If you plan on moving to Delaware, there are a few things you’ll find out quickly! Life in the First State isn’t all that different – if you’re coming from New Jersey, you’ll miss the pizza. If you’re coming from Maryland, you’ll miss – no, wait, we’ve got great crabcakes, too. You’ll probably miss mountains. If you’re coming from California, you’ll definitely NOT miss the traffic, because Delaware’s traffic isn’t really all that bad. Really, though, Delaware has a lot of great things going for it! We’re friendly, beachgoing people who love agriculture and regular culture, and we know how to have a great time. Check out some things you really ought to know about your new home!
- License plates are a status symbol
Flickr / Mike Lucarelli This is something you’ll learn pretty much right away. If you see someone with just a few digits on their license plate, that’s a big deal. Low license plates are passed down for generations, or auctioned off for outrageous amounts. It’s a novelty, and kind of a status symbol at the same time.
- Everybody has an opinion.
Flickr / Jon Collier Whether it’s a conversation in line at the grocery store or in the Delaware newspaper online comments section, everyone in Delaware has an opinion about politics, restaurants, cities, towns, and more. We’re generally friendly people, though, so don’t take it personally. We just think we’ve got the right answer for everything.
- The Ice Cream is out of this world.
Facebook / UDairy Creamery Farm fresh ice cream is a big Delaware tradition, and there are amazing creamieres all over the state. Try Woodside Farm or UDairy if you want unique flavors that will leave you dreaming about cones.
- You’ll have to really search for a good bagel.
Flickr / Liz West There are good bagel shops - they’re just few and far between. Try Surf Bagel in Lewes, or Newark Deli & Bagel on Main Street in Newark.
- There is history everywhere you look.
Flickr / Ken Lund Every city has some sort of amazing history behind it, that’s one benefit of living in the first state! Check out the historic sites in Dover, New Castle, and Lewes.
- Birdwatching is kind of a big deal.
Flickr / USFWS Northeast When the Snow Geese start to show up, your Facebook and Instagram feeds will be filled with photos from Bombay Hook, Prime Hook, Cape Henlopen and pretty much any other place in the state with a clear view of the sky, water, or a field.
- Dumplings are flat.
Flickr / Emily Carlin This one takes some getting used to, if you’re not from the south. Apparently, outside of DelMarVa, people eat round dumplings? Weird. Here, they’re flat and rolled and served with some delicious Delaware chicken.
- Delaware’s State Parks are SO underrated.
Flickr / Lee Cannon Killens Pond has a water park, Trap Pond is one of the best campgrounds I’ve ever experienced, and White Clay Creek lets you hike in three states at once! If anyone tries to tell you Delaware isn’t an outdoorsy state, just know that they are VERY wrong.
- Small Town Life has its perks.
Flickr / Chris Connelly You’ll get to know everyone in your town pretty quickly after moving to Delaware, and everyone in small town Delaware seems to look out for each other. Plus, you’ll be surrounded by small businesses that are unique and mom and pop restaurants that are mouthwateringly good.
- Scrapple is the best breakfast meat.
Flickr / Bionicgrrl If you aren’t from the Tri-State area, you’ve probably never run into Scrapple before. Try it! It’s kind of a blend of everything you don’t want to think about, but it’s delicious with some eggs.
- Nobody can agree on where Slower Lower starts.
Flickr / Lee Cannon Some insist that it’s just Sussex County, some think it’s anything below New Castle County, and the rest of us know that Slower Lower Delaware begins at the Canal.
- Delaware is the perfect state.
Flickr / The Explorographer If you like trails, beaches, urban and rural life, Delaware is the place to live. You’re never far from the beach or the City, you can spend a day in a small town, exploring the parks and shops, or hop from State Park to State Park. Being such a small state really has its benefits!
And if you’re really new to the first state, here are a few bucket lists and road trips to help you get familiar with your new home. You shouldn’t pass up our Ultimate Burger Bucket List, or our list of the most amazing trails to hike in Delaware, and our list of unbelievable restaurants that definte Delaware. You’re going to love it here!
Flickr / Mike Lucarelli
This is something you’ll learn pretty much right away. If you see someone with just a few digits on their license plate, that’s a big deal. Low license plates are passed down for generations, or auctioned off for outrageous amounts. It’s a novelty, and kind of a status symbol at the same time.
Flickr / Jon Collier
Whether it’s a conversation in line at the grocery store or in the Delaware newspaper online comments section, everyone in Delaware has an opinion about politics, restaurants, cities, towns, and more. We’re generally friendly people, though, so don’t take it personally. We just think we’ve got the right answer for everything.
Facebook / UDairy Creamery
Farm fresh ice cream is a big Delaware tradition, and there are amazing creamieres all over the state. Try Woodside Farm or UDairy if you want unique flavors that will leave you dreaming about cones.
Flickr / Liz West
There are good bagel shops - they’re just few and far between. Try Surf Bagel in Lewes, or Newark Deli & Bagel on Main Street in Newark.
Flickr / Ken Lund
Every city has some sort of amazing history behind it, that’s one benefit of living in the first state! Check out the historic sites in Dover, New Castle, and Lewes.
Flickr / USFWS Northeast
When the Snow Geese start to show up, your Facebook and Instagram feeds will be filled with photos from Bombay Hook, Prime Hook, Cape Henlopen and pretty much any other place in the state with a clear view of the sky, water, or a field.
Flickr / Emily Carlin
This one takes some getting used to, if you’re not from the south. Apparently, outside of DelMarVa, people eat round dumplings? Weird. Here, they’re flat and rolled and served with some delicious Delaware chicken.
Flickr / Lee Cannon
Killens Pond has a water park, Trap Pond is one of the best campgrounds I’ve ever experienced, and White Clay Creek lets you hike in three states at once! If anyone tries to tell you Delaware isn’t an outdoorsy state, just know that they are VERY wrong.
Flickr / Chris Connelly
You’ll get to know everyone in your town pretty quickly after moving to Delaware, and everyone in small town Delaware seems to look out for each other. Plus, you’ll be surrounded by small businesses that are unique and mom and pop restaurants that are mouthwateringly good.
Flickr / Bionicgrrl
If you aren’t from the Tri-State area, you’ve probably never run into Scrapple before. Try it! It’s kind of a blend of everything you don’t want to think about, but it’s delicious with some eggs.
Some insist that it’s just Sussex County, some think it’s anything below New Castle County, and the rest of us know that Slower Lower Delaware begins at the Canal.
Flickr / The Explorographer
If you like trails, beaches, urban and rural life, Delaware is the place to live. You’re never far from the beach or the City, you can spend a day in a small town, exploring the parks and shops, or hop from State Park to State Park. Being such a small state really has its benefits!
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