Smyrna’s central location in Delaware, slightly over 10 miles north of the state capital of Dover, connects its residents to business centers in Wilmington and Newark. Steeped in more than 200 years of history, Smyrna continues to expand, but retains a quieter atmosphere than some of its city counterparts in Delaware. “Most people are coming here because they want to get away from the big city and the taxes,” says Robert C. Johnson, the city’s mayor, who grew up in Smyrna and has lived there most of his adult life. “They can get more house for their money. Some feel safer here for their children. It’s friendly. It’s a quiet community, that’s for sure, but people enjoy themselves.” Shipping and agriculture defined Smyrna’s early industries, and it has a number of structures listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Smyrna’s most magnetic qualities are its housing prices, which often fall between $300,000 and $400,000 for an array of single-family homes and townhouses, as well as its location. It sits about 10 miles north of Dover and under 40 miles south of Wilmington. “It’s more affordable than the rest of New Castle County,” Webber says. “Smyrna is partially in Kent and partially in New Castle County. It’s where people buy homes if they are a working couple, where one is in Wilmington and one is in Dover.” It’s mostly surrounded by farmland and rural roads, but the proximity isn’t sacrificed for a laid-back atmosphere. “You can’t have one without the other,” Webber says.
Smyrna currently hosts a population of over 13,000 in the central part of the state. “It's up-and-coming because New Castle County has already up-and-come,” Webber says. The central location also provides access to some of the popular beaches in Delaware. “Smyrna’s an exit off Route 1 that connects the beaches to the rest of the state. It does have a historic district, but no museums. It does have old houses.” Along with the beaches, it’s centrally located to multiple major cities. “We’re an hour from Philly, a little more than an hour from Baltimore and two hours from New York,” Mayor Johnson says. “We have Rehoboth Beach about 45 minutes away and Ocean City about an hour and a half away. We’re centrally located.”
Smyrna is a safe growing community steeped in history.
Historic and colorful homes can be found closer to the town center in Smyrna.
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Housing at a lower price than the national average
The cost of owning a home in Smyrna is a draw for prospective residents. The median price of single-family homes in Smyrna sits at almost $365,000, with many selling for between $350,000 and $450,000. “It’s affordable and where working couples go,” Webber says. “It’s a bargain when people are coming from Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Jersey or New York.” Colonials, Cape Cods and ranch-style homes are among the most common architecture in Smyrna. Townhouses, meanwhile, often cost between $300,000 and $350,000. “People come here from New York, and it’s like getting a raise for them,” Mayor Johnson says. “They also save on the insurance like another 30 percent when they move here.”
More expensive homes are found around Lake Como, where waterfront properties sometimes feature docks extending into the lake and often run $500,000 or as high as around $800,000. “You aren’t really going towards anything,” Webber says, referring to the rural surroundings around Smyrna, “but you’re going away from expense.” Most homes in Smyrna are new and date to after 2000, but a few properties go as far back as around 1900. “It does have a main street with houses that were built in the 1800s,” Webber says of the city, which was dubbed its current name in 1806. “The town was founded way before that. It’s not luxurious, but it’s the aging heart of where people live.”
Smyrna averages 45 inches of rainfall each year, above the national mean of 38, but receives far below than the nationwide average snowfall. Temperatures can near or exceed the 90-degree mark in the summers or dip close to 20 degrees in the winter.
Smyrna is bordered by Lake Como and provides a great place for waterfront homes.
Towering Victorian homes in Smyrna show the history of the area.
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Stores and eateries along Route 13
Most restaurants and major stores are concentrated along Route 13. Besides chain eateries, there are a few local restaurant staples, including the Smyrna Diner. The diner opened in 1956 and is a local favorite for comfort food, open 13 hours every day from morning to evening. “We have a good restaurant called Sweets and Treats. We also have Trevi Ristorante, but we still go to Dover and Christiana mainly,” Johnson says. An ACME Markets sits in the northern part of the city for grocery shoppers.
Dover, Christiana and Wilmington are where residents often travel for larger stores and bigger-ticket items. “The big-box stores are at the Christiana Mall, which is in northern New Castle County,” Webber says. “The Christiana Mall is one of the bigger malls on the east coast. It has everything from Costco and Target to movie theaters and more stuff than you know what to do with.” The mall is located where Interstate 95 and Route 1 meet and is the largest shopping complex in Delaware.
Smyrna locals can get all of their grocery needs at the Acme Market.
Locals can travel north for shopping from premier locations like Christiana Mall.
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Recreation at parks or Lake Como
Several parks sit within Smyrna, most prominently George C. Wright Jr. Municipal Park. Residents head to the park, named after the state’s first Black mayor, for its sports facilities, picnic areas, skate park and more. “We have a Juneteenth celebration there,” Johnson says, “and sometimes churches come and have service out there.” During the summer months, locals set their sights on Lake Como, which is open to the public, for its beaches, swimming and boating. Just across Route 1 to the east, Big Oak County Park sprawls across almost 100 acres and has sports fields, trails and fitness equipment, and golfers head south to Garrisons Lake Golf Club to hit its 18-hole course. “There’s scattered parks,” Webber says. “That’s really the best way to describe it.” Summer vacationers can also head to the famed Rehoboth Beach, just over 50 miles southeast.
Locals can work on their swing at Smyrna's Garrison Lake Golf Course.
Unique outdoor recreation opportunities can be found in Smyrna like the Galaxy Garden.
Enjoy plenty of green spaces in the areas around Smyrna.
Get in touch with the natural beauty of the area at Lake Como in Smyrna.
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A pair of major routes running through Smyrna
U.S. Route 13 and Route 1 nearly run parallel through or near much of Smyrna, crossing over each other in the northern area of the city. “13 moves pretty well,” Johnson says. “The only time you have traffic back up is when people go to the beach.” Both roads serve as the main thoroughfares in and out of town while running the entire length of the state, and both link the area with major cities like Dover and Wilmington. “If you go 10 miles south of Smyrna, you’re in Dover,” Webber says. “It’s the state capital and it’s in the middle of the state. It does have a major shopping district and a busy road, where you can find car dealerships and discount furniture stores.”
Smyrna operates as a small-town stop along the way to larger areas in Delaware. “If you’re looking at a map, it’s a little stop on the way to the beaches,” Webber says. “Route 1 really connects Interstate 95 to Dover and then the beaches.” DART buses run along Route 13 as well, providing public transportation. Farther away, Philadelphia sits about 70 miles north. Medical facilities are sparse, but ChristianaCare has an urgent care facility off Route 13. “There’s a couple emergency rooms and a couple remote doctor’s offices,” Webber says. “They’re operated by ChristianaCare, but those are remote.” ChristianaCare is also one of the largest employers statewide at more than 11,000.
Route 13 in Smyrna is home to most local businesses and dining options.
Route 1 provides easy commuting access from Smyrna to major cities in Delaware.
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Annual celebrations and parades
Given Smyrna’s status as a place people come to get away from it all, it’s not a hub of constant activity, but several annual events are always circled on locals’ calendars. The city has a close relationship and association with Clayton, which sits just west, and the pair of locales alternate routes between each other for a July 4 parade every Independence Day. Other yearly staples include Christmas celebrations, carnivals and more.
The annual Smyrna at Night is another local favorite, billed as a free concert extravaganza where shops host musicians on multiple stages. About 10 miles south down the road, on the northern outskirts of the state capital, NASCAR fans descend on Dover International Speedway once a year. There, stock car racing’s premier drivers compete on the 1-mile concrete oval for the famous “Miles the Monster” trophy.
A B-rated school district
Kids in the region can attend Smyrna School District, which Niche awards a B rating and encompasses five elementary schools, two middle schools and one high school. Niche also ranks the district as the best for athletes in the entire state. Less than 15 miles north, the St. Andrew’s School rates an A+ with Niche and is considered the best private high school in Delaware.
Primarily property crimes in Smyrna
According to FBI crime data, there are 32.5 violent offenses per month in Smyrna, compared to Delaware’s monthly average of 1,356.9. Property crimes tally about 26.3 a month, while there are 1,627.2 statewide per month on average. “We have crime like any other city,” Johnson says, “but we’re still nothing like Wilmington, Philly, New York or Dover.” For context, the national average number of violent crimes per month is 361,437.4, and the mean number of property crimes per month is 509,957.9.
Written By
Adam Cheek
Photography Contributed By
Conner Baker
Video By
Ruo Zheng
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Ryan Fitzwater,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Smyrna, DE sell after 48 days on the market compared to the national average of 54 days. The median sale price for homes in Smyrna, DE over the last 12 months is $389,000, up 3% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Appointments start Monday 3/9. The owners of this meticulously cared for home have done about $25,000 in upgrades/updates in the last year. ***2 bedroom, 2 bath, open floor living.***Features include***NEW STAINLESS STEEL RANGE, REFRIGERATOR, MICROWAVE and newer DISHWASHER***Large KITCHEN ISLAND for an extra work area and storage***GRANITE kitchen countertops***AMISH-built PANTRY and HALL CLOSET
The Oxford - TO BE BUILT. A large eat-in kitchen with granite counter tops, 2 story foyer and family room, formal living room and dining room. The first-floor study can easily be converted to an additional bedroom if needed. All bedrooms are generously sized with several different layouts for the master bedroom suite. All home sites are half acre lots with side turned garages and a stone water
Eden -NEW PHASE STARTING SOON!!!TO BE BUILT. Welcome to the Eden model in the sought-after Green Hill Farm community of Smyrna, DE! This stunning to-be-built Colonial-style home offers 4 spacious bedrooms and 2.5 luxurious baths across 3,268 sq. ft. of beautifully designed living space. The main level impresses with a formal dining room, spacious living and family rooms, and a modern kitchen with
Lakefront Living with a Private Dock & No HOA on .39 acres in Cottage Dale Acres! Welcome to your dream home on the shores of Lake Como! This stunning, Stover built home is nothing short of quality and has 3 bedrooms & 3 full baths. Built in 2017 it offers modern comfort, thoughtful upgrades, and the ultimate waterfront lifestyle with your very own private dock. Step inside from the covered front
Welcome to an exceptional contemporary-style home in the heart of Smyrna, DE—offering an incredible blend of space, modern upgrades, and income-producing potential. Situated on a generous 0.33-acre lot, this impressive property features a home with over $65,000 in upgrades already completed, making it truly move-in ready.Step inside to find fresh paint throughout and a fully finished basement
Fully Renovated Colonial Farmhouse – No HOA, Bring Your Boats & RVs!Step into timeless charm blended seamlessly with modern luxury in this beautifully renovated colonial farmhouse. This exceptional home features a beautiful gourmet kitchen designed for both everyday living and entertaining — showcasing stainless steel appliances, a double wall oven, an oversized island with a built-in wine
Showings only between NOON and 3PM --- Seller requests, showings for buyers who are financially approved. Anyway, this property is for sale again. FIVE UNIT apartment building. (This property is both MULTI FAMILY and the property is COMMERCIAL.) See pictures. Separate electric meters. Separate gas meters. Separate water heaters. Separate hot water circulating baseboard heat systems. Individual
Appointments start Monday 3/9. The owners of this meticulously cared for home have done about $25,000 in upgrades/updates in the last year. ***2 bedroom, 2 bath, open floor living.***Features include***NEW STAINLESS STEEL RANGE, REFRIGERATOR, MICROWAVE and newer DISHWASHER***Large KITCHEN ISLAND for an extra work area and storage***GRANITE kitchen countertops***AMISH-built PANTRY and HALL CLOSET
Welcome to this charming Colonial nestled in a highly desirable neighborhood in Smyrna, Delaware! Situated on a generous 1/3 acre lot, this delightful home offers classic character with thoughtful updates and inviting outdoor spaces. Inside, you’ll find original hardwood floors that flow throughout much of the home, creating a warm and timeless feel. The home features a large Kitchen with plenty
Welcome to 490 Fletcher Dr in the highly sought-after Northridge community — an estate-style 5-bedroom home offering space, character, and beautiful updates throughout.Curb appeal shines with a winding interlocking brick driveway, brick steps, paver walkway, covered front porch, and striking hardscaping framed by lighted brick pillars. Inside, you’re greeted by rich natural wood trim, crown
Discover refined living in this exquisite, 5 year old luxury residence—move-in ready and offering all the sophistication of a custom home without the wait. Thoughtfully designed with upscale finishes and modern conveniences, this 5-bedroom, 3 1/2-bathroom home is located in one of the most desirable communities celebrated for its tranquil surroundings and proximity to retail and dining
Looking for an affordable, new home without the wait? Here's your chance! This home is less than 3 years young, in the quiet 55+, highly secluded rear section of Ridgewood Manor, just off of Rt 13 and close to shopping & healthcare. The corner, premium lot features a custom ordered 14x10 shed to perfectly match the home. Sit back and relax with your morning coffee on the low-maintenance front
Quick Delivery Home – The Wakefield BThis beautifully appointed Wakefield B offers a perfect blend of style and comfort. The home features upgraded flooring throughout the main floor, enhanced cabinetry, and upgraded countertops that elevate the kitchen’s design, complemented by a larger center island ideal for cooking, gathering, and entertaining. A bright and inviting sunroom fills the home
With 3,000 square feet of living space, the Hancock is one of our best sellers. This impressive home features four bedrooms and two and one-half bathrooms, built around a centrally located kitchen and a charming breakfast nook. The GOURMET kitchen is a cook's dream, complete with all stainless steel appliances- a double wall oven, cooktop, and dishwasher—42" cabinets with crown molding and
The Jefferson, an impressive ranch home, features single-level living with three bedrooms and two full baths. This home includes nine-foot ceilings, an amazing kitchen, a large family room, and a formal dining room. The owner's suite includes a walk-in closet, a luxury bath with a garden tub, dual vanities, and a water closet.The photos are of a similar home. They are for marketing purposes
Sunnyside Apartments is located just off of Rt 1 in Smyrna, DE. Making an easy drive to Wilmington, Dover, or the beaches. Rent starting at $1460! Sunnyside Apartments offers 1, 2 and 3 bedroom apartment homes, as well as 3 bedroom town homes. Our apartments in Smyrna, Delaware have something for everyone, within a 5 mile radius of Food Lion, ALDI, Acme, Wawa with gas station, day cares, gyms,
New Rental Listing in the Village of Garrison Lake – Smyrna, Delaware Now available in the desirable Village of Garrison Lake community in Smyrna, Delaware. This well-located home offers convenient access to major highways, local hospitals, and Dover Air Force Base. Commuting north or heading toward the Delaware beaches is simple and convenient. Situated on a cul-de-sac, the property features a
Governors Place Townhomes, located in Smyrna with its historic charm and serene setting, offers a great place to live, for the perfect price, in the ideal location. A townhouse community offering 1, 2, and 3 bedroom units, Governor’s Place offers a contemporary look and a great Smyrna location with a municipal park, shopping and schools, all within walking distance.
Beautiful 4Bdr, 2 Bath home in a great quiet community. Short distance to all you need. Come see it and make it your new home. Please call agent or make your appointment in ShowingTimes.
Christina Apartments is located just off of Rt 1 in Smyrna, DE. Making an easy drive to Wilmington, Dover, or the beaches. Rents starting at $1460! Sunnyside Apartments offers 1, 2 and 3 bedroom apartment homes. Our apartments in Smyrna, Delaware have something for everyone, within a 5 mile radius of Food Lion, ALDI, Acme, Wawa with gas station, day cares, gyms, nail salons, and plenty more!
Move-in-ready 3-bedroom, 1.5-bath two-story Colonial tucked away on a quiet cul-de-sac! A bright, open foyer welcomes you into the home, featuring new luxury vinyl plank flooring throughout and an updated kitchen with granite countertops, abundant cabinetry, and a gas range. The open kitchen layout overlooks the living room, creating a great flow for everyday living and entertaining. The main
Property Id: 2344646Welcome home to this inviting ranch offering a bright, comfortable layout and generous living spaces throughout. A large formal dining room provides the perfect setting for gatherings, while the spacious kitchen offers plenty of room to prepare and cook. The oversized living room is filled with natural light from abundant windows, creating a warm and welcoming
This is a turn key 4 bedroom, 3.5 bath home in Smyrna, sitting on .39 acres and a premium corner lot! This property is conveniently located close to major highways for easy commutes as well local dining, shopping, and entertainment. The home boasts a 2 car attached garage, partially fenced in backyard, and partially finished basement! When you walk in the front door, you have a grand 2 story
Property Id: 672705Newly renovated large one bedroom apartment. New appliances, new cabinets and counter tops. In unit washer-dryer. Bedroom 10x13, large walk-in closet 3.5'x7.5'. Open concept. Second floor unit, privately owned building. off-street parking.
This lovely 3 bedroom with master bathroom, 2nd full bathroom, the garage was converted to a family room, 2 car parking and street parking, rear yard. gas cooking and heating . Available March - No pets, secure deposit equals 1 month rent.
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