I’ve been analyzing the Zillow Home Value Index data for Delaware, and what I’ve discovered is nothing short of remarkable. The coastal premium in this small state has exploded over the past decade, with some beach towns seeing nearly 85% appreciation since 2010. The data reveals a fascinating post-pandemic acceleration that’s transformed traditionally seasonal communities into year-round real estate powerhouses.
Delaware’s unique tax advantages combined with coastal accessibility have created a perfect storm for property value growth. Looking at the numbers, it’s clear that beach-adjacent properties have generally outperformed inland communities, but the rate of appreciation varies significantly from town to town. South Bethany stands as the crown jewel of Delaware real estate, commanding prices that rival some of the most prestigious coastal areas in the Northeast.
What surprised me most was the consistent strength across all Delaware markets – even the most affordable communities on this list have seen impressive gains. Investment in Delaware real estate has proven remarkably resilient through economic cycles, suggesting fundamental strengths beyond just pandemic-related migration patterns.
19. Smyrna Home Prices Chart
Historic home prices and percent change over time:
- 2025 Home Value: $394,845
- 2020 Home Value: $262,744
- 2015 Home Value: $213,851
- 2010 Home Value: $203,896
- % Change 2020 to 2025: 50.28%
- % Change 2015 to 2025: 84.64%
- % Change 2010 to 2025: 93.65%
About Smyrna
In Smyrna, the median home price of $394,845 represents exceptional value in Delaware’s competitive market. The impressive 50.28% five-year appreciation rate suggests strong fundamentals driving demand. Investors have been rewarded with nearly double their investment over the 15-year period, outpacing inflation substantially. The town’s affordability relative to coastal communities positions it well for continued growth as remote work enables more flexible living arrangements.
18. Bear Home Prices Chart
Historic home prices and percent change over time:
- 2025 Home Value: $403,565
- 2020 Home Value: $287,909
- 2015 Home Value: $242,185
- 2010 Home Value: $248,161
- % Change 2020 to 2025: 40.17%
- % Change 2015 to 2025: 66.63%
- % Change 2010 to 2025: 62.62%
About Bear
In Bear, the median home price of $403,565 demonstrates steady appreciation dynamics. The 40.17% five-year growth is notable for its consistency through market fluctuations. Particularly interesting is the minor price dip between 2010-2015, followed by accelerated recovery and growth. As a Philadelphia metro satellite community, Bear’s housing market benefits from regional economic strength while maintaining relative affordability compared to neighboring states’ suburban alternatives.
17. Magnolia Home Prices Chart
Historic home prices and percent change over time:
- 2025 Home Value: $411,455
- 2020 Home Value: $274,886
- 2015 Home Value: $224,650
- 2010 Home Value: $219,153
- % Change 2020 to 2025: 49.68%
- % Change 2015 to 2025: 83.15%
- % Change 2010 to 2025: 87.75%
About Magnolia
In Magnolia, the median home price of $411,455 reflects remarkable financial performance with nearly 50% appreciation since 2020. The town demonstrates an impressive 87.75% fifteen-year return on investment, outperforming many other asset classes during this period. The steady upward trajectory suggests limited market volatility, making this area particularly attractive for risk-averse real estate investors. Magnolia’s price point offers an accessible entry to Delaware’s robust housing market.
16. Dagsboro Home Prices Chart
Historic home prices and percent change over time:
- 2025 Home Value: $427,992
- 2020 Home Value: $297,797
- 2015 Home Value: $259,516
- 2010 Home Value: $236,976
- % Change 2020 to 2025: 43.72%
- % Change 2015 to 2025: 64.92%
- % Change 2010 to 2025: 80.61%
About Dagsboro
In Dagsboro, the median home price of $427,992 exemplifies strategic growth patterns. The 43.72% five-year appreciation rate demonstrates strong investor confidence in this market. The town’s proximity to more expensive coastal areas creates overflow demand, fueling consistent price increases. With an 80.61% fifteen-year appreciation rate, Dagsboro properties have delivered approximately 5.4% annualized returns, significantly outperforming many traditional investment vehicles over the same period.
15. Frankford Home Prices Chart
Historic home prices and percent change over time:
- 2025 Home Value: $465,629
- 2020 Home Value: $322,132
- 2015 Home Value: $262,969
- 2010 Home Value: $241,454
- % Change 2020 to 2025: 44.55%
- % Change 2015 to 2025: 77.07%
- % Change 2010 to 2025: 92.84%
About Frankford
In Frankford, the median home price of $465,629 represents strong financial performance in Delaware’s real estate landscape. The 44.55% appreciation over just five years translates to a remarkable 7.65% compound annual growth rate. With nearly 93% appreciation since 2010, long-term homeowners have seen their equity nearly double. Frankford’s price trajectory suggests it’s becoming increasingly discovered as an alternative to higher-priced coastal communities while maintaining its investment potential.
14. Milton Home Prices Chart
Historic home prices and percent change over time:
- 2025 Home Value: $465,951
- 2020 Home Value: $317,980
- 2015 Home Value: $263,643
- 2010 Home Value: $243,494
- % Change 2020 to 2025: 46.53%
- % Change 2015 to 2025: 76.74%
- % Change 2010 to 2025: 91.36%
About Milton
In Milton, the median home price of $465,951 showcases impressive financial metrics. The consistent appreciation pattern indicates sustainable growth rather than speculative bubbles. The 46.53% five-year appreciation represents approximately $147,971 in new equity for 2020 buyers. With a 91.36% fifteen-year growth rate, Milton demonstrates that inland Delaware communities can deliver coastal-like returns while maintaining relative affordability compared to premium beach towns.
13. Townsend Home Prices Chart
Historic home prices and percent change over time:
- 2025 Home Value: $477,166
- 2020 Home Value: $331,368
- 2015 Home Value: $271,946
- 2010 Home Value: $265,639
- % Change 2020 to 2025: 44.00%
- % Change 2015 to 2025: 75.46%
- % Change 2010 to 2025: 79.63%
About Townsend
In Townsend, the median home price of $477,166 reflects consistent financial growth with minimal volatility. The 44% five-year appreciation translates to an average annual gain of approximately $29,160 – substantially exceeding typical stock market returns during this period. The minor price movement between 2010-2015 followed by accelerated growth suggests a market finding its equilibrium after the Great Recession. Townsend’s price trajectory indicates continued investor confidence in its long-term value proposition.
12. Slaughter Beach Home Prices Chart
Historic home prices and percent change over time:
- 2025 Home Value: $496,968
- 2020 Home Value: $288,937
- 2015 Home Value: $nan
- 2010 Home Value: $nan
- % Change 2020 to 2025: 72.00%
- % Change 2015 to 2025: nan%
- % Change 2010 to 2025: nan%
About Slaughter Beach
In Slaughter Beach, the median home price of $496,968 represents extraordinary investment performance with a staggering 72% five-year appreciation rate. This coastal community has delivered approximately 14.4% annual returns since 2020, far outpacing traditional investment vehicles. The lack of historical data prior to 2020 suggests this was previously an undiscovered market that has rapidly gained recognition. Slaughter Beach exemplifies the explosive growth potential in Delaware’s less-developed coastal areas.
11. Middletown Home Prices Chart
Historic home prices and percent change over time:
- 2025 Home Value: $518,603
- 2020 Home Value: $356,340
- 2015 Home Value: $305,146
- 2010 Home Value: $252,483
- % Change 2020 to 2025: 45.54%
- % Change 2015 to 2025: 69.95%
- % Change 2010 to 2025: 105.40%
About Middletown
In Middletown, the median home price of $518,603 demonstrates exceptional financial performance over multiple timeframes. The remarkable 105.40% fifteen-year appreciation means properties have more than doubled in value since 2010. With consistent growth across each measured period, Middletown shows the hallmarks of a fundamentally sound investment market. The town’s strategic location between major metropolitan areas contributes to its sustained demand and price appreciation despite significant new construction.
10. Harbeson Home Prices Chart
Historic home prices and percent change over time:
- 2025 Home Value: $522,458
- 2020 Home Value: $352,775
- 2015 Home Value: $302,018
- 2010 Home Value: $273,432
- % Change 2020 to 2025: 48.10%
- % Change 2015 to 2025: 72.99%
- % Change 2010 to 2025: 91.07%
About Harbeson
In Harbeson, the median home price of $522,458 reflects robust financial metrics with 48.10% five-year appreciation. The data shows accelerating growth rates, with the 2020-2025 period delivering significantly higher annual returns than previous intervals. This acceleration suggests increasing market discovery and demand. With a 91.07% fifteen-year appreciation rate, Harbeson real estate has consistently outperformed inflation while providing both housing utility and substantial wealth creation for homeowners.
9. Selbyville Home Prices Chart
Historic home prices and percent change over time:
- 2025 Home Value: $522,719
- 2020 Home Value: $360,152
- 2015 Home Value: $318,516
- 2010 Home Value: $283,160
- % Change 2020 to 2025: 45.14%
- % Change 2015 to 2025: 64.11%
- % Change 2010 to 2025: 84.60%
About Selbyville
In Selbyville, the median home price of $522,719 demonstrates excellent investment characteristics. The 45.14% five-year appreciation translates to approximately $32,513 in annual equity growth for 2020 purchasers. The town shows remarkably consistent appreciation across measurement periods, suggesting fundamental rather than speculative growth drivers. Selbyville’s price performance demonstrates how proximity to more expensive coastal markets creates value opportunities for investors willing to compromise slightly on location.
8. Ocean View Home Prices Chart
Historic home prices and percent change over time:
- 2025 Home Value: $528,235
- 2020 Home Value: $372,447
- 2015 Home Value: $340,551
- 2010 Home Value: $331,076
- % Change 2020 to 2025: 41.83%
- % Change 2015 to 2025: 55.11%
- % Change 2010 to 2025: 59.55%
About Ocean View
In Ocean View, the median home price of $528,235 shows relatively moderate but stable growth patterns. The financial data reveals minimal price movement between 2010-2015, followed by accelerated appreciation. With 41.83% five-year growth, recent buyers have benefited from approximately $31,158 in annual equity creation. Ocean View’s appreciation curve suggests it reached market maturity earlier than some neighboring communities, with current prices reflecting established valuation rather than discovery-phase growth.
7. Hockessin Home Prices Chart
Historic home prices and percent change over time:
- 2025 Home Value: $577,586
- 2020 Home Value: $405,789
- 2015 Home Value: $366,333
- 2010 Home Value: $371,357
- % Change 2020 to 2025: 42.34%
- % Change 2015 to 2025: 57.67%
- % Change 2010 to 2025: 55.53%
About Hockessin
In Hockessin, the median home price of $577,586 represents strong but measured appreciation. The financial data reveals slight negative growth between 2010-2015, followed by substantial recovery and acceleration. With 42.34% five-year gains, properties have appreciated at approximately 7.3% annually since 2020. As one of Delaware’s more established luxury communities, Hockessin’s price appreciation demonstrates the value premium placed on high-end amenities and superior school districts.
6. Lewes Home Prices Chart
Historic home prices and percent change over time:
- 2025 Home Value: $586,477
- 2020 Home Value: $420,155
- 2015 Home Value: $359,464
- 2010 Home Value: $342,803
- % Change 2020 to 2025: 39.59%
- % Change 2015 to 2025: 63.15%
- % Change 2010 to 2025: 71.08%
About Lewes
In Lewes, the median home price of $586,477 demonstrates consistent financial performance across measurement periods. The 39.59% five-year appreciation translates to approximately $33,264 annual equity growth for 2020 purchasers. As a premier coastal community, Lewes shows the characteristic resilience of waterfront property values. The steady appreciation curve suggests Lewes maintains strong fundamentals without the extreme volatility sometimes seen in seasonal markets, indicating year-round appeal beyond just vacation demand.
5. Rehoboth Beach Home Prices Chart
Historic home prices and percent change over time:
- 2025 Home Value: $786,446
- 2020 Home Value: $584,357
- 2015 Home Value: $498,441
- 2010 Home Value: $441,458
- % Change 2020 to 2025: 34.58%
- % Change 2015 to 2025: 57.78%
- % Change 2010 to 2025: 78.15%
About Rehoboth Beach
In Rehoboth Beach, the median home price of $786,446 represents premium valuation with solid financial returns. The 34.58% five-year appreciation translates to roughly $40,418 annual equity growth despite starting from a high baseline. As Delaware’s most recognized beach destination, Rehoboth commands premium pricing while still offering relative value compared to similar destinations in neighboring states. The 78.15% fifteen-year appreciation demonstrates the long-term stability of this market through multiple economic cycles.
4. Bethany Beach Home Prices Chart
Historic home prices and percent change over time:
- 2025 Home Value: $810,675
- 2020 Home Value: $653,921
- 2015 Home Value: $626,596
- 2010 Home Value: $629,231
- % Change 2020 to 2025: 23.97%
- % Change 2015 to 2025: 29.38%
- % Change 2010 to 2025: 28.84%
About Bethany Beach
In Bethany Beach, the median home price of $810,675 reflects a mature luxury market with more moderate recent appreciation. Financial analysis reveals minimal movement between 2010-2015, indicating early market stabilization. The 23.97% five-year appreciation rate, while lower than other Delaware communities, still represents approximately $31,351 annual equity growth from an already high valuation baseline. Bethany Beach exemplifies the investment characteristics of established premium coastal communities – steady appreciation with lower volatility.
3. Fenwick Island Home Prices Chart
Historic home prices and percent change over time:
- 2025 Home Value: $886,814
- 2020 Home Value: $538,934
- 2015 Home Value: $492,005
- 2010 Home Value: $480,565
- % Change 2020 to 2025: 64.55%
- % Change 2015 to 2025: 80.24%
- % Change 2010 to 2025: 84.54%
About Fenwick Island
In Fenwick Island, the median home price of $886,814 demonstrates extraordinary financial performance. The remarkable 64.55% five-year appreciation translates to approximately $69,576 annual equity growth – unmatched by most investment alternatives. The post-2020 acceleration suggests profound market discovery and demand shift. With an 84.54% fifteen-year appreciation rate and limited new construction potential due to geographic constraints, Fenwick Island represents a textbook example of supply-demand fundamentals driving exceptional real estate returns.
2. Dewey Beach Home Prices Chart
Historic home prices and percent change over time:
- 2025 Home Value: $1,015,195
- 2020 Home Value: $764,349
- 2015 Home Value: $649,313
- 2010 Home Value: $689,833
- % Change 2020 to 2025: 32.82%
- % Change 2015 to 2025: 56.35%
- % Change 2010 to 2025: 47.17%
About Dewey Beach
In Dewey Beach, the median home price of $1,015,195 reflects premium coastal valuation with unique market dynamics. Financial analysis reveals a price decline between 2010-2015 followed by remarkable recovery and growth. The million-dollar median price represents approximately 32.82% five-year appreciation, translating to $50,169 annual equity growth despite starting from an already high baseline. As one of only two Delaware towns exceeding the million-dollar median threshold, Dewey Beach exemplifies ultra-premium coastal real estate performance.
1. South Bethany Home Prices Chart
Historic home prices and percent change over time:
- 2025 Home Value: $1,129,761
- 2020 Home Value: $824,549
- 2015 Home Value: $716,770
- 2010 Home Value: $708,303
- % Change 2020 to 2025: 37.02%
- % Change 2015 to 2025: 57.62%
- % Change 2010 to 2025: 59.50%
About South Bethany
In South Bethany, the median home price of $1,129,761 represents Delaware’s real estate pinnacle. The financial metrics reveal 37.02% five-year appreciation, translating to approximately $61,042 annual equity growth from an already premium baseline. The town demonstrates remarkably stable long-term valuation with consistent appreciation across measurement periods. As Delaware’s most expensive community, South Bethany combines exclusivity, limited supply, and premium coastal positioning to deliver exceptional investment characteristics despite its high entry price point.
