Dewey Beach is a lively coastal town known for its beautiful beaches, friendly community, and energetic coastal lifestyle. Located just south of Rehoboth Beach, it offers the perfect mix of relaxation and recreation, drawing both year-round residents and seasonal visitors who love being close to the ocean.

Info

What to know

  • Population 353 at the 2020 census
  • Area 0.33  sq mi
  • Dewey Beach is also a well-known skimboarding destination
  • The NRDC awarded Dewey Beach with a 5-Star rating in water quality.

Community

Why Homebuyers Choose Wilmington

  • Ideal for buyers who want a coastal lifestyle that balances small-town charm, beach access, and a lively community atmosphere.

Lifestyle

Take life to the next level

  • Featuring waterfront restaurants, local shops, and a vibrant nightlife scene along Coastal Highway. Residents enjoy a strong sense of community, with events like the annual Dewey Beach Music Festival, the Dogfish Dash, and weekly beach cleanups fostering local pride and connection.

Neighborhoods

Rehoboth by the Sea

Description:
Located at the north end of Dewey Beach, Rehoboth by the Sea is one of the area’s most recognizable and historic neighborhoods. It offers a mix of classic beach cottages and modern coastal homes, all within walking distance of both the ocean and Rehoboth Bay.

Housing style & price:
A combination of mid-century cottages, renovated beach homes, and new luxury builds. Median home prices typically range from $800K–$1.5M.

Advantages:
Easy walk to the beach, restaurants, and the Rehoboth–Dewey connector trail. Established community with strong rental potential.

Considerations:
Lots are smaller; summer traffic and rental activity can make the area busier during peak months.

Best for:
Buyers seeking classic coastal living with convenient access to the best of both Rehoboth and Dewey Beach.

Bayfront

Description:
Stretching along Rehoboth Bay, Bayfront neighborhoods in Dewey Beach offer scenic water views, boat access, and a peaceful setting away from the main strip. These homes combine resort-style amenities with private, bayfront tranquility.

Housing style & price:
Primarily custom single-family homes and townhouses with decks, docks, and outdoor entertaining spaces. Median prices generally range from $1.2M–$2M+.

Advantages:
Private docks, sunset views, and access to kayaking, boating, and fishing. Quiet atmosphere year-round.

Considerations:
Limited inventory; higher insurance costs for waterfront properties.

Best for:
Buyers who value luxury bayfront living with water access and a peaceful, scenic environment.

    Silver Lake Shores

    Description:
    Located at the northern edge of Dewey and extending toward Rehoboth, Silver Lake Shores offers a quiet residential setting with easy access to both the ocean and Silver Lake. Its serene location attracts full-time residents looking for a blend of nature and convenience.

    Housing style & price:
    Primarily single-family homes and townhouses built between the 1980s and 2000s. Median home prices range from $700K–$1.1M.

    Advantages:
    Peaceful atmosphere, lake access, and proximity to both Rehoboth Beach and Dewey’s shops and dining.

    Considerations:
    Limited new construction; some homes may need updates.

    Best for:
    Homebuyers seeking a quieter, nature-focused community near the heart of coastal activity.

      Lighthouse Cove

      Description:
      Lighthouse Cove is a modern bayfront community offering a resort-style lifestyle in the heart of Dewey Beach. With its proximity to restaurants, shopping, and entertainment, it’s perfect for those seeking both comfort and convenience.

      Housing style & price:
      Features contemporary condos and townhomes built in the 2010s with luxury finishes and bay views. Prices typically range from $900K–$1.6M.

      Advantages:
      Private pool, fitness center, and direct access to Dewey Bay and the Hyatt Place hotel amenities. Walkable to everything in town.

      Considerations:
      Condo association fees can be higher; limited privacy during tourist season.

      Best for:
      Buyers who want low-maintenance, upscale living in a central Dewey Beach location.

      School Districts

      Cape Henlopen School District

      Cape Henlopen School District serves Milton, Lewes, Rehoboth Beach, and surrounding areas of eastern Sussex County. Known for its high-performing schools, strong community support, and coastal connection, the district emphasizes both academic excellence and whole-child development.

      Highlights:

      • Schools: H.O. Brittingham Elementary (Milton), Milton Elementary, Mariner Middle School, and Cape Henlopen High School.
      • Programs: Offers extensive Advanced Placement (AP) options, dual enrollment with Delaware Tech and the University of Delaware, and specialized programs in STEM, arts, and environmental science.
      • Community Focus: The district is deeply involved with local organizations, offering coastal conservation projects and community-based learning.
      • Strengths: Consistently ranks among Delaware’s top-performing districts, with modern facilities, including a newly built high school campus.
      • Ideal For: Families seeking strong academics, active community involvement, and access to both traditional and innovative learning opportunities near the coast.

      Sussex Technical School District

      The Sussex Technical School District provides a career and technical education model that prepares students for both the workforce and higher education. Its flagship school, Sussex Technical High School, attracts students countywide, including those from Milton, offering hands-on training alongside strong academic instruction.

      Highlights:

      • Schools: Sussex Technical High School (grades 9–12).
      • Programs: Offers over 20 technical areas of study, including healthcare, construction, automotive technology, engineering, culinary arts, and information technology. Students can earn industry certifications and college credits through partnerships with Delaware Technical Community College and other institutions.
      • Community Focus: Maintains close partnerships with local employers, ensuring students gain real-world experience through internships and cooperative work placements. The district also promotes leadership and community service through student organizations like SkillsUSA.
      • Strengths: Exceptional graduation and job placement rates, state-of-the-art facilities, and a reputation for producing skilled, career-ready graduates.
      • Ideal For: Students and families seeking a hands-on, career-focused education that balances academics with technical expertise and professional development..