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Downtown Wilmington

Downtown Wilmington

Neighborhood in Wilmington, Delaware

New Castle County 19801

$191,572 Average Value
$156 Average Price per Sq Ft
40 Homes For Sale

A hub of business and culture in northern Delaware

The beating heart of Delaware’s largest city, Downtown Wilmington serves as a centerpiece of industry accompanied by a vibrant scene of arts and culture. Situated where the Christina River and Brandywine Creek flow together, the neighborhood is part of the site of North America’s first Swedish settlement, and echoes of over 300 years of history reverberate to the present day. “You can see everything from an art loop to bar crawls along with that history,” says Will Webber, a licensed Realtor and broker with Keller Williams Realty. “There were places built along the Brandywine and Delaware Rivers for World War II, and there is a port.” Many financial and credit card companies call Delaware home, earning the state the nickname of “Corporate Capital of the World” due to its popularity as a site for business incorporation. Its central location is popular with commuters, as Philadelphia and Baltimore are both within driving distance. Shoppers from out of state often travel to The First State as well, as Delaware lacks a local or statewide sales tax. “People will come to Delaware to buy appliances,” Webber says. “It’s cheaper to pay a bridge toll than it is to pay a 6% tax.”

Historic housing lines narrow downtown streets

Townhouses are far and away the most common style of housing found in Downtown Wilmington, but the landscape changes significantly as the city expands off the river. “Townhouses are more around the city center,” say Webber, who has 36 years of experience in the industry. “As it branches out, you get into the single-family homes.” Within the city, the townhouses are often priced between $100,000 and $300,000, but most residents who work in the city live outside its limits. “Maybe some banking employees, but not many residents who work in the city live there,” Webber says. “There are people who can walk to work, but I wouldn’t call it a frequent thing.” Most of the townhouses in Downtown Wilmington date to 1900 or before, including some as far back as the 1870s. “You’ll see 100- or 150-year-old houses that have small rooms,” Webber says. “You need to be able to drive to get around, but they don’t have driveways or garages. Wilmington is walkable by accident.” The preserved Colonial buildings add to the neighborhood’s historic charm. Crime in Downtown Wilmington rates at a CAP crime score of 8 out of 10, double the national average of 4.

Brick townhomes are a common sight on many streets throughout Downtown Wilmington.
Brick townhomes are a common sight on many streets throughout Downtown Wilmington.
Colorful twin homes are common in Downtown Wilmington.
Colorful twin homes are common in Downtown Wilmington.
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Riverfront restaurants with water views

Most dining in Downtown Wilmington is concentrated around the waterfront. Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant and Del Pez Riverfront pour drinks for patrons near a bend in the river, while Constitution Yards’ beer garden accommodates patrons close by. Docklands Riverfront and Big Fish Grill on the Riverfront live up to their monikers, offering views of the Christina flowing by. “There are restaurants, but there’s a lot of turnover,” Webber says. “Restaurants don’t always thrive because you can rent the building, but don’t have parking.” Less than 10 miles south, the Christiana Mall serves as the area’s most prominent retail outlet and is home to JCPenney, Macy’s and more. Over 150 storefronts fill the complex, including shopping, dining and entertainment options, and the mall is surrounded by additional retail. “In the same area, there are some big big-box stores,” Webber says. “You’d be amazed at how many people come to the big-box stores to spend their money, because Delaware doesn’t have a sales tax.” The ShopRite of Christina Crossing sits just south across the river, while the Riverfront Market is situated within the neighborhood.

In summer, Docklands Riverfront’s outdoor bar is popular with Downtown Wilmington folks.
In summer, Docklands Riverfront’s outdoor bar is popular with Downtown Wilmington folks.
Try something new from one of the many vendors in the Riverfront Market.
Try something new from one of the many vendors in the Riverfront Market.
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Green spaces along the river

Downtown Wilmington’s recreational offerings are highlighted by several parks situated on the water. On the Christina River, Christina Park encompasses sports fields, picnic areas and fishing opportunities, while Tubman-Garrett Riverfront Park is the site of marathons and music festivals. To the north, on the Brandywine Creek, H. Fletcher Brown Park offers views of the river and Kirkwood Park accommodates walkers on a network of trails. The rivers themselves are popular for paddling and fishing. Just north, across the creek, the Brandywine Zoo visitors can see myriad creatures from around the world, ranging from lemurs to pythons. The Jack A. Markell Trail runs for over five miles south, linking the riverfront with New Castle Battery Park. “It goes all the way to New Castle with almost zero car traffic,” Webber says. “It goes through nature preserves, a park and the space between neighborhoods.” A river walk runs along the Christina, and the 7th Street Skatepark sits in the curve of the Brandywine.

The Riverwalk in Downtown Wilmington is a peaceful place to walk along the Christina River.
The Riverwalk in Downtown Wilmington is a peaceful place to walk along the Christina River.
The setting sun can be seen reflecting off of office buildings in Downtown Wilmington.
The setting sun can be seen reflecting off of office buildings in Downtown Wilmington.
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Convenient access to I-95

Interstate 95 comprises the western side of Downtown Wilmington, creating a boundary between the city and the suburbs that expand beyond it to the west. The city also marks the rough beginning of the upper third of I-95’s breadth. “Interstate 95 drives right through the heart of Wilmington,” Webber says. “Lots of people think they haven’t been to Delaware, but they have. You just didn’t know you were in it.” Philadelphia is about 30 miles up the coast of the Delaware River, while Baltimore is about 75 miles southwest. Both New York City and Washington, D.C. are over 100 miles away. The state capital is about 50 miles south. “If you want to go south to Dover, go back to the Christiana Mall and turn left,” Webber says. DART provides both bus and rail transportation, and Wilmington Airport offers Avelo Airlines flights to destinations on the east coast. Medical care is another hallmark of the Downtown Wilmington area. “There’s a world-famous children’s hospital in Wilmington,” Webber says of Nemour’s Children’s Hospital. “There’s all kinds of cancer research. One of the bigger and better-equipped veteran’s hospitals is just outside of Wilmington. There are reasons to live here for medical care and, of course, affordable shopping.” ChristianaCare Wilmington Hospital is located in the northern part of the neighborhood.

Baseball, theater and more near the river

Since 1993, the Wilmington Blue Rocks have played High-A minor-league baseball at Daniel S. Frawley Stadium in southern Downtown Wilmington. The team is currently the affiliate of the Washington Nationals, and notable alumni from the Blue Rocks’ more than 30 years of existence include Johnny Damon, Zack Greinke and Salvador Perez. Just north of the stadium, Penn Cinema Riverfront 14 offers an IMAX theater. “The IMAX theater is where you go if you want the floor to rumble,” Webber says. "It’s quite an experience.” The neighborhood is also dotted with performance spaces, galleries and theaters, which contribute to the vibrant culture of the area. The Queen is a former hotel and movie theater that eventually evolved into a live event venue, and is the site of live concerts and other shows. Residents can also attend shows at the Grand Opera House. When Independence Day rolls around, the city marks the 4th of July with festivities and fireworks on the waterfront. The Delaware Contemporary, the Delaware Children’s Museum and the Delaware Theatre Company are also popular outlets for art, interactive exhibits and stage productions.

The Queen Theater sits on a revitalized part of Market Street in Downtown Wilmington.
The Queen Theater sits on a revitalized part of Market Street in Downtown Wilmington.
Frawley Stadium hosts Blue Rocks baseball just outside of Downtown Wilmington.
Frawley Stadium hosts Blue Rocks baseball just outside of Downtown Wilmington.
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Career-focused programs at Howard High

Within the Christina School District, students can attend the recently-opened Bancroft School, which scores a C-minus with Niche and spans first through ninth grade. High school options in the area include the Howard High School of Technology, which receives a B-minus from Niche. Graduates of Howard can receive career certificates, and programs at the school include health services, construction focuses and business.

Adam Cheek
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Adam Cheek
Joe Pulcinella
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Agents Specializing in this Area

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Schools

Source:
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. View GreatSchools Rating Methodology

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Temetris Hollis-Britt, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

Philadelphia International

33 min drive

Train

Wilmington

Bus

Walnut St & 14th St

Bus

4th St & Monroe St

Bus

Justison St & Hollingsworth Ave

Bus

4th St & Op Spruce St

Bus

10th St & Walnut St

Bus

West St & Water St

Bus

Church St & Op Curlett St

Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime Downtown Wilmington US
Homicide 9 4
Sexual Assault 6 4
Assault with Weapon 8 4
Robbery 9 4
Burglary 7 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 7 4
Larceny 8 4
Crime Score 8 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Demographics and Home Trends

Home Trends

Median Price (12 Mo)
$204,950
Median Single Family Price
$195,000
Median Townhouse Price
$215,000
Median 2 Bedroom Price
$300,000
Median 1 Bedroom Price
$255,000
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$156
Number of Homes for Sale
40
Last 12 months Home Sales
130
Months of Supply
3.70
Median List Price
$214,500
Median Discount From 1st List Price
0%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
21%

Home Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
2,631
Median Year Built
1900
Avg. Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,333
Significantly below the national average
1,935
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
1,837
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,254
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
980
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
1,306

Open Houses

  • Saturday, Apr 26
    12 - 2pm

    12 W Mccaulley Ct, Wilmington, DE 19801

    $275,000

    • 3 Beds
    • 4 Baths
    • 1,970 Sq Ft
    • 12 W Mccaulley Ct
    • New 2 days ago

    Welcome to 12 W. McCaulley Court – a well-maintained 3-bedroom, 2 full and 2 half-bath townhomes located in the desirable McCaulley Court community. This home offers a perfect blend of spacious living and city convenience, just minutes from Wilmington’s business district. Step inside to a welcoming foyer that leads down the hall to access the convenient one-car garage, a laundry room, a powder

    Rakan Abuzahra Keller Williams Realty Wilmington

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Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Temetris Hollis-Britt, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Average Home Value




Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Renters

Demographics

Total Population
15,522
Median Age
36
Population Density
16 ppl/acre
Population under 18
27%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
14.4%
On par with the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$35,693
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$51,835

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
86.3%
College Graduates
22.5%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
8.5%
On par with the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
62.9%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
45''
Average Winter Low Temperature
26°F
Average Summer High Temperature
86°F
Annual Snowfall
1''

Area Factors

Bikeable

Bike Score®

55 / 100

Walker's Paradise

Walk Score®

90 / 100

Good Transit

Transit Score®

62 / 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score

Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.

Nearby Neighborhoods

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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.
NEIGHBORHOOD
Downtown Wilmington