$379,722Average Value$212Average Price per Sq Ft23Homes For Sale
The riverfront town of Frederica offers an easy-going lifestyle
Frederica is a small town with a quiet location along Murderkill River, whose name evolved from Dutch words meaning “mother river” when it was settled in the 1800s. “Non-locals get scared of Murderkill’s name, but people in Frederica would spend all day on the water if they could,” says Lydia Ragonese, a Realtor with Compass who has sold several homes in the area. Locals can launch paddleboats at Killens Pond State Park and head to nearby Bowers Beach on Delaware Bay. Aside from waterfront recreation, the town has a seasonal farmers market, historic churches and Delaware’s largest sports complex. “Life in Frederica is pretty easy-going and simple, but it’s also near bigger cities,” Ragonese says. State Route 1 is in the area, allowing locals to get to places like Milford, which has big-box stores, and Dover, the state capital.
Many homes lie along the Murderkill River.
Sprawling fields outline the easy-going small town of Frederica.
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Homes were built between the late 1800s and 2010s
Frederica’s oldest homes include Queen Annes and Colonial Revivals dating back to the late 1800s and early 1900s. Ranch styles from the mid-20th century and New Traditionals and townhouses built through the 2010s are also common. Homes near the center of town often have modest lots, while properties on the outskirts may sit on marshland or farmland. Prices can range from about $145,000 to around $385,000, depending on a house’s age, size and condition.
Beautiful 19th-century Queen Anne Victorian homes dot the neighborhoods of Frederica.
Traditional and Colonial Revivals line the streets.
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Murderkill River is a popular fishing and kayaking spot
Heavy rainfall and high tides can cause the Murderkill River to overflow, putting some properties in FEMA-designated, high-risk flood zones, where flood insurance is mandatory. In the fall of 2024, the river was polluted by a nearby human waste plant, causing it to smell and temporarily close. Today, water quality remains low, but people boat and fish on the river anyway. “Everybody moved on and got back to fishing and kayaking pretty quickly,” Ragonese says. Killens Pond State Park, about 6 miles west, is situated along a Murderkill River dam. Anglers can cast lines off the boardwalk to catch bass, crappie and sunfish. There’s also a campground, a waterpark and a paddleboat launch. Boaters can head east, passing through dense upland forests to reach the river’s mouth at Bowers Beach. Water gently laps against the sand and grass-covered shoreline, known for its quiet atmosphere. “Bowers is one of those local-only beaches,” Ragonese says. “You won’t find tourists there.” The beach is about 6 miles away by car, and there’s another boat launch on Coursey Pond, less than 5 miles west.
Despite its name, people love to fish and kayak on the Murderkill River.
Colorful beach-style homes line the river banks.
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Two public school districts serve Frederica
The western half of Frederica is zoned for the Lake Forest School District. In this area, kids can attend Lake Forest East Elementary, which Niche grades a B-plus, and W.T. Chipman Middle and Lake Forest High, which earn B-minuses. The Milford School District serves the eastern part of the community. Here, students may go to C-plus-rated Benjamin Banneker Elementary for prekindergarten through first grade and B-minus-graded Mispillion Elementary for second through fourth grade. They may continue to fifth and sixth grade at Milford Middle, which is opening for the 2025-2026 school year and has yet to be graded by Niche. C-plus-rated Milford Central Academy is where kids can go to seventh and eighth grade before finishing at B-minus-graded Milford Senior High.
Soccer, lacrosse and field hockey teams play at DE Turf Sports Complex
Frederica is home to several non-riverfront green spaces. For example, the DE Turf Sports Complex has 12 fields, where youth and adult leagues play soccer, lacrosse and field hockey. “People from across the state visit the complex,” Ragonese says. “They actually had to build a hotel nearby to accommodate all the visitors.” The Frederica Senior Center regularly offers line dancing classes and bingo. Locals can buy produce, honey and bread at Tidal Market, which is held at the town park on Frederica Road every Sunday between May and September. Several houses of worship are here, including Trinity United Methodist Church and New Beginnings Community AME Church. The Georgian-style building that houses Barratt's Chapel & Museum is the country’s oldest Methodist church. Today, it has exhibits on Methodism and hosts guest speakers and a Christmas service.
Sport complexes and sport fields can be found throughout town.
The Frederica Senior Center offers various activities.
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Frederica has a burger restaurant, and big-box stores are nearby
A few government buildings and restaurants sit at the town’s core. Shipping containers fence in the outdoor dining section at Burgers & Brews, where patrons can play cornhole and listen to live music. The Frederica Volunteer Fire Company is across the street from the local police department. A few convenience stores and a Dollar General are in town, and Milford, about 8 miles south, is home to big-box grocery stores like Aldi and Walmart Supercenter.
Burgers and Brews is a local favorite hangout for all things burgers and brews.
Frederica Pizza and Pasta House cooks work hard to perfect their pizzas.
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State Route 1 reaches Dover
Though some streets here have sidewalks, Frederica is a car-dependent community. State Route 1 runs along the town’s eastern edge. A 13-mile drive north on the highway reaches Dover, home to an Air Force base and a Bayhealth Hospital. DART First State offers bus rides to the city and other Kent County towns. The Wilmington Airport is about 50 miles north, and the Salisbury Regional Airport is just as close to the south.
Written By
Meghan Baker
Photography Contributed By
David Strayer
Video By
Ruo Zheng
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Carol Fahy,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Frederica, DE sell after 61 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Frederica, DE over the last 12 months is $359,990, down 6% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Investor Special! This 4-bedroom, 1.5-bath property is in dilapidated condition and requires a complete rehab. It needs extensive renovation throughout — structure, systems, and finishes all need attention. The home is in very poor shape but offers great potential for investors or flippers looking to restore it to its former glory. Bring your vision and tools — this is a true fixer-upper
Welcome to this stunning, over-4,000 sq ft custom home on a beautiful 1.2-acre lot just minutes from Route 1 — offering the perfect blend of country-quiet living and easy access to amenities. With 5 spacious bedrooms (including 2 primary/master suites — one on the main level, one upstairs) and 3 full baths + 1 half bath, this home is ideal for multi-gen families or buyers needing flexible living
The Frank model is a two-story 40-foot wide home that is designed to fit on narrower lots. The home features 4-5 bedrooms, 3 full baths, living room, kitchen, breakfast nook, laundry room, 2 car garage.
This home features 3 bedrooms downstairs, including a spacious owner's suite with bath, a large walk-in closet, formal dining room, large breakfast area, an expansive living room and much more. You can opt for a second-floor loft with bathroom, or add up to three additional bedrooms upstairs for maximum versatility.
BUILD THIS 4 BEDROOM, 3.5 BATH HOME IN CATTAIL CREEK ON LOT 93 Step into The Reston, an open-concept haven designed for unforgettable gatherings! The moment you enter, your eyes will be drawn to the breathtaking two-story living room, bathed in natural light from expansive windows and seamlessly connected to the dining and kitchen areas. This exceptional floor plan offers the luxury of not one,
***Professional Pictures Coming Soon*** Located in the town of Frederica on a large corner lot just under a half acre. In 2017 this home saw a major renovation which included: New electric (200 amp) and plumbing, chimney redone, 2 newer heat pumps with central air (2017) and propane furnace (2017) . Main house has a newer metal roof from 2022 and the additions to the house have a shingle roof
Great opportunity to own or invest! This 3-bedroom, 1.5-bath home is well located and priced to sell, offering strong potential for instant equity. The main level features a bedroom with a private half bath, along with separate living and family rooms. The kitchen offers ample cabinet and counter space, plus a utility/laundry room just off the kitchen. Upstairs are two generously sized bedrooms
Great location! Two parcels are located in Frederica within 2 miles of the new Kent County Regional Sports Complex. Zoned BG 0.89+/- ac water and sewer available. DG Market is almost complete.
Lot #39 And Lot 40 have Bowers Beach Road Frontage. There is a small parcel with a navigational tower located on their boundary line that is not included with ownership. Lot #39 is 2.5 Acres that runs to Lot #1.Lot #1 Has 50 ft. water frontage on the River. Lot # 57 adds width to Lot #39. lot # 19 does not share a boundary line with these 4 parcels. It is along the waterfront with a 50-foot
Don't miss out on the chance to live in the sought after Riverview Estates. From the moment you step into the welcoming two-story foyer, you’ll feel right at home. The spacious living and dining rooms, accented with beautiful hardwood floors, are perfect for gatherings big or small. Just beyond, the kitchen has plenty of space to prepare meals while still being part of the action. The heart of
Rosalia MartinezKeller Williams Realty Central-Delaware
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