Laurel is a former bustling town turned rural community
When it was incorporated in 1883, Laurel was one of the wealthiest towns in Delaware until a fire in the summer of 1899 destroyed the north side of Market Street. Today, the town is a mostly rural community with comparatively lower-priced homes. Parts of Laurel’s past are still visible: The area has 15 sites on the National Register of Historic Places. “It’s a very quiet, small town with more affordable homes than other parts of the state,” says Beth Conaway, a Realtor with Keller Williams Realty, who’s been selling homes in the area for nearly five years.
Cape Cods starting in the $150,000s
Homes in town are commonly colonials and Cape Cods from the early- to mid-1900s, as well as ranch-style homes and split-levels built through the 1990s. Some properties have driveways and garages, but sometimes only street parking is available. Homes here typically sell for $150,000 to $350,000.
Recreation on the water, youth league sports facility
In the center of town, Roger C. Fisher Laurel River Park has a playground, as well as a boat launch and pier for kayaking and fishing in Broad Creek. Laurel’s Little League teams play here on a collection of seven baseball and softball diamonds. Trap Pond State Park, 7 miles east, has a looping 5-mile trail, a playground, nature center, disc golf course and rentable paddleboats.
Nature Festival, Laurel Block Party
In April, Trap Pond State Park hosts a Nature Festival that includes nature exhibits, craft vendors and live music. All proceeds from the festival go toward park improvements. In June, the town block party on Market Street features free food, raffles and family activities.
Career pathways at Laurel Senior High
Students may start at Laurel Elementary, which gets a C-plus from Niche, before going to Laurel Intermediate Middle, which earns a B. Laurel Senior High also receives a C-plus and offers career pathways for studies like agriscience, physical therapy and HVAC services.
Shopping and Dining along Central Avenue
Along Central Avenue, there are locally owned restaurants like Laurel Pizzeria and Abbott's on Broad Creek for American favorites. The town’s newest eatery, Smash N' Dash Burgery, has quickly become a staple. Tienda Latina La Bendición sells groceries on Market Street, while Food Lion is in the north end of town.
Commuting via U.S. Route 13
Laurel is car dependent because of its rural streetscape. “There’s a good number of people who commute to Salisbury for work,” says Conaway. Commuters can take U.S. Route 13 south 15 miles to get to Salisbury and north 42 miles to get to Dover. TidalHealth Nanticoke is the closest hospital, located 7 miles north. The closest airport, Salisbury Regional, is 18 miles south.
Written By
Logan Soter-Reardon
