Delaware Crime Rate

[mikandmari]

The real estate market is really bad right now, and there aren't many duplexes listed for sale. Also, most duplexes are located in the older, working-class neighborhoods that may have more crime (in my opinion, for this very reason.... investors buy them, and here come the renters). Cutting up houses into duplexes was something that was stopped years ago, but just earlier this year the law was changed again to now allow a certain number of 'granny-flats' to be approved by the county each year. The official term is 'accessory dwelling unit'.

But for $350K, you can definitely find a nice, safe neighborhood in Delaware, possibly with an in-law suite, or get a permit to create your own granny flat now that the law has changed.

Zip code 19810 has some really nice neighborhoods, especially along Naaman's & Foulk Roads. 19803 is nice. Some parts of 19809 are too close to the city limits. Although the thugs generally stay in the city and these neighborhoods may not have higher crime rates than the rest of the suburbs, you'll have to drive further to get to any grocery stores.

If you go 'below the canal' you will get a much larger, newer home on a larger lot for the same amount of money, and same property taxes. The crime rate there is lower. The only downside is for working age people there is usually a longer commute to work. Shopping centers & restaurants are being built everywhere in that area, but still it may not be as convenient for elderly folks as north Wilmington.

One month isn't much time, but I can tell you that despite the sunny smile on all the realtor's faces, NOTHING is selling, and as a buyer you will have sellers falling at your feet.... good luck!

[onyxdj]

Delaware is awesome. Been there all my life. Now relocating to NC for family/job. Dover and Camden are nice areas of Kent Co. Further south, Milford is also in Kent County. As well, Harrington & Felton and some other rural areas.

[Panks]

Thank you soooooo much! I feel really encouraged since I'd thought I only had 3 zip codes to chose from and theres only 4 houses in my price range between all 3!I'm trying to stay in the North part of Wilmington so that my parents can be close to a good heart hospital and family in NJ.

Thats really great news about the granny units being allowed. Whew I'm going to check it out asap.I just hope its a first-come-first-served system and not a lottery like it is out here.

Do you think the home prices are reflecting the soft-market? or are the sellers in good areas not willing to list lower than last year (like the sellers out here) ? Just by looking at realtor and the other nationwide websites..it doesn't feel like I can get very much with my money, but I'm not at all familiar with DE prices.

One other question...do you think I might find a house/granny unit in a good area if I wait and look around for a few months or do you think my chances would be the same as finding a needle in a haystack?

Thank you so much

[mikandmari]

The market here is definitely soft, yet most sellers are still listing homes at last year's prices. The houses are just not selling, and there aren't many new listings. You will occasionally find a house that is realistically 'priced to sell'.

I think the biggest difference is that sellers are taking lower offers, not holding out for 100% of the asking price like previously.

I'm sort of in the same boat as you. I want to move, but I'm afraid of what the market will do in the next year. It might be a good idea to rent for a short time.

[Panks]

Thanks mikandmari. It seemed like prices were high based on the number of days some of them have been listed.

I agree with you that renting is the best option.. at least for now.I am just so squeezed for space and light in my current apt that I am feeling a bit desperate! In the past, I just dye my hair a new color when I feel like I'm going to start bouncing off the walls, but its not doing it for me this time!

Thanks for the granny unit info!

[rich12072]

I'm a home owner in Central Jersey. I wish my taxes were "as low as" $6K a year. They are closer to $11K! I am looking into relocating to Delaware for a "semi-retirement" phase of our lives (with my wife). Kids are almost out of the house and it is time to look to the future. I checked out Moderator cut: websites advertising real estate for sale not allowed . You can use it to check out any part of Delaware and see what is on the market. Try areas around Rehoboth Beach and Lewes, Delaware, like Milton, Delaware. Some very nice homes, it seems, for around $350K! Good luck.