Smyrna, Delaware, is a small but growing town straddling New Castle and Kent Counties in the northern part of the state. With a population of approximately 12,883 as of the 2020 Census, Smyrna combines historical charm, agricultural roots, and modern suburban development. Known for its community spirit, affordable living, and proximity to major cities, Smyrna offers a blend of small-town life with convenient access to urban amenities.
Smyrna’s history dates back to the colonial era, evolving from a
trading post to a thriving agricultural and commercial hub. Key
historical points include:
Colonial Origins: Founded around 1716
as Duck Creek Cross Roads, Smyrna was a shipping point for goods along
Duck Creek, which connected to the Delaware Bay. The town was renamed
Smyrna in the late 18th century, possibly after the ancient Greek city
or a local ship.
Incorporation: Smyrna was incorporated in 1817,
growing as a center for grain and lumber trade. Its location on the
King’s Highway (now U.S. Route 13) made it a vital stop between
Wilmington and Dover.
19th Century: The town prospered with
shipbuilding, milling, and agriculture, particularly peach orchards. The
Smyrna Landing was a bustling port until silting reduced its viability.
The arrival of the Delaware Railroad in the 1850s further boosted
commerce.
Historical Landmarks: The Smyrna Historic District includes
over 800 structures, such as the Plank House (c. 1740), Cummins-Stockley
House, and Smyrna Opera House (1870), a cultural cornerstone. The
Bannister Hall and Baynard House reflect early architectural styles.
Modern Era: Smyrna has transitioned from agriculture to a bedroom
community, with significant population growth (104% from 2000 to 2020)
driven by suburban development and proximity to Dover and Wilmington.
Geography and Climate
Smyrna is located at 39°17′59″N, 75°36′17″W, approximately 11 miles
north of Dover and 30 miles south of Wilmington. Its geography includes:
Topography: Situated in Delaware’s Coastal Plain, Smyrna features
flat terrain at an elevation of about 33 feet. The town spans 6.01
square miles, with 5.99 square miles of land and 0.02 square miles of
water, including Duck Creek and small ponds like Lake Como.
Natural
Surroundings: Nearby Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge (16,000 acres)
offers birdwatching, hiking, and kayaking. Lake Como, a 47-acre man-made
lake, is a local recreational hub for fishing and boating.
Climate:
Smyrna has a humid subtropical climate (Köppen Cfa), with hot, humid
summers (average high of 87°F in July) and cold winters (average low of
23°F in January). Annual precipitation is about 46 inches, with 15-20
inches of snowfall. The town is occasionally affected by nor’easters and
tropical storms.
Demographics
Smyrna’s population growth reflects its appeal to families,
commuters, and retirees. Key demographic details (based on 2020 Census
and recent estimates):
Population: 12,883 (2020), up from 10,023
in 2010 and 5,679 in 2000. Estimates suggest continued growth, reaching
~13,000 by 2024.
Age: The median age is around 34 years, balancing
young families and older residents. Unlike college towns, Smyrna’s
demographic is diverse across age groups.
Race/Ethnicity:
Approximately 65% White, 28% Black, 4% Hispanic/Latino, 2% Asian, and 1%
other or multiracial. The town’s diversity has increased with recent
development.
Income and Education: Median household income is
~$65,000, slightly above the state average, reflecting a stable
middle-class base. About 25% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or
higher, with strong public schools supporting educational attainment.
Economy
Smyrna’s economy has shifted from agriculture to a mix of retail,
manufacturing, healthcare, and education, bolstered by its location
along major highways.
Major Employers: The Smyrna School District
is a top employer, alongside Walmart Distribution Center and Amazon
Sortation Center, both leveraging Smyrna’s highway access. Bayhealth
Medical Center operates outpatient facilities nearby.
Retail and
Dining: U.S. Route 13 hosts national chains like Walmart, Lowe’s, and
Chick-fil-A, while downtown Smyrna’s Market Street features local
businesses like Painted Stave Distillery, Brick Works Brewing, and
Sheridan’s Irish Pub.
Industry: Small-scale manufacturing and
logistics thrive, with companies like Pratt Industries (corrugated
packaging) in the Smyrna Business Park. Agriculture remains a cultural
touchstone, with nearby farms supplying local markets.
Unemployment:
The unemployment rate is low (~3-4%), reflecting Delaware’s strong job
market and Smyrna’s proximity to Dover’s government jobs and
Wilmington’s financial sector.
Culture and Community
Smyrna’s culture blends historical pride, agricultural heritage, and
modern community engagement, centered around its downtown and local
events.
Downtown Smyrna: Market Street is the heart of the town,
with historic buildings housing shops, restaurants, and the Smyrna Opera
House, a restored 1870 venue hosting concerts, theater, and art
exhibits. The Smyrna at Night event series includes outdoor movies,
markets, and live music.
Festivals and Events:
Smyrna-Clayton
July 4th Parade draws thousands annually, one of Delaware’s largest
Independence Day celebrations.
Oktoberfest and Christmas Parade
foster community spirit.
Farmers’ Market at Lake Como showcases local
produce and crafts.
Arts and Entertainment: The Smyrna Opera
House is a cultural hub, while the Smyrna Public Library hosts community
programs. Local artists display work at galleries like Southern Delaware
Gallery.
Parks and Recreation:
Lake Como offers fishing, kayaking,
and walking trails, with a beach area and pavilion for events.
George
C. Wright Jr. Municipal Park includes sports fields, playgrounds, and
picnic areas.
Big Oak Park features baseball fields and community
events.
Nearby Bombay Hook and Woodland Beach Wildlife Area provide
outdoor adventures.
Community Spirit: Residents praise Smyrna’s
affordability, safety, and welcoming atmosphere. Reviews highlight clean
neighborhoods, responsive services, and family-friendly amenities.
Education
Smyrna is served by the Smyrna School District, known for its
commitment to academic excellence and modern facilities.
Public
Schools:
Smyrna High School is highly rated, with strong athletics
(including football and wrestling) and academic programs.
Elementary
schools include Smyrna Elementary, North Smyrna Elementary, and Clayton
Elementary (shared with nearby Clayton).
Smyrna Middle School bridges
elementary and high school, offering robust extracurriculars.
Private
Schools: Options like Smyrna Christian School cater to families seeking
faith-based education.
Higher Education: Delaware State University
(Dover, 15 miles) and University of Delaware (Newark, 30 miles) are
accessible for commuting students. Wilmington University offers
satellite programs nearby.
Libraries: The Smyrna Public Library is a
community hub with books, digital resources, and programs for all ages.
Infrastructure and Transportation
Smyrna’s infrastructure supports its growth, with excellent
connectivity and reliable utilities.
Transportation:
Roads:
U.S. Route 13 (Dupont Highway) is the main commercial corridor,
connecting Smyrna to Dover (11 miles) and Wilmington (30 miles).
Delaware Route 1, a toll road, provides quick access to Philadelphia (55
miles) and Delaware beaches (45 miles).
Public Transit: DART First
State operates Route 120 (Smyrna to Dover) and Route 301 (Smyrna to
Wilmington), with stops at key employers like Walmart and Amazon.
Biking and Walking: Downtown’s walkable streets and park trails
encourage pedestrian activity. Bike lanes are expanding along Route 13.
Utilities:
Electricity: Delmarva Power supplies electricity, with
the town managing distribution for reliability.
Water/Sewer: Smyrna’s
Public Works Department oversees water and wastewater services, with
recent upgrades to handle growth.
Trash and Gas: Private providers
like Waste Management handle trash, while Chesapeake Utilities supplies
natural gas.
Healthcare: Bayhealth Outpatient Center provides primary
and specialty care. ChristianaCare hospitals in Wilmington and Bayhealth
Hospital in Dover are within 30 minutes. Urgent care and pharmacies are
abundant locally.
Governance and Civic Lifegrowth.
Public Safety: The Smyrna Police Department maintains low crime
rates, with ~30 officers focused on community policing. The Citizens’
Hose Company provides fire and EMS services, with a strong volunteer
tradition.
Civic Engagement: The Greater Smyrna-Clayton Area Chamber
of Commerce supports businesses, while groups like the Smyrna Rotary
Club and Smyrna Main Street promote community initiatives. Town hall
meetings and social media keep residents informed.
Challenges and Opportunities
Smyrna’s growth presents both challenges and opportunities:
Challenges:
Infrastructure Pressure: Rapid development strains roads,
schools, and utilities, with some residents noting traffic congestion on
Route 13.
Balancing Growth: Preserving historic charm amid suburban
sprawl is a concern, particularly in the Historic District.
Affordable Housing: Rising home prices (~$300,000 median) and rents
challenge lower-income residents.
Opportunities:
Economic
Expansion: The Walmart and Amazon facilities, plus small business
growth, create jobs and attract commuters.
Tourism: The Historic
District, Opera House, and events like the July 4th Parade draw
visitors, boosting local revenue.
Community Investment: New schools,
parks, and infrastructure upgrades enhance Smyrna’s appeal as a
family-friendly destination.
Living in Smyrna
Smyrna offers a high quality of life, with affordable housing, safe
neighborhoods, and abundant amenities. Housing options include historic
homes in the Smyrna Historic District, new subdivisions like Spring
Hollow and Garrison Lake, and apartments along Route 13. Median home
prices are ~$300,000, with rentals averaging $1,200-$1,800/month.
The town’s location—11 miles from Dover, 30 miles from Wilmington,
and 45 miles from Delaware beaches—makes it ideal for commuters,
families, and retirees. Low crime rates, top-rated schools, and events
like Oktoberfest create a strong community feel. Residents describe
Smyrna as “quiet yet vibrant,” with a balance of rural charm and modern
convenience.