Thin and long, Delaware is located on the mid-Atlantic coast, where the Delaware River reaches the Atlantic Ocean. As such, there are countless beaches, bays, and coves to explore in Delaware. Delaware boasts 26 miles of Atlantic Ocean coastline, 25 miles of Delaware Bay coastline, and 115 miles of inland bay coastline – the perfect environment for diverse wildlife and outdoor activities.

Moving Advice

• You don’t need a moving permit when moving to DE.
• There are two toll roads in Delaware. You can calculate your toll, for a move or commute, here.
• Always listen to local radio stations when driving, so you get traffic updates and can avoid congestion if you know an alternative route. If your route includes a toll road or bridge, remember to be prepared and have the correct fee with you.
• Check ahead of time to see if you need to take a ferry to your new home (this is a common reality when moving to Delaware). If so, make sure you don’t miss the last ferry after a long day of driving, and also allow yourself plenty of time in case there are delays at the terminal.
• Some cities and towns can get really busy, so check parking restrictions and local calendars ahead of time.
• If you’re bringing your pets with you, always check them for ticks after they have been outside.

Change your address online. To make your move from California to Delaware easier, consider changing your address online. It is easy to do, inexpensive, and will ensure that your mail arrives to your new home with you.

Cities and Metro Areas

Just under one million people call Delaware home. Delaware is a beautiful part of the world to live in. Whether you’re looking to find a family home or escape to the countryside, Delaware has alluring coastal areas, as well as bustling suburban neighborhoods that have a thriving community, feel.

North Star has been voted the best place to live in Delaware for the quality of schools, nightlife, and job opportunities. For those who want to get outdoors, Pike Creek warrants investing in some hiking boots! Hockessin is a great place to raise a family, with 14 public schools on offer, from specialist art schools to those that have a strong science focus. Quaint and charming, Rehoboth Beach is a small but highly sought-after suburb with stunning sunsets. Middletown has the best public schools in Delaware.

Other notable cities/towns include Highland Acres, Bellefonte, Edgemoor and Camden.

Cost of Living

The cost of living in Delaware is significantly lower than the majority of states on the East Coast, making it one of the most desirable places in the nation to live and work. The Diamond State does not charge a sales tax, which helps keep the cost of living well within affordable bounds, even on items that are more expensive in Delaware than elsewhere.

After an exponential rise in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, Delaware home prices have started to show signs of slowing down. The Delaware housing market overall is cooling down as would-be home buyers must contend with the skyrocketing mortgage interest rates and still high property prices. As a growing number of house hunters find themselves priced out of the market, the demand is declining, and the number of days on the market is growing.  According to the latest data available at the time of writing, the Delaware median sale price had reached $359,900 for September 2022, marking a 10.2% increase compared to the year prior.

Delaware boasts the 4th highest rate of home ownership in the United States. From its purposeful farmhouses to the festive beach cottages, to the many historical and quaint locations, there are many attractive options for potential home buyers that Delaware is looking better all the time.

Climate

Delaware is “partly cloudy” most of the time, due to the moderating influence of the Atlantic Ocean. Fortunately, this also means that temperatures are not as extreme as in some other states. Average day temperatures in the summer are around 76 degrees Fahrenheit, while winter daytime temperatures hover around 31 degrees Fahrenheit. The state sees almost 43 inches of rain per year, with 21 inches of snow.

Though the state only measures approximately 100 miles in length, there’s a significant difference between the north, which is cooler, and the south, which is milder.

Education

A diverse selection of public and private schools service the Coastal Delaware region; from award-winning preschools, elementary schools, high schools, universities, and life-long learning institutions. Current school rankings (elementary, middle and high schools), campus and district zoning/location maps, information and reviews are available online for parents moving to Delaware.

Here are some of the most notable schools in the state:

• Elementary Schools: Long Neck Elementary School in Millsboro, Major George S. Welch Elementary School in Dover and Linden Hill Elementary School in Wilmington
• High Schools: Cab Calloway School of the Arts in Wilmington, Appoquinimink High School in Middletown and Milford Senior High School in Milford
• Higher Education: Delaware State University, Delaware College of Art and Design, Wesley College and Widener University School of Law

Government

Before moving to Delaware, visit Delaware.gov for current information about living and working here.

• Delaware charges an.
• There are two toll roads in Delaware: the Delaware Turnpike (I-95, also called the John F. Kennedy Memorial Highway), which costs $4 in each direction, and DE Route 1, the Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway. There’s also a toll bridge, the Delaware Memorial Bridge, which charges $4 for passenger vehicles entering DE from New Jersey. You can calculate your toll, for a move or commute, here.
• You can register to vote in person at your local DMV when you pick up your driver’s license or you can register at a mobile registration event or by mailing in a voter registration form or registering online.
• Trash and recycling are handled either by your local municipality or by a private company, depending on your location. Check with your city to find out which applies to your neighborhood.
• You are required to apply for a DE driver’s license at your local DMV within 60 days of moving to Delaware and becoming a resident.