KHN – Delaware, sometimes known as the “First State,” is a state that possesses several tempting attributes, including its proximity to large metropolitan areas, its rich history, its tax-friendly regulations, and its magnificent beaches. Nevertheless, just like the majority of states, Delaware contains regions that present greater difficulties for people who are contemplating moving there.
To determine the top five worst locations to live in Delaware, this article will take into consideration the most important factors that affect the quality of life.
Taken into Account Factors
Instead of only listing “bad” locales, this research goes further than that. During the process of compiling this list, the following essential components were given great consideration:
- Crime Rates: The importance of safety cannot be overstated. Statistical data on violent crime (such as murder, assault, and robbery) and property crime (such as theft and burglary) are extremely important indicators of the livability of a place.
- Affordability of Housing and Cost of Living: The cost of living in Delaware can vary quite a bit from one place to another. The financial responsibilities that are prevalent in regions that have inflated home prices, hefty taxes, and expensive essentials for daily life are significant.
- Options for Employment: Both the economic stability and the well-being of residents must have a dynamic job market that offers a varied range of employment opportunities.
- Educational Quality: A child’s future chances are substantially impacted by the quality of the educational system that they attend, making it extremely crucial for families to have access to excellent educational systems.
- Amenities and Quality of Life: Access to parks, restaurants, and entertainment opportunities, as well as a sense of community, are all factors that contribute to overall happiness with a location through the provision of amenities and quality of life.
1. The city of Wilmington
- When it comes to criminal activity, Wilmington routinely has some of the highest crime rates in both Delaware and the entire US. The rates of violent crime are much higher than the averages for both the state and the nation.
- Cost of Living: Although some communities in Wilmington offer high-end living, many neighborhoods in the city have home prices that are inflated and have costs of living that are above average.
- There is a concentration of jobs in certain industries, which makes it difficult for individuals who possess specialized talents to obtain employment opportunities. The labor market is extremely competitive.
- Education is a problem for the city’s school system, which is plagued with schools that are not performing up to expectations and rising dropout rates.
- Amenities: Some areas of Wilmington continue to have a sense of blight and a limited number of leisure activities, even though the city is home to some historical sites and cultural attractions.
2. A Dover
- Crime: city of Dover, which serves as the state capital, has higher rates of both property and violent crime than the average for Delaware.
- Cost of Living: In recent years, there has been an increase in the cost of housing, which has created difficulties for people in terms of their ability to purchase it.
- Employment options: The majority of employment options are concentrated in government jobs, which results in constraints for individuals who are looking for work in a larger variety of disciplines.
- In the realm of education, the Dover school system struggles with variable performance, even though some schools are highly respected.
- In terms of amenities, the city does not have the vitality of a major metropolitan area, and there are not many restaurant and entertainment alternatives available.
3. At Seaford
- In terms of criminal activity, Seaford has property crime rates that are significantly higher than the norm for the state, which leaves inhabitants vulnerable to thefts and burglaries.
- Cost of Living: Residents of Seaford are facing growing expenditures for necessities such as food and utilities, even though the city’s cost of living is considerably lower than that of other Delaware cities.
- Employment: A significant number of job opportunities are available in industries like as agriculture and manufacturing, which makes it less appealing to individuals who are interested in pursuing professional professions.
- In terms of education, the Seaford School District’s schools often perform at a level that is lower than the average for the state.
- Amenities: The city provides a variety of necessities, but it does not have a wide variety of shopping, dining, or cultural attractions inside its boundaries.
4. This is Laurel
- Criminal activity: Laurel is plagued by higher-than-average rates of both violent and property crime in comparison to the rest of the state.
- Cost of Living: Affordability in Laurel can be deceiving, as lower housing prices are frequently countered by greater expenses in other areas. This is another reason why Laurel’s affordability might be misleading.
- Employment: The poultry business is a significant contributor to the job market, which results in a limited range of occupational opportunities for workers.
- Education: It is usual for students in Laurel to have test results that are lower than the average for the state, which harms their chances of being successful in the future.
- Amenities: The city has the atmosphere of a small town, with fewer choices for leisure activities and a feeling that time has stood still in terms of its development.
5. A Milford
- Crime: Milford is plagued with property and violent crime rates that are significantly higher than the norms for the state of Delaware.
- Cost of Living: The expansion of housing in Milford has resulted in an increase in prices, which has put a strain on the residents’ ability to purchase it.
- Employment: The economy of Milford is not very substantial or diverse, even though it does provide its residents with some employment options.
- When it comes to education, the Milford School District has only average school performance statistics, which indicates that there is space for improvement.
- Amenities: In Milford, inhabitants have access to a variety of basic amenities; yet, they may be interested in exploring other locations for more diversified cultural and entertainment alternatives.
Key Points to Keep in Mind
It is of the utmost importance to realize that these rankings involve a certain amount of subjectivity. When one person considers something to be a bad element, another person may not place as much importance on it. Moreover, these figures are subject to change with time.
Because of the possibility that certain regions will see additional decline or improvement, it is essential for prospective residents to always undertake their own research that is up to date. It is impossible to have a better understanding of the vibe of a city than by physically going to the location in question.
Final Thoughts
The purpose of this article is not to completely criticize Delaware; rather, it is to offer a straightforward starting point for individuals who are contemplating relocating to the state. It draws attention to areas in which prospective residents can be confronted with significant difficulties and encourages them to perform in-depth research while keeping their interests first in mind. Individuals can make well-informed selections about where they would like to call home within the state of Delaware if they give serious consideration to the most important issues.
5 Worst Places to Live in Delaware