By admin 
Thinking about living in Delaware? Known as the First State, Delaware offers a unique mix of coastal charm, small-town living, and easy access to major cities like Philadelphia and Washington, D.C. — all in a place you can drive across in just a couple of hours.
That said, where you settle down can make all the difference in your experience of the state. Northern Delaware is connected to nearby job markets, the middle offers quieter and more affordable living, and the southern part of the state offers coastal living and a slower pace.
In this guide, we’ll look at the pros and cons of living in Delaware and break down what to know before moving out of state to Delaware, to help you decide if Delaware is the right fit for you.
8 Things to Know About Living in Delaware Before Moving to Delaware
Delaware might be the second smallest state, but each region feels distinct and has a lot to offer.
There’s a lot to get to know about this small state, including the best places to live and fun things to do. Here we look at a few things to know before moving to Delaware.
1. The cost of living in Delaware is moderate, with major tax advantages
The cost of living in Delaware sits close to the national average, making it pretty moderate overall. However, it’s more affordable than nearby states such as New Jersey or Maryland. Housing costs are generally reasonable throughout the state, the exception being beach areas. Everyday costs are also manageable. For example, the cost of groceries in Delaware falls slightly under the national average.
When it comes to the cost of living, taxes are where Delaware shines. There’s no state sales tax, and property taxes are relatively low, helping to offset the rising housing costs seen in recent years.
How much do you need to make to live in Delaware? A single adult needs roughly $49,000 to cover basic expenses in Delaware. However, a more comfortable range is closer to upwards of $70,000, depending on location and lifestyle. For a quick comparison to put it in context, someone earning $100,000 in New Jersey might only need around $90,000 to maintain a similar lifestyle in Delaware.
2. If you love four seasons and don’t mind humid summers, Delaware might be for you
If you like four seasons, you’ll appreciate moving to Delaware, where each is experienced in full force. (Thankfully, you’ll benefit from a milder winter than much of the Northeast.)
Delaware sees occasional snow and cold snaps, but winters are shorter and less intense than in places farther north, with fewer prolonged freezes. Spring is pretty, but the weather can be all over the place, with big swings between cool and warm days.
Once summertime hits, expect hot, humid days, especially in July and August, with regular thunderstorms and the occasional risk of coastal storms or leftovers from hurricanes. Fall brings cooler temperatures and more stable weather, not to mention vibrant fall foliage.
3. The Delaware crime rate varies, depending on the area
The Delaware crime rate is slightly higher than the national average, in terms of both violent crime and property crime. However, like most states, crime in Delaware is not evenly spread. It tends to be more concentrated in certain cities, while suburban and smaller towns report lower rates.
Some of the safest places in Delaware include Middletown, Elsmere, and New Castle. On the other hand, areas like Wilmington, Dover, and parts of Georgetown have a tendency to report higher crime rates.
4. The Delaware housing market is stable — but competitive
The Delaware housing market sits slightly above the national average, with home values around $396,000, up about 1–2% over the past year. While that’s higher than the national average, it’s still more affordable than nearby states like New Jersey or Maryland.
Of course, where you look matters. Beach towns and popular suburbs push prices up, while inland areas give you the opportunity to get more from your budget.
The bigger issue you’ll run into in Delaware is inventory: There just aren’t enough homes in the most in-demand areas, which keeps competition steady even as price growth slows. Housing in Delaware isn’t wildly overpriced, but it’s not a bargain either. Expect a more balanced market than a few years ago, but not many easy deals.
5. The best places to live in Delaware offer a different pace for every lifestyle
Where you land matters when moving to Delaware. The state is small, but the vibe shifts quickly from one area to another. You can find everything from a coastal, laid-back vibe to a suburban, quiet feel, plus some urban settings.
Here are some of the best places to live in Delaware based on lifestyle.
Best places to live in Delaware for retirees: Rehoboth Beach
Rehoboth Beach is one of the go-to spots for moving in retirement, and it’s easy to see why. In addition to proximity to the beach, you get a walkable downtown, and plenty of restaurants and shops nearby, including ocean-view dining at Above the Dunes. The town gets busy in the summer, but the off-season is much quieter. Combine that with Delaware’s tax advantages, and it’s one of the most popular places to settle.
Best places to live in Delaware for families: Hockessin
Known for its good schools, quiet neighborhoods, and a community-oriented feel, Hockessin is one of the best places to live in Delaware for families. It has the advantage of a convenient commute to Wilmington for work, plus suburban amenities for comfortable daily living. If you’re looking for space and a residential vibe, this is one of the safer bets in the region.
Best places to live in Delaware for young adults: Quaker Hill
Quaker Hill, a neighborhood in Wilmington, is an historic neighborhood with a charming feel. It’s got plenty of restaurants and bars, and offers proximity to downtown and job opportunities, making it attractive for young adults. It’s also more walkable than most of Delaware.
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6. The Delaware job market is full of opportunity
The Delaware job market is solid, especially in health care, finance, education, and government. Many opportunities can be found in the northern part of the state around Wilmington, but Newark, Middleton, and Dover also have a thriving business climate. The unemployment rate typically sits around 4%–5%, which is fairly in line with national trends and points to a stable job market overall.
The trade-off comes in pay. Salaries are usually lower in Delaware than in larger metros like Philadelphia or D.C., even for similar roles.
7. The best things to do in Delaware are all about beaches to small-town attractions
One of the upsides of living in Delaware is how easy it is to find things to do. The state is small, so you’re never far from the beach, a park, or a lively downtown area.
Fun things to do in Delaware with kids
Fun things to do in Delaware for couples
Fun things to do in Delaware for free
8. You’ll need a car in Delaware, and commuting is often part of daily life
When it comes to getting around in Delaware, most people drive. Outside of a few areas near Wilmington, public transit isn’t something you’ll rely on much. Day-to-day traffic is usually manageable, especially compared to bigger cities, but it can pick up around Wilmington and on major routes through the state during rush hour.
The traffic in Delaware mostly matters for commuters. A lot of people in northern Delaware head into Philadelphia for work, and some go as far as Baltimore. A big reason people consider moving to Delaware in the first place is to take advantage of a quieter lifestyle and still stay tied to a larger job market. The trade-off is time for those who commute.
Pros and Cons of Living in Delaware
On the whole, Delaware is a good place to live. If you’re looking for lower costs, tax advantages, and access to both the coast and nearby cities, The First State checks a lot of boxes. The trade-offs are there, but they’re usually manageable.
Pros of living in Delaware
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No state sales tax
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Lower cost of living than nearby states, like New Jersey or Maryland
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Easy access to major cities like Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Washington, D.C.
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Easy access to beaches
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Small size makes it easy to get around
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Steady job market in key industries
Cons of living in Delaware
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Limited public transportation outside of northern areas
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Salaries tend to be lower than in larger metro areas
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Beach traffic and seasonal crowds in the summer
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Fewer entertainment options compared to larger cities
Final Takeaway: Is Delaware a good place to live?
Many people say yes for two reasons — finances and logistics. The state of Delaware has no sales tax and relatively low property taxes. You’re also in relatively close reach of major cities, including Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Washington, D.C. Living in Delaware means you can lower your living costs and still experience a high quality of life.
Making the Move to Delaware
Living in Delaware comes down to a pretty simple trade-off. You get lower taxes, easier access to nearby cities, and a more manageable cost of living, but you may give up some salary and rely more on driving to get around.
If that setup works for you, moving to Delaware can make a lot of sense. When you’re ready to make the move, Colonial Van Lines is here to make your transition as smooth as possible. Our moving services include packing, loading, transportation, unloading, and more, so you don’t have to juggle everything yourself. Get a free quote today!