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5 Best Cities in Delaware

Delaware was named after the Delaware River and Bay, which in turn was named after Thomas West named after Thomas West, 3rd Baron De La Warr, an English nobleman and Virginia’s first colonial governor in 1610. On December 7, 1787, Delaware became the first state to ratify the Constitution of the United States, and has since been known as The First State. The state is also nicknamed 鈥淭he Diamond State,鈥� because Thomas Jefferson called Delaware, a 鈥渏ewel鈥� among the states. Thomas Jefferson was a spokesman for democracy, was an American Founding Father, the principal author of the Declaration of Independence (1776), and the third President of the United States (1801鈥�1809).

Despite its small size, there are tons of attractions to discover in Delaware. Explore the historic homes dating from the mid-1600s, and three estates that you can tour chronicle the rising fortunes of one of America’s wealthiest industrialist families. Its beaches are sunny and perfect during the summer, its parks are stunning all year round, and the towns and cities in the state of Delaware are unique and varied, with delicious food, fun nightlife, and a relaxing atmosphere, each with something different to offer. Below are the 5 best cities in Delaware;

1. Wilmington

Wilmington, Delaware – Wikipedia

Wilmington lies at the confluence of the Christina River and Brandywine River, near where the Christina flows into the Delaware River. The city was known as Fort Christina by the Swedes, then the Dutch named the city Altena and then in 1739 the city was renamed to its current name by Thomas Penn, the proprietor of Pennsylvania, who named the town after his friend Spencer Compton, earl of Wilmington, who was prime minister during the reign of George II of Great Britain.

The city was built on the site of Fort Christina, the first Swedish settlement in North America. It is the largest city in Delaware, In the 19th century, it became the last stop on the Underground Railroad before slaves reached freedom in Pennsylvania.

Explore the historic Nemours Mansion, an excellent example of modified Louis XVI French ch芒teau built between 1909 and 1910 and its landscaped gardens that include a working carillon tower, natural woodlands and extensive formal French gardens, admire the art at the Delaware Art Museum; the museum is known for it large collection of British Pre-Raphaelite art, its works by illustrator and Wilmington native Howard Pyle, and its over 2000 paintings and etchings by John Sloan that depict urban life in the early 1900s, and stop by the Delaware Center for the Contemporary Arts.

We included the city of Wilmington because of its rich history particularly in the American Civil War.

2. Dover

Dover, Delaware – Wikipedia

Dover is located on the St. Jones River in the Delaware River coastal plain. It was laid out in 1717 around an existing county courthouse and jail on the order of William Penn. It was named by William Penn after Dover in Kent, England.  Dover was incorporated as a town in 1829 and as a city in 1929. Since 1777, Dover has been the State capital of Delaware and one of America鈥檚 longest-serving state capital.

The city is famous for being both the First State National Historical Park, and the First State Heritage Park. The city’s central square, known as The Green was laid out in 1717 according to Penn鈥檚 specifications, was the location of many rallies, troop reviews, and other patriotic events. Today, The Green remains the heart of Dover’s historic district and is the location of the Delaware Supreme Court and the Kent County Courthouse.

Dover is considered one of the oldest travel destinations in the United States of America, with the NASCAR races and horse racing being one of the main attractions.

Dover was included in the list as it is the capital city of Delaware and home to the First State Heritage Park.

3. Newark

Newark Main Street – Wikipedia

Newark is a city in New Castle County, Delaware, that lies just west-southwest of Wilmington. The community developed around the New Worke Quaker meetinghouse, which served as an early crossroads meeting place for travelers. The town was officially established when it received a charter from George II of Great Britain in 1758.

Cooch鈥檚 Bridge, located close to Newark, is where the only Revolutionary War battle that occurred in Delaware took place. The battle of Cooch鈥檚 Bridge was fought on September 3, 1777, and is significant as it was the battle at which Betsy Ross鈥檚 flag first was raise. Newark was home to the oldest paper mill in the United States until its closing in 1997. Curtis Paper Mill, built around 1798, was the first sizable industrial venture in Newark.

Newark is a great city filled with buzzing Main Street excitement, calm lush green spaces, and historic structures which are filled with stories from the past. In 2011 Newark鈥檚 downtown received the honor of becoming a Great American Main Street winner.

We include Newark as it home to the largest collection of cherry blossom trees in the United States.

4. Middletown

Middletown Historical District – Wikipedia

Middletown is a town in New Castle County, Delaware, adjacent to the Wilmington – Newark metropolitan area. It was originally a tavern shop on Old Cart Road. This road stretched across the peninsula between Bohemia Landing (eastern branch of Bohemia River in Maryland) and the Appoquinimink Creek in Odessa. Hence, the town was named Middletown. The town of Middletown was incorporated in the year 1861.

Participate in the Olde Tyme Peach Festival, which is hosted by the town every year. Silver Lake Park offers a range of facilities that all family members can enjoy and partake in. Winterthur Museum and Canal Museum are two historically significant places that are a must to see.

We included the city of Middle town as it has the most exciting eateries you would find all around and with great scenery to enjoy your meals.

5. Bear

White Hall, Bear – Wikipedia

Bear is a census-designated place (CDP) in New Castle County, Delaware, United States, 14 miles south of Wilmington and about 44 miles from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. According to common legend, the name “Bear” originated from a tavern located along the roadway from Wilmington to Dover, Delaware (at the intersection now formed by U.S. Route 40 and Delaware Route 7), whose sign was decorated with the image of a large bear.

The city is home to the White Hall, which was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1990. Also known as the William Cann Tenant House and Andrew Elliason Tenant House, it is a historical home that celebrates Greek Revival and Italianate architecture.

Explore the extraordinary range of attractions located in Bear, from scenic hiking trails, beautiful city lights that breathe life to the night, wide green open spaces and indoor amusement parks that are guaranteed to bring a smile to the little one.  

Bear was included in the list because of its easygoing vibe and welcoming atmosphere making it one of the friendliest cities in America.