The 8 Biggest Mistakes People Make When Moving to Delaware—Here's What You Need to Know

So, you're thinking about moving to Delaware? Great choice! The First State has its charm—tax-free shopping, beautiful beaches, and tight-knit communities. But let's be honest: no place is perfect, and Delaware has quirks.

That's why we're here to help you avoid the "Oops, we wish someone had told us!" moments. In this guide, we'll walk you through the 8 biggest mistakes people make when moving to Delaware. The last one? Oh, it gets us fired up. But let's not start with that—let's ease into it, shall we?

Moving to a new state can feel like diving into the unknown, but it doesn't have to be overwhelming. Delaware is a fantastic place to call home, but you should know a few things to make the transition as smooth as possible. Let's explore the common missteps so you can avoid them!

1. Thinking Delaware Has Big, Fancy Airports

Spoiler alert: Delaware's not the place for jet-setters. We don't have a major airport. Yep, you heard that correctly—zero big airports here. A tiny regional airport in New Castle offers flights to places like Florida and Georgia on specific days. But for the most part, you'll need to head to Philly, Baltimore, or even D.C. to catch a flight.

If you love the idea of hopping on a plane on a whim, this might be a rude awakening. Planning your travel logistics will become part of your life.

2. Buying Into the "Delaware Is Boring" Myth

Let us stop you right there—Delaware is NOT boring. It's small, but you don't have to drive far to find fun. Beaches? Check. Hiking trails? Check. Festivals, breweries, charming small towns, and historic sites? Double-check.

We've got a list of 125 things to do in Delaware, and we promise you'll never run out of places to explore. The trick is to give the state a chance before you start believing the haters. Delaware is like that quiet kid in class—once you get to know it, it's full of surprises.

3. Freaking Out Over Traffic

Traffic in Delaware? It's not that bad. We've got some congestion during rush hours, especially around I-95 and Route 1 up north. And let's not forget beach traffic on summer weekends—it can get intense. But this isn't New York City gridlock or L.A.'s legendary traffic jams. It's more of a "get annoyed for 20 minutes and move on with your life" kind of thing. If you plan your trips wisely, you'll avoid the worst of it.

4. Expecting Endless Snow Days or Tropical Winters

Delaware's weather is like a box of chocolates—you never know what you'll get. Winters are pretty mild, but we do get the occasional snowstorm. On average, expect 1-2 storms yearly with 12-16 inches of snow.

If you're from a snow-heavy area like upstate New York, Delaware's winters will feel like a breeze. But you might be surprised if you're from the South expecting no snow.

5. Getting Confused by Septic Systems

Let's talk plumbing. Delaware isn't fully hooked up to central sewer systems. Many homes—especially rural ones—rely on septic tanks and wells. It can feel like stepping back in time if you're new to this.

But here's the deal: septic systems aren't scary. They're designed to last, and you'll barely notice the difference with proper maintenance. Just ensure you know what you're getting into before buying a home.

6. Assuming Public Transportation Is a Breeze

If you're moving here without a car, you might want to rethink that plan. Delaware's public transportation options are limited. We've got buses in some areas, and you can hail an Uber or Lyft in places like Wilmington or Rehoboth Beach but don't expect it to be as convenient as it is in big cities. Owning a car is a must if you want to get around quickly.

7. Being Disappointed by the Lack of Professional Sports Teams

Sports fans, this one's for you. Delaware doesn't have professional teams. Zilch. Nada. If you're into football, baseball, or basketball, you'll root for teams from neighboring cities like Philly or Baltimore.

Sure, we've got a minor-league baseball team and a NASCAR track, but it's not the same as having a hometown team to cheer for. If you're not an Eagles or Phillies fan, you might be surrounded by rival supporters—fair warning!

8. Believing the Old "Delaware Is Dangerous" Rumors

Let's squash this one right now. Delaware's crime rates have dropped significantly over the last decade. A city once nicknamed "Murdertown USA" is now safer than most places.

The majority of crimes are domestic, and Delaware is one of the safer states on the East Coast overall. Don't let outdated headlines keep you from discovering this gem of a state.

Final Thoughts

Delaware isn't perfect—no place is. But if you take the time to understand its quirks, you'll find it's a fantastic place to call home. The First State has much to offer, from charming towns to beautiful beaches. Avoid these common mistakes, and you'll settle into Delaware life like a pro. Have you considered moving to Delaware? If so, please share your questions or experiences in the comments—we'd love to hear from you!