Here at Only in Delaware, we've raved about Delaware's small town life more than once, and that's because this state screams "Small Town USA." With only 57 incorporated areas, and with the vast number of them with populations that are only four digits long (according to the 2010 census), it's no doubt that for many places in Delaware, it's a little like the TV show "Cheers" - where everyone knows your name. Here are 10 of Delaware's smallest towns where we bet that's the case.
1. Hartly, Population 74
Hartly has experienced population decline in the last few decades and is now the smallest of Delaware's incorporated areas at less than 100 people, and only 0.1 square miles. But that doesn't stop the town from socializing, especially around the holidays to decorate and light up a town tree and have a visit from the North Pole.
2. Farmington, Population 110
LIke many other tiny towns in Delaware, much of the activity revolves around the volunteer fire company and churches in town.
3. Viola, Population 157
Viola is another one of Delaware's small towns that sits along railroad tracks that were built back in the 1800s to transport goods and people up and down the state. Today, the tracks still exist, along with a post office....and that's about it.
4. Bethel, Population 171
The entire town of Bethel--all 0.4 square miles of it--is listed on the National Historic Register. It owes much of its heritage to being a ship building community in the 1800s.
5. Leipsic, Population 183
Leipsic has all that a small Delaware waterfront community needs: a bait shop, a marina, a sandwich shop and a tavern. Locals and tourists alike belly up to the bar or a newspaper covered table at Sambo's Tavern to pick crabs and tip a cold one back.
6. Slaughter Beach, Population 207
Nevermind the creepy name, year-round residents of Slaughter mostly have a strong tie to the water and family tie to the community. Locals can spot the visitors who are just there for the great bird watching and horseshoe crab phenomenon each spring.
7. Little Creek, Population 224
If you drive along Route 9 west of Dover, you'll drive straight through the tiny town of Little Creek. Much of the town's activity revolves around the bustling Fire Company, its volunteer force and the social events hosted there.
8. Kenton, Population 261
Kenton actually has a stop light at the main intersection--a huge deal for such a small town. At the four corners is a country store where you can get gas, groceries, sandwiches from the deli, and get the scoop on the town.
9. Bower Beach, Population 335
Bowers seems to be split into two smaller subsets: those who have bay beach bungalos as a little get-away, and those who make their living off the water. The docks in town are where you'll find the locals.
10. Houston, Population 374
Delawareans know that this town is pronounced "How-ston" not like the city of Houston, Texas.
I've lived in the same Delaware community in my entire life and there most people still know me by name. Do you experience the same?
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