Delaware, often known as “The First State,” may be small, but it’s full of charming quirks and surprising features that make living there a unique experience. Beyond its historic landmarks and coastal beauty, Delaware offers residents a blend of unusual customs, intriguing facts, and a one-of-a-kind lifestyle that newcomers quickly learn to appreciate (and sometimes scratch their heads over). Here are eight quirky and unusual things no one really tells you about living in Delaware.
1. Delaware Has No Sales Tax
One of the biggest surprises for new residents and visitors alike is that Delaware doesn’t have a state sales tax. This means the price you see is the price you pay, with no added tax at checkout—making shopping a delight and attracting many people from nearby states looking to save money on purchases.
2. You’re Outnumbered by Chickens
Delaware is home to more chickens than people, by a staggering margin. With a chicken-to-human ratio of about 200-to-1, poultry farming is a major part of the state’s agricultural identity, especially in Sussex County. If you drive through rural Delaware, the clucking and flapping is just part of daily life.
3. Unincorporated Towns Are the Norm
Unlike many places, Delaware doesn’t have many traditional incorporated towns or cities. Instead, most communities consist of unincorporated developments—suburban neighborhoods and shopping areas—that look like towns but operate differently. This can sometimes confuse newcomers, especially when services or town responsibilities are unclear.
4. The Culture Clash Between North and South Delaware
Though the state is tiny, there’s a noticeable cultural divide between Northern Delaware (around Wilmington and Newark) and Southern Delaware’s slower-paced coastal towns like Rehoboth Beach and Lewes. This north-south difference affects lifestyle, pace, and even accents, making Delaware feel like a blend of two distinctly different regions.
5. Beer Isn’t Sold in Gas Stations
Unlike many other states, Delaware has peculiar alcohol laws. For example, you cannot buy beer or alcohol directly at gas stations. Residents must visit dedicated liquor or grocery stores for alcohol purchases, which can feel unusual if you’re used to convenience store sales elsewhere.
6. Low Average Altitude Means Lots of Wetlands
Delaware’s average elevation is just about 60 feet above sea level—the lowest of any state in the U.S. This low-lying geography means the state has extensive wetlands, marshes, and a large coastline. While beautiful, this also means residents need to be prepared for occasional flooding and a notable presence of wildlife like horseshoe crabs.
7. Fancy Low-Numbered License Plates Are a Status Symbol
Obtaining a low-number license plate in Delaware is considered a prestigious status symbol. Some residents have paid hundreds of thousands of dollars for the rights to these coveted plates, which reflect a sense of history and exclusivity unique to the state.
8. The Delaware Memorial Bridge Is a Major Landmark
Connecting Delaware to New Jersey, the Delaware Memorial Bridge is one of the longest twin-span suspension bridges in the world and a significant state symbol. Daily, tens of thousands of commuters cross this bridge, making it a familiar landmark for locals, but its sheer size and importance can still surprise newcomers.
Delaware’s distinct blend of no sales tax, intriguing local customs, extensive poultry farming, and geographical quirks makes living here an experience full of surprises. Beyond its well-known role as the first state to ratify the U.S. Constitution, Delaware’s personality shines in these small but notable oddities that make the state truly unique.
Whether it’s navigating unincorporated neighborhoods or appreciating the sense of community amid these quirks, Delawareans take pride in their state’s fascinating differences and cozy charm. If you’re considering a move or simply intrigued by this small state, these quirky facts offer a glimpse into what makes Delaware home to so many with a spirit all its own.
Sources
[1] https://www.delawareinc.com/blog/interesting-facts-about-delaware/
[2] https://www.reddit.com/r/Delaware/comments/9u0y94/things_about_delaware_that_probably_seem_weird_to/
[3] https://www.atlasobscura.com/things-to-do/delaware
[4] https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/state-pride/delaware/weird-facts-about-delaware-de
[5] https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/geography/states/article/delaware
[6] https://wearyourroots.com/blogs/blog/embracing-the-delaware-difference-quirky-facts-cozy-threads
