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Dagsboro

Dagsboro

Located in Sussex County

$550,933 Average Value
$256 Average Price per Sq Ft
55 Homes For Sale

Space, peace, affordability and beach access in Dagsboro

About 11 miles west of Bethany Beach, Dagsboro is a quiet, rural town that offers convenient access to the beaches of the Delmarva Peninsula without the crowds or costs associated with oceanfront living. "Dagsboro is more of a bedroom community for Bethany Beach," says Adam Linder, a local Realtor with Northrop Realty. "It's not huge—there are a few restaurants and produce stands. But it's more affordable, more rural and you're still close to the water." Historic homes dot a small Main Street, while swathes of farmland frame its landscape. With less than 1,000 residents, Dagsboro is where neighbors wave hello from their porches, kids ride their bikes through the streets and Main Street parades exude small-town charm.

Founded in the mid-1700s, Dagsboro was a shipping and trading hub along Pepper Creek, connecting farms and mills to larger ports via inland waterways. Today, its affordability and proximity to the beach make it a desirable alternative for second-home buyers and retirees. "People who buy here are thinking long-term," Linder says. "Vacation buyers tend to be less picky, but those relocating for good typically want more space and land." While many residents work or vacation in nearby Bethany Beach, Dagsboro offers space, peace and affordability in the coastal Mid-Atlantic.

Colorful murals downtown add a bright touch to Dagsboro's Main Street.
Colorful murals downtown add a bright touch to Dagsboro's Main Street.
From Dagsboro, beaches and bays are an easy drive away.
From Dagsboro, beaches and bays are an easy drive away.
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Townhouses, Cape Cods, colonials and ramblers

Housing in Dagsboro ranges from historic 19th-century colonial-style farmhouses and American Foursquares along Main Street to newer 21st-century subdivisions tucked just beyond the town center, though traditional 20th-century ramblers and Cape Cods dominate the landscape. Single-family homes typically range from the $300,000s to $425,000, while a handful of properties on the market fetch price tags over $450,000. Recent growth in Sussex County has brought waves of new development, including townhouses priced from the mid-$200,000s to the mid-$300,000s. "Larger estate-style homes with wooded acreage or water access can hit the $1 million mark outside of town, but overall, homes are more affordable west of the beach," says Lisa Mathena, Broker at The Lisa Mathena Group, Inc. Dagsboro boasts a CAP Index Crime score of 2 out of 10, compared to the national average of 4.

Ornate columns on older homes add to Dagsboro's small-town character.
Ornate columns on older homes add to Dagsboro's small-town character.
Single-level ramblers are a popular pick for laid-back living in Dagsboro.
Single-level ramblers are a popular pick for laid-back living in Dagsboro.
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Parks and recreation in and around Dagsboro

At the heart of Dagsboro stands Prince George's Chapel, a brick Anglican church built in 1755 and one of the oldest religious buildings in Delaware. Down the road, a handful of local establishments line Main Street and Vines Creek Road. The Clayton Theatre stands out with its 1948-circa Art Deco cinema. The Theatre is Delaware's last single-screen theater, with 7 p.m. first-run movie screenings and weekend matinees.

Movie-goers can enjoy fresh pies, subs and seafood before showtime at Porto Pizza & Grill Restaurant. Other local staples include Kisa Café, a popular coffee shop serving handcrafted brews, smoothies and acai bowls. The café features a small gift shop with children's toys, games and books, while extravagant milkshakes make it a fun outing with the family.

A local antique store and furniture store offer hidden gems, and Dollar General hugs the town's western border. Surrounding farms house local businesses, from wineries to farm stands like Parsons Farm Produce for seasonal fruits and vegetables. Nearby retailers, national grocers and chain restaurants line U.S. Route 113 in Millsboro, while Rehoboth offers additional big-box stores, outlet shops and boutiques 20 miles away.

Dagsboro residents can walk Bethany Beach with their furry best friend.
Dagsboro residents can walk Bethany Beach with their furry best friend.
A playground at the Dagsboro Boys & Girls Club adds space to burn off energy.
A playground at the Dagsboro Boys & Girls Club adds space to burn off energy.
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Amenities in Sussex County

At the heart of Dagsboro stands Prince George's Chapel, a brick Anglican church built in 1755 and one of the oldest religious buildings in Delaware. Down the road, a handful of local establishments line Main Street and Vines Creek Road. The Clayton Theatre stands out with its 1948-circa Art Deco cinema. The Theatre is Delaware's last single-screen theater with 7 p.m. first-run movie screenings and weekend matinees.
Movie-goers can enjoy fresh pies, subs and seafood before showtime at Porto Pizza & Grill Restaurant. Other local staples include Kisa Café, a popular coffee shop serving handcrafted brews, smoothies and acai bowls. The Café features a small gift shop with children's toys, games and books, while extravagant milkshakes make it a fun outing with the family.

A local antique store and furniture store offer hidden gems, while Dollar General hugs the town's western border. Surrounding farms house local businesses, from wineries to farm stands like Parsons Farm Produce for seasonal fruits and vegetables. Nearby retailers, national grocers and chain restaurants line U.S. Route 113 in Millsboro, while Rehoboth offers additional big-box stores, outlet shops and boutiques 20 miles away.

Parsons Farm Produce carries farm stand finds beyond just produce.
Parsons Farm Produce carries farm stand finds beyond just produce.
Dagsboro's Main Street packs in small-town stops for shopping and errands.
Dagsboro's Main Street packs in small-town stops for shopping and errands.
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The Indian River School District

The Indian River School District scores an overall B-plus on Niche and enrolls almost 11,000 students across 11 towns, including Dagsboro. Kindergarteners through fifth graders may attend John M. Clayton Elementary School, which scores a B. Selbyville Middle School boasts an A-minus, and Indian River High School garners a B-plus. As of 2025, Indian River has won eight state championships across the athletics department.

Indian River High School is a highly rated public school located in Dagsboro.
Indian River High School is a highly rated public school located in Dagsboro.
Dagsboro students can attend Selbyville Middle School.
Dagsboro students can attend Selbyville Middle School.
John M. Clayton Elementary School is a Spanish immersion school located in Dagsboro.
John M. Clayton Elementary School is a Spanish immersion school located in Dagsboro.
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Dagsboro's small-town events

Dagsboro's small-town traditions range from the annual Christmas Parade to the beloved Fall Festival at Bethel Methodist Church. Nearby towns like Millville, Selbyville and Bethany Beach offer year-round entertainment with arts festivals, outdoor movies on the beach and holiday events. About 10 miles away, Freeman Arts Pavilion draws crowds for concerts, plays and performances. "It started as a small outdoor venue," Mathena says of the pavilion. "Now, they're onto their third renovation and have been bringing in larger acts. They have it all: the ballet, Broadway plays and artists like the Brothers Osborne."

Getting around Dagsboro

Due to its rural nature, Dagsboro is a car-dependent community. Delaware State Route 20, or Main Street, converges with State Route 26. Bethany Beach is about 11 miles east via State Route 26, while Beebe Healthcare's South Coastal Health Campus is 8 miles away. Wilmington Airport is 90 miles north via U.S. Route 113, and Salisbury Regional Airport is 25 miles away.

Environmental concerns near the coast

Dagsboro's proximity to the beach and low-lying terrain make it susceptible to coastal storms. Pepper Creek, which feeds into the Indian River Bay, is prone to flooding. However, hurricane preparedness and flooding information are available on the town's website.

Lillie Duston
Written By
Lillie Duston
Max Gilmore
Photography Contributed By
Max Gilmore
Charlie Lingner
Video By
Charlie Lingner

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Jennifer Smith, an experienced agent in this area.

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Schools

Source:
GreatSchools: The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process. View GreatSchools Rating Methodology

Parks in this Area

Area Facts

Number of Homes
1,980
Number of Homes for Sale
55
Median Year Built
2000
Months of Supply
5.70
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
2,237
Above the national average
1,931
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
1,929
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,281
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
13,939

Open Houses

  • Sunday, Mar 29
    Open House 3/29

    30030 Knots Ln, Dagsboro, DE 19939

    $500,000

    • 3 Beds
    • 3 Baths
    • 2,441 Sq Ft
    • 30030 Knots Ln
    • New 2 days ago

    Lovely coastal contemporary home with a welcoming covered front porch, inviting you to relax and savor the serene surroundings. Step into the foyer where luxury vinyl plank flooring flows seamlessly through the main living areas, creating a warm and cohesive atmosphere throughout the home. To the right, a front-facing bedroom and full bath provide comfortable accommodations for guests. Down the

    Agent Photo
    Vince DiPietro
    Northrop Realty
    (302) 775-5681
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  • Saturday, Mar 21
    Open Sat 11AM - 1PM

    31468 Wingate Rd, Dagsboro, DE 19939

    $485,000

    • 3 Beds
    • 2 Baths
    • 1,500 Sq Ft
    • 31468 Wingate Rd

    Welcome to 31468 Wingate Rd in Dagsboro, a beautifully maintained 3-bedroom, 2-bath coastal cottage offering the perfect blend of charm, functionality, and flexibility. This inviting home features warm bamboo flooring throughout the main living areas and hallway, with rich walnut flooring in the bedrooms, creating a cozy yet refined feel. Enjoy peaceful mornings on the welcoming front porch and

    Agent Photo
    Kim Hook
    RE/MAX Coastal
    (302) 703-9831
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  • Sunday, Mar 22
    Open Sun 11AM - 1PM

    34833 Seagrass Plantation Ln, Dagsboro, DE 19939

    $510,000

    • 4 Beds
    • 3 Baths
    • 2,100 Sq Ft
    • 34833 Seagrass Plantation Ln
    • New 18 days ago

    *This home is priced to sell! Seller is motivated!Solar panel monthly lease payment is paid through August 2026. Welcome to 34833 Seagrass Plantation lane, in the vibrant waterfront community of Seagrass Plantation. Residents can enjoy access to incredible community amenities, including a clubhouse, pool, gym, pickleball and tennis courts, a gazebo, a pier for fishing and crabbing, and a

    Brigit Taylor Keller Williams Realty

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Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Average Home Value





Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

Dagsboro Has More Owners

Demographics

Total Population
844
Median Age
41
Population under 18
23.5%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
21.9%
On par with the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$65,564
Below the national average
$79,601
Average Household Income
$86,636

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
89.4%
College Graduates
19.5%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
10.9%
On par with the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
64.9%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
48''
Average Winter Low Temperature
26°F
Average Summer High Temperature
87°F
Annual Snowfall
4''

Area Factors

Somewhat friendly

Bike Score®®

20 / 100

Somewhat friendly

Walk Score®®

20 / 100
Source: Local Logic
Sources: Local Logic

Local Logic measures the walkability, access to public transit and bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.

Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
Dagsboro