I’ve been diving into the Zillow Home Value Index data for Delaware and uncovered some fascinating trends across the state’s real estate market. The coastal communities have experienced extraordinary growth over the last 15 years, with some towns seeing home values more than double. Most notably, Fenwick Island has seen a remarkable 115.1% increase since 2010, representing the most dramatic growth in the entire state.
What struck me most was the acceleration of home values following the pandemic. Every single Delaware town in this analysis experienced at least a 26% increase in home values between 2020 and 2025, with some places like Slaughter Beach seeing jumps of over 76%. The central Delaware towns like Middletown, Clayton, and Smyrna have emerged as hotspots for growth, becoming increasingly attractive alternatives to the more established and pricier coastal communities.
Delaware’s real estate market reveals a clear geographic pattern – the highest home values concentrate along the Atlantic coast, while the more affordable communities cluster in the central and northern regions of the state. Even the more affordably priced towns have seen tremendous growth, with places like Camden experiencing a 98.3% increase since 2010, suggesting strong statewide momentum in the housing market regardless of price point.
Here’s the list.
25. Arden
- 2025: $357,211
- 2020: $274,279
- 2015: $261,084
- 2010: $273,726
- % Change 2020-2025: 30.2%
- % Change 2015-2025: 36.8%
- % Change 2010-2025: 30.5%
Arden has shown remarkably steady growth in its home values, with the average property appreciating $82,932 between 2020 and 2025. This historic community nestled in northern New Castle County is known for its unique land-lease system and arts-focused community. Interestingly, Arden actually saw a slight dip in values between 2010 and 2015 before rebounding strongly, ultimately achieving a 30.5% increase over the 15-year period, making it one of the more stable markets in the state.
24. Felton
- 2025: $367,468
- 2020: $236,208
- 2015: $190,919
- 2010: Data not available
- % Change 2020-2025: 55.6%
- % Change 2015-2025: 92.5%
- % Change 2010-2025: N/A
The growth trajectory in Felton is nothing short of phenomenal, with property values nearly doubling in the decade from 2015 to 2025. This small town in Kent County has transformed from a relatively affordable community to a mid-range market with impressive momentum. Located just a short drive from Dover, Felton offers residents the perfect blend of countryside living with easy access to urban amenities, helping explain its dramatic 55.6% price increase since the pandemic began in 2020.
23. Camden
- 2025: $372,136
- 2020: $240,456
- 2015: $190,520
- 2010: $187,639
- % Change 2020-2025: 54.8%
- % Change 2015-2025: 95.3%
- % Change 2010-2025: 98.3%
Camden’s real estate market has essentially doubled in value over the 15-year period, representing one of the strongest growth stories in all of Delaware. This charming Kent County town situated just south of Dover features tree-lined streets and a small-town atmosphere that’s increasingly desirable. The data shows particularly accelerated growth between 2020 and 2025, where values jumped by 54.8%, suggesting Camden has become a prime destination for those seeking affordable alternatives to Delaware’s more expensive coastal communities.
22. Ardencroft
- 2025: $375,140
- 2020: $264,211
- 2015: $230,355
- 2010: Data not available
- % Change 2020-2025: 42.0%
- % Change 2015-2025: 62.9%
- % Change 2010-2025: N/A
Tucked away in northern Delaware, Ardencroft has enjoyed consistent property value growth, with a particularly impressive 42% jump since 2020. The smallest of the three Ardens communities in New Castle County, this historic village is characterized by its wooded landscapes and proximity to Wilmington. Since 2015, Ardencroft has seen home values increase by 62.9%, reflecting the growing appeal of this unique community known for its artistic heritage and strong sense of shared governance.
21. Millsboro
- 2025: $376,400
- 2020: $285,433
- 2015: $252,857
- 2010: $239,145
- % Change 2020-2025: 31.9%
- % Change 2015-2025: 48.9%
- % Change 2010-2025: 57.4%
Millsboro presents an interesting case of accelerating growth in recent years after a period of more modest appreciation. Located in Sussex County with convenient access to both inland waterways and Atlantic beaches, this town has become increasingly attractive. The price trajectory shows a 57.4% increase over the 15-year period, with the pace quickening since 2020 when values rose by nearly 32%. Millsboro sits at the crossroads of several major routes in southern Delaware, making it a strategic location for those wanting proximity to coastal amenities without coastal prices.
20. Clayton
- 2025: $379,963
- 2020: $254,474
- 2015: $210,439
- 2010: $202,457
- % Change 2020-2025: 49.3%
- % Change 2015-2025: 80.6%
- % Change 2010-2025: 87.7%
Clayton has emerged as one of Delaware’s fastest-growing real estate markets, with values climbing an impressive 87.7% since 2010. This Kent County town straddling the border with New Castle County has seen particularly explosive growth post-pandemic, with nearly half its total 15-year appreciation occurring just in the last five years. Situated along the major route between Dover and Wilmington, Clayton offers residents a blend of small-town charm with convenient access to Delaware’s major cities, factors that have clearly contributed to its surging popularity.
19. Smyrna
- 2025: $390,774
- 2020: $257,109
- 2015: $208,543
- 2010: $197,983
- % Change 2020-2025: 52.0%
- % Change 2015-2025: 87.4%
- % Change 2010-2025: 97.4%
Smyrna’s housing market has nearly doubled in value over the past 15 years, showcasing one of the most remarkable growth stories in the state. This historic town bridging Kent and New Castle counties has transformed from a sleepy community to a thriving residential hotspot. The data reveals particularly intense appreciation between 2020 and 2025, with a 52% jump that added over $133,000 to the average home value. Smyrna’s strategic location along Route 1 provides an ideal balance of accessibility and small-town character that has increasingly attracted homebuyers.
18. Bear
- 2025: $396,044
- 2020: $280,481
- 2015: $234,937
- 2010: $234,482
- % Change 2020-2025: 41.2%
- % Change 2015-2025: 68.6%
- % Change 2010-2025: 68.9%
Bear’s housing market tells a fascinating story of two distinct growth phases over the 15-year period. This suburban community in New Castle County experienced minimal appreciation between 2010 and 2015, followed by a remarkable period of acceleration that saw home values climb 68.9% overall. Located just south of Newark and close to both I-95 and Route 1, Bear offers convenient access to major employment centers in Delaware, Pennsylvania, and Maryland. The substantial 41.2% jump between 2020 and 2025 reflects the growing appeal of suburban communities following the pandemic.
17. Magnolia
- 2025: $409,181
- 2020: $270,748
- 2015: $221,282
- 2010: $212,078
- % Change 2020-2025: 51.1%
- % Change 2015-2025: 84.9%
- % Change 2010-2025: 92.9%
The quaint town of Magnolia has witnessed phenomenal real estate appreciation, with home values soaring nearly 93% since 2010. Nestled in Kent County just southeast of Dover, this charming community epitomizes small-town Delaware with its historic character and tight-knit atmosphere. The dramatic 51.1% price increase since 2020 ranks among the highest in the state, indicating a profound shift in market perception of this once-overlooked gem. Magnolia’s proximity to both the state capital and Delaware’s beaches has positioned it perfectly to capitalize on the migration trends of recent years.
16. Dagsboro
- 2025: $415,388
- 2020: $284,199
- 2015: $249,537
- 2010: $224,758
- % Change 2020-2025: 46.2%
- % Change 2015-2025: 66.5%
- % Change 2010-2025: 84.8%
Dagsboro exemplifies the ripple effect of coastal Delaware’s booming real estate market, with home values increasing by 84.8% since 2010. This inland Sussex County town has benefited from its strategic location just a short drive from Bethany Beach, offering many coastal amenities at a significantly lower price point. The acceleration in Dagsboro’s growth has been particularly notable since 2020, with a 46.2% increase adding over $131,000 to average home values in just five years. Positioned along major routes to Delaware’s beaches, Dagsboro provides the perfect compromise for those wanting beach access without beach prices.
15. Frankford
- 2025: $446,338
- 2020: $302,181
- 2015: $249,969
- 2010: $222,516
- % Change 2020-2025: 47.7%
- % Change 2015-2025: 78.6%
- % Change 2010-2025: 100.6%
Frankford has achieved the remarkable milestone of exactly doubling its home values over the 15-year period, with the average property gaining more than $223,000 in value. This quiet Sussex County town has experienced particularly strong growth since 2020, with values surging 47.7% during this brief period. Located just a few miles from the beaches of Bethany and Fenwick Island, Frankford offers an attractive alternative for homebuyers seeking proximity to Delaware’s coast without the premium prices. The town’s rural character combined with its strategic location has made it increasingly desirable in the regional real estate landscape.
14. Milton
- 2025: $459,286
- 2020: $310,745
- 2015: $259,179
- 2010: $228,961
- % Change 2020-2025: 47.8%
- % Change 2015-2025: 77.2%
- % Change 2010-2025: 100.6%
Milton has experienced a perfect doubling of property values since 2010, making it among the strongest performing markets in Delaware over the full 15-year period. This historic town in Sussex County has been revitalized in recent years around its picturesque riverfront and vibrant downtown. The data reveals a consistent upward trajectory, culminating in a dramatic 47.8% surge between 2020 and 2025 alone. Located just a few miles inland from Lewes and the Delaware Bay, Milton offers a charming blend of historic architecture and cultural amenities that has increasingly attracted both full-time residents and second-home buyers.
13. Townsend
- 2025: $470,232
- 2020: $323,321
- 2015: $263,792
- 2010: $254,702
- % Change 2020-2025: 45.4%
- % Change 2015-2025: 78.3%
- % Change 2010-2025: 84.6%
Townsend presents a compelling growth story with home values increasing by 84.6% since 2010, adding over $215,000 to the average property value. This southern New Castle County town experienced modest growth between 2010 and 2015, followed by increasingly rapid appreciation that accelerated significantly after 2020. Situated along the Route 1 corridor between Middletown and Smyrna, Townsend combines rural charm with strategic accessibility to Delaware’s major population centers. The town’s impressive 45.4% growth in just the last five years reflects its growing appeal among homebuyers seeking newer housing stock in a community-oriented setting.
12. Slaughter Beach
- 2025: $476,124
- 2020: $269,905
- 2015: Data not available
- 2010: Data not available
- % Change 2020-2025: 76.4%
- % Change 2015-2025: N/A
- % Change 2010-2025: N/A
Slaughter Beach has emerged as one of Delaware’s hottest real estate markets in recent years, with an extraordinary 76.4% increase in home values since 2020 – the highest five-year growth rate among all towns in this analysis. This tiny coastal community along the Delaware Bay in Sussex County has transformed from a quiet fishing village to a sought-after destination for waterfront living. While historical data before 2020 is limited, the dramatic price appreciation since then adds more than $206,000 to the average home value, indicating a profound shift in market perception of this once-overlooked gem.
11. Middletown
- 2025: $508,586
- 2020: $346,868
- 2015: $293,920
- 2010: $244,416
- % Change 2020-2025: 46.6%
- % Change 2015-2025: 73.0%
- % Change 2010-2025: 108.1%
Middletown stands out as one of Delaware’s most impressive growth stories, with property values more than doubling over the 15-year period. This booming New Castle County town has transformed from a sleepy agricultural community to one of the state’s fastest-growing municipalities. The data reveals consistently strong appreciation throughout the period, with values climbing by 108.1% since 2010 and adding more than $264,000 to the average home price. Located at the crossroads of several major transportation routes, Middletown offers a strategic blend of small-town atmosphere with convenient access to major employment centers throughout the Delaware Valley.
10. Ocean View
- 2025: $515,156
- 2020: $357,564
- 2015: $327,943
- 2010: $315,767
- % Change 2020-2025: 44.1%
- % Change 2015-2025: 57.1%
- % Change 2010-2025: 63.1%
The growth pattern in Ocean View reveals an interesting acceleration phenomenon, with modest appreciation from 2010 to 2015 followed by increasingly rapid gains in subsequent years. This coastal Sussex County community just a mile from Bethany Beach has seen home values increase by 63.1% over the full period, with a particularly notable 44.1% surge just since 2020. Ocean View provides the perfect compromise for beach lovers, offering proximity to Delaware’s famous coastline without the premium prices of oceanfront communities. Its strategic location near both the Atlantic Ocean and inland bays has made it increasingly attractive to both retirees and vacation homeowners.
9. Selbyville
- 2025: $516,330
- 2020: $350,980
- 2015: $310,078
- 2010: $270,503
- % Change 2020-2025: 47.1%
- % Change 2015-2025: 66.5%
- % Change 2010-2025: 90.9%
Selbyville has nearly doubled its home values since 2010, with a remarkable 90.9% increase that’s added nearly $246,000 to the average property. This inland Sussex County town has benefited from its position just a few miles from the Maryland and Delaware beaches without the premium prices of coastal communities. The appreciation curve shows steady growth from 2010 to 2020, followed by a dramatic 47.1% surge in just the last five years. Straddling the Delaware-Maryland line and situated along major routes to Ocean City and Delaware’s beaches, Selbyville offers an appealing blend of small-town character with strategic beach access.
8. Harbeson
- 2025: $538,946
- 2020: $362,454
- 2015: $310,176
- 2010: $263,870
- % Change 2020-2025: 48.7%
- % Change 2015-2025: 73.8%
- % Change 2010-2025: 104.2%
Harbeson exemplifies explosive growth in Sussex County’s real estate market, with home values more than doubling over the 15-year period. This small, unincorporated community has seen its average home price increase by an impressive 104.2% since 2010, adding more than $275,000 in value. The data shows consistently strong appreciation throughout, with nearly half the total growth occurring just in the last five years. Located at the crossroads of Routes 5 and 9 between Georgetown and Lewes, Harbeson provides convenient access to both Delaware’s beaches and inland amenities while maintaining its rural character and more affordable price point.
7. Hockessin
- 2025: $563,231
- 2020: $394,990
- 2015: $358,481
- 2010: $357,528
- % Change 2020-2025: 42.6%
- % Change 2015-2025: 57.1%
- % Change 2010-2025: 57.5%
Hockessin’s real estate trajectory tells a fascinating story of two distinct growth phases over the past 15 years. This affluent community in northern New Castle County saw minimal appreciation between 2010 and 2015, followed by a dramatic acceleration that’s added more than $205,000 to average home values. The data reveals that over 42% of the total 15-year appreciation occurred just in the last five years, showcasing Hockessin’s surging popularity. Nestled near the Pennsylvania border with convenient access to Wilmington, Philadelphia, and major employers like DuPont, Hockessin offers an attractive combination of upscale suburban living and excellent schools that continues to draw homebuyers.
6. Lewes
- 2025: $578,475
- 2020: $409,445
- 2015: $349,500
- 2010: $328,818
- % Change 2020-2025: 41.3%
- % Change 2015-2025: 65.5%
- % Change 2010-2025: 75.9%
Lewes captures the essence of coastal Delaware’s appeal, with home values climbing steadily by 75.9% over the 15-year period. The First Town in the First State has seen its average home price increase by nearly $250,000 since 2010, with particularly strong growth of 41.3% just since 2020. This historic community where the Delaware Bay meets the Atlantic Ocean offers a unique combination of maritime heritage, cultural amenities, and natural beauty. Situated at the northern end of Delaware’s beach resort area and adjacent to Cape Henlopen State Park, Lewes provides a more relaxed alternative to the bustling atmosphere of Rehoboth Beach just to the south.
5. Rehoboth Beach
- 2025: $777,400
- 2020: $572,919
- 2015: $485,556
- 2010: $420,327
- % Change 2020-2025: 35.7%
- % Change 2015-2025: 60.1%
- % Change 2010-2025: 85.0%
Delaware’s premier beach resort has maintained its strong appeal with home values increasing 85% since 2010, adding an impressive $357,000 to the average property value. Known as “The Nation’s Summer Capital” due to its popularity among Washington D.C. visitors, Rehoboth Beach continues to command premium prices in the state’s coastal market. The data shows consistently strong appreciation throughout the period, with the pace accelerating slightly after 2015. Featuring a vibrant downtown, award-winning beaches, and tax-free shopping, Rehoboth remains the crown jewel of Delaware’s coastal communities and continues to attract both vacation homeowners and year-round residents seeking an upscale beach lifestyle.
4. Bethany Beach
- 2025: $783,559
- 2020: $621,131
- 2015: $590,209
- 2010: $563,446
- % Change 2020-2025: 26.2%
- % Change 2015-2025: 32.8%
- % Change 2010-2025: 39.1%
Bethany Beach presents an interesting contrast to many Delaware communities, showing more modest but steady growth over the 15-year period. Often referred to as “The Quiet Resort,” this oceanfront community in southern Sussex County has seen home values increase by 39.1% since 2010, the lowest percentage growth among Delaware’s top 25 towns. Despite the more moderate pace, Bethany Beach properties still gained over $220,000 in value during this period. Nestled between the Atlantic Ocean and inland bays, with a family-friendly atmosphere and less commercial development than its coastal neighbors, Bethany Beach maintains its distinct character while continuing to command premium prices in Delaware’s real estate market.
3. Fenwick Island
- 2025: $848,731
- 2020: $496,079
- 2015: $457,401
- 2010: $394,562
- % Change 2020-2025: 71.1%
- % Change 2015-2025: 85.6%
- % Change 2010-2025: 115.1%
Fenwick Island stands out as Delaware’s growth champion, with property values more than doubling since 2010 – achieving an extraordinary 115.1% increase that tops all communities in this analysis. This tiny coastal town at Delaware’s southern border has seen its average home price surge by over $454,000 during this period. The most remarkable aspect of Fenwick’s growth story is the exceptional 71.1% increase just since 2020, by far the highest 5-year growth rate among Delaware’s premium communities. Located on a narrow barrier island between the Atlantic Ocean and Little Assawoman Bay, with Maryland’s Ocean City just a stone’s throw away, Fenwick Island offers a distinctive blend of exclusivity and accessibility that has clearly resonated with luxury buyers.
2. Dewey Beach
- 2025: $1,047,029
- 2020: $768,142
- 2015: $645,046
- 2010: $636,586
- % Change 2020-2025: 36.3%
- % Change 2015-2025: 62.3%
- % Change 2010-2025: 64.5%
Dewey Beach has crossed the million-dollar threshold, with average home values now exceeding $1 million – a milestone that highlights this community’s prestigious position in Delaware’s real estate landscape. This narrow strip of land between Rehoboth Bay and the Atlantic Ocean has seen property values increase by 64.5% since 2010, adding over $410,000 to the average home. Interestingly, the data shows minimal growth between 2010 and 2015, followed by increasingly rapid appreciation in subsequent years. Known for its vibrant nightlife and beach culture, Dewey manages to maintain a distinctive character among Delaware’s coastal towns, attracting a diverse mix of vacation homeowners and investors seeking premium oceanfront properties.
1. South Bethany
- 2025: $1,064,162
- 2020: $754,481
- 2015: $666,096
- 2010: $578,164
- % Change 2020-2025: 41.0%
- % Change 2015-2025: 59.8%
- % Change 2010-2025: 84.1%
South Bethany reigns as Delaware’s most valuable real estate market, with average home prices exceeding $1.06 million in 2025. This exclusive coastal enclave has seen property values increase by 84.1% over the 15-year period, adding nearly $486,000 to the average home. The growth curve shows steady appreciation throughout, with a notable acceleration after 2020 that added 41% in just five years. Situated along both the Atlantic Ocean and the inland canals of Little Assawoman Bay, South Bethany offers a unique “beach and bay” lifestyle that commands top dollar in Delaware’s market. The town’s peaceful atmosphere, pristine beaches, and waterfront access on multiple sides have cemented its position as Delaware’s most prestigious residential community.
