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.
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.”
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.
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.
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.
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.
As the owner and broker of Foraker Realty Co., a locally owned boutique real estate firm, I’m passionate about helping clients successfully navigate the real estate market in Delaware, Pennsylvania, and Maryland. With over six years of experience in the industry, I specialize in facilitating the sale of residential properties, ensuring a smooth and personalized experience for every client.
At Foraker Realty, we pride ourselves on our commitment to excellence, innovation, and community. Our approach is rooted in a deep understanding of the local market, a dedication to staying ahead of industry trends, and a genuine desire to see our clients achieve their real estate goals. Whether you’re buying or selling, my team and I are here to guide you every step of the way.
I’m also deeply invested in supporting and mentoring new real estate agents, providing them with the tools and resources they need to succeed. My mission is to create an environment where both clients and agents can thrive, and I’m excited to help you turn your real estate dreams into reality.
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.
