New Castle Delaware
Moving to New Castle, Delaware
New Castle is a historic and vibrant community that welcomes both residents and visitors with its charm and character. The city offers a high quality of life, featuring access to excellent schools, local businesses, and a strong sense of community. New Castle emphasizes preserving its rich history while supporting sustainable initiatives, including energy efficiency and environmental conservation. Residents and visitors enjoy convenient transportation options, safe neighborhoods, and scenic waterfronts along the Delaware River, as well as trails for walking, biking, and outdoor recreation. The city also boasts a lively cultural scene, with parks, community events, and recreational facilities that encourage connection and engagement. Overall, New Castle stands out as a charming, historic, and highly livable destination in northern Delaware.
New Castle by the numbers
City population
Cost of living vs the national average
Median home price
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Discover New Castle: Top Attractions and Things to Do
Local Experiences
Local Experiences
New Castle, Delaware, offers a delightful mix of colonial charm, local culture, and seasonal community events. Residents and visitors can explore the scenic Delaware Riverfront, historic Battery Park, and nearby trails, perfect for walking, biking, or simply enjoying the outdoors. Food enthusiasts will find a range of dining options, from cozy waterfront cafés to farm-to-table restaurants and fresh seafood spots. For arts and entertainment, the New Castle Court House Museum, the New Castle Historical Society and local galleries and venues host concerts, exhibitions, and community gatherings throughout the year. With its parks, scenic trails, and vibrant local experiences, New Castle combines historic charm with an active and engaging lifestyle.
Delaware Riverfront
Battery Park
New Castle Court House Museum
New Castle Historical Society
Sports and Recreation
Sports and Recreation
New Castle, Delaware, offers a vibrant mix of recreational opportunities and community sports for residents of all ages. The town's scenic Battery Park Trail and the Jack A. Markell Trail provide excellent settings for walking, running, biking, and enjoying the area's natural beauty. New Castle supports youth and adult sports leagues, including basketball, soccer, flag football, and volleyball. Well-maintained parks and facilities, such as Delcastle Recreational Area, host team practices, tournaments, and seasonal community events. Additionally, local recreation centers and organizations like the Police Athletic League of Delaware (PAL DE) regularly organize programs and activities, enriching New Castle's recreational landscape and fostering an active, connected community.
Battery Park Trail
Jack A. Markell Trail
Delcastle Recreational Area
Police Athletic League of Delaware (PAL DE)
Adventures
Adventures
New Castle, Delaware, offers a rich mix of outdoor adventure, history, and local dining. Residents and visitors can enjoy scenic walking and biking along the Battery Park Trail or the Jack A. Markell Trail, or explore paddle sports on nearby Brandywine Creek (DE State Parks). History enthusiasts can visit the New Castle Court House Museum and the New Castle Historical Society to experience colonial-era architecture and learn about Delaware’s early history. For dining, the city offers unique options such as Jessop’s Tavern, Nora Lee’s Café, and Zollie’s Jazz Cucina, providing everything from historic tavern fare to international-inspired cuisine. With its scenic trails, historic landmarks, and diverse dining, New Castle combines outdoor activity, culture, and culinary experiences in one charming destination.
Battery Park Trail
Jack A. Markell Trail
DE State Parks
New Castle Court House Museum
New Castle Historical Society
Jessop’s Tavern
Nora Lee’s Café
Zollie’s Jazz Cucina
Seasonal Events
Seasonal Events
New Castle, Delaware, brings the community together year-round with a rich lineup of seasonal celebrations and cultural happenings. In spring, events like A Day in Old New Castle feature historic home tours, live music, craft demonstrations, and open gardens—creating a festive atmosphere in the heart of town.
Visit Delaware
Early summer highlights the beloved Separation Day Festival, packed with colonial-era parades, music, artisan markets, food vendors, and breathtaking fireworks over the Delaware River.
separationdayde.com
Fall ushers in family-friendly arts and crafts fairs such as Art on the Green and the spirited Belgian Beer Fest in Battery Park.
City of New Castle
Winter transforms New Castle into a seasonal spectacle with the Spirit of Christmas Celebration, where festive lights, decorated historic homes, live music, and a bustling marketplace create a memorable holiday experience.
City of New Castle
Between these marquee events, the city hosts a rotating schedule of concerts, library entertainment, block parties, and artisan markets—ensuring there's always something lively happening in New Castle.
City of New Castlenewcastlede.gov
Community Resources
New Castle, Delaware, and the surrounding area provide access to high-quality healthcare through a range of hospitals, clinics, and specialized centers to meet residents’ needs.
ChristianaCare – Wilmington Hospital – Located just a few miles north in Wilmington, this full-service hospital offers emergency services, inpatient and outpatient care, surgery, rehabilitation, and specialty programs in cardiology, neurology, and orthopedics. ChristianaCare is one of the region’s leading healthcare providers.
ChristianaCare Wilmington Hospital
Christiana Hospital – Situated in Newark, this major teaching hospital features a Level I Trauma Center, maternity and neonatal intensive care services, cancer care, and advanced surgical programs, serving as Delaware’s largest hospital.
Christiana Hospital
Nemours Children’s Health, Delaware – Families in New Castle benefit from nearby access to one of the nation’s top children’s hospitals, offering comprehensive pediatric specialties, urgent care, and family-centered care.
Nemours Children’s Health
Delaware Psychiatric Center – Located in New Castle, this state-operated facility provides behavioral health services, including inpatient psychiatric care and community-based mental health programs.
Delaware Psychiatric Center
These facilities ensure that New Castle residents have access to advanced medical, pediatric, and behavioral health services close to home, supporting the community’s overall well-being.
New Castle, Delaware, offers a wide range of educational opportunities for families, from strong public schools to private institutions and access to higher education.
K–12 Schools
Colonial School District – Serving the New Castle area, the district operates multiple elementary, middle, and high schools with a focus on academic achievement, STEM programs, and career readiness.
Colonial School District
William Penn High School – The largest high school in Delaware, William Penn offers grades 9–12 with extensive academic, arts, and athletic programs, as well as college prep and vocational pathways.
William Penn High School
New Castle Elementary Schools – Options include Castle Hills Elementary, Eisenberg Elementary, and New Castle Elementary, all emphasizing foundational academics and community-focused learning.
Colonial School District Elementary Schools
Private & Charter Schools
Tall Oaks Classical School – A private Christian school in New Castle offering K–12 education with a classical curriculum.
Tall Oaks Classical School
Family Foundations Academy – A public charter school serving grades K–8 with a mission to prepare students for high school success through rigorous academics and character development.
Family Foundations Academy
Higher Education
Wilmington University – Located in New Castle, WilmU provides flexible degree programs, professional certificates, and graduate-level education designed for working adults.
Wilmington University
University of Delaware – Just a short drive away in Newark, UD is the state’s flagship university, offering nationally recognized undergraduate, graduate, and research programs.
University of Delaware
Together, these institutions give New Castle families access to quality education from preschool through higher education, fostering lifelong learning and community growth.
Government & Public Safety
New Castle, Delaware, operates under a Mayor–Council form of government, supported by dedicated public safety services. The New Castle City Police Department provides law enforcement, community policing, and emergency response for residents and visitors. Fire protection and emergency medical services are handled by the Good Will Fire Company No. 1 of New Castle, a volunteer fire department that has served the community since 1887. Together, these agencies ensure a safe and secure environment.
Weather & Climate
New Castle experiences a humid subtropical climate, with cold winters, warm springs, and hot, humid summers. Average temperatures range from around 26°F in January to 87°F in July, offering four distinct seasons that support outdoor recreation and community events along the Delaware River.
BestPlaces – New Castle Climate
Transportation & Mobility
The city’s location along the Delaware River and proximity to major highways make it well connected. DART First State provides bus service throughout New Castle County, linking residents to Wilmington, Newark, and beyond. The Jack A. Markell Trail connects New Castle to Wilmington’s Riverfront for walking and biking, while nearby Wilmington Airport offers regional air travel. Amtrak and SEPTA commuter rail service are also accessible in nearby Wilmington.
Utilities & Waste Management
The City of New Castle Public Services Department manages essential services including trash collection, recycling, yard waste, and stormwater management. The city emphasizes sustainability through recycling programs and environmental initiatives. Water and sewer services are provided locally, while electricity and natural gas are supplied by Delmarva Power.
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This city guide is provided as a service by Atlas Van Lines.