Townsend offers a laid-back alternative to surrounding cities
About half an hour south of Wilmington, Townsend attracts residents looking for a break from the fast-paced metro areas nearby. “We get lots of people from New York and Philly,” says Kelly Clark, a Crown Homes Real Estate Realtor. “There’s a real sense of community here that you don’t get in cities.” Founded in the late 1800s, Townsend has a history of a small-town atmosphere, even after the population increased by nearly 500% during the early 2000s. “It’s definitely a boom town,” says Clark, who has lived there since 2017. “But it still retains that sense of family and fellowship — you can experience it right from your front porch.” Access to highly rated public schools and proximity to shopping and restaurants are other factors that attract potential homeowners.
You can escape the city for a small town feel in Townsend.
Townsend was established in Delaware in the year 1885.
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Both new construction and historic homes are available
Central Townsend represents the town's historic origins, with sidewalks that give the area lots of walkability. Many homes here are well over 100 years old, with modern renovations. Depending on condition, they’re priced between the low $200,000s and the low $300,000s. Well-maintained midcentury homes are common on the east side of town, generally fetching prices ranging from the high $200,000s to the high $300,000s. Twenty-first-century neo-traditional homes fill the area’s western outskirts, with prices that start in the high $300,000s and peak in the high $500,000s. “Even with the new construction, it’s not all built up,” says Clark. “You’re still surrounded by farms.”
Traditional style homes can be found throughout Townsend as well for those looking for newer builds.
Gorgeous older homes that date back to 1910 in Townsend have plenty of character.
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Odessa High School is part of a large public school campus
Students usually start at Townsend Elementary School, which has an A rating from Niche. From there, they’ll head to Everett Meredith Middle School before enrolling at Odessa High School. Both of these schools have a B-plus. “OHS is a newer school with a huge campus,” says Clark. “You drive up there and swear you’re at a college.” In 2025, OHS’s Future Farmers Association and Agriscience Team won the Delaware Envirothon.
Townsend Elementary School builds strong foundations for young learners.
Everett Meredith Middle School has 810 students in grades 6-8.
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Family friendly celebrations for all seasons
Townsend’s Jazz Festival and Fair entertains locals every summer with live music, attractions and street food vendors. Christmas In Odessa is a holiday tradition that invites visitors to take self-guided tours of historic homes and public buildings. Guests can take breaks between visits with performances at St. Paul’s Church from local choirs. The event culminates in the city’s tree-lighting ceremony.
Lots of shopping and restaurant options in Odessa and Middletown
While Townsend has a small assortment of options like Dollar General and Walgreens, Clark says most shopping is done in Odessa or Middletown, each about 5 miles north. Franchises like Michaels, Aldi and Walmart are in a shopping center just off Middletown Warwick Road. Opened in 1822, Cantwell’s Tavern puts a gourmet slant on comfort food with beef Wellington eggrolls, short rib stroganoff and oyster shooters. Lorenzo’s offers pizza, wings, sandwiches and several appetizers for delivery or takeout.
One of the only stores you will find in Townsend is a Dollar General, which is within walking distance of most homes.
Townsend locals can head to the well known Cantwell's Tavern for tasty pub grub in a building that dates back to 1822.
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Outdoor entertainment and sports like fishing and golf
Townsend Municipal Park has open fields and hills, playground equipment, tennis courts and a skate park. About 5 miles away is St. Anne’s, a private golf club with a pool, beer garden and highlands pub. Wiggins Mill Pond is 25 acres in size and popular with anglers who come to try their luck and skill against bass and bluegills.
Book a tee time at the St. Annes Golf Links located just a few miles from Townsend.
Tire out the tykes on the playground at Townsend Municipal Park.
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Straightforward access to Interstate 95
Delaware Route 1 is the area’s main highway, connecting to Interstate 95 to access Wilmington, Philadelphia and Washington. Though the town is fairly walkable, public transportation is unavailable, so trips further afield require a car.
Regular activities from the Townsend Church
Townsend Church is actively involved in the community, hosting events like flea markets, retreats, picnics and flag football. The church also hosts week-long summer camps for elementary, middle and high school-age children.
Written By
Phil Keeling
Photography Contributed By
Bill Marrs
Video By
Derek Fowler
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Neil Douen,
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 Townsend, DE sell after 62 days on the market compared to the national average of 50 days. The median sale price for homes in Townsend, DE over the last 12 months is $471,950, up 7% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
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