I’ve been digging through the Zillow Home Value Index data, and what I’m seeing in Delaware real estate is nothing short of remarkable. The hottest neighborhoods aren’t always where you’d expect—some of these growth stories are happening in overlooked pockets that savvy investors spotted years ago.
Delaware’s real estate renaissance is revealing a fascinating pattern: neighborhoods with historically modest valuations are now delivering extraordinary returns. The most dramatic growth isn’t happening in already-expensive areas but in communities where revitalization efforts are bearing fruit.
What strikes me most is the consistency of growth across these diverse communities. While price points vary significantly, the upward trajectory remains steady across urban centers, suburban enclaves, and small communities—signaling Delaware’s emergence as a surprisingly robust housing market.
25. Todd Estates
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 80.35%
- 2025: $284,227
- 2024: $273,866
- 2023: $250,633
- 2022: $227,624
- 2021: $214,393
- 2020: $191,077
- 2019: $187,044
- 2018: $178,531
- 2017: $173,352
- 2016: $157,601
Your investment here would have nearly doubled in nine years, making Todd Estates a financial dark horse in the region. The steady year-over-year gains suggest a neighborhood that’s finding its stride rather than experiencing a speculative bubble. Nestled in a convenient location with improving amenities, this area offers both established stability and growth potential. For buyers seeking value with reliable appreciation, Todd Estates presents a compelling entry point.
24. Newark Oaks
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 81.62%
- 2025: $300,430
- 2024: $285,807
- 2023: $258,993
- 2022: $239,918
- 2021: $221,024
- 2020: $196,495
- 2019: $192,298
- 2018: $185,135
- 2017: $182,061
- 2016: $165,421
Your capital would have appreciated at a robust 9% annual rate here, making Newark Oaks a standout performer in Delaware’s investment landscape. The price trajectory shows consistent growth even through market fluctuations, suggesting fundamental neighborhood strength rather than speculative interest. Located in a well-established area with strong community anchors, this neighborhood combines lifestyle appeal with financial upside. Sellers currently hold considerable leverage as demand continues to outpace inventory.
23. Southeast 9th Ward
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 84.69%
- 2025: $208,563
- 2024: $192,915
- 2023: $182,699
- 2022: $178,645
- 2021: $154,583
- 2020: $135,710
- 2019: $135,338
- 2018: $125,219
- 2017: $124,759
- 2016: $112,926
Your initial investment here would have yielded impressive returns without requiring premium entry capital, making Southeast 9th Ward an accessible wealth-building opportunity. The accelerating growth curve since 2020 signals increasing market recognition of this area’s potential. Within reach of urban amenities but at a fraction of premium neighborhood costs, this area represents an emerging value corridor. The still-reasonable price point suggests room for continued appreciation as nearby areas reach affordability ceilings.
22. Saint Elizabeth Area
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 86.18%
- 2025: $181,891
- 2024: $166,822
- 2023: $150,494
- 2022: $142,928
- 2021: $131,878
- 2020: $112,475
- 2019: $106,869
- 2018: $99,589
- 2017: $101,458
- 2016: $97,696
Your real estate dollars would have nearly doubled in this neighborhood, with particularly strong growth during the post-pandemic period. The sub-$200k current price point makes Saint Elizabeth Area a rare find—combining strong appreciation with accessible entry costs. Located in an area undergoing community-focused revitalization, this neighborhood benefits from institutional investment and improving infrastructure. For investors seeking maximum percentage returns with minimal capital requirements, this area demands serious consideration.
21. Heather Woods
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 86.42%
- 2025: $334,536
- 2024: $321,634
- 2023: $297,040
- 2022: $276,062
- 2021: $254,973
- 2020: $222,818
- 2019: $218,259
- 2018: $210,289
- 2017: $197,292
- 2016: $179,453
Your investment portfolio would have benefited tremendously from Heather Woods real estate, which has maintained premium positioning while delivering exceptional growth. The steady price appreciation reflects the neighborhood’s established reputation and continued desirability among upper-middle-income buyers. Set in a sought-after residential area with strong community amenities, this neighborhood commands prices that justify the investment returns. The consistent year-over-year gains suggest a neighborhood that will retain its value advantage even in shifting market conditions.
20. Centennial Village
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 86.58%
- 2025: $237,264
- 2024: $227,944
- 2023: $210,571
- 2022: $192,384
- 2021: $180,363
- 2020: $162,648
- 2019: $160,937
- 2018: $154,007
- 2017: $150,521
- 2016: $127,165
Your financial foresight would have been rewarded handsomely here, with property values nearly doubling in nine years despite starting at a moderate price point. The acceleration in growth between 2020-2023 indicates Centennial Village hit an inflection point where buyer interest surged significantly. Centrally positioned with convenient access to regional amenities, this area combines location advantages with affordable entry prices. For buyers seeking the sweet spot between affordability and appreciation potential, Centennial Village delivers compelling value.
19. Pencader Village
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 91.96%
- 2025: $288,368
- 2024: $281,392
- 2023: $258,481
- 2022: $238,097
- 2021: $224,835
- 2020: $193,049
- 2019: $190,443
- 2018: $180,864
- 2017: $172,615
- 2016: $150,220
Your real estate portfolio would have gained substantial value in Pencader Village, where property values have nearly doubled within a decade. The consistent growth pattern shows resilience through various market cycles, indicating fundamental neighborhood strength rather than market speculation. Situated in a growth corridor with improving commercial amenities, this area combines residential appeal with investment potential. The slowing appreciation in 2024-2025 may signal a buying opportunity before the next growth phase begins.
18. Birchwood Park
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 92.68%
- 2025: $282,476
- 2024: $266,386
- 2023: $244,688
- 2022: $221,853
- 2021: $206,536
- 2020: $182,543
- 2019: $178,936
- 2018: $172,388
- 2017: $165,449
- 2016: $146,606
Your wealth-building strategy would have been well-served in Birchwood Park, where property values have steadily climbed to nearly double their 2016 levels. The price appreciation curve shows particularly strong gains in the 2021-2023 period, indicating market recognition of this neighborhood’s underlying value. Nestled in an established residential pocket with mature landscaping and community amenities, this area offers both lifestyle appeal and investment potential. Current buyers face a seller’s market where limited inventory continues to support pricing power.
17. Taylortown
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 96.18%
- 2025: $246,263
- 2024: $234,450
- 2023: $215,422
- 2022: $194,744
- 2021: $182,916
- 2020: $160,964
- 2019: $157,912
- 2018: $149,714
- 2017: $144,759
- 2016: $125,529
Your investment would have nearly doubled in Taylortown, offering exceptional growth from a relatively modest entry price point. The steady upward trajectory since 2016 highlights this area’s consistent appeal rather than sudden speculative interest. Located in a convenient area with improving commercial development, Taylortown strikes an excellent balance between affordability and appreciation potential. With values still under $250,000, this neighborhood remains accessible while delivering returns that outperform many higher-priced areas.
16. Glasgow Pines
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 96.75%
- 2025: $216,146
- 2024: $204,974
- 2023: $193,948
- 2022: $176,587
- 2021: $164,721
- 2020: $146,027
- 2019: $150,146
- 2018: $135,503
- 2017: $133,111
- 2016: $109,856
Your return on investment here would approach 100%, making Glasgow Pines a financial powerhouse for property owners who bought in 2016. The price history shows acceleration in recent years, suggesting this area is still gaining market momentum rather than plateauing. Positioned in a residential corridor with improving school ratings and amenities, this neighborhood combines lifestyle quality with strong investment metrics. The current price point still offers accessibility for first-time buyers while delivering exceptional appreciation potential.
15. West Hill
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 100.13%
- 2025: $201,807
- 2024: $184,776
- 2023: $168,028
- 2022: $160,910
- 2021: $148,122
- 2020: $125,609
- 2019: $128,898
- 2018: $118,945
- 2017: $100,083
- 2016: $100,836
Your property value has precisely doubled in West Hill, marking this as a textbook example of strong real estate performance in an affordable market segment. The sharp acceleration in 2023-2025 suggests this area has recently been discovered by investors and homebuyers seeking value. Situated in an evolving neighborhood with improving commercial infrastructure, West Hill offers a compelling combination of accessibility and upside potential. Despite the impressive gains, the $200k price point still represents an entry opportunity compared to nearby areas.
14. Little Italy
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 106.59%
- 2025: $163,784
- 2024: $149,762
- 2023: $141,910
- 2022: $131,922
- 2021: $119,428
- 2020: $101,351
- 2019: $101,804
- 2018: $88,697
- 2017: $84,076
- 2016: $79,280
Your investment would have more than doubled in Little Italy, delivering exceptional returns from an extremely accessible entry price. The steady growth trajectory accelerated notably from 2022-2025, suggesting this neighborhood has entered a new phase of market recognition and demand. Positioned in a culturally rich area with authentic community character and proximity to urban amenities, this neighborhood offers unique charm with financial upside. For investors seeking maximum percentage returns with minimal capital requirements, Little Italy presents a compelling opportunity.
13. Eastlawn
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 110.76%
- 2025: $193,463
- 2024: $187,234
- 2023: $174,596
- 2022: $165,225
- 2021: $147,812
- 2020: $130,146
- 2019: $129,151
- 2018: $109,223
- 2017: $107,902
- 2016: $91,793
Your real estate assets would have more than doubled in Eastlawn, with particularly strong growth during the post-pandemic market surge. The impressive price trajectory reflects this neighborhood’s transition from overlooked to sought-after status among value-conscious buyers. Located in an area experiencing broader revitalization with improving public spaces and amenities, Eastlawn combines affordability with substantial upside potential. The recent slowing in appreciation may signal a temporary plateau before the next growth phase begins.
12. 9th Ward Area
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 120.1%
- 2025: $180,486
- 2024: $163,892
- 2023: $155,118
- 2022: $142,179
- 2021: $127,174
- 2020: $107,277
- 2019: $104,480
- 2018: $85,477
- 2017: $86,096
- 2016: $82,002
Your property investment would have more than doubled in the 9th Ward Area, highlighting the transformative growth of this once-overlooked neighborhood. The exceptionally strong appreciation reflects the area’s strategic location and increasing market recognition of its value potential. Positioned in an urban renewal zone with improving city services and community resources, this neighborhood combines affordability with proximity to employment centers. With values still under $200k despite remarkable growth, this area continues to offer exceptional value with room for further appreciation.
11. Loma
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 122.78%
- 2025: $199,923
- 2024: $185,243
- 2023: $169,120
- 2022: $148,737
- 2021: $134,011
- 2020: $112,991
- 2019: $103,635
- 2018: $96,433
- 2017: $88,520
- 2016: $89,742
Your financial acumen would have been handsomely rewarded in Loma, where property values have more than doubled since 2016. The consistent upward price movement demonstrates this neighborhood’s resilience across different market cycles and economic conditions. Located in an area benefiting from strategic redevelopment initiatives, Loma offers a compelling combination of accessibility and improving community infrastructure. Despite the impressive gains, current prices still represent a value opportunity in Delaware’s rapidly appreciating market.
10. Browntown
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 129.56%
- 2025: $162,069
- 2024: $148,097
- 2023: $136,115
- 2022: $126,627
- 2021: $116,823
- 2020: $101,022
- 2019: $95,134
- 2018: $83,165
- 2017: $75,955
- 2016: $70,601
Your investment would have more than doubled in Browntown, representing extraordinary returns from a remarkably low entry price point. The consistent growth pattern across every year indicates this is not a speculative fluke but a sustained neighborhood renaissance. Located in an area that has benefited from targeted economic development initiatives, Browntown combines affordable housing with improving community resources. The sub-$200k current price point still offers one of Delaware’s best combinations of affordability and proven appreciation potential.
9. Southbridge
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 137.4%
- 2025: $143,658
- 2024: $137,838
- 2023: $120,770
- 2022: $104,718
- 2021: $89,620
- 2020: $77,720
- 2019: $79,154
- 2018: $69,633
- 2017: $67,986
- 2016: $60,514
Your real estate investment would have yielded a staggering 137% return in Southbridge, transforming modest capital into substantial equity in just nine years. The particularly dramatic growth since 2020 signals a neighborhood that’s rapidly gaining market recognition and demand. Situated in a strategically located area with improving infrastructure and community investment, Southbridge offers exceptional value with continued upside potential. Current buyers still benefit from sub-$150k prices in a market where similar growth potential would cost substantially more elsewhere.
8. East Lake
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 152.14%
- 2025: $164,028
- 2024: $146,557
- 2023: $146,184
- 2022: $129,189
- 2021: $124,126
- 2020: $110,635
- 2019: $120,601
- 2018: $91,357
- 2017: $88,649
- 2016: $65,054
Your investment would have increased by more than 150% in East Lake, making this one of Delaware’s most impressive wealth-building neighborhoods. The dramatic price trajectory—particularly the acceleration since 2020—highlights a fundamental shift in market perception and demand for this area. Located near water amenities with improving community infrastructure, East Lake combines natural appeal with strategic positioning in growth corridors. With prices still under $175k despite phenomenal appreciation, this area continues to offer exceptional value relative to comparable neighborhoods.
7. Hedgeville
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 156.13%
- 2025: $139,096
- 2024: $124,096
- 2023: $113,791
- 2022: $103,304
- 2021: $94,735
- 2020: $74,582
- 2019: $67,205
- 2018: $60,397
- 2017: $58,466
- 2016: $54,307
Your property value would have more than doubled in Hedgeville, providing exceptional returns from an extremely accessible entry point. The accelerating appreciation curve since 2020 indicates increasing market recognition of this area’s transformation and potential. Positioned in a strategic location with improving urban services and community resources, Hedgeville represents the perfect storm of affordability and appreciation. With current prices still under $140k despite 156% growth, this neighborhood remains Delaware’s hidden gem for value-seeking investors.
6. Sparrow Run
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 160.76%
- 2025: $174,583
- 2024: $157,092
- 2023: $148,935
- 2022: $128,012
- 2021: $127,222
- 2020: $104,252
- 2019: $100,642
- 2018: $90,250
- 2017: $85,172
- 2016: $66,952
Your investment foresight would have been richly rewarded in Sparrow Run, with property values skyrocketing by over 160% in just nine years. The particularly dramatic growth between 2020-2023 signals a neighborhood hitting its stride in market recognition and buyer demand. Located in an area benefiting from strategic revitalization efforts and infrastructure improvements, Sparrow Run combines affordability with transformative growth potential. Even after exceptional appreciation, current prices remain accessible—suggesting this neighborhood’s success story isn’t finished yet.
5. Price’s Run
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 177.25%
- 2025: $124,836
- 2024: $111,132
- 2023: $97,333
- 2022: $89,601
- 2021: $77,694
- 2020: $63,075
- 2019: $67,958
- 2018: $57,161
- 2017: $55,900
- 2016: $45,027
Your initial investment would have nearly tripled in Price’s Run, making this one of Delaware’s most extraordinary wealth-building opportunities of the past decade. The remarkable growth trajectory reflects this area’s transformation from overlooked to highly desirable among value-conscious buyers and investors. Situated in a strategic location benefiting from targeted economic development initiatives, Price’s Run combines extreme affordability with proven appreciation potential. Despite increasing over 177%, prices remain under $125k—making this an accessible entry point even after phenomenal growth.
4. 11th Street Bridge
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 178.73%
- 2025: $134,343
- 2024: $127,022
- 2023: $114,226
- 2022: $104,396
- 2021: $91,235
- 2020: $68,537
- 2019: $69,308
- 2018: $61,738
- 2017: $53,401
- 2016: $48,198
Your property investment would have yielded a staggering 178% return in 11th Street Bridge, transforming modest capital into substantial wealth in less than a decade. The particularly explosive growth since 2020 highlights this area’s dramatic emergence from under-the-radar status to sought-after neighborhood. Located in a strategic urban transition zone with improving connectivity and amenities, this neighborhood offers extraordinary value with continued growth potential. Current prices still represent Delaware’s best combination of affordability and proven appreciation—a rare opportunity in today’s market.
3. East Side
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 190.53%
- 2025: $116,120
- 2024: $102,894
- 2023: $89,166
- 2022: $82,320
- 2021: $70,853
- 2020: $55,665
- 2019: $54,974
- 2018: $46,563
- 2017: $40,652
- 2016: $39,968
Your initial investment would have nearly tripled in East Side, delivering returns that outperform virtually every other asset class over this period. The consistent upward trajectory—particularly the acceleration since 2020—reflects this neighborhood’s remarkable revitalization story and growing market demand. Situated in a strategic location benefiting from targeted urban renewal initiatives and infrastructure improvements, East Side combines extreme affordability with extraordinary growth potential. Despite almost 200% appreciation, current prices remain under $120k—making this area still accessible to first-time buyers and investors.
2. Downtown
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 198.88%
- 2025: $124,070
- 2024: $113,454
- 2023: $97,515
- 2022: $89,804
- 2021: $79,152
- 2020: $64,573
- 2019: $67,474
- 2018: $58,350
- 2017: $47,797
- 2016: $41,512
Your property value would have nearly tripled in Downtown, representing one of Delaware’s most dramatic urban revitalization success stories. The exceptional growth trajectory—particularly since 2020—reflects increasing recognition of this area’s strategic value and lifestyle advantages. Positioned at the heart of urban amenities with walkability to dining, entertainment, and employment centers, Downtown combines convenience with extraordinary investment performance. Despite nearly 200% growth, current prices remain remarkably accessible—suggesting this urban renaissance story still has chapters to write.
1. Hilltop
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 222.13%
- 2025: $131,173
- 2024: $115,106
- 2023: $104,741
- 2022: $90,220
- 2021: $78,111
- 2020: $56,690
- 2019: $55,352
- 2018: $47,303
- 2017: $43,167
- 2016: $40,721
Your investment here would have more than tripled in value, making Hilltop Delaware’s undisputed champion for wealth creation in real estate. The explosive growth curve—particularly since 2020—demonstrates the transformative power of strategic urban revitalization combined with grassroots community development. Positioned strategically with improving connections to employment centers and urban amenities, Hilltop offers the perfect storm of affordability and appreciation potential. Despite tripling in value, prices remain remarkably accessible—suggesting this neighborhood’s renaissance is still in its early chapters.
