Life in Milford has revolved around the Mispillion River for centuries. Beginning in the 1700s, the southern Delaware town was home to a thriving shipbuilding industry that would later supply vessels for World Wars I and II. Though shipbuilding here declined as steam engines became the norm, there’s still plenty of riverfront activity. In 2016, the city adopted the Rivertown Rebirth Plan to revitalize its downtown area, opening more businesses and improving the Mispillion Riverwalk to connect shopping and dining options with waterfront parks. And efforts like this have helped Milford grow from 11,000 to 13,000 in the past few years. “We’re a growing town. In the past five years or so, we’ve gotten a new police station and a new hospital,” says Myra Mitchell, RE/MAX Horizons Realtor and Milford local. “But all the growth is happening slowly enough that [Milford] still feels like a small town.”
Delawarians are proud of their state and folks in Milford are no exception.
The Milford River Walk is a very popular attraction running through the heart of Milford.
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Some Milford houses are in flood zones
Early 1900s Craftsman-style bungalows and Queen Anne houses surround downtown Milford. Ranch styles and cottages from the 1950s and ‘60s are also common, and New Traditional houses are still being built toward the outskirts of town. The median single-family home price here is $369,900, which is lower than the national median of $406,000. Milford experiences all four seasons, with humid summers and mild winters. Severe rainstorms and wind often cause the Mispillion River to overflow. Flood insurance is mandatory for properties within the town’s FEMA-designated flood zones. New-build homes in these areas must also be raised 18 inches above the ground.
According to FBI data, Milford consistently has higher property and violent crime rates than national and state figures. In 2023, a new 24,000-square-foot Milford Police headquarters opened near downtown.
This new-construction home in Milford is designed to look like an old, classic farmhouse.
These Milford townhomes are built with varying facades to avoid the typical rowhome look.
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Community events at Bicentennial Park and on the Mispillion Riverwalk
Milford is home to 10 parks, and several are along the Mispillion River. Bicentennial Park in downtown Milford has a fishing bridge and picnic tables along its rocky shoreline. The green space is also an entry point for the Mispillion Riverwalk, a mile-long path with pocket parks, public kayak docks and The Milford Public Library. Every September, locals enjoy live music, fireworks and carnival games at the Riverwalk Freedom Festival, which is held in the park and along the path to honor veterans and first responders. The Riverwalk Farmers Market is every Saturday from May through October.
“It takes less than 20 minutes to get to Delaware Bay, so that’s what everyone does on weekends during the summer,” says Mitchell. Slaughter Beach, 10 miles east, is known for its calm water and horseshoe crabs that lay eggs between May and June. Touristy oceanfront towns, like Rehoboth and Dewey, are about 25 miles south.
A group of friends gets down to some competitive basketball at Milford's Bicentennial Park.
Bicentennial Park is a memorial park located in the center of Milford DE.
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Shopping, dining and theater in downtown Milford
Antique stores, cozy taverns and seafood restaurants fill Federal-style storefronts in downtown Milford. “It’s your typical downtown in a small town. There aren’t a whole lot of restaurants, but the places that we do have are beloved.” The five-block district also has a few art centers and hosts a few community events. Second Street Players is a local performing arts group that puts on year-round plays and musicals at the Riverfront Theatre. Every April, locals dressed in red and black parade through downtown for the Bug & Bud Festival, which celebrates Delaware’s state bug: the ladybug.
Milford has a few strip malls with chain grocery stores, but larger shopping centers are located in Dover or Rehoboth.
A Milford residents sends his ball down the lane at Milford Bowling Lanes.
A couple of friends trade stories over a beer at Park Place Lounge and Restaurant.
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B grades for Milford public schools and the private school
The Milford School District earns a B-minus from Niche and serves 4,470 students with a 15-to-1 student-teacher ratio.
B-minus-rated Milford Christian School educates students in prekindergarten through high school.
Benjamin Banneker Elementary School is a public school located in Milford, DE.
Milford Central Academy is a public school located in Milford, DE.
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Dover, Wilmington and Philadelphia are within driving distance
Delaware Route 1 is in the eastern part of town, and U.S. Route 113 is to the west. A 20-mile drive north on Route 1 leads to Dover, and 70 miles in the same direction reaches Wilmington. About a 40-mile drive south on Route 113 leads to Salisbury, home to the Salisbury Regional Airport. Delaware Authority Regional Transit bus stops in the area offer rides around town and to Dover. Local traffic can occasionally stop at streets intersecting with the Delmarva Central Railroad or when the Mispillion River drawbridge on Rehoboth Boulevard rises.
In south Milford, the Bayhealth Hospital, Sussex Campus has a level-three trauma department and it's one of the town’s top employers, providing over 300 jobs. The hospital opened in 2019, replacing the much smaller and now-shuttered Milford Memorial Hospital.
Events
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Written By
Meghan Baker
Photography Contributed By
Joe Pulcinella
Video By
Matthew Link
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Jonathan Edler,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Milford, DE sell after 66 days on the market compared to the national average of 58 days. The median sale price for homes in Milford, DE over the last 12 months is $329,995, down 5% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Built by Riverview Builders, this 4-bedroom, 2.5-bath Hampton model offers over 2,500 square feet of thoughtfully designed living space, plus an insulated unfinished basement ready for your imagination.Step inside to a bright foyer, see the French doors on the left leading to a spacious home office. Continue into the open-concept living area featuring 9-foot ceilings, a large family room, and
NEW CONSTRUCTION CONDOS ,COMPLETE AND READY FOR IMMEDIATE OCCUPANCY. This particular unit is a 3 bedroom 2 bathroom unit on the third floor. The interior features: vaulted ceilings, quality finishes and a beautifully open floor plan. The kitchen features a stainless appliance package and granite counters. Each condo building has an elevator. The bedrooms are both spacious with the primary
$5000 CLOSING CREDIT ON THIS UNIT ONLY - on contracts received by May 31, 2026.NEW CONSTRUCTION CONDOS, complete and ready for immediate delivery! This unit is a 3 bedroom 2 bathroom unit on the third floor. The interior boasts vaulted ceilings, high quality finishes, and a beautifully open floorplan. Each condo building has an elevator. The bedrooms are both spacious and truly both function
Newer construction with the space already finished out. This 2023-built single-family home offers 2,888 square feet across 4 bedrooms and 3.5 bathrooms on the main and upper levels — plus a fully finished basement that adds a rec room, an extra bedroom, and a full bath. Set on a generous half-acre lot in one of Milford's desirable communities. The main level features one of the primary bedrooms
History comes full circle at Egglington Hall (c. 1794), an extraordinary estate anchored by a beautifully restored Federal-style Main House set on a sweeping, landscaped expanse near downtown Milford and recognized on the National Register of Historic Places. This remarkable 5,500-square-foot residence offers 4 bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms, and multiple fireplaces, blending historic elegance with
Here is your rare opportunity to wake up to breathtaking sunrises over the Delaware Bay in this beautifully remodeled coastal retreat! With direct water view of the Delaware Bay, this 3-bedroom, 2-bath home offers, privacy, nature, and waterfront living and the most affordable coastal living opportunity you'll find today. Upgrades since 2018 include a metal roof, updated siding and windows, rear
Exceptional opportunity to lease or purchase 1.4 acres of C-3 Highway Commercial–zoned land strategically located along a major highway with two convenient off-ramps. This highly visible site offers outstanding exposure to daily traffic and excellent accessibility from multiple directions. The C-3 zoning allows for a wide range of commercial uses, making the property ideal for retail, restaurant,
Built by Riverview Builders, this 4-bedroom, 2.5-bath Hampton model offers over 2,500 square feet of thoughtfully designed living space, plus an insulated unfinished basement ready for your imagination.Step inside to a bright foyer, see the French doors on the left leading to a spacious home office. Continue into the open-concept living area featuring 9-foot ceilings, a large family room, and
NEW CONSTRUCTION CONDOS, COMPLETE AND READY FOR IMMEDIATE OCCUPANCY This unit is a 2 bedroom 2 bathroom unit on the third floor. The interior boasts vaulted ceilings, high quality finishes, and a beautifully open floor plan. The kitchen features a stainless appliance package and granite counters. The bedrooms are both spacious and truly both function as primary suites. Each condo building has an
NEW CONSTRUCTION CONDOS ,COMPLETE AND READY FOR IMMEDIATE OCCUPANCY. This particular unit is a 3 bedroom 2 bathroom unit on the third floor. The interior features: vaulted ceilings, quality finishes and a beautifully open floor plan. The kitchen features a stainless appliance package and granite counters. Each condo building has an elevator. The bedrooms are both spacious with the primary
NEW CONSTRUCTION CONDOS , COMPLETE AND READY FOR IMMEDIATE OCCUPANCY. This unit is a 3 bedroom 2 bathroom unit on the second floor and includes a one car garage. The interior boasts high quality finishes and a beautifully open floorplan. Each condo building has an elevator. The bedrooms are both spacious with the primary featuring two closets. Discover community living in the serene peaceful
NEW CONSTRUCTION CONDOS, COMPLETE AND READY FOR IMMEDIATE OCCUPANCY. This unit is a 2 bedroom 2 bathroom unit on the third floor. The interior boasts vaulted ceilings, high quality finishes, and a beautifully open floor plan. The kitchen features a stainless appliance package and granite counters, PLUS this unit features LVP floors throughout kitchen, dining, and living room. The bedrooms are
$5000 CLOSING CREDIT ON THIS UNIT ONLY - on contracts received by May 31, 2026.NEW CONSTRUCTION CONDOS, complete and ready for immediate delivery! This unit is a 3 bedroom 2 bathroom unit on the third floor. The interior boasts vaulted ceilings, high quality finishes, and a beautifully open floorplan. Each condo building has an elevator. The bedrooms are both spacious and truly both function
NEW CONSTRUCTION CONDOS, COMPLETE AND READY FOR IMMEDIATE OCCUPANCY. This unit is a 2 bedroom 2 bathroom unit on the second floor with attached one car garage. The interior boasts high quality finishes, and a beautifully open floor plan. Kitchen features a stainless appliance package and granite counters. The bedrooms are both spacious and truly both function as primary suites. Each condo
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
Enjoy coastal living in this nearly new three-bedroom, two-and-a-half-bath end-unit townhome located in a quiet community in the heart of Milford. This home features a one-car garage, an unfinished basement offering future potential, and a versatile lower-level living space ideal for a home office, gym, or recreation area. The main level showcases a bright open-concept design with a modern
Find your new home at Watergate Townhomes in Milford, DE. This community is located at 6375 Tabard Drive in Milford. The leasing team is ready for your visit. Come see Watergate Townhomes today.
Lots of character and charm with modern upgrades, including new central AC and heat pump, remodeled kitchen and bath, original hardwood floors, new vinyl windows.First floor: spacious kitchen, breakfast nook, built in coffee bar, sunroom/office, large living room with brick fireplace, large dining room, and enclosed side porch.Upstairs: Four bedrooms, full bath with tub, new vanity and
Welcome to this well-maintained two-story brick-front home in The Meadows At Shawnee, conveniently located just minutes from Route 1 for an easy commute. Offering 4 bedrooms and 2.5 baths, including a versatile flex room on the main level perfect fora home office or additional living space. This home features tile flooring in the kitchen, along with hardwood and carpet throughout the main living
Four-bedroom, two-bath home offering generous living and storage space. Features include a formal dining room, eat-in kitchen area, downstairs office, and screened-in porch. One-car attached garage plus a separate two-car detached garage with an additional bonus space, half bath, and utility sink. Surrounded by open fields, offering a quiet setting with ample space.
Welcome to this beautifully upgraded 1-bedroom, 1-bath apartment located in the heart of Downtown Milford at 139 NW Front St, inside the historic Governor Tharp Building. This iconic structure is part of Milford’s historic district. Enjoy the charm of historic architecture combined with modern upgrades while living steps from Downtown Milford’s boutiques, restaurants, galleries and the scenic
Welcome to 109 NW Front St, Milford, DE — a beautifully located home offering the perfect combination of space, convenience, and downtown charm! Nestled just moments from Milford’s popular Riverwalk, this property places you within walking distance of local dining, shopping, parks, entertainment, and the unique character that makes downtown Milford so desirable.Conveniently situated near
Experience refined, low-maintenance living in this beautifully updated 2-bedroom, 2-bath condominium in Milford, Delaware. Situated on the second floor, this thoughtfully designed residence offers a blend of comfort, style, and convenience in a desirable community setting. The spacious open-concept layout features contemporary finishes, abundant natural light, and a seamless flow between the
Four-bedroom home with ongoing updates, including fresh paint throughout the first floor, refinished hardwoods, and new laminate flooring. Main level includes den, kitchen, dining room, living room, two bedrooms, and one full bath. Two additional bedrooms upstairs. Second bathroom and laundry currently under construction and to be completed prior to move-in. Detached garage. Located near Route
Enjoy comfortable, low-maintenance living in this spacious and well-maintained top-floor condo located in the desirable Hearthstone Manor community. Conveniently situated directly across from Bayhealth Hospital and PAM Health Rehabilitation Center, with easy access to Route 1 and just a short drive to Delaware's beautiful beaches, this home offers both comfort and convenience. Featuring 3
FOR FULL LISTING INFO, PICS AND VIDEO TOUR CLICK ON LINK OR COPY: This ?3bed, ?2bath one story h?ome is ready now! Built in 2024, the primary bedroom offers a large primary bathroom with a walk-in shower, all stainless steel appliances, kitchen island, a flex room that can be used as a dining area?, office,? media room, etc... There is blinds throughout, ?a nice clear? backyard, ?a
Enjoy low-maintenance living in this spacious 3-bedroom, 2-full-bath condo located in the desirable Hearthstone Manor community. Conveniently situated directly across from Bayhealth Hospital and PAM Health Rehabilitation Center, with easy access to Route 1 and just a short drive to Delaware's beautiful beaches, this location is ideal for commuters, healthcare professionals, and anyone seeking
On the southern outskirts of Milford, Lincoln was originally settled by people building the Delaware, Maryland and Virginia Railroad in 1865. Lumber mills, general stores and a horse racing track helped the town grow over the next few decades until a fire burned down most of the area by the 1890s. Today, the train tracks are part of the Delmarva Central Railroad, a freight line stretching over 180 miles. Even with this industrial element, RE/MAX Horizons Realtor and Milford local Myra Mitchell says the community is more known for its rural character. “You get a quiet lifestyle and big pieces of land here. There’s one stop light, one post office and one fire station. It’s technically a suburb of Milford, but it’s more rural than anything else.” Locals will pass by soybean crops, rusted grain silos and convenience stores as they drive along the cracked asphalt roads here. Cozy bars, art galleries and performing arts centers fill Italianate-style storefronts in downtown Milford, less than 4 miles north of the neighborhood, and Delaware’s white sand coastline is just 10 miles to the east. <br><br>Most homes in Lincoln were built between the 1950s and ‘70s. Ranch styles sit on half-to-1-acre lots, often with wide-open pastures in the backyard. Gravel driveways run alongside three-bedroom Cape Cod cottages shaded by mature pin oak trees. The neighborhood also has a few mid-1800s clapboard-façade farmhouses and custom-built New Traditional homes from the early 2000s. Buying here typically costs between $100,000 and $400,000, a range similar to a Milford home’s average $350,000 selling price. Mitchell says Lincoln’s real estate market is active because it’s outside city limits. “Every time I put a house up here, I’ll show it at least three to four times within the first week. People are eager to move out here because they don’t have to pay Milford property taxes, but they’re still close enough to enjoy the city.” <br><br>Lincoln has a few community hubs, including the white brick Lincoln Community Center, which locals can rent for birthday parties, weddings and other small celebrations. Lincoln United Methodist’s white, Carpenter Gothic-style church has been on Road 38C since the mid-1800s, while the Pentecostal Church of God of Lincoln's contemporary stone structure was built on Greentop Road in 1965. <br><br>Though several Delaware coast beaches are just a quick drive away from Lincoln, Mitchell says Slaughter Beach is a local favorite because of its quiet setting. “Slaughter Beach is in a tiny town that almost no tourists visit, so you don’t have to deal with crowds. It’s a hidden gem for everyone in the Milford area.” American beachgrass and broken seashells cover Slaughter Beach’s shoreline, where horseshoe crabs lay eggs between May and June. Anglers can catch rockfish and bluefish on rock jetties, and hikers can trek the boardwalk path traversing the 108-acre Marvel Saltmarsh Preserve. <br><br>Children can attend kindergarten at the Morris Early Childhood Center, which is on 3rd Street and receive a B-grade from Niche. They may continue to C-plus-graded Mispillion Elementary School and B-minus-rated Milford Central Academy. Milford High School earns a B-plus and offers 15 Advanced Placement classes, like environmental science, human geography and European history. <br><br>The Little Lincoln Store on Road 38B has an ice cream cooler, snacks and a deli counter located in a red barn-style storefront. A Redner’s grocery store is about 4 miles north of the area, but Mitchell says locals can also get essentials from Lincoln’s Dollar General. “They get produce shipments every once in a while, so it’s more convenient than your average dollar store.” The neighborhood also has a few industrial facilities, including auto repair shops, storage units and landscaping supply companies. For restaurants or retailers, locals drive to downtown Milford, where red-brick sidewalks are lined with black vintage lampposts, young elm trees and pocket parks along the Mispillion River. An American and Irish flag wave outside Milford Tavern, known for its pool table and all-wood bar stocked with whiskey. Dark green booths fill Westside Restaurant, a diner that’s served stacks of pancakes and pies by the slice since 1997. A Walmart Supercenter and numerous fast-food restaurants like Starbucks and McDonald’s are along Dupont Boulevard. <br><br>Lincoln does not have sidewalks, making it a car-dependent community. The neighborhood’s only stop light is at Marshall Street and Johnson Road. Streets intersecting the Delmarva Central Railroad may briefly close to traffic when trains drive by. Dupont Boulevard on Lincoln’s western border connects to Delaware Route 1, leading to Philadelphia with a 100-mile drive north. Baltimore and Washington D.C. are 95 miles west via U.S. Route 50. Several Delaware Authority Regional Transit bus stops are in the area, giving riders access to Dover via Route 303. Bayhealth Hospital’s concrete and glass building sits on over 200 acres, just 2 miles east of Lincoln. The Salisbury Regional Airport, 45 miles south, offers daily flights with American Airlines.
Property Mix - Square Feet
Milford Has More Owners
Rental Home Trends
Number of Homes for Rent
21
Median Rent
$2,075
Median Single Family Home Rent
$2,100
Median 4 Bedroom Single Family Home Rent
$2,325
Median Townhouse Rent
$1,950
Median 3 Bedroom Townhouse Rent
$1,975
Median Condo Rent
$1,600
Median 2 Bedroom Condo Rent
$1,600
Demographics
Total Population
12,583
Median Age
40
Population under 18
25.6%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
22.4%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$54,300
Significantly below the national average
$79,597
Average Household Income
$71,735
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
84.2%
College Graduates
28.8%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
11.1%
% Population in Labor Force
57.9%
Below the national average
64.9%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
48''
Average Winter Low Temperature
26°F
Average Summer High Temperature
87°F
Annual Snowfall
4''
Area Factors
Somewhat bikeable
Bikeability®
20/ 100
Fairly walkable
Walkability®
40/ 100
Minimal public transit
Transit®
10/ 100
Source: Local Logic
Sources: Local Logic
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.
