Are you thinking about Moving to Wilmington, Delaware in the near future? Wilmington is one of the best places to live for families and young professionals! Wilmington, DE was founded in 1638 and built on Fort Christina, the first Swedish settlement in North America, and has a long history of Swedish, Dutch, and British colonization. Nowadays, Wilmington is known for being a bustling city full of beautiful architecture, incredible jobs, and endless opportunities. As such, Wilmington DE is a good place to live.
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Where Is Wilmington, Delaware?
Wilmington is in New Castle County and is the largest city in the state of Delaware.The city is located in Northern Delaware and is part of the Delaware Valley metropolitan area. Wilmington is parallel to the Christina and Delaware rivers and sits just below the Pennsylvania border. It is about 29 miles from Wilmington, Delaware to Philadelphia, making it an easy trip for workers and students commuting to the City of Brotherly Love. The Wilmington Train station is served by Northeast Corridor Amtrak trains, allowing for seamless travel to many major cities. It’s about a 1.5 hour train ride from Wilmington, Delaware to Washington DC.
Wilmington, DE Population & Demographics
The population of Wilmington, DE is 70,898, which equates to a population density of 6,507.4 people per square mile. New Castle County overall has seen a steady population increase of about 5.9% over the past decade. Wilmington, Delaware is home to many notable people such as current United States President Joe Biden, actress Aubrey Plaza, and pro football hall of famer Randy White.
Wilmington Demographics:
- Sex ratio: 50% female, 50% male
- Median age: 41
- Racial and ethnic composition: 56.2% Black or African American, 33.9% White (28.9% not Hispanic), 10.5% Hispanic or Latino, 4.1% two or more races, 1.2% Asian, .2% American Indian
- Median household income: $55,136 (About 80% of the amount in Delaware: $71,091)
- Educational attainment: 89% high school graduate (or higher), 30.6% bachelor’s degree (or higher)
- Foreign-born population: 7.6%
The overall crime rate in Wilmington, Delaware is 5,297 crimes for every 100,000 people. This is 125.8% higher than the national average. The violent crime rate is 1,591 per 100,000 people and the property crime rate is 3,706 per 100,000 people.
The statistics above are for 2021, however that was a record high and murders are now down 50%, shootings are down 25%, and there has been a 16% drop in violent crime in the past year.
Although there is crime in Wilmington, Delaware, there are many safe places to live in the area. The city may have a reputation for crime, but most violent property crimes are concentrated in a few neighborhoods where there are higher poverty rates or in areas where nightlife and alcohol can increase the risk of crime. Protecting the citizens of Wilmington is the Wilmington Police Department, which presently includes 312 sworn police officers.
Cost of Living in Wilmington, Delaware
The cost of living index is slightly above the national average, but is still affordable compared to many big cities. The cost of living index in Wilmington, Delaware is 111, which means it is 11% more expensive than the national average of 100.
According to The Economic Policy Institute, a family of four would need to earn $94,592 per year to live in the city of Wilmington, DE.
Typical Wilmington Living Expenses
- Average Wilmington, Delaware utilities per month: $134.60
- Inexpensive restaurant: $14.50
- Cappuccino: $3.88
- Gallon of milk $3.21
- Gym membership: $75
- Pair of jeans: $41.87
Source: Numbeo
Are you on the search for Wilmington, DE homes for sale? The Wilmington, DE median home sale price is $290,000. As of 2022, Wilmington home prices have risen 13.7% compared to the year before. Houses typically sit on the market for an average of 31 days before selling.
Thinking about renting an apartment in Wilmington, Delaware? According to RentCafe, the average rent in Wilmington is $1,460 for an 870-square-foot apartment. This is lower than many nearby cities. Rent averages out to $1,877 per month in Philadelphia, PA, and $2,152 in Exton, PA.
Wilmington, DE Neighborhoods | Where to Live in Wilmington
Wilmington Riverfront – Bustling Neighborhood With Incredible Dining
Wilmington Riverfront is one of the most sought-after neighborhoods in Wilmington, DE. Just south of downtown, Riverfront is situated along the Christina River. Because of its waterfront location, it is no surprise that it is home to some of the best seafood restaurants in the city. It is also home to many popular attractions such as the Delaware Children’s Museum and Frawley Stadium where the Wilmington Blue Rocks Play.
The average sale price for a home in the Riverfront area is $347,000.
Westmoreland – Family-Friendly Area With Great Schooling Options
If you are moving to Wilmington, Delaware to raise a family, then look no further than Westmoreland. Westmoreland is a peaceful area with many parks and dining options nearby. Westmoreland is home to The Charter School of Wilmington, one of the best public charter schools in the country.
The average home price in Westmoreland is $156,000. This is down 24.8% compared to last year.
Brandywine Hills – Quiet Neighborhood Perfect for Young Professionals and Families
Brandywine Hills is one of the best places to live in Wilmington. This neighborhood has many shopping and dining opportunities and is in close proximity to downtown. All of the beautiful houses and townhomes in this neighborhood are situated on streets named after famous American and English authors such as Hawthorne, Milton, Byron, and Emerson.
The desirability of this neighborhood is reflected in the average home price. The average home sale price in Brandywine Hills is $480,562.
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Wilmington, DE Weather & Climate
If you like to experience all four seasons, then you will love Wilmington, DE weather. According to the Köppen classification, Wilmington, DE has a temperate climate, meaning that there are wider temperature ranges throughout the year and more distinct seasonal changes compared to more tropical climates.
The weather in Wilmington, Delaware is all over the map. In Wilmington, the summers are warm and humid and the winters are cold and snowy. The hottest month of the year in Wilmington is July, with an average high of 85°F. The coldest month is January, with an average low of 27°F.
The snowy period of the year in Wilmington, DE lasts for about 4.1 months from around November 23 to March 27. The month with the most snow in Wilmington is February, with an average snowfall of 6 inches. If you are considering moving to Wilmington, Delaware, you may want to do so during the spring or summer months for a more comfortable move.
Things to Do in Wilmington, DE
Living in Wilmington, DE means that you are always in close proximity to many shopping options. You will enjoy retail shopping at Independence Mall and Christina Crossing. You also have access to many convenient grocery stores such as ShopRite and The Fresh Grocer. Here are some of the best things to do in Wilmington, Delaware.
The Wilmington Riverwalk
The Wilmington Riverwalk is one of the best free things to do in Wilmington. Take a stroll down the path following the river and experience the beautiful view of the Wilmington, Delaware skyline. There are many cafes and places to stop and sit along the Riverwalk.
The Brandywine Zoo
If you are on the hunt for things to do in Wilmington with kids, then check out the Brandywine Zoo. This 4.7-acre zoo is home to hundreds of different animals and is open all year round. Admission is free from December 1 to March 18 due to the limited visibility of some animals.
1001 N Park Drive, Wilmington, DE 19802, (302) 571-7788
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The Delaware Art Museum
The Delaware Art Museum is one of the top attractions in Wilmington, DE. You can spend all day viewing artwork from the 1700s to the 2000s. The museum is constantly switching out its exhibits, so you can visit multiple times a year and see something different each time.
2301 Kentmere Pkwy, Wilmington, DE 19806, (302) 571-9590
Additional Attractions in Wilmington
- Delaware Children’s Museum
- Hagley Museum
- The Delaware Contemporary
- The Grand Opera House
- Rockwood Park
Looking for more things to do in Wilmington, DE? The Wilmington Department of Parks and Recreation manages dozens of parks around the city. You can also view the City of Wilmington events calendar to find upcoming events in the area!
Wilmington, Delaware Restaurants
When moving to Wilmington, rest assured that you will have access to some of the best restaurants in the state of Delaware. There are endless options when it comes to both casual and fine dining.
Banks’ Seafood Kitchen and Raw Bar
Because Wilmington, DE is located right on the water, it is home to many incredible seafood restaurants. Banks’ Seafood Kitchen and Raw Bar is a classy seafood restaurant in Wilmington, Delaware, serving everything from fresh oysters to jumbo crab cakes, to hard shell lobster.
101 S Market St, Wilmington, DE 19801, (302) 777-1500
Chelsea Tavern
If American food is more your style, take a look at Chelsea Tavern. This is one of the best restaurants in Wilmington for a casual bite to eat while visiting with friends or watching the big game.
821 N Market St, Wilmington, DE 19801, (302) 482-3333
Bardea Food and Drink
Bardea Food and Drink is one of the most unique Wilmington restaurants. Bardea serves elevated Italian cuisine, with everything from pasta dishes to wild boar.
620 N Market St, Wilmington, DE 19801, (302) 426-2069
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Jobs in Wilmington, DE
Wilmington has one of the largest economies in the state of Delaware, as it’s a readily accessible city. Some of the most popular industries in the Wilmington, DE area include banking, insurance, and law.
According to Payscale, the average salary in Wilmington, DE is $76,000. The top three employers in Wilmington, Delaware are The State of Delaware, ChristiniaCare, and The University of Delaware.
Are you ready to look into career opportunities before moving to Wilmington, Delaware? Consider checking out the official City of Wilmington Job Board or explore other jobs hiring in Wilmington, DE on Indeed.
Wilmington, DE Schools
When moving to Wilmington, Delaware, you will be served by the Brandywine, Christina, Red Clay, and Colonial school districts for elementary, junior high, and high school public education.
As of 2020, there are no comprehensive traditional public high schools in the Wilmington city limits, so many high school-aged students attend high school in nearby suburban areas.
Wilmington, DE is known for its many specialty schools such as Cab Calloway School of the Arts and the Howard High School of Technology.
There are many options for higher education in Wilmington such as Delaware State University (Wilmington Campus), University of Delaware (Wilmington Campus), and Delaware College of Art and Design.
Wilmington, DE Statistics & Information
- County: New Castle County
- Wilmington Area: 17.19 square miles
- Wilmington Zip Code: 19801, 19899
- Wilmington Area Code: 302
- Wilmington Elevation: 92 feet
- Wilmington Time Zone: Eastern Standard Time (EST)
- Closest Airport to Wilmington: Wilmington Greater Wilmington Airport (ILG) 5.7 miles away
Wilmington, DE Map
Explore more things to do, restaurants, and amenities with this map of Wilmington.
Ready to plan your move to Wilmington, Delaware? Give Suburban Solutions a call at 610-314-6868 and let us help you make the entire moving process smooth and seamless.
