Newark — "The College Town"

Home of the Blue Hens — and Delaware's most walkable small city.

Overview: Newark revolves around the University of Delaware — 24,000 students keep Main Street lively year-round with restaurants, bars, and shops. But it's more than a college town: it's a genuine small city with highly rated schools, a beloved farmers market, and easy access to everything in northern Delaware.

The setting: Western New Castle County, 15 minutes from Wilmington, 45 from Philly, 90 from the beaches. White Clay Creek State Park is the backyard.

Housing snapshot: Median listing price around $425,000 (realtor.com). Mix of student rentals near campus, established suburban neighborhoods, and newer townhome communities. Strong, stable demand anchored by the university.

Lifestyle highlights: Main Street dining and Deer Park Tavern (est. 1851), White Clay Creek hiking and mountain biking, UD football Saturdays, and the Newark Natural Foods farmers market.

Best for: UD faculty and staff, families prioritizing schools, and buyers who want walkability without city prices.