Fairfax

Unpack, kick back and relax in Fairfax – a North Wilmington neighborhood seamlessly blending retail convenience, scenic state parks and cozy suburban living. "Fairfax homes are what people picture when they say they want a nice starter home for the family," says Associate Broker David Beaver from the Mottola Group of Compass Real Estate. "Plus, in that area, there's a lot of hiking and nature to explore which is an added benefit."

Most Fairfax streets have sidewalks that meet close-quartered houses from the 1950s through the '70s. Streets like Spalding Road imbue a magical feeling. Lined by mature trees on both sides, branches stretch overhead to create a canopied arch of green. Housing consists primarily of colonials, split-levels, and ranch-style homes with diverse sizing between 1,500 and 4,000 square feet. While no house is the same in Fairfax, many have idyllic features like short brick pathways, bay windows and small lampposts. You'll find most lawns ornamented with trimmed shrubs and bright gardens, and during the fall, colorful leaves scatter yards. Price ranges vary greatly, ranging anywhere between $300,000 and $750,000. "Even though prices are plateauing, the market remains a seller's market," Beaver says.

Students in Fairfax attend schools in the Brandywine School District, which Niche gave an overall A-minus and ranked in the site's top five school districts in Delaware. Local children typically start school at Lombardy Elementary School. Boasting an overall B-plus from Niche, Lombardy learners can participate in academic and creative activities like basketball leagues, Leader Corps and Lego club. Students progress to Springer Middle School which touts an overall B-plus from Niche. Students advance to Brandywine High School to get their degrees. The high school earned an overall B-plus from Niche and is home to almost 1,000 students.

Fairfax is home to the Alapocas Run State Park. Earning state-park status in 2002, Alapocas' natural amenities have attracted North Wilmington residents for decades. The park features the only natural rock-climbing wall in Delaware, drawing climbers and rappelers across the state to enjoy the adventure. The rock wall is also the site of introductory climbing classes open for you and your neighbors to enroll. Other park amenities include the Northern Delaware Greenway Trail, where you'll catch glimpses of rich flora and fauna, waterfalls and the eye-catching blue granite cliffs. Bring the kids to the Alapocas Can-Do Playground, specifically designed for children of all abilities. The 27,000-square-foot playground is circled by The Storybook Trail, telling bits of a story at different points along the trail. Park excitement continues with Bonsall Park, where you'll tennis courts, baseball fields and more.

Route 202 is Fairfax's primary thoroughfare – affording an exciting strip of shopping centers, service businesses and restaurants. The Fairfax Shopping Center is a popular retail and service center with a bank, pharmacy and well-known restaurants. Next to the shopping center is an ACME Market for your grocery shopping needs. Keep shopping at Independence Mall, where you'll find salons, clothing boutiques and highly regarded restaurants. And when you're looking for a bite to eat, options line Route 202. Start your day with breakfast and a specialty latte at Brew HaHa! or grab an award-winning burger at a Delaware favorite, The Charcoal Pit.

Within a half-mile south of Fairfax is the junction of Interstate 95 and Route 202, allowing for a quick commute to major nearby cities. Philadelphia is 30 miles north, and downtown Wilmington is just under 5 miles south. Area residents can access public transportation via Delaware's DART transit system. Bus route 2 travels up and down Concord Pike and is Fairfax residents' most used bus route. Locals have the security of the Nemours Children's Hospital nearby. The hospital is under 3 miles from most Fairfax residents.

Fairfax is also home to the Nemours Estate, a historic country estate with a grand 77-room mansion in its heart. The estate features 200 acres of French-inspired gardens with finely manicured landscaping, elaborate fountain pieces, and winding pebble paths. Locals attend Nemours events like the annual Halloween event, welcoming all ages for trick-or-treating, games, costumes and food. Another popular event includes Third Thursday, which invites you to enjoy live music, food trucks, wine and more. "Fairfax is a very accessible area. You're not far from great shopping and great restaurants," Beaver says. "Plus, it's a good spot for those working in Philly." Area residents bask in the convenience of Fairfax's central location while settling down in their cozy slice of suburbia.

Written By

Brennen Martin

Photography Contributed By

Conner Baker