Claymont, DE (Wilmington, New Castle, Bellefonte: sales, townhouses, neighborhoods)

[PeteRW244]

Hi All,

I was searching these forums and other internet search engines for more information on Claymont, DE. I am 25 years old and will be in the market to buy a home in 3-5 years with my girlfriend. I have not been able to find much information though about this area.

I currently live in Delaware County, PA but was compelled to find out as much info as possible.

Is Claymont a good area to raise a family? How is crime? Schools?

Also, can anyone give me some information about good towns close to PA up to about 250k.

I've been drawn to this state because of lower property taxes than most states, and no sales tax.

Thank you in advance.

- Pete

[queenofbavaria]

I've lived in claymont a couple of years ago and was actually relieved, when we finally moved.
I am sure it - like always - depends on were in claymont you live. we bought a house in s. dickens road and had a couple of times police action in the houses left and right from us. one was a hostage (domestic violence etc involved) and fully armed officers ran right through our backyard, while we were swimming in the pool (no kidding !) and sent us inside

we had three small children at this time and I wanted them to ride their bike up and down the street in a safe environment.
next thing (had no idea that you have to check on schools first before you buy a house, very different in europe where I am from) was the school. our elementary school was Darley road and it was under supervision at this time. took a tour and was kind of scared how rough both students and teachers were with each other (but - that was 7 years ago, maybe it changed to the better in the meantime ?) so I drove my kids to another school (carrcroft, north wilmington).

If I were you - and looking at your price range - I would look for a house in the north wilmington area (arden, mayfield, lots of smaller neighborhoods there to check out). especially if you are planning on having children and staying there for a while.

good luck

[James420]

15 of my 16 years in Delaware were spent in Claymont, just moved out last year. Claymont is on its way up since Brookview (projects) were torn down about 4 years ago. Really nice town homes are going up on its place and the old Darley road school would have been the feeder school but it has since closed. The townhouses were featured on HGtv for using recycled products in the contruction as well. But that area right now is a mess overgrown with weeds and the project will probably 10 years to complete maybe longer. Look up the Claymont Renaissance website, Claymont is kinda going for a Manayunk look. The problem though with new developments in the state is some developers aren't finishing what they started or promised and that could happen in Claymont as well.

Claymont itself has some rough areas, as Queen pointed out, but being more blunt than queen, Claymont has alot of trash, so does the neighboring Gwinhurst which is zip code 19809 right next to Claymont.

We lived in Claymont Heights which used to be the nice side of Harvey Road but it too has gotten bad with crime.

Like most of that area, Marcus Hook, PA, Trainer, PA, Chichester, PA, were nice areas until the late '70s when industry left the Delaware river the towns went down hill just like Claymont.


I would shoot for areas like north Wilmington,Talleyville, Bellefonte, and developments along Shipley Road, Marsh Road, Foulk Road, and Silverside Road, also Naamans Road just outside of Claymont.

[daFrogMan]

As a Brandywine resident, I agree with the last 2 posts. We will go to Claymont Steak Shop sometimes for take out on a Friday or Sat night. Just getting out of my car in the dark parking lot makes me nervous. Have to be sure of your surroundings.
Come on up to N Wilm! (19810/19803)
Brandywine school district which many say is one of the best in DE. Too long ago for me to comment on it when I went there. 2 kids did though and excelled during and since.

[queenofbavaria]

Originally Posted by James420

but being more blunt than queen, Claymont has alot of trash, so does the neighboring Gwinhurst which is zip code 19809 right next to Claymont.

hey, are you trying to be more german than me ?

[James420]

Originally Posted by queenofbavaria

hey, are you trying to be more german than me ?

Not me, I know when you're being nice, I thought Pete could use some extra guidance when it come to C-Town.

[PeteRW244]

Hey All,

Thank you very much for all of the information!

I know that many of you have things to do and may not always 'feel like' commenting, so I do appreciate it.

I wasn't aware that it was this bad in Claymont therefore, I won't be looking to move there anymore!

If you all ever need any information about Delaware County in PA then, I'll be more than willing to give you all the info that I know.

It's a shame that this is the case (about Claymont), but..that's just how it goes.. lol

[beachliz]

As a former north Wilmington resident, I agree with the above posts regarding Claymont. Check into moving to north Wilmington. I have family on my mother's side who lived in Claymont, and they fit right in there....yep, they were trash! No need to sugar coat .

Good luck in your search, Pete!

[irish0502]

Property taxes in Delaware are MUCH lower than Delaware Cty, PA. I would continue to look in northern New Castle County before Delaware county....Delco is sooooo crowded too. Believe me, going out on a Saturday afternoon is horrible with all the traffic. Try Bellefonte or other areas of North Wilmington. You will find something nice and affordable.