Wilmington City - Nice Neighborhoods? (Newark, Bear: budget, for sale, townhome)

[Sassygirl18]

For those of you who know Wilmington city well, let's say you had a budget of $300-$325K max. Which neighborhood would you purchase a home in and why?

We've looked at Trolley Square and think it's an adorable neighborhood - LOVE the feel of it. It doesn't seem like we can buy much with our money there, though.

Any other really nice, safe and pretty neighborhoods that you would recommend for our budget?

[jaba125]

I guess it depends what kind of home you are looking for. I would think you could get a decent home in Rockford Park or Trolley Square with that money, but they won't be on much property and may be a row-home. We live in the Brandywine Park area. The Triangle area near the park is very nice.

[Sassygirl18]

Well, we visited Trolley Square and really like the type of architecture there and the charming feel of that neighborhood. I realize that we would most likely get a row home for our budget and that's not necessarily a problem. We like older architecture, quaint neighborhoods and a place where we would feel safe. I will check out the Trinity neighborhood. Any others?

Also, can you tell me about Brandywine park? Is it a nice park? Any safety issues? What's there? (walking trails, etc.)?

Thanks!

[Nicolette99]

Just outside of the City of Wilmington, is the town of Bellefonte. It is considered to be part of North Wilmington (zip 19809). It's a small community of mostly single family homes with Victorian and Craftsman architecture. There is a charming "Main Street" with shops. I think of it as an area where Trolley Square residents move to get some elbow room.

Prices for single family homes currently on the market range from $200,000 to $375,000.

Bellefonte, Delaware - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

[Joe84323]

There are a few good neighborhoods in the city itself.

All are on the Western and Northwestern fringes of the city limits.

Trolley Square is the most vibrant part due to the bars, nightlife, and the convenience of having ACME within walking distance. Crime is very low.

If you are going to have kids, look at the Highlands area, Kentmere Parkway, Rockford, and Wawaset Park. These are mostly large 100 year old stone homes along grassy parkways.

Trinity Vicinity looks cool, but you're surrounded by some really bad areas, just check it out and drive either direction, you'll understand. I wouldn't move there with kids, and I wouldnt move there period, because there's nowhere you can walk to go out, although you could navigate a path to some classy bars along Washington St and Del. Ave.

If you give me more specifics, I can outline a perimeter on a map of the areas you want. Another big factor is whether you want a Victorian double/ Victorian Rowhome, or a house with a yard and a driveway.

[cuff822]

Where is the "Main Street" in Belfonte, and please tell me Wawa and Dunkin' Donuts are not on it.

[jaba125]

I'm not sure what the Trinity area is. Is that the same as the Triangle neighborhood? Anyway, the triangle neighborhood is bordered by Concord, Baynard, 18th Street, and Broom Street (near Salesianum Catholic High School). The Brandywine Park is very nice and you will always find joggers, walkers, etc. there in good weather and during day light. Because there are so many people in the park, it is usually problem free. I did hear of a case where an older woman was jumped in the early morning hours last year when she was going out for a jog. Luckily she was not injured and ended up scaring away the attacker. I have walked around the park many times and have always felt safe. But, I do go during day light and almost always when the weather is mild enough that there are a good number of people around. We like the area. Biggest concern is car break-ins for any valuables left in the car. We've learned, the hard way, not to leave anything of value (to thugs) in our cars.

[Joe84323]

Originally Posted by jaba125

I'm not sure what the Trinity area is. Is that the same as the Triangle neighborhood? Anyway, the triangle neighborhood is bordered by Concord, Baynard, 18th Street, and Broom Street (near Salesianum Catholic High School). The Brandywine Park is very nice and you will always find joggers, walkers, etc. there in good weather and during day light. Because there are so many people in the park, it is usually problem free. I did hear of a case where an older woman was jumped in the early morning hours last year when she was going out for a jog. Luckily she was not injured and ended up scaring away the attacker. I have walked around the park many times and have always felt safe. But, I do go during day light and almost always when the weather is mild enough that there are a good number of people around. We like the area. Biggest concern is car break-ins for any valuables left in the car. We've learned, the hard way, not to leave anything of value (to thugs) in our cars.

No. Trinity Vicinity is between Downtown, I-95, and 6thish Street. It is surrounded by the crack blocks around West Center City, Madison Street, etc.. I wouldnt live there with kids. Your kid runs up the street, he doesn't come back in one piece lol

[Sassygirl18]

Thanks for all the input, everyone.

Hubby and I are in our 40s and childfree (i.e. no kids and no desire to have kids). We're free-thinking, liberal, professionals with an artistic bent and we're pretty active. We care about safety and are coming from a suburban lifestyle. We love older homes (esp. the 1920's - 1930's era) and quiet neighborhoods, so areas like Trolley Square really appeal to us. We are a little concerned about living in a townhome since we've always lived in detached suburbans homes. What if we get stuck next to a noisy or obnoxious neighbor?

Our price range is $300 - $325K. We'd PREFER a detached home with a garage (because we have a pop-up camper we would like to keep), but we realize that would probably not be possible in the city itself (for our price range).

[Joe84323]

This is what you're looking for in the area you want to be in. This is near Trolley Square, along Delaware and Pennsylvania Avenues.

Unfortunately, you might have to forgo the garage.. this is a corner house.

Apparently, Wilmington is a lot pricier than I remembered.

New Castle County Delaware Homes For Sale. Wilmington, Hockessin, Newark, Middletown, Bear, Greenville



It's $339k, and the main thing I want to emphasize is for you to look at WHERE THE HOUSE IS LOCATED, and remember that area. This area is prime, walkable, crimeless, and
beautiful.

Edit: I couldn't link the exact house, but the listing is #5204609

Good luck!