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
Joseph Loughran,
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 75 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Millsboro, DE over the last 12 months is $400,000, down 8% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Brand-new 3BR/2BA turnkey home to be built! This quality new construction offers a modern open floorplan, full appliance package, and a desirable rural setting. Construction will begin once under contract, giving buyers a unique opportunity to personalize their home from the start. Choose your roof, siding, interior paint colors, and even your appliance finishes to make the home truly your own.
Welcome to 25104 Aspen Circle! This home is practically brand new, built in 2024 with first occupancy in 2025, and it truly shows. Barely lived in, extremely well maintained, and filled with modern upgrades, it offers easy, low-maintenance living in Millsboro. Step inside to a true open-concept living room, kitchen, and dining area with upgraded luxury vinyl plank flooring , creating a spacious
Welcome to effortless coastal living in this beautifully appointed 4-bedroom, 3.5 bath townhome located in the coveted Peninsula resort community. Built in 2022 and being offered FURNISHED, this home blends modern comfort with refined style located in the Marina Bay neighborhood of the Peninsula, just a short walk to the clubhouse amenities. One of the few townhomes in the community with NO condo
Welcome to 32550 Tee Dell Dr #3263, a stunning 3-bedroom, 3.5-bath former model home nestled in the heart of Baywood Greens, Delaware’s premier golf community. This meticulously maintained residence is a perfect blend of elegance, functionality, and resort-style charm. Designed with both everyday living and entertaining in mind, the home features a spacious open floor plan with a large,
Welcome to 8 Clam Road, a delightful 3-bedroom, 1-bath seasonal cottage nestled in the heart of Paradise Cove, one of the Indian River Bay’s best-kept secrets. This cozy waterfront community offers a relaxed, close-knit atmosphere and unbeatable access to the water — just steps from your front door. Set along the shores of Indian River Bay, Paradise Cove offers a laid-back coastal lifestyle with
Welcome to this beautifully maintained 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath home in a desirable Millsboro community. The home has been freshly painted throughout, creating a bright and inviting atmosphere. The main level includes a kitchen that flows into the dining and living areas, making it easy to host gatherings. Upstairs, you’ll find three generous bedrooms, including a primary suite with a private bath. It
Welcome to your new home! This beautifully maintained 3 Bedroom 2 Bathroom condo in Millsboro offers a comfortable and convenient living experience. with a 1st floor living and a Community pool, perfect for summer relaxation. Some of the units features are Spacious and well-lit living area, Open concept kitchen, Main bedroom with ensuite bathroom and spacious walk in closet, Two additional
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!
This home is also listed on the MLS for Sale! Enjoy luxury lifestyle in this 3-bedroom single level home located in the highly regarded Baywood Greens. The community offers resort-style amenities including a world class golf course, clubhouse, on-site restaurant, outdoor pool, fitness center, tennis courts and playground. Inside you will find an open floor plan for entertaining and enjoying
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