Laurel Delaware (Dover, Milford, Delmar: crime rates, house, school)

[missyandbrent]

I see there are other threads on crime rates in Delaware and yes I have googled crime rates in Delaware but I want to know what residents think of Laurel (meaning people who currently live there or have lived there)
We are a struggling young family who moved to Delaware to get our autistic child into a specialized school. She is thriving or we would go back to PA. We can't afford much here and my husband commutes to Salisbury MD every day to work. So we wanted to be closer to his work if possible. We have been house hunting and found a house we love in Laurel that we can afford.
We are currently in the Milford Area but my husband is spending a fortune on gas and we are at a relatives house so this can only be temporary.
For our daughter to go to this school we must stay in the following districts. Milford,Cape Henlopen,Delmar,Woodbridge and Laurel.
Do those of you who live in Laurel feel safe?
Would my kids be safe playing in the yard? Would we be safe walking around town?
We come from such a rural area crime is new to us.
We are used to never having to lock doors and I know that locking doors is something we will have too get used to but I still want to feel safe.
Also anything you like or dislike about the town that you would like to share would be appreciated.
Please don't be harsh. We need to stay here for our daughter and want to know if Laurel would be our best bet for if we should keep looking.

[anniebleu]

I'm here only for a minute, and do so wish that I had something to tell you about Laurel. I've lived in Dover for many years, but have no information regarding Laurel--none at all.

I hope I'm wrong, but I don't remember anyone from Laurel participating here.

Good luck to you and your family.

[Lcoven510]

I don't live in Laurel but I do work in Sussex and Laurel is like most small downstate towns....areas that are good and areas that you should avoid. I know that there have been several incidents in the news just recently but not always noted as a bad area. Rural town living has many advantages, def better than upstate (sorry NCC, just a humble opinion).

[maryCh]

Hi missyandbrent,

I think anniebleu is correct; I don't know of any of the regular posters that mentioned living in or near Laurel. We too have a child with autism, and ironically enough, we moved to DE from NC for the school system. So we can relate to your dilemna, and I for one hope things continue to be good for your daughter.

Back to Laurel... as far as I recall, I haven't heard much bad about the town. As others have said, it seems to be a "typical" small town, as small towns go. We chose to move to central Kent County, and our special needs child is doing well in school here. SO, we bought our house in the same district, for the same reasons you are facing. Most of what I know of Laurel is from passing through on our way south. Although I will say, before making the Kent County choice, we considered that area as well.

Good luck with your search; and feel free to send me a direct/private message if you would like to talk about your situation.

Mary

[jmc1]

Hi. I live in Laurel w/ my wife. It is just like any other small town in Sussex. Good and bad areas. Where in Laurel are you planning to move? I have walked the streets at all hours and have never had a problem. Some of the kids in this town could use some lessons in manners, but I have meet many kids that are very well behaved. I know people that don't lock their doors in this town. I lock mine when I am not home, but, also, not until I go in for the evening. Depends on where you live in town.

[missyandbrent]

It was on 6th street or was it 7th? Now I am not sure. We did not get it. It sold before we could put a bid in.
We are getting so use to the Milford area despite my husbands commute I think we will probably stay here.