Possibly returning to DE (Wilmington, Newark: real estate, townhomes, transfer)

[ssull]

My DH is being redeployed by DuPont. Tonight, searching job listings we see a couple in Wilmington. We've lived in Hockessin and in Pike Creek, then finally in Newark before DuPont transferred us to Ohio in '96.

I am having a bit of sticker shock seeing what real estate prices have done over there in the past 11 years

So, given that we're just a couple older folks with 2 dogs and not needing a huge family home anymore, but with good taste nonetheless - price range for a house comfortably in the range of $200-275,000 what is recommended these days? No townhomes.

I'm worried that we aren't going to be able to find something we can live with now.

[kat196]

For a single family home in that price range, you might want to check Middletown/Odessa/Townsend. The new Route 1 (new since you moved anyway) makes it an easy drive and the prices are much better than Hockessin/Pike Creek/Newark.

[ssull]

Thanks Kat. I was only vaguely aware of the new road. It's been 2+ years since I last visited the area.

So the old route 13 is no longer the only way down to Townsend and Middletown and points beyond, then? Gosh I remember the famous Friday and Sunday shore traffic in the summers.....no thank you very much

I recall Middletown having a very appealing old American town atmosphere with tree lined neighborhoods and lovely Mission and Victorian homes. Although we aren't much into in-town living, we enjoy that ambience.

Bear area: What is the consensus there? We almost built a Capano home in 1993 or 94 and were glad later that we did not. His first development there along Pulaski hwy. (Gov. Square area I think it was)developed superfund issues and a couple of our friends who had homes in that area experienced some very nasty floor and basement cracking and gas leak issues.

I remember that area being spread out with some newer developments going in and of course affordable RE prices, too.

[kat196]

The Bear area has tons of housing developments and just about any retail store or restaurant you would want. However, there is no rhyme or reason to the area. Just lots of everything; no main "town," just a big suburban area all around route 40.

Middletown is extremely popular right now. The town is beautiful, there are tons of developments being built; lots and lots of new retail and restaurants. Off of Route 299 they are planning a new movie theater and a new Super Walmart opens in the fall. I think it's a fabulous area to live and Townsend and Odessa are right next door -- both with their fair share of new housing developments but not much in the way of shopping, etc. although it's such a short drive to Middletown.....

[ssull]

DH and I discussed this last night. I think we may concentrate our search in the Middletown area after all. I appreciate your advice and guidance much