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Frequently asked questions

Wilmington, DE

Wilmington is the largest city in the U.S. state of Delaware. The city was built on the site of Fort Christina, the first Swedish settlement in North America. It lies at the confluence of the Christina River and Brandywine Creek, near where the Christina flows into the Delaware River. It is the county seat of New Castle County and one of the major cities in the Delaware Valley metropolitan area (synonymous with the Philadelphia metropolitan area). Wilmington was named by Proprietor Thomas Penn after his friend Spencer Compton, Earl of Wilmington, who was prime minister during the reign of George II of Great Britain.

Wilmington is part of the Delaware Valley metropolitan statistical area (which also includes Philadelphia, Reading, Camden, and other urban areas), which had a 2020 core metropolitan statistical area population of 6,228,601, representing the seventh largest metropolitan region in the nation, and a combined statistical area population of 7.366 million.

The area now known as Wilmington was settled by the Lenape (or Delaware Indian) band led by Sachem (Chief) Mattahorn just before Henry Hudson sailed up the Len-api Hanna ("People Like Me River", present Delaware River) in 1609. The area was called "Maax-waas Unk" or "Bear Place" after the Maax-waas Hanna (Bear River) that flowed by (present Christina River). It was called the Bear River because it flowed west to the "Bear People", who are now known as the People of Conestoga or the Susquehannocks.

Health and wellness are integral aspects of life in Wilmington. The city boasts an extensive healthcare system, with notable institutions such as ChristianaCare, a leading healthcare provider in the region. Residents have access to comprehensive medical services, promoting a healthy and thriving community. You will also find health and wellness centers and services. CoreTen Fitness Center offers personal training, group fitness classes, and nutritional counseling to help you achieve your wellness goals. Empowered Yoga provides a peaceful environment for relaxation and physical well-being. Delaware Center for Maternal & Fetal Medicine focuses on maternal and fetal health, offering comprehensive services and support. ChristianaCare Health & Wellness facility offers a range of wellness services, including fitness programs, nutrition counseling, and preventive health screenings. The Wellness Center at Nemours/Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children caters to pediatric wellness. This center provides integrative therapies, mental health services, and family support programs.

Top sites in Wilmington, DE are Hagley Museum, Delaware Art Museum, and Brandywine Zoo.

Population: 73,176 (2024). ZIP codes: 19801, 19810, 19850, 19880, 19884, 19886, 19890, 19899. Area code: 302. Elevation: 92 ft (28 m). Area: 17.19 sq mi (44.52 km2).

FAQs

What is interesting about Wilmington, DE?

Rich in history, Wilmington offers a unique blend of old and new. Old Swedes Church was erected in 1698 and is still in use, and the Harriet Tubman Byway of the Underground Railroad runs right through downtown Wilmington. Take a tour of the Wilmington Underground Railroad sites. On Market Street, Willingtown Square hosts several of our oldest residential structures, and Rodney Square is our central public space that honors Delaware's vote for colonial independence. The street is dotted with beautiful, historic buildings and ornate architecture brought back to life with new uses for a new age, right in the heart of the city.

Is Wilmington, DE urban or rural?

These transportation links and geographic proximity give Wilmington some of the characteristics of a satellite city to Philadelphia, but Wilmington's long history as Delaware's principal city, its urban core, and its independent value as a business destination make it more properly considered a small but independent city in the Philadelphia metropolitan area. The city sits at the confluence of the Christina and Delaware rivers, approximately 33 miles (53 km) southwest of Philadelphia. Wilmington Train Station, one of the southernmost stops on Philadelphia's SEPTA rail transportation system, is also served by Northeast Corridor Amtrak passenger trains.

Why move to Wilmington, DE?

When combined with good jobs, a beautiful city to live in, good school options, and access - Wilmington stands out as a top destination for those relocating from other East Coast cities. Downtown Wilmington is quickly gaining a reputation as a destination city for innovative chefs and food lovers. From a financial perspective, living in Wilmington brings additional perks. The cost of living here is lower than the national average and of nearby cities. Lower housing costs, for example, make it easier for first-time homebuyers to enter the housing market. 

Sources

City of Wilmington

Wikipedia

Hagley Museum

Delaware Art Museum

Brandywine Zoo

ChristianaCare

CoreTen Fitness Center

Empowered Yoga

Delaware Center for Maternal & Fetal Medicine

Nemours 

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