Let the numbers do the talking.
Dover, DE vs Selbyville, DE
Dover, DE vs Selbyville, DE: What the data shows
Dover, DE is in Dover, DE while Selbyville, DE is in Selbyville, DE — both in the same state. On home prices, Dover, DE is the more affordable option at $231,100 median — $162,900 less than Selbyville, DE's $394,000. WYLT rates Dover, DE as “Good for now” — a solid choice worth serious consideration — and Selbyville, DE as “Good for now” — a solid choice worth serious consideration.
Selbyville, DE has the stronger safety profile of the two. Dover, DE has Moderate violent crime and Moderate property crime. Selbyville, DE has Low violent crime and Low property crime. On environmental risk, Dover, DE has Low flood risk and Selbyville, DE has Low flood risk.
For families weighing school quality, Dover, DE has the higher school rating — Dover, DE rates 8.1/10 and Selbyville, DE rates 7.3/10.
| Category | Dover, DE | Selbyville, DE |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | ||
| Verdict | Good for now | Good for now |
| Median Price | $231K ✓ Lower price | $394K |
| Median Rent | $1K ✓ Lower rent | $1K |
| Median Income | $62K | $81K ✓ Higher income |
| Price Volatility | Low ✓ More stable | Moderate |
| Getting Around | ||
| Walk Score | Car-dependent | Car-dependent |
| Transit Score | 2/100 ✓ Better transit | 1/100 |
| Bike Score | 2/100 ✓ More bikeable | 1/100 |
| Commute | 30 min | 20 min ✓ Shorter commute |
| Safety & Environment | ||
| Safety Grade | D+ | A ✓ Safer |
| Violent Crime | Moderate | Low ✓ Lower risk |
| Property Crime | Moderate | Low ✓ Lower risk |
| Flood Risk | Low | Low |
| Air Quality | Moderate | Good ✓ Cleaner air |
| Community | ||
| Schools | 8.1/10 ✓ Better schools | 7.3/10 |
| Best for | budget‑conscious familiesstate capital workersremote workers who don’t need public transit | RetirementFamilyQuiet suburban lifestyle |
Bottom line
If you're a budget-conscious family looking for a quiet small-town environment, Dover might be a slightly better choice due to its slightly lower cost of living. However, if you're on a higher income and prioritize a peaceful, affluent suburban lifestyle, Selbyville could be a better fit, considering its slightly better schools and lower commute time to Wilmington. Ultimately, both neighborhoods have their drawbacks, but Selbyville offers a more convenient and upscale suburban experience.
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