Delaware’s got a lot to offer for families, couples and single people. The cost of living is lower in this state, crime rates are also lower compared to other states and the unemployment rates have decreased to four percent over the years. With close proximity to New York City, Philadelphia, Baltimore and Washington D.C., Delaware is rising in popularity.

From beautiful beaches to large floral gardens to bustling cities, Delaware has something for everyone. While it’s a small state, it has so much history, entertainment, dining options and scenic areas to explore. Nice temperatures allow you to go biking, walk around the beach and enjoy top seafood cuisine.

The cost of living in Delaware is also substantially lower than other states on the East Coast. The average home price in Delaware is around $336,200. To live comfortably, the minimum income for a family should be around $64,440 and $43,600 for a single person. Studio and one-bedroom apartments can cost anywhere between $980-$1090, which is slightly lower than the United States average.

For Black families, Delaware is a great city to live in. With 22 percent of Black residents among the Delaware population, the state is diverse and family-friendly with amusement parks, beaches and events for kids. Here are the best places to live in Delaware.

Wilmington

• Population: 71,569
• Public School Rating: B
• Average Home Price: $294,430
• Walkability: Moderate

The largest city in Delaware that is on the banks of the Delaware River is Wilmington. Home to multiple colleges including Wilmington University and Delaware College of Art and Design, Delaware ranks number 30 out of 50 in education. The average home price in Wilmington is $294,430 so it’s an affordable city for families and interested homebuyers.

For Black Families: For Black families interested in moving to Wilmington, there is a large percentage of Black residents here. Over 56 percent of the population in Delaware make up Black citizens, the largest percentage of any race in the state. Activities for families are plentiful in Wilmington with a children’s museum, entertainment centers, restaurants and more.

For Young Professionals: The average rent for an apartment in Wilmington is $1,506. While this pricing may be a little expensive, it’s still a great deal for a state on the East Coast, especially with Delaware being so close to multiple major cities.

Dover

• Population: 38,594
• Public School Rating: A
• Average Home Price: $276,000
• Walkability: Low

For families and people who love to spend their time outdoors, Dover is the perfect place to call home. As the capital city of Delaware, Dover is the second largest city in the state, coming in at a population of over 38,500. For families considering buying a house in the area, keep in mind that Dover’s housing market is competitive. It’s a seller’s market, meaning prices tend to be a bit higher and homes sell fast. Within the past year, homes in the Dover area have sold for 10.8 percent more than in 2022. While pricing all depends on the type of home you purchase, the average cost of a three-bedroom home in Dover is around $276,000.

For Black Families: Even with an average home price of over $276,000, the cost of living in Dover is still lower than other major cities across the East Coast. Dover is incredibly diverse, with a population of around 40 percent of Black residents, just slightly under the number of white residents in the area. It’s a great place to raise or start a family and there’s a long list of fun activities to participate in. Walk along some of the beautiful trails or visit the Dover Motor Speedway for some NASCAR racing. The activities are limitless.

For Young Professionals: Home to Delaware State University, young professionals just graduating from college can take advantage of the job market in Dover. The unemployment rate in this city lowers every year and is currently around five percent. Jobs in construction, teaching, hospitality and tourism, restaurant and food and manufacturing are in influx in this area.

Rehoboth Beach

• Population: 1,392
• Public School Rating: A
• Average Home Price: $755,955
• Walkability: Low to Moderate

Is there anything better than going to the beach every day or whenever you want? You can experience this and more by living at Rehoboth Beach. This beach town with a population of over 1,300 is a small town with a lot to offer. If you enjoy the beach, the boardwalk, water parks and outlet shopping, Rehoboth Beach is the perfect place to call home. The housing market in Rehoboth Beach is fairly competitive, so houses tend to be on the lower cost but stay on the market a little bit longer than other Delaware cities. The average home price is around $755,955, so it’s a little bit more expensive than other areas of Delaware, but keep in mind that this is a beach town with lots of tourists every year.

For Black Families: Because the population in this Delaware city is so low, the percentage of Black residents and other races is pretty much nonexistent. So while this beach town doesn’t have much to offer in terms of diversity, there are lots of areas that are family-friendly in the area. Buying a house and renting it out during peak beach seasons is also an option for families looking to take advantage of the city’s tourism.

For Young Professionals: For young professionals looking to delve into the hospitality and tourism or restaurant industries, Rehoboth Beach is a great city to start in. Considering some beach cities are expensive, the average apartment price is around $1,800, which is slightly higher than other places on the East Coast.

Newark

• Population: 30,453
• Public School Rating: C
• Average Home Price: $317,000
• Walkability: Moderate

If you’re looking to live in a small Delaware city with a lot to offer, Newark is one of the best places to live in Delaware. Located in Delaware’s New Castle County, Newark is on the Delaware and Maryland border and less than 30 minutes from Wilmington. Home to the University of Delaware, the state brings in a lot of college students, along with faculty and staff passionate about higher education. As one of Delaware’s popular cities to live in, Newark is a seller’s market and the average home price for buyers is around $317,000 for a three-bedroom home.

For Black Families: The Black population in Newark makes up around nine percent, meaning there are a little over 3,100 Black residents in the area. From ice skating to state parks and entertainment centers, there are lots of family-centered activities and places for everyone to enjoy.

For Young Professionals: With the University of Delaware being in Newark, there are lots of opportunities for students and graduates. The city offers opportunities in higher education, manufacturing, engineering and more. With Philadelphia and Maryland having a commute of an hour, it’s possible to work in those areas and live in Newark.