A city’s downtown centered around the University of Delaware
Newark makes up much of northern Delaware, ranking as the third-most populated city in the state. With parts of the city lying on the state’s boundaries between Maryland and Pennsylvania, the downtown area is surrounded by a network of subdivisions and neighborhoods convenient to Interstate 95, which runs right through the region. “Newark is a great location for ease of access to some of the most important things, like shopping and entertainment,” says Ingram Foster, a team lead and salesperson with the Bryan Realty Group. “There’s sought-after neighborhoods in Delaware and the Newark area. Those are the biggest things, and obviously the campus for the University of Delaware being right there is very attractive for a lot of reasons.”
The university sits right in the city and serves as a major presence in the area, in terms of both students and employment. Once the weather turns autumnal and the leaves change colors and cover the ground, it’s a popular gathering spot for Delaware Blue Hens football games at Delaware Stadium. The team counts longtime NFL quarterback Joe Flacco, who won Super Bowl XLVII and the game's MVP award with the Baltimore Ravens, among its alumni. “Every Saturday, this time of year, there’s football most weekends when the University of Delaware has games,” Foster says. “It’s a very walkable town – down on Main Street and, obviously, on campus.” The population in Newark is around 30,000.
Those looking to be right in the middle of all the action can check out Downtown Newark.
Newark residents come out to support the Blue Hens at University of Delaware football games.
Rooted on Main in Newark features local goods and unique gifts right downtown.
Delaware Stadium hosts the Fightin' Blue Hens in Downtown Newark.
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A major university presence
Students in the Newark area can attend schools within the Christina School District, which takes its name from the river winding its way close to the city. The district encompasses 21 elementary schools, 9 middle schools and 6 high schools, garnering a C-plus with Niche. The University of Delaware’s main campus sits in Newark as well, enrolling a student population of over 24,000 as of the fall of 2023. Its art history program is ranked in the top 3% nationwide for research.
The university staff, which numbers over 1,000, means it also serves as a major employer for the area. “The university is absolutely a major employer,” Foster says. “That’s a big draw. When you talk about travel from the Newark area, which is a more quiet, comfortable area for most people, there’s a lot of neighborhoods that are walkable off the main roads. A lot of people like to live in those areas and then commute.” The Blue Hens athletic teams compete in NCAA Division I.
Students at University of Delaware spend time outside on a nice early spring day.
University of Delaware's massive campus is just minutes from Northern Newark.
Eastern Newark is not far from the University of Delaware.
Catch a game at Delaware Stadium in Newark to cheer on the Delaware Fightin' Blue Hens.
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Single-family homes abound across Newark
Housing prices in Newark have mostly remained steady over the course of the past year. The current median selling price of $359,400 is under the national median of $416,700, and many properties are concentrated in and around the downtown area. Inventory is low in the region, and it is considered a seller’s market. “Newark itself has actually been very, very sought-after for a long time, but these past four years or so, it’s been next to impossible for people to purchase there,” Foster says. “The market itself is pretty tenacious for good properties, and there is still a significant shortage of those properties right now in the Newark area. A lot of homes have been appreciating pretty significantly since then. It’s a very desirable area.”
The region is primarily comprised of single-family properties, mostly built between 1950 and 2000, but a number of townhouses are concentrated in the southeastern part of Newark. The median price for townhouses is similar to the residential homes, and costs for them often range between $250,000 and $350,000. “Delaware’s a hub of banking industry because of a lot of tax breaks, so it does employ a lot of people in that industry,” Foster says.
Newark also experiences all four seasons through the year, with cold winters and warm summers. Its average annual rainfall of 45 inches exceeds the national mean of 38, while snowfall is below average.
Single family homes on sizable lots are among the most common home types in Newark.
Classic American four square homes can be found on the residential streets of Newark.
Tudor homes in Newark bring a lot of character to the area.
Dutch colonial homes in Newark are hard to miss with their gambrel roofs.
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Delaware’s largest mall sits on the east side
The Christiana Mall is the largest shopping complex in the entire state, located near the east side of Newark. Less than 10 miles from downtown, residents can find nearly 200 stores within its walls, the most notable of which include Target and Macy’s. Shoppers also peruse the shelves of Barnes & Noble or Hollister, catch a movie at the mall’s Cinemark or grab food at restaurants like Tommy’s Tavern + Tap and the Cheesecake Factory. Close to the Christiana Mall, there’s a Trader Joe’s in the Christiana Fashion Center.
Closer to downtown, there are a number of restaurants and the Newark Shopping Center centered around East Main Street. Convenient to the university’s campus, the district also includes the Co-op Farmers Market, which is one of the closest grocery stops. “Downtown Newark and the University of Delaware campus have a significant mix of great food, great cafes, great restaurants, boutiques and things like that,” Foster says. “The farmers market has a lot of really good, fresh produce and a lot of sought-after Asian ingredients – good-quality stuff.” Two ShopRite locations also sit south of the downtown area.
Christiana Mall features nearly 200 stores in Newark, making it the largest mall in the state.
Residents of Newark enjoy grabbing lunch at the popular food court in Christiana Mall.
Catch a matinee at Cinemark in Newark, which features an IMAX theater.
Main Street features a variety of restaurants including Klondike Kates.
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Local markets and farms
Besides Delaware Blue Hens football games, residents of Newark have other options to get out and about over the course of the year. At Glasgow Regional Park, which sits about 7 miles south of the university’s campus, a weekly farmers market is a local favorite. “Glasgow has grown recently,” Foster says. “What started out to just be monthly in the summer has expanded to be more regular. It’s a more traditional, pop-up kind of farmers market – there’s handmade trinkets, clothing, produce, foods and whatnot.” The market is open Thursday afternoons while in season, which runs from the summer through October.
Milburn Orchards is another popular destination once fall arrives. Though it’s in Maryland, it’s just across the state line and about 4 miles from downtown Newark. “A lot of Delawarians make their way to Milburn Orchards for ciders, apples, donuts and pumpkins,” Foster says. “It’s an autumn extravaganza. There’s a petting zoo and people really like the cider donuts.” The farm also offers tours, seasonal events from the spring through the holidays and more. Visitors to Sky Zone Trampoline Park can take programs or play freestyle on its bouncy interior.
Kids can enjoy the petting zoo at Milburn Orchards, just outside of Newark.
Pick up fresh produce from Newark Natural Foods Co-op, it being the only location in Delaware.
The Food Bank of Delaware attends Glasgow Park Farmers Market selling fresh produce.
Check off your grocery list at Trader Joe's in Newark.
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Preserves, smaller parks and sports courses
The Newark area is littered with tracts of green spaces throughout, but the most prominent recreational areas sit to the north and south of the downtown area. To the north, White Clay Creek State Park spans nearly 4,000 acres. “That encompasses most of the northwestern quadrant of Delaware and a lot of Newark,” Foster says. “There’s a lot of hiking, a creek that runs through there and a lot of cool things to do in there. There’s a couple golf courses close by and people walk that all the time.”
The Middle Run Valley Natural Area is also lined with miles of trails and the Deerfield Golf Club offers an 18-hole course to golfers. Both are located north of Newark. South of downtown, the Sunset Lake Preserve sits around the body of water it gets its moniker from, and some other, smaller parks are scattered in southern Newark as well. “One of my personal favorites is Iron Hill, which has a very nice park and it’s walkable,” Foster says. “It’s got some fun things there. It’s also got a nice disc golf course that’s hosted major tournaments.”
Book a tee time at Deerfield, a beautiful 18 hole golf course right in Newark.
Middle Run Valley Nature Area is a popular destination for mountain biking in Newark.
Disc golf lovers can play on a course tucked away in the woods at Iron Hill Park.
Hikers flock to White Clay Creek State Park in Newark for a wide variety of hiking trails.
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Interstates and state routes running through Newark
The section of Interstate 95 that runs through Newark is known as the Delaware Turnpike, with the entire highway running from southern Florida to the Canadian border in Maine. Access to the highway is about a 5-mile trip from the downtown and University of Delaware campus areas of Newark. “95 is pretty conveniently located from there, north of the canal,” Foster says. “Above the canal, it’s super easy to get from one side to the next via 95 or the Kirkwood Highway.” Route 2 is the designation for the Kirkwood Highway, which is close by and extends out of the downtown area. ChristianaCare Christiana Hospital sits in eastern Newark about 6 miles from downtown, serving as both a medical are facility and academic location.
High crime rates in Newark
According to FBI crime data, Newark records a crime rate of about 39.27 crimes per 1,000 residents each year. It is considered safer than 5% of all cities in the United States, with property offenses comprising most of its recorded infractions.
Written By
Adam Cheek
Photography Contributed By
Bill Marrs
Video By
Chris Norton
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
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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 Newark, DE sell after 19 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in Newark, DE over the last 12 months is $370,225, up 4% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Looking for a home that is maintenance-free?? Then, this is it! 903 Glen Falls Court is a warm and cozy, updated 3-bedroom, 2.1-bath interior townhome located within the secure (gated) community of The Ridge in the Pike Creek Valley. This home affords its new owner with a fresh coat of paint throughout, a beautifully remodeled kitchen with stainless-steel appliances, it also offers updated
Welcome to this spacious and well-maintained 4-bedroom, 2-bath Cape Cod offering 1,861 sq ft of inviting living space. From the moment you arrive, you’ll notice the care and attention given to this home — from the brand-new roof installed in May 2025 to the updated furnace (2016) and water heater (2017) that bring added peace of mind.Inside, the home’s layout blends functionality with
Dramatic Showcase Perfection!! Like paging through a magazine: each room offers fresh ideas and decor in this Like new 3 Bdrm/2.1 Ba Home in this active adult community. A wonderful mix of sun and wood will delight you upon entering this home. Architecturally striking, the Great Room radiates warmth and elegance. The gourmet kitchen offers the ultimate in cooking conveniences; upgraded 42"
Nestled in the charming Briargate neighborhood, this contemporary townhouse offers a perfect blend of comfort and modern living. Built in 1990, this well-maintained home boasts 1,504 square feet of inviting space, featuring three spacious bedrooms and two and a half bathrooms, making it an ideal retreat for those seeking a cozy yet stylish environment. Step inside to discover a warm and welcoming
Nestled in the serene community of Waters Edge, this charming 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom unit offers a perfect blend of comfort and convenience. Notice the up to date systems and details throughout. Major systems - Heating and Air Conditioning and Hot Water Heater were recently replaced to the new owners delight. You will be happy to discover the newly installed tile floors that seamlessly connect
Looking for a home that is maintenance-free?? Then, this is it! 903 Glen Falls Court is a warm and cozy, updated 3-bedroom, 2.1-bath interior townhome located within the secure (gated) community of The Ridge in the Pike Creek Valley. This home affords its new owner with a fresh coat of paint throughout, a beautifully remodeled kitchen with stainless-steel appliances, it also offers updated
3BR/2.5BA town home with 2-car garage and walk-out basement. Totally rehabbed in late 2022 - NEW paint and flooring throughout. The ground level features a large Family Room with two large storage closets. One level up on the main level you will appreciate a very open floor plan and 9 ft. ceilings. NEW Kitchen with quartz counter tops and ceramic tile backsplash. "Soft close" drawers and
4BR/2.5BA twin with 2-car garage with open floor plan and front porch. Built in 2022 - practically brand new! 9 ft. ceilings throughout the main level. Kitchen with XL center island, 42 in. "mocha" cabinets, stainless appliances, gas range (with oven) with hood vent (vents to outside), built-in microwave and a second oven (wall oven). Adjoining Dining Area. Great Room. Luxury Vinyl Plank
3BR/3.1BA End Unit Town homes with 2-car garage and finished daylight basement. Immediate occupancy possible. 9' ceilings on Main Level. Red Clay schools. Kitchen with 42 in. mocha cabinets, granite counter tops, tile backsplash, and Breakfast Bar. Plenty of recessed lights. Gas range. Adjoining Day Room with cathedral ceiling and access to wrap-around composite deck (stairs to backyard). Family
Crossing over the Delaware Canal on the Senator William V. Roth Jr. Bridge leads to Saint Georges, an incorporated community in New Castle County. "This is an older neighborhood with newer construction. The area was built back in the 1700s, but what attracts people today is the recent developments," explains Monica Hill, a local Realtor with RE/MAX Associates-Wilmington. "If you want elbow room, a yard and a home under 10 years old, this is the place for you."
Although the housing market has a handful of 20th-century dwellings, most properties were constructed after 2000. Those seeking a more vintage vibe can find Colonial homes along Main and Broad Streets dating back to the 1700s. The community contains modest ranches sitting next to split levels and charming Cape Cods. More recent developments continue the Colonial influence with the addition of two-car garages. The Antrim development has some of the largest residential lots in the community, spanning three-quarters of an acre. Highpointe at St. Georges development has tighter lots around a quarter to a third of an acre. Most properties list between $400,000 and $750,000 on average. Homes constructed over the last 20 years are often priced higher. "For a more recent construction, buyers should prepare to spend between $500,000 and $800,000," says Hill.
Colonial School District serves the young residents of St. Georges. Kindergarten to fifth graders may attend either Kathleen H. Wilbur Elementary or Southern Elementary; the schools earned a B and B-minus grades, respectively, from Niche. These students move on to Gunning Bedford Middle, which has a B-minus grade. Older students travel 10 miles north to the district's only high school, William Penn High School, with a B on Niche. Ninth to twelfth graders will have a three-day class rotation consisting of two block scheduling days and one standard scheduling day. According to Niche, the local St. Georges Technical High is a vocational school among the state's top 10 public high schools.
"Locals have easy access because of the nearby highways, Delaware Route 1 and U.S. Route 13," Hill says. These thoroughfares lead to Wilmington and the rest of the region. The community is just over 15 miles from the Wilmington Airport. "Our tiny airport has inexpensive flights thanks to the Avelo Airlines. You can take a one-way flight to Florida and back for around $100," Hill says.
Residents must travel about 15 minutes to the nearest grocery store, Safeway, inside the Peoples Plaza shopping center. After picking up groceries, locals can visit McGlynns Pub for a casual experience. Those looking for a meal closer to home stop by St. George Country Store inside a 200-year-old building on Main Street. Contrary to the name, the establishment is a popular restaurant and bar serving Cajun-style comfort food with live music. For more shopping, locals travel to the largest retail hub in the state, Christiana Mall, about 10 miles north.
Bikers, pedestrians and wanderers can follow the Mike Castle Trail for relaxing views of the Delaware Canal. Lums Pond State Park is about five miles west of the community. The regional green space is a popular spot to enjoy the landscape through fishing and boating. The trail system also attracts equestrians and hikers. Canine residents and their human companions are often seen at the onsite dog park, while athletic locals enjoy the beach volleyball court and 18-hole disc golf course.
One of the most notable events during the year is the Saint George Blues Festival. The event is usually held during the summer at Fort DuPont State Park, about five miles east. According to Realtor Hill, St. Georges is seeing an influx of people moving into the area. "The community is near the state line, so people can easily relocate here for the lower property taxes while still having access to nearby friends and family," Hill says.
Named for a soldier in the Revolutionary War, Kirkwood is a rural community with suburban sensibilities just outside of Wilmington. Like many places in Delaware, a wealth of registered Historic Places are scattered around the lowland forests and marshes between residences. Most homes are a short drive away from beautiful parks and historical attractions all along the Delaware River.<br><br>Here you’ll find a community of wide rural streets fringed by vast green spaces and forested sections between suburban tracts. These tracts of single-family houses and town houses feature architectural styles that reflect the community’s traditional roots. The symmetrical exteriors and pitched roofing of Colonial-style homes are a common sight, featuring dormer windows and an overall simplistic design with common living spaces on the ground floor and bedrooms on the higher floors. Four-square and split-level homes are also scattered among the streetscape, though all homes typically offer spacious home lots with landscaped yards, single or multi-car garages and spacious floor plans. Sidewalks and bike paths connect neighbors to the lush parks and forest trails surrounding Kirkwood. Most homes are less than ten miles from Delaware City and less than 20 miles from Wilmington, both accessible via freeway and the DART public transport stations. Home prices vary depending on the age of the suburban tract; larger homes and those built less than ten years ago can range from $700,000 to as much as $1.0 million. In contrast, mid-level houses and town houses range from $330,000 to $550,000.<br><br>Kirkwood is only seven miles from the Delaware River, with several creeks and tributaries flowing toward the river through the community’s vast state parks. The Lums Pond State Park is built around the largest freshwater pond in the state, containing over seventeen miles of trails winding their way through verdant hardwood forests, a boathouse that offers several watercrafts available to rent, athletic fields and a nature center with live animal exhibits and a 500-gallon freshwater aquarium showcasing the fauna of the park. Fort Delaware State Park is one major attraction in Delaware City, a 288-acre park enclosing a fortress built by the United States Army in 1815 and utilized as a penal camp during the American Civil War. Kodiak Park features a large sports complex with several athletic fields perfect for community and rec league games.<br><br>Public school students are served by the Colonial and Christina School Districts, beginning their academic careers at primary schools like Southern Elementary. Students move on to intermediate and secondary institutions such as Gunning Bedford Middle and Glasgow High School. The latter high school has excellent athletic programs that have graduated basketball players and ice skaters.<br><br>Locals are a short drive away from shopping centers and retailers. Regional grocery stores Safeway will keep your kitchen stocked with fresh produce, bulk foodstuffs and other household necessities. Kirkwood’s niche retailers include First State Hobbies, a store specializing in remote-controlled vehicles, complete with an indoor racing track. Small boutiques and local restaurants are just a hop, skip and a jump away from most homes. Amore Pizza is a local pizza joint offering specialty pizza and an assortment of Italian-American fare. Grain H20 is a family-owned and community-conscious restaurant serving up classic American fare and craft beverages and donating over $40k to hundreds of community organizations.<br><br>Stylish homes and pristine natural surroundings make Kirkwood a worthy choice for a community to call home.
Property Mix - Square Feet
Newark Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
149,584
Median Age
37
Population under 18
23.2%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
16.6%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$74,534
On par with the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$97,890
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
92.8%
College Graduates
41.8%
Above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
17.7%
On par with the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
68%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
45''
Average Winter Low Temperature
26°F
Average Summer High Temperature
86°F
Annual Snowfall
11''
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®®
28/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®®
3/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the 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.
