Your Guide to Buying a Home in Lewes, DE

Buying a Home in Lewes, Delaware

(The Buttery Restaurant)

Lewes is located in Sussex County

A quaint, seafaring town, Lewes (loo-iss) is situated on the shores of the Delaware Bay, in the southern half of Delaware, 42 miles from the capital city Dover via State Route 1.

Lewes holds the prestigious title of being the first town in the first state, making it the oldest community in Delaware. Boasting of a dramatic history, starting as early as 1609, this spectacularly well-preserved little town still wears the badges of war as one of the town's buildings still sports an embedded cannonball from the War of 1812. This picturesque port also has the distinction of being the southern terminal for the Cape May-Lewes Ferry which runs the 70 minute trip several times daily from Lewes to Cape May, New Jersey.

This strategic location makes for a wonderland of recreational opportunities from the area's reknown deep-sea fishing charter boats, jet-skiing, swimming, or just relaxing on the beach to hiking, biking, walking, canoeing, hunting, and fresh-water fishing in the some 85,000 acres of parks and pristine rivers. Cape Henlopen State Park is just outside of town offering more beaches, nature trails, bird sanctuaries, and the start of the 6300-mile American Discovery State Park, linking 15 states, 14 national parks, and 10,000 historical and cultural sites.

Lewes' historic downtown district is an attraction unto itself. Period facades house a managerie of goods and professional services for residents and visitors alike. Homemade ice cream, general emporium, a village blacksmith, unique boutiques, and several fantastic restaurants cooking up delightful epicurean fare featuring the area's fresh seafood and produce. A walk through Lewes is a step back in time but not without today's modern conveniences.