Bear or Middletown?

[areynolds51]

I'm from Bear myself and find the convenience to the interstates, train and airports wonderful. Even though Middletown is a short distance (11-15 miles depending on location), the roads have not kept pace with the increased population so not crazy about the travel. The Bear growth has been very large and the two areas identified above (Red Lion and west of Rte 986) are great areas.

[SXMGirl]

The roads were the main reason that we did not buy in the Middletown area. Too much congestion for such a small and lovely area.

[DeeD]

Originally Posted by lonkelm

I live in Middletown and love it. It's the fastest growing town in Delaware. Some services are still limited here but within 5 years it will have about anything anyone would want.

Crime rate numbers apply only to a small section of town. The town's population is growing so rapidly it's hard for the stats to keep up. People moving into town are affluent professionals, typically married professionals who commute to Wilmington, Dover, or Neward. It's a commuting town with not much between 8-5 in town except local businesses.

I don't think schools anywhere in DE are much to speak of. We moved to Middletown for the schools. Our daughter just started K this year. class sizes are in the low 20s with just the one teacher. Facilities are great, but student to teacher ratio is still crazy in my mind.

I have visited Middletown numerous times, and I find it to be a very nice,clean, growing community. It does have almost every type of store you could ask for. I do love the new Walmart and Kohls. If we do decide to live at Spring Arbor, the Walmart is within walking distance, which I find very appealing. The people are very nice and friendly to.

[raven302]

I live in Bear/Newark (moved here 3 years ago from Salt Lake) The areas around Old Baltimore Pike between 896 and 273 are generally nice. You'd have to drive around the areas to get a feel for them. Some are nice, some definite no's driving through them. We are trying to buy a home as a matter of fact in the Harmony Woods area.

[Twinkle_Bang]

We just moved to US 3Months back, We have picked up Christiana Meadows in the Bear area...its a really nice place. If you are planning to be in an Apartment do check that place out. The area around it is very safe & calm....it works out for us because our workplace is nearby....you may have to think it over depending on the distance from ur workplace,

[armx]

Hi T_B:

So you seem to be settled in now. Are you getting ready for the festival?

[doctorjef]

Has anyone more knowledgeable than I addressed the issue of time to get to BWI from Middletown or Bear in no more than 90 mins? That seems like really pushing it to me and I'm not sure how realistic that is. I mean theoretically it should be do-able, but I'm not sure about the realities of traffic and the exact access to the airport from I-95. However, I'm not familiar with BWI at all.

[jdoll]

Originally Posted by doctorjef

Has anyone more knowledgeable than I addressed the issue of time to get to BWI from Middletown or Bear in no more than 90 mins? That seems like really pushing it to me and I'm not sure how realistic that is. I mean theoretically it should be do-able, but I'm not sure about the realities of traffic and the exact access to the airport from I-95. However, I'm not familiar with BWI at all.

You are right, in theory Middletown to BWI via I-95 is at times a 90 minute drive. If it's not raining, there are no accidents and all the other reasons I-95 backs up. From Middletown it is always 2 hours if you take 301 to I-97. The only backups I have experienced is returning from BWI as you approach the Bay Bridge late afternoons or weekend beach traffic. Add 10 minutes at best on your return during these times.

The hassle of I-95 is not worth a potential 30 minute savings. I've been told story of 3 hour trips to BWI via I-95 too. And the added benefit of avoiding I-95; round trip tolls on I-95 are $17 and 301/I-97 are only $2.50.