Rental Search in Wilmington Area (Greenville: apartments, leasing, condos)

[Nomad21]

My spouse and I are moving to Wilmington soon. Want to start leasing a place between mid July and early August. We've lived in Wilmington for a couple months before this, so I'm generally familiar with the area, but I'm by no means an expert. We're looking for a 1-2 bed place between 1,000 - 1,500. Preferably toward the lower end. Just us two with a 40-60ish pound dog (which narrows our options considerably). Anyway, I have a few questions:

1. Are there any property managers to look for or avoid?

2. How far does the Triangle neighborhood reach? More exactly, where are the specific boundaries of safe vs. sketchy in the areas bordering the Triangle? For example, is North Harrison and 28th/29th a decent area?

3. Going west/northwest out of downtown, at what point does it get decent? Union St? Bancroft? Further? I know Trolley is nice (maybe our top choice neighborhood), but I'm not as familiar with other areas.

4. Are the condos/apartments on the Brandywine near Race St. in a decent area?

5. Any other locations you'd suggest looking? I'd like to keep my commute around 20-25 minutes or less going to/from downtown. The Riverfront seems nice but it's pricey for what you get. The one beds are small and the two beds are out of our target range. The only additional requirement is that we need either (1) a yard or (2) an area that's convenient and safe for walking our dog during the day and at night.

Thanks!

[Sonia Reyes]

Safe areas are so subjective. I can think one area is decent and you may not and vice versa.

I would google Delaware crime map and use the links for research and see the type of crimes in certain areas. That is where I would start and then narrow your areas depending on how comfortable you are and use these a springboard.

[youngprodigy21]

I would say it gets sketchy once you cross over HWY 13/North Market Street.

If you can afford it, I would get something within the Trolley area boundaries. IMO, the best area of the city is between Pennsylvania ave to the left and the Brandywine creek to the right, north of the I-95 overpass all the way up to Greenville.

Greenville is also nice. I believe that is where Joe Biden lives, but it is pretty much a bedroom community.

If driving to work is not an issue, why not look into house rentals in the Fairfax area of North Wilmington. You can probably get a lot more house in suburban Wilmington than you would in the nicest areas of the city limits.
If you have your own transportation and being walking distance to nightlife is not a priority, then North Wilmington is the way to go.

[citygirl3133]

Google - Slumlord in Wilmington, DE. They exist...even in Trolley Square.

[Nomad21]

Thank you for the feedback! I've considered North Wilmington but it seems like there either aren't many houses for rent or they're out of my price rage. And I am able to drive, but I'm looking for a slightly more urban setting if possible (meaning older/more dense established neighborhoods).

How is the midtown-Brandywine area?

[youngprodigy21]

Originally Posted by Nomad21

How is the midtown-Brandywine area?

I guess it's ok. I rarely venture into other parts of the city outside Trolley. Not so much safety, but more so a lack of vibrancy the city offers. Years ago, my wife and I want to Market street to get lunch on a Saturday afternoon, and it was dead as a door nail. You aren't going to get the same experience living in downtown Wilmington as you would Center City Philly. Wilmington is a true commuter city, where most of the downtown businesses shut down once the offices close.

If you need urban for the sake of urban, and Trolley is out of your price range, then Midtown-Brandywine may suit your needs. Keep in mind, you will be closer to the CBD, therefore street parking may be congested as hell.

[Nomad21]

Originally Posted by youngprodigy21

I guess it's ok. I rarely venture into other parts of the city outside Trolley. Not so much safety, but more so a lack of vibrancy the city offers. Years ago, my wife and I want to Market street to get lunch on a Saturday afternoon, and it was dead as a door nail. You aren't going to get the same experience living in downtown Wilmington as you would Center City Philly. Wilmington is a true commuter city, where most of the downtown businesses shut down once the offices close.

If you need urban for the sake of urban, and Trolley is out of your price range, then Midtown-Brandywine may suit your needs. Keep in mind, you will be closer to the CBD, therefore street parking may be congested as hell.

Thanks for your input! Do you happen to know what the area around Haynes Park is like?