Originally a 19th-century mill town along the Indian River, Millsboro is now the second fastest-growing city in Delaware’s Sussex County. Within the last 20 years, many of the town’s former lumberyards and orchards have been developed into master-planned communities. The 2021 Millsboro Comprehensive Plan added a shopping center, medical centers and more residential building permits. Toni Schrock, a Millsboro local and Realtor with Northrop Realty, accredits this growth to beach proximity. “Within the last few decades, developers have realized that Millsboro is about a 30-minute drive to Rehoboth Beach and Bethany Beach.” But even with all this development, Millsboro only has 7,700 residents. “It’s still a really quiet, small town. We have a quaint little downtown area and some cute community events,” Schrock adds.
With its easy access along major thorofares, the greater Millsboro area is commerce center.
Watching the sunrise from Bethany Beach is always a treat for those living in Millsboro.
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Millsboro has homes on the water and golf courses
Millsboro offers New Traditional-style houses built between the early 2000s and 2020s. Some communities are still being built, including The Peninsula, where craftsman-style and stilt-style homes can sit along the bay or line the private golf course. Other master-planned golf course neighborhoods here include Plantation Lakes and Baywood Greens. “A lot of people buy these golf course houses when they retire, or they’re people’s second homes,” Schrock says. Millsboro’s median single-family home price is $435,000, lower than Sussex County’s $480,000. Townhouses have a median selling price of $465,000. Millsboro experiences all four seasons, with cold winters and humid summers. Heavy rainfall and tropical storms occasionally cause the river to overflow, requiring homeowners near the waterway to have flood insurance.
Based on 2023 data from the State of Delaware Statistical Analysis Center, the violent crime rate in Sussex County was almost three times higher than Delaware’s rate, but the property crime rate was about half that of Delaware's.
Newer homes such as these colonials make up much of the housing stock in Millsboro.
This large farmhouse looks right at home on a spacious lot in Millsboro.
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Summer concerts and fireworks at Millsboro parks
Home to the largest bald cypress tree in the state, Cupola Park is a shady green space on the Indian River. There’s a waitlist to rent one of the 24 boat slips, but the park also has two boat ramps, and fishing is permitted. Locals sit on camping chairs and picnic blankets outside the gazebo for the Concert in the Park series, put on twice a month between June and September. Though it’s held at the end of June, the Stars and Stripes event celebrates the Fourth of July with food trucks and a firework show at W.B. Atkins Memorial Park, where the Millsboro Little League has games. “Everybody comes out for Stars and Stripes. It used to be at Cupola Park, but it flooded a few too many times, so the event was moved to the Little League diamonds,” Schrock says.
Driving to Rehoboth Beach, 19 miles northeast, and Bethany Beach, 15 miles southeast, is also a common weekend activity for locals.
Warwick Park on Indian River Bay is peaceful way to spend a day in Millsboro.
The Cupola Park playground is a favorite of kids in and around Millsboro.
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Locally owned restaurants downtown, chain retailers at Peninsula Crossing
Breakfast cafes and antique stores fill brick buildings in downtown Millsboro. During the first weekend of December, floats and locals dressed as Santa travel along Main Street for the Millsboro Christmas Parade. The comprehensive plan helped develop Peninsula Crossing, a shopping center with grocery stores and big-box retailers. “It was the first major shopping center in town. Before we had it, people drove to Milton, Selbyville and even Rehoboth for good shopping,” Schrock says.
Millsboro residents come to The Country Kitchen Restaurant for a hearty breakfast.
A double burger and and a game of pool is the way some Millsboro folks spend an evening.
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Millsboro is in a highly rated school district
The town is zoned for the Indian River School District, which earns a B-plus rating from Niche. It serves nearly 10,800 students between prekindergarten and high school and has a 14-to-1 student-teacher ratio. There are three elementary schools, one middle school and two high schools.
Millsboro Middle School is an above average, public school located in Millsboro, DE.
Sussex Central High School is an above average, public school located in Georgetown, DE.
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Major highways and a new Beebe Healthcare campus
U.S. Route 113 stretches through the middle of town, making Dover a 45-mile drive north. Philadelphia is 125 miles in the same direction on Delaware state Route 1 and Interstate 95, while Washington, D.C., is 114 miles west on Route 50. The Salisbury Regional Airport, 25 miles south, offers daily flights with American Airlines. Delaware Authority for Regional Transit buses in the area only follows two routes, one leading to Rehoboth and another to Georgetown. Traffic in Millsboro occasionally stops at streets intersecting with the Delmarva Central Railroad.
Several medical facilities are in town, including Beebe Healthcare's South Coastal Emergency Department. Beebe Healthcare plans to build another emergency room off Route 113, though there’s no projected end date yet. It’s expected to have a pediatric unit and a helicopter pad.
Written By
Meghan Baker
Photography Contributed By
Joe Pulcinella
Video By
Edward Pokoj
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
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an experienced agent in this area.
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.
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On average, homes in Millsboro, DE sell after 62 days on the market compared to the national average of 70 days. The median sale price for homes in Millsboro, DE over the last 12 months is $460,000, up 2% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome to resort-style living in the amenity-rich Plantation Lakes community! This beautifully maintained 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath detached home is perfectly situated on a quiet corner lot near the end of a cul-de-sac, offering peace, privacy, and everyday convenience.Designed for main-level living, this home features 9-foot ceilings and a thoughtful, user-friendly layout. The main level
Welcome to 29043 SAINT THOMAS BLVD Millsboro De 19966. This immaculate townhome is ready for the new owners!!! The home features 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths and is in incredible condition. The lower level is finished for more square footage and makes for an excellent playroom or TV room. The neighborhood is a great place to live, close to area baseball fields and close to the town for added
Exquisite coastal-style home perfectly situated on a premium lot, backing to the prestigious Jack Nicklaus award-winning golf course. Nestled in the sought-after Peninsula community, this residence is a masterpiece of design, craftsmanship, and sophistication. This impeccably crafted Schell home built in 2021 offers an extended bump-out floor plan in the main living area and primary bedroom and
BUYERS SETTLEMENT ASSISTANCE AVAILABLE! Looking for a unique property! This landscaped cape cod home has the largest front porch in the community and is the only one of its kind. This home was the original model home with the master bedroom and bath on the 1st floor with shower and soaking tub and the second floor was designed with 2 bedrooms with a full wall of mirrored closets for the person
Charming Ranch Home in the Heart of Millsboro! 3 bedroom, 2 bath ranch-style home conveniently located in the desirable town of Millsboro close to shopping and restaurants. Perfect as a starter home or investment property, this residence offers comfortable living with plenty of potential. Step inside to find a spacious living room with brand-new carpet. The home features a large family/rec room,
Welcome to this well cared for and thoughtfully updated ranch home perfectly situated on a spacious .61 acre lot with NO HOA and only County restrictions giving you the freedom and flexibility. It is conveniently located just minutes from the beaches, sopping, schools and medical facilities. This three bedroom, 2 bath home offers a comfortable and functional layout that includes a living room,
Newly Constructed in 2022 - these 3 bedroom / 2.5 bathroom townhomes are beautifully designed, loaded with your favorite upgrades and just 30 minutes to Rehoboth or Bethany Beach! Washer & Dryer in unit, Air Conditioning, Patio/Balcony, Private Entrances, Pet Friendly, Dishwasher, Cable Ready & Community Pool Access. Maintenance Free living at it's best!
If you are currently working with an agent, please contact them to schedule a tour. If you do not have an agent, we can connect you with one who can assist you. End Unit townhome on the Golf Course with professionally tinted windows throughout the home### Welcome to luxury living at its finest in this three-story end unit townhome located on the golf course at Plantation Lakes. The first
Nestled in the heart of coastal Delaware, The Enclave at Millwood offers spacious three-bedroom townhomes designed for modern comfort. Enjoy the perfect mix of suburban tranquility and easy access to the best beaches, dining, and entertainment in the area.Experience the best in comfort and convenience with our thoughtfully designed community amenities and stylish apartment upgrades.
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