SUSSEX COUNTY, DE
Lewes, DE Real Estate Apple Precision.
Lewes calls itself “The First Town in the First State” · founded in 1631 as the Dutch whaling settlement of Zwaanendael at the mouth of Delaware Bay. Today it's one of the most sought-after small towns on the coast: a walkable historic core on Second Street, bay beaches, the Lewes-Rehoboth Canal, and Cape Henlopen State Park next door.
The market spans historic in-town homes, bayfront and canal-front properties at Lewes Beach, and newer communities along the Route 1 and Route 9 corridors. Walkability to downtown, water views and historic character command the strongest premiums.
Chantal Apple serves buyers and sellers in Lewes, Sussex County, with the local knowledge and global reach of Atlantic Shores Sotheby's International Realty.
FUN FACTS & CHARACTER
What makes Lewes cool.
- Founded in 1631 as the Dutch settlement of Zwaanendael · the Zwaanendael Museum tells the story
- Cape Henlopen State Park sits on the town's doorstep, where Delaware Bay meets the Atlantic
- The Cape May–Lewes Ferry crosses to New Jersey
- The Junction & Breakwater Trail links Lewes and Rehoboth Beach by bike
THINGS TO DO
Why you'd want to live here.
- Walk the shops and restaurants on Second Street
- Swim the calm bay waters at Lewes Beach
- Hike, bike and beach-comb Cape Henlopen State Park
- Take the ferry across to Cape May
- Fish or cruise from the harbor on the Lewes-Rehoboth Canal
LOCAL MARKET FACTORS
What drives value in Lewes.
- Walkability to the historic downtown
- Bayfront, canal-front and water views
- Historic-district character and rules
- Second-home and retirement demand
- New construction along the Route 1 and Route 9 corridors
- Delaware tax treatment vs Maryland
NEIGHBORHOODS & AREAS
Lewes hyperlocal coverage.
Every pocket trades on its own fundamentals. These are the areas buyers most often compare.
- Historic downtown and Second Street
- Lewes Beach (bayfront)
- Canal-front along the Lewes-Rehoboth Canal
- Pilottown Road
- Route 1 and Route 9 corridor communities
THINKING ABOUT SELLING IN LEWES?
Start with a local home value review.
Where's the home?
When are you thinking of selling?
Where should Chantal send it?
A home value review prepared by a local real estate professional is not an appraisal and does not constitute an official valuation. Results vary.
As featured on
WBOC's Delmarva Home Show
Chantal Apple was featured on WBOC's Delmarva Home Show in Salisbury, Maryland. She pairs lifelong Eastern Shore knowledge with the global reach of Sotheby's International Realty: a local specialist, connected to a worldwide network.
Watch on YouTube ↗
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County guideSussex CountyQuestions, answered
Frequently asked.
Where is Lewes, Delaware?
Lewes is in Sussex County at the mouth of Delaware Bay, next to Cape Henlopen State Park and just north of Rehoboth Beach.
What is Lewes known for?
It calls itself 'The First Town in the First State', founded in 1631 as the Dutch settlement of Zwaanendael. It has a walkable historic downtown on Second Street, calm bay beaches and the Cape May–Lewes Ferry.
What kinds of homes are in Lewes?
Historic in-town homes, bayfront and canal-front homes at Lewes Beach and along the Lewes-Rehoboth Canal, and newer communities along the Route 1 and Route 9 corridors.
What should buyers check in Lewes?
In the historic district, check the review that applies to exterior changes. Near the bay and canal, check the flood zone and flood insurance, and in newer communities review HOA documents and fees.
What makes Lewes different from Rehoboth Beach?
Lewes is a historic bay town with calm bay beaches and a walkable 17th-century core; Rehoboth Beach is an ocean resort with a boardwalk and a busier downtown. They're neighbors, linked by the Junction & Breakwater Trail, and many buyers compare both.
Does Chantal Apple help buyers and sellers in Lewes?
Yes. Chantal serves buyers and sellers in Lewes and across Sussex County, with Atlantic Shores Sotheby's International Realty.
Ready when you are.
Whether you're buying, selling, or just curious what your Eastern Shore home could be worth, Chantal would love to talk.