I currently live in NJ but I'm considering moving into DE around the Wilmington area. I was wondering if people could help me out to which counties/cities/towns are nice in that area.

And as a member of the state, what do you like/dislike about it. And if you have lived in NJ, how do you compare the two states?

Thanks for the info, it's much appreciated.

ERIK

 

Erik I don't live in De but my wife grew up there and her family lives there so I have some knowledge.

likes... low low property taxes need I say more 200k home taxes prob 1k or lower per year

likes.... low car insurance.... Hello! i said low!!!!

(you live in Jersey those two things alone justify living in De)

likes ... beaches

likes.. tax free shopping.. everything yes cars too I believe!


I work outside of AC or I would live there in a heart beat. That commute 1.5 hours would be too much. I am already at my max 45 min.

I really have no dislikes but I have heard the public school system really stinks and it is a must to send your kids to private school.

I think you need to be more specific like your price range if your looking for a advice on housing in the Wilmington area. The prices range greatly into the millions.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by charlie
.. low low property taxes need I say more 200k home taxes prob 1k or lower per year...likes.. tax free shopping.. everything yes cars too I

 

Thanks Charlie for the info.

And I'm assuming paS2K is talking about the connection between poor schools and low property taxes. Since I'm not married or have kids, and don't see any coming in the very near future, I don't need to worry about that.

Well, since I cannot afford a million dollar home, I would say my range would go to about the $250,000 level. I could push it to $300,000 but I don't think I want to at this point. I was looking through realtor.com, and found some pretty nice homes from about the 190 range and up. Obviously getting a little nicer as you went. A lot of them seemed to be in the New Castle region.

Where do work in AC? I used to work as a coop student in the Technical Center at the airport.

Thanks again.

ERIK

 

I live in Elkton, MD. (Just south of Newark, DE). It's a bit cheaper, but you end up driving a bit longer to get anywhere. If cost of living is most important, look to MD or south of the canal. If social life is more important, spend the extra $$$ to live closer to Wilmington.

B

 

Thanks.

Cost of living is important, but comparing the Wilmington area to central Jersey, Wilmington will be cheap enough!

So folks, what are the good areas surrounding Wilmington? And are there areas I should stay away from?

ERIK

 

Hey Erik... I live in the city of Wilmington and grew up in N.Wilmington (suburbs).

Lemme break it down for ya:

Starting from Northern Delaware...

Claymont/Edgemoor/Edgemoor Gardens - Steer Clear

Brandywine Hundred (19803 zip code) - Desireable, upwardly mobile/aging community. Fairfax is a hot spot but most of the homes in this area are 40+ years old and if not updated you are looking at an extra 50K on top of the asking price. This is also a busy area but a Hub to I-95, shopping and the business district. Houses are starting at around 175K (and thats being conservative). The only new construction around is obscenely priced and the lots arent much bigger then the house itself. If you can find something is this area you're not only centralized but you can be assured a capital gain.


The City - Trolley Square is the only place to live and prices are within in your range of 250-300K This area is filled with 20-30 yr old crowd, upwardly mobile, MBNA's and other professionals. Mostly single, not many kids at all. Lots of quaint shops and restaurants and everything is very accessible. Be aware that there is little off street parking though.


Greenville/Centerville/Montchanin - The elite live here (we probably wont). It's out of your price range.


Pike Creek/Newark - Nice affordable, mix of working class and those that arent into the Brandywine Hundred scene (it can get a little congested up there). Homes are aging but there is alot of new construction. Usually first time buyers and newlyweds. All and all nice but for me I felt a little too disconnected from North Wilmington and Philadelphia... it's about 15-30 minutes from Wilm. and in some areas a killer hike to I-95. Traffic can get awfully congested around Route 7 and Kirkwood Hwy (route2). Newark is also home to Univ. of Delaware and its pretty big


Glasgow/Bear - About 15 years ago this was vast farmland. It's been under development since then and the houses have been going up like crazy. It's very affordable in that area and you get alot of house and usually about 1/2 acre or more of property. I know I'm gonna get flak for this but it's a little "hickish"
The crowd here is moderatley mobile and moderately stagnant but hey.. the farmers market is right around the corner and if you live there you can leave your Christmas lights up all year round!


New Castle - The historic section is very nice (obviously) and pricey. Some sections here are very poor and drug infested and other areas are "kinda" nice. And still others are quite nice. It's a cross section in a relatively small area with not a whole lot to do all at the same time.

Further South (South of the canal as they call it) - New construction but there aint sh** to do!! You have a huge house with a huge lot and I hope you wanna be a farmer. They don't call it Slower Lower Delaware for nuthin'

The Beach - Nice place to visit/ beach is getting eroded but we love it just the same. Rehoboth has been built up greatly and is very family oriented as well as a largely alternative lifestyle. Dewey Beach is 2 minutes away and is Univ. of Delawares summer campus (and those of us who wont let our 20's go)


SuM iT uP:

Wilmington (city or suburbs) or Newark/Pike Creek are my picks plus you're close to Longwood Gardens which is where we do alot of the local S2K runs from. Good luck in your search. Let us know how you make out... hope this helped a little.

Brad

 

Great Summary!!!

One thing I'd mention though is that there are a lot of town houses in the Pike Creek area and that is what most of the crowd is going for these days. The houses in that are are starting to get a bit higher than the $250-300K your're looking to spend.

B

 

Very True... I actually lived in a really nice TH in pike creek but like I said it was a bit too far from the places I frequent. One other area I forgot to mention is Hockessin. A lot of new construction, large homes with ample lots for those wanting what Brandywine Hundred used to be. However... it's outta your range. BUT you could do what some of my newly divorced friends and I are thinking of doing... We could combine our incomes buy a big honkin' house in Greenville or Hockessin and start our own 30 something fraternity... it's a good idea really!! Let us know if you're in!?!? Snoop Dogg will headline on Memorial Day

 

I live in the Wilmington area near Rockford Park/Trolley Square and my wife and I love it. Great place for kids, close to great restaurants and nice small shops. Reminds me of living in my neighborhood in Baltimore. No developments and good neighbors who are friendly. Public schools do suck. I sent both of my kids through catholic school. Great private schools all over (Friends, Tower Hill, Tatnall). The Highlands school in my area is one of the few good public schools. Property taxes are unbelivevably low as is car insurance. Homes in this area sell fast as this are is always hot. My home has appreciated about 75% in the last 7 years. A nice property is going for about 200-250K but they are hard to find. I have a friend who is a realtor and knows this area well. Let me know if you ever want to contact her.