Moving to Delaware?
Situated in the DelMarVa Peninsula, the state of Delaware is the second smallest state in
the United States. The state is named in the honor of Sir Thomas West (Lord De La Warr), the governor of an English colony
at Jamestown, Virginia.
Delaware is officially nicknamed “The First State,” as it was one of the 13 original
states to ratify the U.S. Constitution. Thomas Jefferson called it the Diamond State, owing to its strategic location
on the eastern seaboard. Recently, Delaware has been called the “Small Wonder” due to the contributions it has made to
the country, despite its size.
Tourists from surrounding states flock to Delaware for its artistic appeal,
nightlife, and tax-free shopping. The state boasts of attractions such as the Delaware International Speedway and Dover
Downs, a one-of-a-kind car racing facility and a harness racing facility. The speedway, also known as Monster Mile, conducts
two NASCAR races annually.
If you’re moving to Delaware, there are a lot of things you’re going to need to
know. Luckily, you’ve come to the right place.
Things to Know When Moving to Delaware
Delaware Climate
Delaware exhibits a climate that changes from humid subtropical in the south to humid continental in the north. The
Atlantic Ocean has a moderating effect on the temperatures in the state. Overall the state experiences cold winter
temperatures, hot summers, and precipitation throughout the year. The state is also susceptible to severe weather
conditions that arise from winter and spring nor'easters which can cause heavy snow, coastal flooding, and thunderstorms.
The topography of the state is characterized by the Atlantic Coastal Plains and the Appalachian Piedmont in the
north. There is swampland along the southern boundary of the state. On the eastern side of the state is the Delaware
River.
Registering your Car
You have 60 days to title and register your vehicle after becoming a resident
of Delaware, but you are required to notify the state of the change of address at a DMV within 30 days. You need
to submit insurance, out-of-state title and registration, requisite fees and get your vehicle inspected at any
DMV office.
Obtaining a Delaware Driver's License
Upon becoming a resident of the state, you have 60 days to obtain
a Delaware driver's license. You have to pass an eye test. Knowledge and road tests can be waived if you are
in possession of a valid out-of-state driver's license. After obtaining your driver's license, registration to
vote and to become an organ donor are carried out at the DMV offices itself.
Crime Rankings
As of 2011, Delaware was ranked 47th out of 50 states in violent crime, with a total of less than 50
violent crimes for every 100,000 people in the state.
Industries
Delaware's economy is fueled by agriculture and industries such as chemical and pharmaceuticals, automotive
manufacturing, and banking services. Delaware's agricultural products include chicken, milk, hogs, soybeans, barley,
wheat, potatoes, and apples. Chemicals and pharmaceuticals are the primary industrial products with Syngenta, AstraZeneca,
and Hercules Inc. based in Delaware. This is followed by food processing; especially prepared desserts, baked goods,
fish products, and soft drinks. The state's Financial Center Development Act has helped catapult banking, financial services,
and the insurance industry.
Employment Statistics
As of early 2012, the state of Delaware had an unemployment rate of 6.9 percent, which is lower than the national
average of 8.2 percent.
Average Income
The median household income in the state of Delaware is $57,599, while the average per capita income
for the state is $29,007.
Moving and Storage
If you are looking for a moving company or storage facility to help you with anything,
you should check to make sure the company is registered with the United States Department of Transportation or
with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.
Real Estate
The average listing price for homes in Delaware is $310,013, while the median sales price is just over $237,000. The Delaware Association of Realtors is the official real estate resource for the state of Delaware.
Major landmarks and attractions
Dover Downs; Delaware International Speedway; Hagley Museum and Library;
Longwood Gardens; Riverfront Wilmington; Zwaanendael Museum; Mount Cuba Center Botanical Garden; Kalmar Nykel
Sailing Ship; Winterthur Museum and Country Estate; Fort Delaware.
Largest Cities: Wilmington, Newark, Dover, Middletown, Brookside
Schools
The Delaware State Board of Education oversees the management of public education in the state. The board reviews
and approves applications for charter schools. It also oversees the enactment of its mission and long range goals
which affect various aspects of education in the state. The state is the origin of Belton vs. Gebhart, which
resulted in the United States Supreme Court ordering that African-American children be admitted into the segregated
whites-only public schools. There are 25 charter schools with one being an all-girls facility, and they are funded
by the Department of Education. As part of the higher education program, the University of Delaware, with its
historic origins, offers engineering, science, public administration, chemical engineering, and biotechnology
programs. Other notable institutions include Delaware College of Art and Design, Delaware Technical and Community
College, and Goldey-Beacom College.
National Parks
Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail
State park System
The Delaware Division of Parks and Recreation supervises and manages the state's 17 parks.
You can indulge in a range of outdoor activities like boating, fishing, hiking, rock climbing, disc golf, birding,
cross-country skiing, and ice skating in winters. Whether it’s a casual business meeting for 10 or an extravagant
wedding for hundreds, Delaware state parks offer some of the perfect scenic areas.
Major Airports
Philadelphia International Airport
Baltimore Washington International Airport
New Castle Airport