Whether you love the beaches, ponds, forests or urban life, Delaware has a town for you. These 8 best Delaware towns, listed below fall into a category of "practically perfect" - they aren't so big that you'll get lost in the crowd, but they aren't too small, where there's nothing to do. These towns will keep you entertained (and well fed!) for as long as you'd like.
1. Selbyville, Popluation ~2,100
Selbyville is the perfect town! It's close enough to the beaches that you can go any time you want, the restaurants in town serve up fresh caught seafood, and you don't have to deal with your town's population swelling tremendously during the summer months. This is the best of both words, with a population of just about 2,100 residents.
2. Delaware City, Population ~1,700
Delaware City is full of great restaurants like Lewinsky's on Clinton and Crabby Dick's in the old Delaware City Hotel. If you're looking for a little staycation in northern Delaware, Delaware City's population 1,700 residents will welcome you into their little historic town.
3. Lewes, Population ~2,700
Lewes might just be the greatest little city in the world. With about 2,700 residents (but a sizeable summer population), you'll find plenty of dining options, recreation, shopping - and of course, the world-class beaches at Cape Henlopen State Park.
4. Laurel, Population ~3,700
Historic Laurel was once an important shipbuilding town, and now it's home to lots of small businesses, great restaurants, and Delaware's best state park at Trap Pond. The entire town of Laurel is surrounded by natural beauty - from downtown on Broad Creek to the lakes and forests surrounding the neighborhoods.
5. Delmar, Population ~1,600
Just 1,600 people live in this town that is right on the border of - you guessed it - Delaware and Maryland. You'll find one of the best crab houses around right in Delmar, as well as plenty of shopping in quaint boutiques, and you're only a short drive from your favorite beach.
6. New Castle, Population ~5,200
Historic New Castle is one of the most exciting towns in the state! This is for sure one of the best Delaware towns for history buffs, because most of the buildings downtown date back to colonial days. You can even dine in a colonial restaurant - Jessop's Tavern. I highly recommend visiting if you've never been.
7. Fenwick Island, Population ~400
Fenwick Island is the smallest town on our list, with a year round population of about 400 residents. That doesn't mean its the sleepiest town, though - no way. With some of the best seafood restaurants (Harpoon Hannah's, Catch 54 and more) as well as a serene state park that brings you the best of Delaware beaches, you will never want to leave.
8. Milton, Population ~2,600
Milton might be Delaware's quirkiest town, thanks in part to the establishment of Delaware's top brewery, Dogfish Head. Tour the factory and then go for lunch downtown - you'll enjoy water views and the peacefulness that a small Delaware town brings.
What's your favorite Delaware town? Do you prefer the bustling life in New Castle County, or would you rather be out in the farmlands of Sussex County? I spend most of my time nowadays upstate, but sometimes I remind myself of the Reasons Why It Is Better To Live In Slower Lower Delaware...
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