History and recreation in the coastal community of Lewes market
Known as the first town in the first state, Lewes is a coastal community in Delaware with history and beach access. Located 8 miles from the bustling seaside town of Rehoboth Beach, Lewes has a slower pace and is geographically larger, providing a broader range of housing and lifestyles. “Lewes has a very different feel than Rehoboth,” says Anthony Sacco, a real estate agent with Re/Max Associates who’s sold homes here since 2013. “The downtown is very cute, and Lewes extends beyond Route 1, where the shops and outlets are. You can be in the downtown area where the beach is, or all the way out at Rehoboth Bay.” The area is known for its low property taxes, making it popular with retirees.
Housing ranges from Colonial-era homes to modern subdivisions
In the downtown historic district, buyers can find Colonial, Colonial Revival and Shingle homes, some built as early as the 1700s, and there are bayfront homes nearby. Just outside downtown are suburban subdivisions with Craftsman- and Queen Anne-inspired New Traditional homes. “There are a lot of new communities being built, from resort-style communities to smaller ones for people who aren’t looking for that amenity package,” Sacco says. The median sale price here is around $620,000, higher than the national median but lower than in Rehoboth Beach. Prices can vary widely depending on location. “When you’re down by the water and downtown, the prices are higher and it’s a competitive market,” says Joseph Sterner, a Realtor with McWilliams Ballard Coastal who lives in the area and has sold homes here for eight years. “When you move farther out, prices are more reasonable and it’s a little bit of a slower market.” Townhouses, which include bayfront options, new builds and older homes, have a median sale price of around $570,000. Condos range from $360,000 to $510,000, though units on the bay can cost between $540,000 and $910,000. Lewes can experience hurricanes and other coastal storms, which put properties at risk of flooding and wind damage.
Beaches, museums and local clubs for recreation
Beachgoers can head to Savannah Beach on the Delaware Bay for sand volleyball and gentle waves. Those wanting to dip their toes in the ocean or explore the boardwalk can head to Rehoboth Beach nearby. Cape Henlopen State Park has beaches and is home to hiking and biking trails through coastal terrain, including a bike trail that connects Lewes and Rehoboth Beach. “That’s one of the crown jewels of the area,” Sterner says. The Fort Miles Museum and Historical Area, located inside the park, documents the area’s World War II history, while the Seaside Nature Center has aquariums. Downtown Lewes is home to more museums, including the Cannonball House Maritime Museum, known for the War of 1812 cannonball that’s still lodged in its foundation. Depending on their interests, residents can become members of Dave Marshall Tennis & Pickleball, the Lewes Yacht Club and Lewes Unleashed Dog Park.
A quaint downtown and a growing Route 1 retail area
Downtown Lewes is filled with specialty stores, art galleries and restaurants. Agave Mexican Restaurant serves comfort food made from locally grown ingredients, while Lewes Oyster House is a trendy spot that serves seafood. Nearby, Lloyd’s Market offers groceries and prepared foods. “When it comes to rotisserie chicken, Lloyds is the best place,” Sterner says. The Historic Lewes Farmers Market takes place each Saturday from May to November. Several outlet malls are along state Route 1, offering brand-name stores like Coach and Tommy Bahama. This stretch of road is also home to big-box retailers, locally owned and chain restaurants, and grocery stores like Safeway and Giant. Sterner says this area is still growing, with a Costco Wholesale, Target and Whole Foods planned.
Getting around Lewes and to nearby amenities
Rehoboth Beach is 8 miles away via state Route 1 and Rehoboth Avenue. Cyclists can bike there via the 6-mile Junction & Breakwater Trail. The DART First State bus has routes throughout the area. Those wanting to visit Cape May can take the Cape May-Lewes Ferry, which takes just under 90 minutes. Houses of worship here include St. Peter’s Episcopal Church and Lewes Presbyterian Church. Beebe Healthcare in downtown Lewes is the closest hospital. Salisbury Regional Airport is 46 miles away.
The Cape Henlopen School District serves the area
Kids can attend schools in the Cape Henlopen School District, which earns an overall rating of A from Niche. Depending on where they live, students can start at Lewes Elementary and then go to Beacon Middle; both earn an A rating. At the A-minus-rated Cape Henlopen High, students can take classes in career pathways like music, theater, and print and media communication.
Seasonal celebrations include parades and fireworks
There are several events throughout the year. On the Fourth of July, Lewes celebrates with old-fashioned kids’ games in the morning, a boat parade in the afternoon and fireworks over the water in the evening. The Christmas Parade in December has been a tradition for over 90 years.
