Possibly moving to Wilmington, DE (Claymont, Rehoboth Beach: crime, employment, safe area)

[JPS413]

Hi,

I'm new to this so here it goes. I'm a gay man who, unfortunately is an unemployed accountant, and has been looking for work in Wilmington, Delaware (I had a couple of interviews last week). What I would like to know is this: Are there any gayborhoods that are up and coming in Wilmington? Also, are there any areas that I should definitely avoid? Thank you for your advice and help.

[robkaos]

I'm not sure about areas, but Wilmington is currently experiencing a major crime wave. So it be best to check up on the areas to avoid, check out spotcrime.com for a little glimpse into where the areas of crime particularly occur.

[Joe84323]

JPS, I've got some good news, and some bad news.

Ok, bad news first: Wilmington is not one of the friendlier gay cities in the Northeast. It's pretty homophobic and biased for the Northeast. Compared to southern cities it is probably an improvement. There is one real gay bar, and it is in a small shopping center. There are no real anti-discrimination laws for gays at this time in Wilmington.

The only quasi-safe area for openly gay conduct would be along Pennsylvania Ave, around the only gay bar, Baxter's. Wilmington people are pretty alienated by gayness, I have to say.

HOWEVER.. the good news is, Philadelphia is about 20-30 mins away, accessible by car, train, bus, and has become sort of a gay mecca over the years. It has a sizable gayborhood with more than 20 gay bars/clubs, gay festivals, and gay shops, etc..

In addition, lots of gay Wilmingtonians have a close relationship with Rehoboth Beach, DE, which is a gay mecca beachtown, and has been for years.

New York IS 2 hours away, but, it also is an option, and so is Washington D.C., but these are both at least day trips, whereas Philly is just a jot up the road, and Rehoboth is a safe hour away overnight/short day trip.

So, while it isn't a great idea to walk down the street in Wilmington holding hands with another guy (you'll be messed with easily,) you are in a great spot regionally to access all the homo goodness you need within a drive from Wilmington. The homophobia will get worse with Wilmington and the southern suburbs, while it will fade as you go north and west to the more affluent/white collar suburbs.

So, possibly, look at Philadelphia, or maybe northern Wilmington suburbs like Claymont.

[jaba125]

Try the Rockford Park area, parts of Trolley Square, or the Brandywine Park area (Triangle Neighborhood). I have gay friends living in these areas and seem to be without problems there.

[ron del]

I agree with Jaba, I have an office in the 19806 zip code, the area is more artsy, Bohemian. It helps to have employment prior to the move if possible. Good jobs are hard to find.

[doctorjef]

Yeah, I think some of the responses have been a little grim. My partner and I have been living in an affluent suburb immediately north of Wilmington proper for a year and haven't experienced any evident homophobia. I do agree that there's extremely little gay scene here and the place is undoubtedly easier for gay couples than for singles. If I were a younger single person I'd probably want to live in Trolley Square. Along other lines, I think the crime thing is exaggerated. The City of Wilmington does indeed have one or two absolutely awful areas that are plagued by gunfire and drug dealer/gang warfare, but they are geographically tiny and nested within the inner city slums.

[Anthony31993]

Ok i dont know how 2 start a new thread so my question is i am moving 2 wilmington delaware and i am a gay male i will be stayin on west 19th street i was wondering is that a good gay friendly section of the neighborhood?

[doctorjef]

So I see you did get the new thread started. I've responded over there. If you have further questions, please ask.