

3. Hockessin

Right next to North Star, and coming in at number three on the list, is the pleasant suburb of Hockessin. Most Hockessin residents own their homes, and the median home value is more affordable than you might think. Hockessin is also ranked at #1 for the best public schools in Delaware, making it one of the top places to plant roots and raise a family. There are plenty of reasons why Hockessin is consistently ranked as one of the best places to live in Delaware. Along with the great public schools and housing options to match many different lifestyles, Hockessin is home to some staple Delaware businesses.

What We Love: Designer Consigner, The Face of Upscale Resale in Delaware, provides sustainable luxury by buying and reselling brands like Coach, Chanel, Gucci and more. Prioritizing a healthy lifestyle? Harvest Market is Hockessin’s local one-stop shop for health foods, fair trade and organic products, plus clean and natural home products, personal care and more. Hockessin is also home to classic, long-time Delaware favorites in food. The House of William and Merry, The Back Burner and Lettie’s Kitchen are just a few longstanding Hockessin restaurants that Delawareans continue to love.

Read the Niche rating report.

 

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2. Pike Creek

If you want to buy a house and raise a family, Pike Creek is another great Delaware neighborhood to consider. Pike Creek is one of the top ranked on this list for ethnic and economic diversity, with great schools and housing options. The majority of Pike Creek’s residents own their homes, and housing is overall more affordable than some other nearby suburbs. With Middle Run Valley Natural Area on one end and Carousel Park and Delcastle Golf Club on the other side, this suburban neighborhood has no shortage of outdoor recreation opportunities.

What We Love: The outdoor areas surrounding Pike Creek provide opportunities for all kinds of outdoor hobbyists. Delcastle‘s public golf course is perfect for intermediate golfers. For beginners, the driving range is a great place to perfect your swing. Carousel Park Equestrian Center offers riding lessons, workshops, horseback riding summer camp and other equine programs. Plus, the park features walking trails, fishing, a dog park and more.

Read the Niche rating report.

 

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1. Forty Acres

According to Niche, the number one best place to live in Delaware is Forty Acres. Forty Acres is a neighborhood that offers the best of all worlds. It borders Trolley Square, giving residents walkable access to nightlife and a city feel, but also touches Brandywine Park and includes the Delaware Center for Horticulture. Plus, for art enthusiasts, the northern part of the neighborhood is an easy walk to the Delaware Art Museum.

What We Love: The Delaware Art Museum is a great place for local art enthusiasts and within walking distance for most residents of Forty Acres. Along with art exhibits, the museum offers classes in many different mediums. The Copeland Sculpture Garden offers a nice place for a walk even if you’re not visiting the museum. Plus, behind the sculpture garden, find a labyrinth to practice mindfulness by combining meditation with movement.

Read the Niche rating report.

Related: These Neighborhoods in Delaware Are Great Places to Live

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