Moving to Delaware: Pros and Cons in 2025
If you’re thinking about moving to Delaware, you’re not alone. The First State atttacts newcomers for good reason! With bustling metropolitan areas like Wilmington and quiet rural towns, there’s a place to match your desired pace of life.
As much as there is to love about Delaware, it’s smart to weigh the good and the not-so-good before you buy a new home and pack up your belongings.
Here, we’ll walk you through what you need to know about moving to Delaware to help you decide if it’s the right fit for you.
Jump to the Delaware information you are looking for:
Pros & cons of living in Delaware
Like any big move, relocating to Delaware comes with its own upsides and potential downsides that are important to consider.
Here’s a look at some of the biggest pros and cons of living in the First State to help you make an informed decision.
Pros of living in DE
- ✓Bountiful recreational opportunities
- ✓High-quality healthcare
- ✓Ample economic opportunity
- ✓Beautiful beaches
- ✓Rich culture
Cons of living in DE
- ✖Hurricanes
- ✖High crime rate
- ✖Overcrowding
- ✖High cost of living
- ✖Limited public transportation
Things to do in Delaware
Whether you’re moving to Delaware work, family, or just a fresh start, you’ll want to get the most out of your new home state — and that includes finding fun things to do. The good news is that, no matter your interests, Delaware has lots of fun places to explore and things to do.
You can visit these places with your family or use them to meet new people if you’re alone. With so many choices, you’re sure to find something that suits you and makes you feel comfortable.
Popular Attractions in Delaware
- Dover International Speedway
- Hagley Museum and Library
- Air Mobility Command Museum
- Rehoboth Beach
- Brandywine Zoo
- Nemours Mansion and Gardens
- Cape May-Lewes Ferry
- Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library
- Dogfish Head Craft Brewery
- Jungle Jim’s – River Safari Water Park
Museums in Delaware
- Nemours Estate
- Air Mobility Command Museum
- Hagley Museum And Library
- Johnson Victrola Museum
- Indian River Life-Saving Station Museum at Delaware Seashore State Park
- Biggs Museum of American Art
- Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library
- DiscoverSea Shipwreck Museum
- Rehoboth Art League
- Marvel Carriage Museum
Parks in Delaware
- 1. Glasgow Park
- 2. Battery Park
- 3. First State Heritage Park
- 4. Iron Hill Park
- 5. Browns Branch County Park
- 6. Grove Park
- 7. Beck’s Pond Park
- 8. SIlver Lake Park
- 9. Levels Road Dog Park
- 10. Stockley Street Park
Fun facts about Delaware
Each state has a unique character molded by its history, culture, and residents. Learning about its small details and quirky traditions helps you understand what life there is truly like.
These fun facts about Delaware, will give you a glimpse at what makes the state unique, and may even give you a few more reasons to make the move.
- Wilmington was once home to Bob Marley, the godfather of Reggae. Moving into the city in 1965, he resided at 2313 N Tatnall for 12 years together with his mom.
- First settled by the Dutch in 1631, Lewes is the first town in the first state.
- On December 7, 1787, DE became the first state to ratify the constitution of the United States. The state is also nicknamed the “First State”.
- According to legend, Thomas Jefferson called Delaware a “jewel” among states because of its strategic location along the East Coast.
- Delaware is the third most bike-friendly state in the U.S.
- Delaware has the ninth-largest number of millionaires per capita in the United States. Maryland, New Jersey, and Connecticut have the largest number of millionaires per capita respectively.
- It is an interesting fact to note here that in DE there are more than a million registered corporations, meaning there are more corporations than people.
- Delaware Bay is home to the largest population of horseshoe crabs in the world.
- If you pay attention to the geography of the state, Delaware is 96 miles long and varies from 9 to 35 miles in width.
Delaware population and demographics
While you’re thinking about relocating to Delaware, it’s important to look beyond facts and figures to get to the story they tell about the First State.
A state with more people might have more jobs, entertainment, and better infrastructure. On the other hand, a state with fewer people could mean a quieter lifestyle and close-knit communities.
Average education levels show the availability of job opportunities or access to local schools and colleges. Political breakdowns may indicate a state’s values and priorities.
Understanding who lives in Delaware, how they live, and what they value can make it much easier to decide if it’s the kind of place where you’d feel comfortable and connected.
| Metric | Delaware |
|---|---|
| Population | 1,031,890 |
| Female | 51.6% |
| Male | 48.4% |
| College graduation rate | 35.62% |
| Political leaning | Democratic 57-43 |
| Crime index | 23.48 |
Delaware weather
Climate plays a huge role in shaping your day-to-day life, so it’s an important factor to consider when deciding whether Delaware is right for you. Looking at seasonal highs and lows and average rain and snowfall can help you imagine how much time you’ll be spending outdoors, preparing for storms, and adjusting to temperature extremes.
Summer highs can influence your energy bills and how much time you spend away from the AC. Winter lows determine the type of wardrobe and heating system you’ll need. Annual snowfall can range from light flurries to major storms that affect travel and daily life.
Whether you love sunshine, prefer cooler temps, or want to avoid snow altogether, knowing the climate can help you decide if Delaware aligns with your lifestyle and comfort level.
| Metric | Delaware |
|---|---|
| Summer high | 87ºF |
| Winter low | 25ºF |
| Annual rain | 45″ |
| Annual snow | 13″ |
Income and cost of living in Delaware
A look at major industries, average income, housing costs, and the overall cost of living gives you a clearer picture of how affordable and sustainable life will likely be in Delaware.
Knowing which industries boost the economy can help you evaluate job prospects in your field or foresee job market stability. If you’re thinking about renting or buying a home, housing costs are probably a major factor when deciding whether to move.
The cost of living index shows how much your money is worth compared to the national average. A lower index usually means daily expenses such as groceries, transportation, and housing are cheaper.
These numbers are more than just statistics. They’re practical tools that help you compare your current lifestyle to what’s possible in Delaware and make a confident, informed decision about your move.
The main economic industries in the state include:
- Finance and insurance ($21.9 billion)
- Real estate and rental and leasing ($10.6 billion)
- Professional and business services ($8.5 billion)
- Educational services, health care, and social assistance ($6 billion)
- Manufacturing ($4.8 billion)
- Construction ($2.8 billion)
- Retail trade ($2.8 billion)
- Arts, entertainment, recreation, accommodation, and food services ($2.1 billion)
- Wholesale trade ($2 billion)
- Transportation and warehousing ($1.2 billion)
| Metric | Delaware |
|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,286 |
| Average home cost | $388,654 |
| Average income (per capita) | $79,325 |
| Cost of living index* | 100 |
| Unemployment rate | 3.0% |
| Average sales tax | Not available |
| State income tax | 6.6% |
*To figure out the cost of living in each state, there’s a 100-point index, known as the cost of living index. This metric starts with a baseline number of 100. States with a number below that are less expensive to live in while states with numbers higher than 100 are more expensive to live in.
Top schools in Delaware
If education influences your decision to move, a state’s schools reflect its career opportunities and community resources.
Whether you’re planning to go back to school yourself, have kids nearing graduation, or just want to live in a state with strong academic options, it’s worth checking out what Delaware has to offer.
Here are some of the top schools in Delaware:
- University of Delaware
- Delaware State University
- Wilmington University
- Goldey-Beacom College
Finding the best moving company for your relocation to Delaware
We’ve reviewed hundreds of moving companies and worked directly with customers to identify the top movers across the country.
If you’re planning on moving to the First State, here are the best moving companies to help you transport your belongings to your new home wherever you are headed from.
- Alabama to DE
- Arkansas to DE
- Arizona to DE
- California to DE
- Colorado to DE
- Connecticut to DE
- Florida to DE
- Georgia to DE
- Iowa to DE
- Idaho to DE
- Illinois to DE
- Indiana to DE
- Kansas to DE
- Kentucky to DE
- Louisiana to DE
- Massachusetts to DE
- Maryland to DE
- Maine to DE
- Michigan to DE
- Minnesota to DE
- Missouri to DE
- Mississippi to DE
- Montana to DE
- North Carolina to DE
- North Dakota to DE
- Nebraska to DE
- New Hampshire to DE
- New Jersey to DE
- New Mexico to DE
- Nevada to DE
- New York to DE
- Ohio to DE
- Oklahoma to DE
- Oregon to DE
- Pennsylvania to DE
- Rhode Island to DE
- South Carolina to DE
- South Dakota to DE
- Tennessee to DE
- Texas to DE
- Utah to DE
- Virginia to DE
- Vermont to DE
- Washington to DE
- Wisconsin to DE
- West Virginia to DE
- Wyoming to DE
Cost of moving to Delaware
Before you take the leap to Delaware, it’s a good idea to get a handle on moving costs. On average, hiring professional movers will run you about $131 per hour. The total cost depends on how much stuff you have and how far you’re moving. Cross-country moves, for example, will definitely hit your wallet harder than a quick hop across state lines.
The type of move you choose can make a big difference in cost, too.
To keep costs down, choose one of the best moving container companies. You do the packing and loading and they handle the driving for you, so it’s kind of like a middle ground between DIY and full-service.
Want to save even more? The most affordable option is to get a rental truck. With this options, you’ll do all of the heavy lifting, including packing, loading, driving, and unloading.
But if you’d rather not break a sweat, professional interstate movers can do all the work for you. Just keep in mind that this convenience comes at a price. Be sure to get quotes from several different movers to find one that fits your budget and moving needs.
| Company | Quote | Rating |
|---|---|---|
Safeway Moving
|
||
Mayzlin Relocation
|
||
BLVD Moving
|
||
PODS
|
||
American Van Lines
|
Cost to bring your car to Delaware
Bringing a car with you? Use our car shipping calculator below to estimate how much it’ll cost to transport your vehicle to Delaware.
Delaware car insurance requirements
Delaware drivers license requirements
FAQ
Is it worth it to move to Delaware?
How much money should I have to move to Delaware?
What salary do I need to live comfortably in Delaware?
What is the downside of living in Delaware?
Delaware Moving Resources
moveBuddha Migration Reports
With over 400,000 people utilizing our website to help plan their moves, we have up to date, deep insight into the most popular places people are moving to and from right now.
Not what you were looking for?
Check out other categories that can help you find the information you need!
