8 Best Places To Call Home In Delaware In 2025

It is hard to pinpoint Delaware's best feature or the one you are most likely to find irresistible. From the fact that you will pay nothing as sales tax to its relative affordability (especially compared to its neighbors) to proximity to cities like Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Washington, the First State is quite the ultimate pick. After sealing a business deal in some corner office in Wilmington, a stroll along the beautiful Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk can often be a natural sequel. Ready to enjoy what it offers? Keep reading to discover the 8 best places to call home in Delaware in 2025.

Newark

Newark is a vibrant, mid-sized town that doubles up as one of the safest in Delaware. Safewise ranked it the fifth-safest town in the state for 2025. Living here means you are 20 minutes from the Delaware River and its rustic shoreline, and at the doorstep of the White Clay Creek State Park, which features over 35 miles of hiking and biking trails, along with fishing streams and a fantastic nature center. On the other side of town is Rittenhouse Park, which has beautiful water spots and a quiet atmosphere. The University of Delaware, whose history predates the American Revolution by several years, is among the town's most attractive landmarks. It is also one of its principal employers.

Surprisingly, the median listing home price in Newark was just $399,500 in July 2025. According to realtor.com, Newark is currently a balanced market, which means that the supply and demand of homes are about the same. With 12 public schools rated good and higher by GreatSchools, including Newark Charter School, a National Blue Ribbon School for Academic Excellence, Newark is certainly among the best places in Delaware to call home.

Townsend

With Wilmington just 40 minutes north, Townsend residents have awesome access to all kinds of big-city amenities and cultural attractions. Middletown, which has several shopping venues like Walmart, Kohl's, and Marshalls, is even closer: just 5 miles away. In July 2025, the median listing home price in Townsend was $514,900, which is within a reasonable range of the statewide median of $485,000. The best part is that Townsend is a buyer's market, which means that the supply of homes is greater than the demand for homes.

Keep in mind that the effective property tax rate in Townsend is 0.87%, significantly lower than the 1.41% obtained in the state. Residents enjoy fantastic schools, an awesome municipal park, the immaculately-maintained Odessa National Golf Club, and the nearby Charles E. Price Memorial Park, which has a fishing pond and lovely walking trails. Meanwhile, Willey Farms is the go-to place for fresh produce and other crucial knick-knacks. For any medical emergency, ChristianaCare in Middletown has a reliable emergency department that will always come in handy.

Claymont

Claymont boasts several desirable qualities, one of which is its remarkable diversity. White, Black, and Asian people represent 55.5%, 25%, and 6.31% of the population, respectively. It is also pocket-friendly as the median listing home price is an unbeatable $325,000. With up to 7 public schools rated good and higher by GreatSchools and an effective property tax rate of 0.79%, Claymont is a desirable place to call home. Keep in mind that downtown Wilmington is a 7-mile drive, a proximity that comes with a delightful range of big-city amenities, including some of the best hospitals in the state. You will enjoy outdoor fun at places like the Delaware River, which runs along the town's eastern rim, the beautiful Bellevue Lake, and Woods Haven Kruse Park, which has awesome trails for a walking routine and several shade trees.

Glasgow

Glasgow is a small, tight-knit suburban town that was named by Scottish settlers for Glasgow, Scotland. Although it may not boast the epic cultural or commercial landscape of its European namesake, this Delaware charmer is enticingly diverse and has a lot to offer. For example, it is just 6 miles south of Newark, meaning you will enjoy doorstep access to the University of Delaware, as well as Christiana Hospital, which US News & World Report recently ranked as the No. 1 hospital in Delaware. With nine public schools rated good and higher by GreatSchools and an affordable median listing price of $442,800, Glasgow brims with desirable qualities. There is the phenomenal Sky Zone Trampoline Park for family-friendly fun and recreation, Lums Pond State Park, an outdoor paradise known for recreational opportunities like kayaking and fishing, and the swoon-worthy Glasgow Regional Park, which has a playground for kids and lovely trails to wander through on a crisp Sunday morning.

Camden

Camden is a small but neat town with friendly residents and awesome proximity to the Delaware River. It takes about 10 minutes to swing around the sandy beaches on the eastern side of town, including Pickering Beach. Camden is huge on the outdoors, and places like Hunn Nature Park, a nice place to walk on any day, the relaxing Brecknock County Park, the beautiful Saint Jones River, and the nearby Silver Lake Park, are compelling evidence. But if you don't love the outdoors, you may love Camden's affordability. For a Delaware town, a median listing price of $300,000 is almost too good to be true. It is a balanced market, meaning the supply and demand for homes are about the same. As for healthcare, Bayhealth Hospital, Kent Campus, is a heartbeat away in Dover. It predates the Great Depression years and has won several awards.

Dover

Dover is a convenient and comfortable place to retire because an empty nester will be about 90 minutes from both Philadelphia and Baltimore, two of the largest cities in the Eastern United States. Moreover, a retiree here will have easy access to places like the Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge, a cool place to see bald eagles and egrets, Silver Lake Park, a tranquil space, where turtles sunbathe on logs, while blue herons continuously flap their wings in the vicinity, and the iconic Maple Dale Country Club Golf, a top-tier brand that has been in the golfing landscape since the 1920s. Keep in mind that Dover is Delaware's capital, meaning you will enjoy unmatched access to all kinds of retiree-friendly amenities, including some of the best hospitals in the state. For example, Bayhealth Hospital, Kent Campus has bagged several prestigious awards, including HeartCARE Center's National Distinction of Excellence. With all it offers, it will come as a surprise that homes in Dover fetch a median listing price of just $351,000.

Millsboro

With several top-tier beaches just minutes from town, including Rehoboth and Dewey, a Millsboro resident can easily access a beach without paying a fortune for it. The median listing home price in Millsboro was $434,000 in July 2025. Moreover, according to realtor.com, Millsboro is a buyer's market, meaning the supply of homes is greater than the demand for homes. Five public schools are rated good and higher by GreatSchools, while the award-winning Beebe Healthcare is a short drive away in Lewes. Aside from the beaches, other outdoor pleasure spots around the corner include Delaware Botanic Gardens at Pepper Creek, a peaceful escape into nature with scenic views of waterways and woodlands, Plantation Lakes Golf & Country Club, especially for practicing your swings, and Cupola Park, a cool place to keep toddlers busy and happy.

Clayton

According to Safewise, Clayton is the safest town in Delaware for 2025. Besides being safe, Clayton is affordable. For example, in July 2025, the median listing home price in Clayton was $461,900, lower than the statewide median by a modest amount. Although it is a small town, you are 40 minutes from Wilmington and all the amenities it offers, including jobs. Residents have access to Blackiston Wildlife Area’s 2,200 acres of protected land, as well as Blackbird State Forest, which has picturesque trails to explore. Right next door is the Lake Como Recreation Area, a lovely space with a small beach and a lake for swimming.

In terms of healthcare, you will find decent primary care options, while Bayhealth Hospital Kent Campus is 25 minutes away in Dover. With a median effective property tax rate of just 0.57%, Clayton checks almost every box.

There is no doubt that deciding where to live is among the most life-altering decisions you will ever be called upon to make. It will shape your social circle, affect your economic and financial trajectory, and even determine the kind of people your children eventually turn out to be. Delaware is seldom given the credit it deserves, but it is a fantastic choice. From excellent schools to solid healthcare facilities, the First State knows a thing or two about what constitutes a good life. For specific recommendations, the highlighted towns are among the best in the state to call home.