Set among Sussex County's sprawling farmland, Harbeson is a small unincorporated community that embodies the rural charm of coastal Delaware. Located about 15 miles inland from Rehoboth Beach and Dewey Beach, Harbeson's 19951 postal code stretches east toward the shorelines of the Burton Prong, which feeds into the Rehoboth and Indian River bays. "Sussex County has everything: the beach, farm country and suburbia," says Lisa Mathena, Broker at The Lisa Mathena Group, Inc. "But prices change dramatically the farther west you go."
Founded in the late 18th century by Harbeson Hickman, the community's landscape consists of a patchwork of generational farms and new subdivisions that offer residents more space and affordability. "Even inland, you can still live on the river or the bay, so you still get that coastal lifestyle without the oceanfront price tag," Mathena says. Residents can choose from suburban, rural or coastal landscapes, while surrounding communities offer access to shopping, dining and recreation. "Harbeson isn't as built up as the oceanfront, but it's a beautiful area where you can live freely without sacrificing amenities," Mathena says.
Rural, suburban and coastal homes
Country roads are lined with farmhouses, mid-century ramblers, Cape Cods and Colonial Revivals. A handful of properties hidden behind the tree line stand in stark contrast to Harbeson's growing subdivisions. HOA-maintained amenities anchor uniformed streets boasting newly built single-family homes and townhouses with coastal flair. The popular Independence 55-plus community is one of the several planned communities with Craftsman-inspired ramblers and two-story transitional homes. Along the Burton Prong, suburban tree-lined streets feature single-family homes on spacious lots, while waterfront properties boast private piers and sweeping views across the road. Most homes in Harbeson range from the mid-$300,000s to the mid-$600,000s. Depending on square footage and luxury finishes, some properties can sell from the mid-$600,000s to over $1 million.
Beaches, boats and recreation along the shore
Many of Harbeson's newer subdivisions feature community pools and clubhouses for residents, but the area's rural setting and proximity to the waterfront also make it a popular spot for seasonal campgrounds. Nearby green spaces include the public Baywood Greens Golf Course and Clubhouse, where manicured greens and a driving range cater to golf enthusiasts. Baseball and softball leagues often spend their weekends at Sports at the Beach, an athletic complex with 16 ball fields along U.S. Route 9. Down the road, Sandhill Fields features eight multi-use grass fields, six pickleball courts, a playground and a nearly 4-mile-long walking trail.
Additional trails await 7 miles away in Redden State Forest, where over 12,000 acres of pine and oak woodlands give way to hiking and equestrian trails. The neighboring town of Milton offers recreational areas like Milton Memorial Park, a popular green space along the Broadkill River with a playground, walking trails and a boat ramp.
Farther southeast, boat ramps and marinas dot the Indian River Bay, while Cape Henlopen State Park is one of several preservation lands that offer acres of marshland, miles of beachfront and amenities like biking paths, nature centers, and fishing piers open to the public. Those in the mood for a busier beachfront and a boardwalk brimming with entertainment have a short drive to Rehoboth and Dewey.
Two school districts, one ZIP code
The Cape Henlopen School District, which earns an overall A rating from Niche, serves most students in the 19951 postal code. Within this second-best district in the state as determined by Niche, A-rated schools include Love Creek Elementary and Beacon Middle, and Cape Henlopen High garners an A-minus. The Indian River School District scores a B-plus and serves a small section of homes along the community's west side. Local schools here include Georgetown Elementary, which earns a B, Georgetown Middle, which garners a B-plus, and the B-minus-rated Sussex Central High School.
Amenities in and around Harbeson
Only a handful of businesses call Harbeson home, including Dewey Beer Co., a favored gathering spot for residents to enjoy craft brews and live music. Five miles north, Milton features a grocery store, the original Dogfish Head Brewery and popular eateries like Po' Boys Creole Restaurant, renowned for its Cajun classics like gumbo, jambalaya and crawfish etouffee. Additional amenities line Delaware State Route 24, or John Williams Highway. Here, chain grocers such as Harris Teeter and Weis Markets are found alongside beauty salons, pizza shops and beloved local spots like Long Neck Diner, which is known for its homemade pies, cannoli and a weekend breakfast buffet.
Ten miles away, big-box retailers and outlet stores line State Route 1. Farther east, downtown Rehoboth boasts a vibrant selection of high-end boutiques, fine-dining restaurants, casual cafes and a bustling bar scene.
Events around Sussex County
Harbeson residents have a short drive to dozens of events in towns like Rehoboth Beach, Bethany Beach, Lewes and Milton. Rehoboth transforms into a festive destination with everything from Christmas parades and lively Santa bar crawls to film festivals and the annual Sea Witch Festival, which features a whimsical costume parade as well as a pet parade. Up the road, Milton hosts seasonal festivities like annual garden tours and the Holly Festival, where patrons can peruse handmade artisan goods and wreath-making workshops.
Commuting around Harbeson
DART bus routes run along U.S. Route 9 through Harbeson's north side, leading 11 miles east to Lewes and 15 miles to Rehoboth. Bayhealth Emergency and Urgent Care Center sits just outside the community, and Lewes' Beebe Healthcare is the nearest general hospital. Delaware State Route 9 runs north-south through town. State Route 24 connects residents about 35 miles south to Salisbury Regional Airport, and Wilmington Airport is about 80 miles north via State Route 1.
Coastal considerations
Harbeson's proximity to the coast makes it susceptible to storms and occasional hurricanes. Areas near Burton Prong and smaller streams are prone to flooding. Homeowners are responsible for checking the local floodplain map, while emergency preparedness information is available on Sussex County's website.
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
Are you familiar with the Harbeson neighborhood?
to let others know what life in this neighborhood is like.
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Harbeson
US
Homicide
2
4
Sexual Assault
1
4
Assault with Weapon
1
4
Robbery
1
4
Burglary
3
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
3
4
Larceny
2
4
Crime Score
2
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Harbeson Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Harbeson, Georgetown sell after 104 days on the market compared to the national average of 56 days. The median sale price for homes in Harbeson, Georgetown over the last 12 months is $575,000, consistent with the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Walden is a vibrant coastal retreat with direct access to Burton’s Pond and scenic neighborhood trails. Residents enjoy a full range of year-round amenities, including a fitness center, pickleball courts, and an outdoor pavilion with a cozy fireplace. A lively social scene offers clubs, activities, and events for connecting with neighbors. Not quite ready to move in? No problem. The Whimbrel has
Discover the charm of coastal Delaware living in this stunning townhouse located in the highly desirable Villas at Walden. Built in 2022, this beautifully appointed home offers three spacious bedrooms, two and a half baths, a versatile loft, and a relaxing three-season room designed for comfortable everyday living. Step outside and enjoy peaceful pond views from your backyard, creating a serene
Welcome to 3189 Ethan Allen Court, Millsboro, DE—a beautifully designed home offering the perfect blend of comfort, style, and easy living. This spacious 4-bedroom, 3-bath residence features a thoughtfully designed floor plan with exceptional flow, making it ideal for both everyday living and entertaining. A dedicated office/den provides the flexibility to work from home, enjoy a hobby space, or
Welcome to this light filled 3-bedroom, 2 bath Schell Brothers home located in the premier 55+ community of Independence. This home is designed for people who value efficiency, and low‐maintenance living — every space is intentional. From the moment you arrive, the wraparound porch with its inviting side entry sets the tone for the comfort and charm found throughout. Step inside the bright foyer
Welcome to 31158 Phillips Branch Road, a spacious 6-bedroom, 2.5-bath home situated on approximately 1 acre with no HOA. Ideally located just minutes from both downtown Lewes and Rehoboth Beach, you'll enjoy convenient access to Delaware's award-winning beaches, shopping, dining, golf courses, state parks, and countless coastal attractions. With six bedrooms and generous living space, this home
This is a truly rare and versatile opportunity to own a one-of-a-kind property offering two separatedwellings with the potential to build an additional home—making it ideal for multi-generational living,investment, or a private farmette lifestyle. Situated on a full acre with no HOA restrictions, the possibilities here are endless. The main home features 3 bedrooms and 2 full bathrooms,
Space. Flexibility. Community. This is the kind of home that adapts to every stage of life! Offering 6 bedrooms, 6.5 bathrooms, a finished basement, and multiple flexible living spaces, this thoughtfully designed home was built for everything from busy weekday routines to holiday gatherings with family and friends. The spacious floor plan gives everyone room to spread out with generous bedrooms,
WATERFRONT----Nestled in the serene community of Pinewater Farm offering 4 bedrooms with 3 full baths. Inverted floor plan so that you can enjoy the amazing water views from the 2nd floor. The second floor consist of a full kitchen with dining room, living room with fireplace, along with 2 bedrooms and 1 full bath along with a screened porch and large deck. The lower level has an additional 2
PROPOSED CONSTRUCTION. The Lewes model features 3 bedrooms with a split bedroom floor plan, the study could be converted to a bedroom if needed. Great open floor plan with the Kitchen and family room as one beautiful to gather in. The owner’s suite is located on the opposite side of the other bedrooms. 9' ceilings and the natural light make a beautiful home for all. For additional information on
PROPOSED CONSTRUCTION - Welcome to our Georgetown model, where endless possibilities await you! This remarkable home features a first-floor owner suite with spacious closets, providing the perfect retreat. The open floor plan seamlessly connects the two-story family room to the kitchen, creating a welcoming space for gatherings and entertaining. Working from home is made easy with the convenient
Welcome to the Oceanview model. This home is proposed construction with approximately a seven-month build time. This home has two First-floor suites with full baths and a walk-in closets. The Second floor has two additional bedrooms, a full bath, and a game room. The living space is bright and open, with 9' ceilings and lots of natural light through the large windows on the rear of the home.
New Construction by Schell Brothers. This home will be built with Schellter(tm) Advanced Building Science Technologies providing you an extremely energy efficient home. You'll love the stunning exterior, innovative floor plan, and the multiple structural options that allow you to personalize your home to fit your needs. You will make all of your selections in our state-of-the-art design studio
New Construction by Schell Brothers. This home will be built with Schellter(tm) Advanced Building Science Technologies providing you an extremely energy efficient home. You'll love the stunning exterior, innovative floor plan, and the multiple structural options that allow you to personalize your home to fit your needs. You will make all of your selections in our state-of-the-art design studio
New Construction by Schell Brothers. This home will be built with Schellter(tm) Advanced Building Science Technologies providing you an extremely energy efficient home. You'll love the stunning exterior, innovative floor plan, and the multiple structural options that allow you to personalize your home to fit your needs. You will make all of your selections in our state-of-the-art design studio
New Construction by Schell Brothers. This home will be built with Schellter(tm) Advanced Building Science Technologies providing you an extremely energy efficient home. You'll love the stunning exterior, innovative floor plan, and the multiple structural options that allow you to personalize your home to fit your needs. You will make all of your selections in our state-of-the-art design studio
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.
