Located in New Castle County, Newark is about 12 miles west of Wilmington and near the Maryland state line. Best known as the home of the University of Delaware, Newark blends the energy of a college town with the warmth of a close-knit suburban community. Founded in 1758, the city has deep historical roots yet continues to evolve as a center for education, research, and small-business development.

Info

What to know

  • Population 31,000 at the 2020 census
  • Median Household Income: Around $75,000
  • Area 9.43  sq mi
  • Known for: University of Delaware, Main Street dining, White Clay Creek State Park

Community

Why Homebuyers Choose Wilmington

  • A walkable corridor filled with restaurants, cafés, local shops, and university landmarks. Surrounding neighborhoods range from historic residential streets with 19th-century homes to mid-century subdivisions and newer developments near White Clay Creek State Park. Newark’s mix of students, university staff, professionals, and long-term residents creates a diverse and lively community atmosphere.

Lifestyle

Take life to the next level

  • Newark’s economy revolves around education, technology, and light manufacturing. It’s also part of the greater Wilmington–Philadelphia metropolitan area, offering convenient access to major employment centers via I-95 and regional rail. The city’s mix of college-town vitality, suburban comfort, and proximity to larger urban markets make it one of Delaware’s most desirable places to live.

Neighborhoods

Fairfield Crest

Description:
A well-established suburban neighborhood in northwest Newark, close to White Clay Creek State Park. It features tree-lined streets, parks, and Colonial-style homes, offering a quiet yet convenient setting near the University of Delaware.

Housing style & price:
Medium-to-large single-family homes built mainly between 1960–1990. Median real estate price around $523,801, higher than most Delaware neighborhoods.

Advantages:
Close to recreation (Fairfield Park, trails), strong community identity, and proximity to downtown Newark without heavy student traffic.

Considerations:
Limited new construction; some older homes may need modernization.

Best for:
Families or professionals seeking a peaceful, established suburban setting with outdoor access.

Nottingham Green

Description:
A classic Newark subdivision west of downtown, known for its family-friendly atmosphere, community swim club, and convenient access to Main Street.

Housing style & price:
Predominantly 1960s–1980s single-family homes, often Colonial or split-level. Median price typically in the $400K–$500K range.

Advantages:
Active neighborhood association, walkable parks, strong community ties, and good school access.

Considerations:
Older housing stock may require periodic updates; limited space for new builds.

Best for:
Families or long-term residents wanting a stable, community-oriented environment close to the university.

    Lumbrook

    Description:
    A historic residential neighborhood near Kirkwood Highway with homes dating from the 1930s onward. Offers a mix of character and convenience, minutes from Main Street Newark.

    Housing style & price:
    Primarily early- to mid-20th century single-family homes; smaller lot sizes; mid-range pricing around $350K–$450K.

    Advantages:
    Charming older architecture, mature trees, and proximity to White Clay Creek trails and city amenities.

    Considerations:
    Older homes can mean more maintenance; parking and street layout reflect prewar design.

    Best for:
    Buyers who value character, walkability, and quick access to downtown Newark.

    Oaklands / Nottingham Manor

    Description:
    A well-kept suburban area in western Newark, offering larger lots and a quiet residential environment. The neighborhood is known for community stability and strong homeownership.

    Housing style & price:
    Single-family homes, mainly 1950s–1970s builds; average pricing around $400K–$500K.

    Advantages:
    Stable, owner-occupied neighborhood with good commute times and access to Newark Country Club and Elkton Road amenities.

    Considerations:
    Limited walkability to downtown; some dated interiors in older homes.

    Best for:
    Families or professionals seeking space and tranquility close to Newark’s core.

      Chapel Hill / West Meadow

      Description:
      Located in southern Newark, this suburban enclave features spacious homes and a peaceful, upscale feel. Convenient to Route 4, Route 72, and I-95.

      Housing style & price:
      Medium to large single-family homes built from the 1960s–1990s; median real estate price around $556,118.

      Advantages:
      Easy highway access, newer housing stock, and larger lots compared with central Newark neighborhoods.

      Considerations:
      Car-dependent; limited retail and dining within walking distance.

      Best for:
      Commuters and families seeking a suburban lifestyle with quick regional access.

        Downtown Newark

        Description:
        The urban and cultural heart of Newark, centered around Main Street and the University of Delaware. Walkable, lively, and diverse.

        Housing style & price:
        Mix of apartments, townhomes, and historic houses; pricing varies widely from $300K townhomes to luxury condos over $600K.

        Advantages:
        Walkability, restaurants, nightlife, and campus energy.

        Considerations:
        Noise and parking challenges during the academic year.

        Best for:
        Students, young professionals, or buyers who value an active, walkable environment.

        School Districts

        Colonial School District

        Primary District for the City of New Castle. Serves nearly all of the City of New Castle and surrounding communities in northern New Castle County. It’s known for its strong community involvement, career-based learning programs, and emphasis on preparing students for both college and the workforce.

        Highlights:

        • Schools: Castle Hills Elementary, Eisenberg Elementary, Gunning Bedford Middle School, and William Penn High School.
        • Programs: Offers career pathways, Advanced Placement (AP) courses, and dual enrollment partnerships with local colleges.
        • Community Focus: The district prioritizes student engagement and family partnerships, offering parent workshops, community events, and enrichment programs.
        • Strengths: William Penn High School is one of Delaware’s largest and most comprehensive high schools, offering diverse academic and technical programs.
        • Ideal For: Families looking for a supportive district that combines traditional academics with practical, career-focused learning.

        Christina School District

        While not covering most of the city limits, parts of western and southern New Castle County just outside the city fall under the Christina School District. This district includes schools in Newark, Bear, and parts of Wilmington, and serves a diverse student population.
        Highlights:

        • Schools: Some nearby schools include Marshall Elementary, Gauger-Cobbs Middle, and Newark High School.
        • Programs: Offers specialized magnet programs, gifted education, and early childhood development initiatives.
        • Community Focus: Christina has a strong emphasis on inclusion, special education services, and after-school opportunities.
        • Strengths: Known for innovation in classroom technology and its early childhood education centers.
        • Ideal For: Families seeking a larger district with varied programs and a focus on educational access for all students.

        Red Clay School District

        Serves northwest Wilmington as well as many suburbs (e.g., Hockessin, Pike Creek, portions of Elsmere and northwestern Wilmington).
        Highlights:

        • Schools: Includes several top-rated schools such as Conrad Schools of Science and Cab Calloway School of the Arts.
        • Programs: Offers a mix of traditional, magnet, and charter-style options, with strong STEM and arts integration.
        • Community Focus: Red Clay fosters innovation and parental involvement, providing choice and flexibility within the district.
        • Strengths: Consistently high test scores and strong graduation rates compared to state averages.
        • Ideal For: Families seeking strong academic reputations and specialized magnet programs in science or the arts.

        New Castle County Vocational‑Technical School District

        Highlights:

        • Description: A district focused on vocational and technical high-school education serving the region that includes Newark, Delaware.
          Grade levels & programs: Typically high school (and possibly some post-secondary track) technical and vocational programs.
          Advantages: Provides specialized trade and technical education, a good option for students seeking careers in technical fields or practical trade pathways.
          Considerations: Not the standard comprehensive high‐school experience; may require commuting or application beyond regular neighborhood zoning.
          Best for: Older students (high school) who are interested in vocational/technical education rather than the typical academic high-school pathway.