Where near Dover (Middletown, Smyrna, New Castle: for sale, crime, houses)

[bostonguy19]

My wife and I are relatively new to Delaware from Western Massachusetts. I grew up in Boston.

We moved to Delaware for job reasons and are considering purchasing realestate either in Dover or Near Dover. Our primary concern is safety.

We've used Delaware crime maps but wanted to hear from people where is a safe place in Dover or near dover to live. I am not trying to offend people. I grew up in the inner city and which not to return back to the stress of worrying about physical safety as an adult.

We are looking for friendly neighbors who care about their community. We've looked in Old (or Olde) Dover, Smyrna, Middletown, and are considering small town, semi (but not too rural) rural, as well as somewhat urban.

An area with Verizon FIOS would be ideal. We love the charm of older homes. Also considering .25 acre plot on through no more than 5+ acres. Prefer Town Water/Sewer but would consider Septic for the right place. Budget-wise considering up to $300K but would go to $350K for the right place.

When we looked in Dover, it seems that there are ALOT of homes for sale in some areas of Dover. Why is this? Are there many looking to move out of Dover?

How are areas near the AirForce Base? How is Olde Dover?
What about near Maple Dale (or is it Mary Dale) golf course?
What about Smyrna off the main RTE 1 highway exit for Smyrna?
How is Caesar Rodney School district?
Any opinions about Camden? Or Camden Wyoming?

Lots of questions because I didn't grow up here?

Your honest opinions are appreciated?

Thank you in advance for reading and considering my questions?

[jdoll]

I believe I live in the ideal local; near Odessa on RT 13.
-Extremely safe developments. Occasional property crime but that is about it.
-20 mins to Dover and 20 mins to Christiana Mall
-Easy access to the growing east side of Middletown shopping
-Easy access to Rt 301; easy day trips to Washington, DC, etc.
-In my development neighbors watch out for neighbors. That more than anything makes developments safe.

Look into the developments of Cantwell Ridge, Odessa Chase, Appoquinimink Farms, Spring Creek and Stonefield.

[rdlr]

Originally Posted by bostonguy19

We love the charm of older homes.

Our choice was an older home (120 yrs.) in a small town in Kent County, Delaware with old-time town hall meetings of 15-20 people, festivals, parades, and town camaraderie. Towns people doing their morning walk often stop for coffee/tea and chat with us on our front porch, if we're out there. And, it's not unusual to have one of our two police officers stop for coffee, as they walk by. Might sound boring to some, but we love small traditional towns like ours, having American Flags flying on every other electric pole up and down the streets, all summer long. Your choices are many, from Olde Dover, to Camden, Wyoming, Viola, Felton, Harrington, and others. Magnolia is in the Kent County Growth Zone, with subdivisions springing up all around that town. The small town feel there is not the same as it once was. But, there are so many other quaint towns dotted up and down the state. Milton, in Sussex County, is a nice little town, also to consider. Because we also love the charm of older homes, and enjoy living and socializing in more old fashioned ways, developments are not for us, but everybody's different. Of course, we have public water/sewer, and are close to Rt. 13, a major north-south linkage route through Delaware. Direct Message me for more info, if needed.

[doctorjef]

This is certainly the time to buy an older house in Milton before Milton turns into the next Lewes ("the First Town in the First State", Lewes is also the most charming town in Delaware, IMO). Milton has loads of old 19th Century houses and near-mansions on the market for not a lot of money. The town is gradually up-and-coming again, having once been a major centre of political power and commerce. However, Milton would be a bit of a commute to and from Dover (says I, who doesn't like commuting). Worth considering, however, if you aren't averse to a bit of a drive on Rt 1 (or you can also use back roads to get into Dover from downstate).

[rdlr]

Originally Posted by doctorjef

This is certainly the time to buy an older house in Milton ............

Or, any small town, I'd like to add. The out-of-state demand for new construction in Delaware subdivisions has resulted in a nice selection of available historic properties, or older gems in good condition in the $200,000 and under range.

Regarding Milton...I was sorry to see that the Milton Theatre went to Sheriff Sale in September. However, they still have shows scheduled...for how long, we don't know.

[Bac0s]

Originally Posted by jdoll

I believe I live in the ideal local; near Odessa on RT 13.
-Extremely safe developments. Occasional property crime but that is about it.
-20 mins to Dover and 20 mins to Christiana Mall
-Easy access to the growing east side of Middletown shopping
-Easy access to Rt 301; easy day trips to Washington, DC, etc.
-In my development neighbors watch out for neighbors. That more than anything makes developments safe.

Look into the developments of Cantwell Ridge, Odessa Chase, Appoquinimink Farms, Spring Creek and Stonefield.

We live near jdoll (in one of the communities mentioned) and I agree. This is absolutely a perfect area to live. Tucked away from everything, but so close to everything.

We moved here about 9 months ago and love it. We have Verizon FiOS, and this area is VERY family friendly and safe. We're a hop, skip, and a jump away from both Rt 13 and 1.

[NJVillasOutsider]

Ive visited Camden/Wyoming many times a year,and I think its a very nice area.Theres alot of stores nearby,and Dover is close,and not very far for the beach area.And far enough away that your not brothered by tourest.Good Luck!

[bostonguy19]

Thank you everyone for your replies. This is alot of wonderful information. I will definitely do my homework this weekend on the areas everyone has mentioned.

[theconklinwife]

Definitely enjoyed reading this as I was offered a job in the New Castle area. I don't know anything about New Castle, but would enjoy any opinions on that as well. I looked at Magnolia, DE but it did look as if it was growing SO fast that maybe BIG city problems could start to occur. We are looking for a small town feel like some of the others had mentioned but also MUST have a GREAT SCHOOL DIST. We would like a family friendly area, as we have 2 little girls. Can anyone offer any other suggestions for small towns with a great school dist. Have an interview next week in New Castle so any help would be appreciated!