1. First steps before moving to Delaware
Find a reliable moving company, truck rental or moving container
For your move to Delaware, you will need to hire a reliable moving company or take on the move yourself. To find the best moving company in Delaware, look for helpful reviews, a professional-looking website, and years of experience.
Planning a move to Delaware? Take a look at our selection of:
The 5 best moving companies in Wilmington.
The 5 best moving companies in Dover.
Finding a job
As of September 2023, Delaware has an unemployment rate of 4.1%, the same as the August 2023 rate.
Jobs that are often in high demand are pharmacy technician, cookie crew, sales representative, aircraft mechanics and service technicians.
Finding a job in Delaware is easier if you search online for job openings. Popular websites for this include LinkedIn, Indeed, and SimplyHired.
US Bureau of Labor Statistics (Oct 2023)
Getting there
Below are some travel options to get to Delaware from different parts of the country include:
Flying: Flying is the most convenient way to move to Delaware. Book a flight from your departure city to Delaware River & Bay Authority, depending on your destination within Delaware.
Train: You can also take the train with Amtrak as an alternative.
Bus: If you want another way to travel, Delaware cities have bus services like Greyhound, and Flixbus, that can get you there.
If you are flying and require assistance with moving your belongings, you can explore options provided by reputable moving companies.
Must dos before your arrival
Moving to Delaware may be exciting and will challenge you in many ways. By knowing these things beforehand, you will be better prepared for your new life in the city.
- If you’re moving to Delaware permanently and expect significant mail (excluding packages), consider USPS’s mail forwarding service. It redirects your mail to your new address for a specified time. The initial fee for regular mail forwarding is slightly over a dollar for six months, extendable for about $20 for an additional six months. Start the process by signing up on USPS’s website or at your local Post Office.
- When moving to Delaware, sell or donate what you won’t need to simplify your move. Sell or donate household items and personal belongings that won’t be useful. Decide if you want to sell them on sites like Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace, or donate to a non-profit organization
2. Upon your arrival in Delaware
Must dos right upon your arrival
- Get familiar with your neighborhood, and make sure to take note of the important emergency numbers.
- If you roam around the city for work or just simply checking on it, it would be great to purchase a daily pass to save money.
- Locate the essential facilities like the nearest hospital, police station, and fire department for your safety and in case of emergency.
You can easily get around in Delaware. There are several options available.
- DART First State – You can find bus and train services over here.
- Public Bus System – If you live in Sussex County, you can use the public bus system.
Exchanging your driver’s license
Once you move to Delaware and establish residency, you must transfer your out-of-state driver’s license to Delaware within 60 days. In order to transfer your out-of-state driver’s license, you’ll need to visit either the Wilmington, New Castle, Dover, or Georgetown DMV office in person with the required documents. You will also have to surrender your out-of-state license.
Register your vehicle
If you have just moved to Delaware, you’ll have to register your out-of-state vehicle within 60 days. Failure to do so might result in penalties and additional charges. To get your car registered in Delaware:
- You must title and register your vehicle in person at your local DMV office. Before registering your car, you should have a Proof of Delaware auto insurance, proof of passing a vehicle inspection, and a completed Certificate of Title application (Form MV-212).
- You will have the option to register your vehicle for 1 year or 2 years. You can visit the Car Registration Page to check out all the documentation requirements and details.
Change your address
Along with mail forwarding, you will also have to update your new address with the concerned authorities in Delaware, like DMV. To exercise your right to vote in Delaware, you can register to vote by mail, in person or over the phone.
Delaware provides an online application system that allows you to complete a voter registration form online or submit it to the Delaware DMV office.
Register in person or at your local Delaware DMV office. You can also request for a voter registration application by phone by calling your local Department of Elections.
Changing your address with your employer, bank, doctor, insurer, and service providers so that you can avoid any complications further down the road.
Setting up a bank account
Obtaining a bank account in Delaware is a straightforward process. You only need to present a copy of your valid state or government-issued ID, such as a driver’s license or passport. The bank with most branches in Delaware for easy access is M&T Bank. It has 39 offices.
Getting health insurance
Getting health insurance is an excellent way to get peace of mind when it comes to your health. With health insurance, you will not have to worry about spending a ton of money in case of a health-related emergency. The state of Delaware proposes a website to help you with your health insurance search. Simply choose Delaware as your state and create an account.
|
Type of healthcare |
Cost |
|
Employer-sponsored health insurance |
$151.08 |
|
Non-employer-sponsored health insurance |
$686.75 |
|
Gym |
$75.00 |
Numbeo (Oct 2023) & EHealthInsurance (Oct 2023)
3. Best places to live in Delaware
If you are a couple, you might want to consider living in Happy Valley. It offers a dense urban feel, a thriving nightlife, a diverse culture, and a lot of amenities.
If you are a family, you might want to consider Pike Creek. Pike Creek offers good housing facilities, some highly rated public schools, and it’s a beautiful place to raise a family.
If you are single, you should consider moving to Greenville. It has a booming economy, an exciting nightlife, and a lot of entertainment options.
Setting up home services
Setting up essential home services like electricity, water, and internet in Delaware is a straightforward process.
- Delaware Public Service Commission is responsible for investor-owned public utilities in Delaware. Visit their website and search for electricity, water, and gas providers and even reach out to them if you have any inquiry.
- The best internet providers in Delaware will have bundling options, various speeds, and multiple package options at reasonable prices.
Should you rent or buy?
The average Delaware home value is $375,918, increased by 3.4% from 2022. Delaware’s price per square foot to buy an apartment outside the center is $220.00.
Finding an apartment for rent in Delaware is easy, utilize websites like Zillow, Apartmentguide, and Apartments.com. When seeking a house, these websites—Zillow, Realtor, and Century21—will assist you in your search for a home in Delaware.
Cost of rent in Delaware
|
Area/Neighborhood |
1-bed apartment |
3-bed apartment |
|
Wilmington/Newark (Outside of Center) |
$1,416.67 |
$2,300.00 |
Cost of buying a property in Delaware
|
Area/Neighborhood |
Average home price |
|
Wilmington |
$375,918 |
Numbeo (Oct 2023) & Zillow (Oct 2023)
Consider getting home insurance
Getting home insurance is essential, whichever state you are residing in. It is a financial protection that will cover for your expenses if a natural disaster damages your home. Residents in Delaware are at a risk to floods, tornadoes, thunderstorms, winter storms and hurricanes. Therefore, getting home insurance will prove to be valuable.
4. Cost of living in Delaware
|
Category |
Monthly cost |
|
1 bed apt rent outside city center |
$1,700.00 |
|
Groceries Numbeo’s grocery list ($61.26 multiplied by 4) |
$245.04 |
|
Utilities Electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage |
$148.95 |
|
Internet with 60 Mbps |
$70.00 |
|
Transit pass |
$120.00 |
|
Entertainment Meal, taxi, movie |
$68.38 |
|
Gym membership |
$75.00 |
|
Total |
$2,427.37 |
5. The weather in Delaware
On average, there are 202 sunny days per year in Delaware. The highest temperature in Summers is 87° and the Winter low is 25 degrees. Delaware averages 13 inches of snow per year and 45 inches of rain.
Delaware’s summer charms and the feeling of relaxing at the beach is something that cannot be missed.
Delaware beaches are a must-be spot in summer. Winters in Delaware are mild, and fall season brings its beauty, colors and endless fun.
6. What to do as a local in Delaware
After you are done settling into your new home in Delaware, you will probably want to familiarize yourself with the state and all its attractions. Some of the most popular activities and locations in Delaware include:
Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk – It’s not just a resort, it is a backdrop for festivals and events, fitness competitions.
Funland – An ideal place for family bonding and outdoor activities.
Cape Henlopen State Park – Take a tour of the Fort Miles Historical Area, visit the nature center, walk the fishing pier and much more.
Common grocery stores in Delaware include Whole Foods Market, Trader Joe’s, and Sprouts Farmers Market.
The two most popular big chain stores are Walmart and Costco.
Must-visit food places in Delaware are Stockley Tavern and J.P’s Wharf.
Visit the popular cities in Delaware: Wilmington, Dover, Newark, and New Castle.
7. Fun facts about Delaware
- Fun Fact #1: Delaware is also known by the nickname “Diamond State.”
- Fun Fact #2: Delaware is the second-smallest state in the country.
- Fun Fact #3: Delaware is the sixth most densely populated state.
Conclusion
Delaware has picturesque beaches along the Atlantic Ocean, offering a serene coastal lifestyle. Additionally, Delaware is one of the few states with no sales tax, which can save you money on everyday purchases, and its central location on the East Coast provides easy access to major cities like Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Washington, D.C.
While moving to Delaware has its pros and cons, checking the cost of living is essential to making sure you will live comfortably in this city and call it home. It’s a good idea to research specific neighborhoods within the state and consider your priorities to determine if Delaware is the right fit for you and your family.
Need a trusted moving company for the area? Discover the 5 best movers in Delaware.
