Relocating to Delaware- Looking for fun, but safe! (Wilmington, Newark: apartment complexes, rentals)

[camposa4]

Hello All - I just got a job at the Christiana Hospital in Newark and have been down to visit the area a couple of times. I have not found anything impressive in Newark (main street is fun, but the college kids may get old after a while).
I am a 24 year old female looking to live in a fun but safe area! (I currently live in the middle of nowhere NJ and need a change). I am looking for other young people, stores, restaurants, etc.
I have seen many suggestions for Trolley Square in Wilmington. Rentals seem to be harder to find there since the majority are private rentals, but I have sent some emails out via craigslist. I also like the riverfront area.
I recently came across the downtown New Castle area. Have not visited it yet, but it seems cute from what I can find online. I love the historic and downtown feel- and I like that it's on the river. I don't know how big the area is though or about safety/parking. Any thoughts or suggestions?
Thank you!

[Pocopsonite]

Here's a definition of Old New Castle, which is the area that charmed you. Historic New Castle Delaware
From my limited knowledge, rentals are hard to come by and what's available will be quite expensive. There's not much in the way of a commercial district. Not sure there's much for people your age, either. But it would be a great commute.

The ZIP code for New Castle covers a considerably larger area, and a lot of that is not a desirable place to live.

The Newark mailing address covers a couple (at least) ZIP codes, and lots of that area is miles and miles from the City of Newark. But there's no other downtown/town center besides Newark's Main Street. Which, as you've correctly noted, tends to be very student-oriented.

Trolley Square probably is where you want to be, unless you're willing to consider commuting from Philadelphia. That would have to be by car, and it could get really old, especially in winter.

[SXMGirl]

Unless you can afford to live in Old New Castle, I would stay away from that area. Battery Park is not safe after dark and there really is not good shopping even though there are a few restaurants that are very good.

I know a few young people who live at St. Andrews in Bear and they like it. I would also check out Greenville Place Apartments. I have known people who lived there and they liked it. There are several apartment complexes near the hospital but they do not have great reputations.

Unfortunately, there are a lot of sketchy areas, even close to Trolley Square and Little Italy. The commute from Philly can be horrendous.

[camposa4]

Originally Posted by SXMGirl

Unless you can afford to live in Old New Castle, I would stay away from that area. Battery Park is not safe after dark and there really is not good shopping even though there are a few restaurants that are very good.

I know a few young people who live at St. Andrews in Bear and they like it. I would also check out Greenville Place Apartments. I have known people who lived there and they liked it. There are several apartment complexes near the hospital but they do not have great reputations.

Unfortunately, there are a lot of sketchy areas, even close to Trolley Square and Little Italy. The commute from Philly can be horrendous.

Thank you for your suggestion! I actually went to check out Greenville Place. They are definitely older, but really nice and obviously in a safe area. A couple of walkable stores and close to Trolley Square. I am absolutely keeping them in mind.



I do like the Trolley Square area- I looked close to the center but it is too congested for me. The 2 hour street parking is ridiculous. I don't know where someone is supposed to park if they come to visit! But my friend lives a little northwest of Trolley square and loves it. She says there's no limitations on street parking and much less congested, but still walkable to the area. The rentals there seem to be slim pickings, however. I've been hunting on realtor websites and craigslist with only a couple finds (within my price range, which I thought was pretty generous). I've heard this is a bad time to look, but I can't help this is when I got my job offer! lol

[camposa4]

I also checked out Old New Castle- the cute downtown area is very small.... the surrounding area... not my cup of tea!

[sjdemak]

Near University of Delaware would be your best bet for entertainment otherwise Wilmington which isn't the most pleasant place to reside.