Small-town charm meets growth in Frankford
The 19th-century architecture and traditional Main Street help create a small-town feel in Frankford, a tight-knit enclave of about 800 surrounded by farms in southeastern Delaware. This area is also convenient to beaches, stores and U.S. Route 113. Town leaders are embracing Frankford's character while welcoming its first large-scale housing developments, which are ushering in major growth.
Vintage homes and master-planned communities
Frankford's sturdy, older housing stock is still a draw even as new developments are underway. Queen Anne, Folk Victorian and Colonial Revival properties date from the mid-to-late 1800s, when the town grew and thrived as a farming community. Early-to-mid 20th-century styles include bungalows, American Foursquares and Minimal Traditional homes. Existing homes range from around $160,000 to $400,000, while new construction tends to be pricier.
The town has annexed two large plots, which could add as many as 900 new homes. Construction has started at Vines Creek Crossing, Frankford's first large-scale development, which will have about 600 single-family homes, townhouses and villas. New construction homes on spacious lots are already available in the East Gate subdivision from around $590,000 to $850,000.
Indian River School District earns acclaim for tech programs
Indian River School District serves southeastern Sussex County and earns an overall B-plus from Niche. In 2022, it earned the distinguished district award from the International Society for Technology in Education. Kids can bus to highly-rated schools in nearby Selbyville, about 4 miles away, Dagsboro, about 2 miles away, and Georgetown, about 15 miles away. The district's career and technical education programs provide early college credits, industry-recognized credentials and work experience in agriscience, health science and several other fields. The A-minus-rated Selbyville Middle School and the B-plus-rated Indian River High School both participate in the programs.
Frankford library is a hub for kids, teens and adults
Frankford Public Library Director Bonnie Bly Elliott says neighbors look out for one another, and the library is just one example. It provides free snack bags for kids and families in the summer. The library runs programs all week long, including STEM projects, video game nights and book clubs. "It's not just once a week — we're breaking down our community room at least once or twice a day," Elliott says.
Green space and events at Frankford Town Park
Frankford Town Park has become a focal point thanks to recent additions and updates. It has a basketball half court, play equipment and picnic pavilions, all surrounded by a paved walking track. The resident-led Envision Frankford hosts a Halloween trunk or treat in October, summertime drive-in movies and holiday light displays at the park. "For four Wednesday nights coming up to Christmas, you can walk up and see the lights and someone is going to hand you a cup of cocoa," Elliott says. With the town park updated, officials hope to add more green spaces connected by pedestrian paths. About 10 miles east, Bethany Beach is a popular family destination with a boardwalk, surfing during allotted times and a bandstand with live music in the summer.
Family restaurants and farm stands, and more options out of town
Shopping and dining options are few, but Frankford Family Diner is a local staple, open daily from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. The menu features Italian specialties, seafood, steak, and chicken entrees served with a soup or salad. Dollar Tree has some pantry items, and locals can find fresh produce at the family-owned Parsons Farm. It also has a café serving breakfast and lunch. Millsboro has a bigger commercial scene, with a Food Lion, a Lowe's and chain restaurants. As more homes are built, the town is proposing a commercial center with businesses and offices.
Most residents drive, and U.S. 113 is nearby
Residents mainly rely on cars as public bus services are unavailable. Dart First State provides paratransit services to those 60 or older and individuals with physical or mental disabilities. Pedestrian mobility is also limited, but the town has proposed adding bike lanes to neighboring communities. U.S. Route 113 is the main artery and one of two major north-south highways on the Delmarva Peninsula. About 15 miles south, Atlantic General Hospital in Berlin is the closest full-service healthcare facility with emergency services.