Cheswold sits between Dover and Smyrna with room to grow
The town of Cheswold is a growing suburban community just off Route 13 and only 6 miles north of Dover, Delaware’s capital city, and 6 miles south of Smyrna. Cheswold was first established in the mid-19th century as a stop along the Delaware Railroad and played a significant role in transporting regional agricultural goods. It wasn’t until 1888 that the town earned its current name, Cheswold, in a nod to the local Chestnut trees. Nowadays, the town has become a quickly growing residential suburb situated in a convenient location. Cheswold has an overall CAP Index Crime Score of 3 out of 10, slightly lower than the national average of 4.
New home communities dominate Cheswold’s housing market
Cheswold is well known for its newer housing options, which include multiple new home communities defined by cul-de-sacs, manicured lawns and similar New Traditional and contemporary housing styles. Two of the newest communities—Stonington and Alstons Walk—house a large portion of the town’s population. Single-family homes typically range from $350,000 to $500,000, with a few outliers on either end. Mobile homes and multifamily properties start around $80,000 and go up to roughly $380,000. Cheswold’s average home value of $390,000 is on par with the greater Dover metropolitan area.
Zoning for Dover's Capital School District
Capital School District serves the Cheswold area and receives an overall B rating from Niche, but families can also submit school choice applications. Prekindergarten through fourth-grade students can attend North Dover Elementary, Fairview Elementary or Hartly Elementary School; the first two are rated B, while the latter has a B-minus rating. Dover Middle School Campus’ School of Excellence is newly built, opening its doors in Fall 2025, and has not yet been rated by Niche. Dover High School is rated B-plus and offers a range of career and technical education programs, including pathways in agriculture, engineering, nursing and technology. For higher education, Delaware State University is a quick 10-minute drive down Route 13.
Outdoor fun from forest trails to NASCAR thrills nearby
Cheswold offers a variety of outdoor recreation amenities for nature lovers, fitness enthusiasts and even motor sports fans. School Lane Park features open lawn spaces and walking paths, with future plans for a playground and community garden. Only a few miles away, Fork Branch Nature Preserve invites people to explore forest trails and spot wildlife like owls and hawks at observation points. The Dover Motor Speedway, nicknamed the “Monster Mile”, is a 10-minute drive from Cheswold and hosts NASCAR events surrounded by campground sites. The speedway is also located near several other prominent Dover attractions, like Silver Lake Park and the Delaware Agricultural Museum.
Commercial options on Main Street
Most of Cheswold’s commercial amenities are located on Main Street and include various autobody shops, convenience stores and eateries. Locals can get takeout from Poliseno’s Pizzeria next to Shore Stop convenience or head across the street to dine at Bash’s Soul Food & African Cuisine. Just outside town is Walmart Supercenter and Redner’s Warehouse Market off Route 13. Four miles away, the Dover Mall is home to dozens of national retailers and department stores, such as JCPenney and Boscov’s. Surrounding the mall are other shopping centers like Dover Commons and numerous fast-food chains, including Chick-fil-A, Starbucks and Outback Steakhouse.
Access to Routes 13 and 1 in Kent County
Cheswold is a car-dependent community conveniently located near Routes 13 and 1, two major highways that connect people to Dover, Smyrna and other parts of Kent County. Limited public transit options offered through DART First State include scheduled bus services. Immediate west of town is Delaware Airpark, a public-use airport for general aviation only, resulting in low impact on noise levels for Cheswold residents. The closest commercial airport, Wilmington Airport, is a 40-minute drive away. Healthcare facilities are available in Dover, including Bayhealth Hospital’s Kent Campus, which has a 24-hour emergency department.
