Risks? In Delaware? You’ve gotta be kidding me! Overall, Delaware is a pretty safe state. Crime rates are nearly always lower than the national average, and we typically don’t face terrible storms, wildfires, or earthquakes, either. However, there are a few things that you’ve got to watch out for if you live in the First State, from the serious to the slightly off-center.

1. Wilmington
Flickr / TC Davis
There are plenty of great spots in Wilmington and some of the best dining and nightlife in the state can be found in Trolley Square, but the city as a whole is a high crime spot. Be careful where you wander after dark, and stick to groups when you're out on the town. That's not to say that a night out in Wilmington is always trouble, though. In fact, some areas of the city (like the Riverwalk and Market Street) are perfectly family-friendly any time of day or night.
2. Rip Tides
Flickr / Ephipen
With millions of people flocking to the Delaware beaches every summer, it's inevitable that Rip Tides drag swimmers out to sea and are responsible for many water rescues. Watch where you swim, check with the lifeguards about conditions, and keep an eye out for gaps in the current that could signal a dangerous undertow.
3. Thrasher's Fries
Flickr / Wayne Thume
In the summer (heck, year round) I could put down an entire bucket of Thrasher's fries by myself! Getting addicted to all of the amazing boardwalk food is great for your soul, but could do some damage to your bank account and to your health. Watch the greasy, fatty foods, but don't deprive yourself entirely!
4. Creepy, crawly creatures.
Flickr / Michael Janke
Venemous snakes like the Timber Rattlesnake and Copperhead are found below the canal, and Black Widow spiders are native to Delaware, too. Combine those obvious dangers with ticks and tick-borne diseases, and you need to be careful when you venture outdoors.
5. Flooding
Flickr / NASA
Our state is very waterlogged - rivers and lakes are nearly as common as streets! When big storms roll in, the state floods pretty badly. Do you remember when the state was under water for two whole weeks in 2006? Be prepared to get to higher ground and never, ever drive through water.

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6. Shopping Too Much
Facebook / Christiana Mall
With no sales tax, incredible malls, and a ton of adorable boutiques in most towns, shopping addiction can really drag you down! Stick to a budget and you'll be fine.
7. Pedestrian Accidents
Flickr / Vivian D. Ngyuen
Not many people know that Delaware is America's deadliest state for pedestrians. Almost all of the pedestrian deaths occur at night and over 2/3 occur in New Castle County. Fewer than half are alcohol-related, which is frightening. Nearly all of the deaths occur at night along high speed roadways, and 2/3 are in New Castle County. Delawareans are almost twice as likely to die walking as a pedestrian than in any other state, and it's gotten worse in recent years. Be very careful walking on roads with no sidewalks, and allow extra time on your commute so you do not have to run across the highway to catch a public bus.
8. Swimming in Dirty Water
Flickr / Michele Dorsey Walford
Delaware's beaches and ocean waters are among the cleanest in the country, which is great news! Unfortunately, our ponds and lakes aren't the same. Most big ponds in Delaware are closed to swimmers, but you can still enjoy the water from a kayak, canoe or paddleboard.
9. Traffic
Flickr / Ken Lund
Ugh, traffic. Whether it's an accident or just the stress of trying to get from Wilmington to downstate at rush hour, traffic can cause serious problems in Delaware.
10. Tornadoes
Flickr / NOAA
While we're not quite Nebraska when it comes to tornadoes, they aren't unheard of. When big spring and summer storms roll in, keep an ear out for Tornado Watches and Warnings. A Torndao Watch (a "tornado maybe?") means that the risks for a tornado are elevated, and you should keep an eye on any storms that develop. A Tornado Warning (a "tornado yes!") means you need to get to shelter immediately, because a storm has been spotted with enough rotation to set off alarms.
11. Opiates, Addiction
Flickr / Kevinkarnsfamily
Sadly, Delaware has not been immune to the heroin epidemic caused by pharmaceutical irresponsibility. New Castle County has been hit particularly hard. One positive thing to note is that even as death tolls are rising, treatment options are expanding. NCC recently launched a $500,000 advertising campaign to get addicts help, and the state's first detox center opened in Sussex County. In Delaware, you can report an overdose without being arrested or charged, and Narcan has become widely available. If you know someone who is battling addiction, you can help them find the resources that the state of Delaware has begun to provide.

Be careful out there, Delawareans, and don’t let the risks of living in Delaware take you too far from this great state. After all, the bad comes with the good, and there are still so many undeniable reasons people should love Delaware. Why are you happy to live here in the First State? We’d love to hear your favorite things about life in Delaware in the comments below!

 

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Kim Magaraci | July 29, 2022

What are the biggest problems in Delaware that residents should be aware of?

If you're considering moving to Delaware, it's important to weigh the pros and cons. Lots of people choose to move or retire here thanks to the low cost of living and low taxes, but with that, there are some drawbacks. Public services may not be as accessible or as well funded as in states that have big budgets. Public transportation is nearly nonexistent, and bus routes are about the only way to get around without a car. While most areas of Delaware are safe, there are neighborhoods (particularly in Slower Lower) that have been dealing with an uptick in crime. And, with a warming climate, storms have gotten more intense, leading to more frequent coastal flooding events.

Well, that all sounds terrible! Are there any uniquely Delaware problems that aren't all doom and gloom?

Truly, living in Delaware is delightful. For most of us, the biggest problem will be deciding where to eat dinner! The First State is packed with fantastic restaurants, particularly in the summer. Once the weather warms up, you'll hear a whole lot of complaining about trying to track down the best and biggest crabs, because they go fast. Otherwise, though, most people enjoy quiet and peaceful lives here on the Delmarva Peninsula.

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