Carrcroft

Under 5 miles North of downtown Wilmington, Carrcroft is a centrally located community near state parks, shopping centers and major highways. “The biggest selling point here is the location,” says Realtor Eric Buck of Long and Foster Real Estate. “You’re close to many local amenities, shopping downtown, and many people like to go to Philly because it’s so close.”

In this Wilmington suburb, the bigger the house, the heftier the price tag. Houses near the Rock Manor Golf Course are about 3,000 square feet, costing around $600,000. There are ample homes priced lower, between $300,000 and $500,000, with a 1,500-square-foot average. You’ll find a lot of ranch-style, split-levels and both traditional and contemporary colonials that bode the architectural flair of the 1950s, ‘60s and ’70s. “The market is hot right now,” Buck says, “everyone is coming here because of the area’s affordability.”

Students in Carrcroft attend schools under the highly rated Brandywine School District. Niche ranked the school district in the top five best in Delaware, giving them an overall A-minus. Students first attend Carrcroft Elementary School, advancing to Springer Middle School, both of which earned an overall B-plus from Niche. Most students progress to Mount Pleasant High School, which boasts an overall A-minus on Niche and is the first school in the state to host the International Baccalaureate program.

Carrcroft is a haven of outdoor recreation, assuring diverse natural adventures. Brimming with amenities, Bellevue State Park is a Northern Wilmington treasure. Bring your fishing poles and cast a line in the Bellevue Pond, get your steps in on the various hiking trails or practice your swing at the Bellevue Tennis Center. Local athletes commonly practice at Carrcroft’s own Talley Day Park. You’ll find basketball and tennis courts and baseball and soccer fields. Featuring a large playground, Talley Day is also a great spot to bring the kids. Other options for the kids include the accessible Can-Do Playground, a 26,000-square-foot space designed for children of all abilities.

For a change of scenery, check out the picturesque Nemours Estate outside Carrcroft. Explore the estate’s centerpiece, a 77-room mansion embodying classic European architecture. Surrounding the mansion are 200 acres of French-inspired gardens with scenic landscaping. The estate often has events like Third Thursdays, which features live music, drinks and food trucks.

Carrcroft has two primary shopping centers, Branmar Plaza and Independence Mall. Residents will likely head to Branmar Plaza to grab groceries at the ACME Market, head to Walgreens for pharmaceutical needs or get a bite at El Diablo Burritos. The restaurant has several options but is known for its build-your-own burritos filled with tasty ingredients. For more shopping and dining options, head to Independence Mall. The mall’s architecture and central clock tower serve as a nod to colonial America and is home to various fashion boutiques, salons and fine dining. Beneath the clock tower is Independence Mall’s biggest draw, The Melting Pot - an upscale fondue spot known for its cheeses and chocolates.

“Delaware is pretty small, so travel in and out of the state is pretty common,” Buck says. “I-95 is right there, making for an easy commute out of state.” Carrcroft directly borders Interstate 95, so those that need to reach Pennsylvania and New Jersey have a proximal access point. Public transportation is available via Delaware’s DART transit system. DART bus routes pass through and around Carrcroft at many points. Only a few miles from the Delaware-Pennsylvania state line, Carrcroft sports a central address close to daily essentials and fun recreation.

Written By

Brennen Martin

Photography Contributed By

Conner Baker