Question 1

Is New Castle, DE or Smyrna, DE cheaper to buy in?

Accepted Answer

New Castle, DE is cheaper. The median home price in New Castle, DE is approximately $229,300 and in Smyrna, DE it is approximately $290,400 — a difference of $61,100.

Question 2

Is New Castle, DE or Smyrna, DE safer?

Accepted Answer

Smyrna, DE scores higher on safety. New Castle, DE has violent crime rated Moderate and property crime rated Moderate. Smyrna, DE has violent crime rated Low and property crime rated Moderate.

Question 3

Is New Castle, DE or Smyrna, DE more walkable?

Accepted Answer

Smyrna, DE is more walkable. New Castle, DE has a Walk Score of N/A/100 and Smyrna, DE has a Walk Score of 14/100.

Question 4

Which has better schools, New Castle, DE or Smyrna, DE?

Accepted Answer

Smyrna, DE has higher-rated schools. New Castle, DE has a school rating of 7.5/10 and Smyrna, DE has a rating of 8.1/10.

Question 5

Should I live in New Castle, DE or Smyrna, DE?

Accepted Answer

For families looking for good schools and a quiet suburb, Smyrna is a better option despite its limited amenities. For commuters who drive, both areas have their trade-offs, but New Castle offers a slightly more affordable median home price and a moderate cost of living. Ultimately, Smyrna edges out New Castle if commute time isn't a concern, but New Castle shines for value-conscious buyers.

Category	New Castle, DE	Smyrna, DE
Housing
Verdict	Good for now	Think twice
Median Price	$229K ✓ Lower price	$290K
Median Rent	$1K ✓ Lower rent	$1K
Median Income	$72K ✓ Higher income	$72K
Price Volatility	Moderate	Moderate
Getting Around
Walk Score	Car-dependent	14/100 ✓ More walkable
Transit Score	1/100 ✓ Better transit	Minimal transit
Bike Score	1/100 ✓ More bikeable	N/A
Commute	30 min	N/A
Safety & Environment
Safety Grade	D+	B ✓ Safer
Violent Crime	Moderate	Low ✓ Lower risk
Property Crime	Moderate	Moderate
Flood Risk	Low	Low
Air Quality	Good	Good
Community
Schools	7.5/10	8.1/10 ✓ Better schools
Best for	Families looking for a quiet suburban feelCommuters to Wilmington or nearby citiesFirst‑time home buyers seeking affordability	Families looking for good schoolsCommuters to PhiladelphiaRemote workers wanting a quiet suburb

New Castle, DE vs Smyrna, DE

Bottom line