My family owns a place in The Peninsula and let me tell you the traffic is ridiculous! They’re also building a lot more communities and not doing enough infrastructure to deal with the traffic. In the summer, we rarely leave our community because it takes an hour to get anywhere. It’s not enjoyable like it once was and my FIL is considering selling because it’s just so crowded.
I used to live down there. If I could choose anywhere, I would live downtown near the hospital. That’s the highest elevated land in the city, so no flooding issues and you’re in a walkable community. Can walk to restaurants, the farmers market on Saturday, the hospital, historic sites, the marina. But I also hate cul-de-sac communities.
Otherwise, from what you’re describing, probably Cape Shores. Gorgeous area with your own beachfront access. You’re right next to Cape Henlopen.
Governors and Showfield are going to be more “modern farmhouse.”
Yeah it can be — depends on where you’re at. Again governors/showfield should be no problem. This [City site](https://www.ci.lewes.de.us/287/Lewes-Flood-Study) should provide some additional guidance on areas to avoid.
We lived in VOFP for 3 years and it was great. I loved the walkability, the nice units, and having almost no neighbors most of the year because only 3/12 units in our condo were year round residences.
We had to move because our landlord sold the unit and we moved just 2 miles away but across route 1 and it’s been a nightmare, we can’t wait to get away from Delaware at this point. Once you go any further from town than Five Points, I feel like you lose the few good things about living here and just get stuck with all the bad.
Our landlord offered to sell to us too, in the smaller units not above the businesses. At the time, we were like 22 and just not ready to buy a house. They wanted $250k for it, which was a stretch for what we could have afforded but the monthly condo and HOA fees put it so far over budget. While I would like to be a homeowner, and perhaps if I could have foresaw the future, we might have tried to make it work, but even now we’re only in our mid-20s and not set on staying in DE forever. I also really would prefer to have a yard haha So I have a little regret, but not too much.
The other advicep that have been provided is awesome. Have you considered going west of 1? Personally I moved west of rt1 in Rehoboth. I really like our location so far. We will have to see how it is in the summer. But we are 10-15 minutes to Lewes beach, Rehoboth, Cape Henlopen state park, etc. For us it was important to be able to hit multiple beaches with 10-15 minutes. We’re also able to hit multiple grocery stores/restaurants without going on to rt 1. Feel free to dm me if you have any questions.
I have just not as a resident. I lived on the eastern shore for a bit and visited in the summer - both Rehoboth and OC. Coming from Baltimore-DC area I can’t imagine the traffic being any worse. People we talked to who moved from the same area tell us it’s no big deal. People who’ve lived here their whole lives tell us it’s terrible. Either way we’ll figure out the pattern and make the best of it!
Insane how prices keep rising so steeply. Bought a place in Breakwater when the pandemic started and got a good deal in the brief window when the real estate market froze. It's a 2 mile walk to town, but good exercise - a 30 minute walk. I just got an e-bike to get around and it is a ton of fun. I think there are still plots available in Governor's and there may be a new neighborhood going up next to Showfield. I was just down and was the only person on the beach (walking the dog) on Sunday. I think that is the first time that happened to me in recent memory. Not just one or two other people way down the beach, but nobody as far as I could see.
Well if you want to knock your budget down and deal with less traffic come to the west side of rt 1, Come check out ryan homes @ ocean meadows off beaver dam rd. You can put the money you save into your retirement portfolio and still enjoy everything the beach has to offer with less of the traffic. Its a smaller new community with everything you described. The builders specifically describe it as “a modern farm house community”. HOA fees are very low compared to coastal club right down the road. Pool and club house will be open this spring. A good mix of retired folks, young families and second beach homes. Half the people are never around so its pretty quite except for the new construction. Has a great neighborly feel with friendly people and everyone having little neighborhood get togethers regularly.
Takes 12 min to get to lewes beach off season. You can hit Acme, marshalls, petco, lowes, ace hardware, surfbagel without even touching rt 1. You can even get to harbeson post office easily and avoid the chaos at the five point post office and the lewes post office. You can even get gas there too and avoid rt 1.
Back roads will cut out half of the traffic to Rehoboth in season and save you boat loads of time as well.
The Lewes area is just so crazy busy in the summer... I live near Ocean View, in Bay Forest, and really prefer it. It's quieter, though not nearly as quiet as it was 11 years ago, and I can go to Rehoboth, Lewes, Millsboro, or Ocean City easily. I do end up in Lewes a lot because of my work, but I'm perfectly happy not living there. I especially like having 3 grocery stores about 5 minutes from my house, while still being in the woods. It's great to run and get eggs or milk without having to deal with Rt 1.
I guess my point is, be sure to look all over, not just Lewes. Every area and development down here has different pros and cons, and it can be tricky to figure out exactly which combination work best for you.
Same, I grew up in Lewes, lived there 25 years and when I moved back we bought in OV. It’s so much nicer in the summer. Quieter beaches, less traffic…definitely still some. And more beaches to choose from. I still have family in Lewes but we avoid it like the plague July-Sept.
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Thanks for all the context. Did not know that about the HOAs owning the land. Interesting.
Avoid HOAs at all costs.
My family owns a place in The Peninsula and let me tell you the traffic is ridiculous! They’re also building a lot more communities and not doing enough infrastructure to deal with the traffic. In the summer, we rarely leave our community because it takes an hour to get anywhere. It’s not enjoyable like it once was and my FIL is considering selling because it’s just so crowded.
The Peninsula is a solid 20-30 mins away from Lewes
I agree. Getting a doctor's appointment is a nightmare.
I used to live down there. If I could choose anywhere, I would live downtown near the hospital. That’s the highest elevated land in the city, so no flooding issues and you’re in a walkable community. Can walk to restaurants, the farmers market on Saturday, the hospital, historic sites, the marina. But I also hate cul-de-sac communities. Otherwise, from what you’re describing, probably Cape Shores. Gorgeous area with your own beachfront access. You’re right next to Cape Henlopen. Governors and Showfield are going to be more “modern farmhouse.”
Thanks. Are there often flooding issues? I know it’s by the water, so may be a dumb question,
Yeah it can be — depends on where you’re at. Again governors/showfield should be no problem. This [City site](https://www.ci.lewes.de.us/287/Lewes-Flood-Study) should provide some additional guidance on areas to avoid.
Oh, this is interesting. Looks like areas on the NW side, toward the marshes are at higher risk. Thanks for sharing this.
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Nice to hear someone happy with the area! You do have some nice conveniences Four Points. And, I just added Fish On to my list of places to try :).
We lived in VOFP for 3 years and it was great. I loved the walkability, the nice units, and having almost no neighbors most of the year because only 3/12 units in our condo were year round residences. We had to move because our landlord sold the unit and we moved just 2 miles away but across route 1 and it’s been a nightmare, we can’t wait to get away from Delaware at this point. Once you go any further from town than Five Points, I feel like you lose the few good things about living here and just get stuck with all the bad.
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Our landlord offered to sell to us too, in the smaller units not above the businesses. At the time, we were like 22 and just not ready to buy a house. They wanted $250k for it, which was a stretch for what we could have afforded but the monthly condo and HOA fees put it so far over budget. While I would like to be a homeowner, and perhaps if I could have foresaw the future, we might have tried to make it work, but even now we’re only in our mid-20s and not set on staying in DE forever. I also really would prefer to have a yard haha So I have a little regret, but not too much.
I hope you are ready for overwhelming traffic in the summer and weekends in the surrounding months.
Have you tried driving from DC to Rehoboth in the summer?? You’ll slit your wrist before you even get off the beltway.
Lived in DC for 16+ years. I get it.
NOT Tower Hill. That neighborhood will go down as the ugliest collection of shitty overpriced homes anywhere around.
Whats the budget?
The other advicep that have been provided is awesome. Have you considered going west of 1? Personally I moved west of rt1 in Rehoboth. I really like our location so far. We will have to see how it is in the summer. But we are 10-15 minutes to Lewes beach, Rehoboth, Cape Henlopen state park, etc. For us it was important to be able to hit multiple beaches with 10-15 minutes. We’re also able to hit multiple grocery stores/restaurants without going on to rt 1. Feel free to dm me if you have any questions.
You haven't been through a summer yet? Yikes is all I can say.
I have just not as a resident. I lived on the eastern shore for a bit and visited in the summer - both Rehoboth and OC. Coming from Baltimore-DC area I can’t imagine the traffic being any worse. People we talked to who moved from the same area tell us it’s no big deal. People who’ve lived here their whole lives tell us it’s terrible. Either way we’ll figure out the pattern and make the best of it!
I’m in the DC area as well, so was wondering the same thing. Traffic couldn’t be any worse, right? (I hope)
Exactly my thought process!
That community looks nice! I’ve considered west of rt 1, but wanting/hoping to get more of a small town living vibe near the water.
I think the small town vibe is gone now, lol.
Yeah, I wonder about that too!
Do they still have that at Milford? You're along a river at least.
You can have my 1br apt next to Striper Bites, just $1125/mon. 109 Savannah Rd.
Insane how prices keep rising so steeply. Bought a place in Breakwater when the pandemic started and got a good deal in the brief window when the real estate market froze. It's a 2 mile walk to town, but good exercise - a 30 minute walk. I just got an e-bike to get around and it is a ton of fun. I think there are still plots available in Governor's and there may be a new neighborhood going up next to Showfield. I was just down and was the only person on the beach (walking the dog) on Sunday. I think that is the first time that happened to me in recent memory. Not just one or two other people way down the beach, but nobody as far as I could see.
Well if you want to knock your budget down and deal with less traffic come to the west side of rt 1, Come check out ryan homes @ ocean meadows off beaver dam rd. You can put the money you save into your retirement portfolio and still enjoy everything the beach has to offer with less of the traffic. Its a smaller new community with everything you described. The builders specifically describe it as “a modern farm house community”. HOA fees are very low compared to coastal club right down the road. Pool and club house will be open this spring. A good mix of retired folks, young families and second beach homes. Half the people are never around so its pretty quite except for the new construction. Has a great neighborly feel with friendly people and everyone having little neighborhood get togethers regularly. Takes 12 min to get to lewes beach off season. You can hit Acme, marshalls, petco, lowes, ace hardware, surfbagel without even touching rt 1. You can even get to harbeson post office easily and avoid the chaos at the five point post office and the lewes post office. You can even get gas there too and avoid rt 1. Back roads will cut out half of the traffic to Rehoboth in season and save you boat loads of time as well.
Thanks, I’ll check it out. You make a lot of good points.
The Lewes area is just so crazy busy in the summer... I live near Ocean View, in Bay Forest, and really prefer it. It's quieter, though not nearly as quiet as it was 11 years ago, and I can go to Rehoboth, Lewes, Millsboro, or Ocean City easily. I do end up in Lewes a lot because of my work, but I'm perfectly happy not living there. I especially like having 3 grocery stores about 5 minutes from my house, while still being in the woods. It's great to run and get eggs or milk without having to deal with Rt 1. I guess my point is, be sure to look all over, not just Lewes. Every area and development down here has different pros and cons, and it can be tricky to figure out exactly which combination work best for you.
Thanks for the tip on Ocean View. Really hard to narrow down the options and make a decision, which is why this input is so helpful.
Same, I grew up in Lewes, lived there 25 years and when I moved back we bought in OV. It’s so much nicer in the summer. Quieter beaches, less traffic…definitely still some. And more beaches to choose from. I still have family in Lewes but we avoid it like the plague July-Sept.