DESTINATIONS

The Guide to Living in Bethany Beach, Delaware

In the heart of Coastal Delaware, a dreamy beach town with views of the Atlantic Ocean

BETHANY BEACH, DELAWARE

The History of Bethany Beach, Delaware

Among the Mid-Atlantic’s most desirable beach destinations, Bethany Beach, Delaware offers a unique brand of coastal charm.

Established in the early 1900s as a summer destination for a Christian congregation, Bethany Beach, Delaware has stood by its original mission as "a haven of rest for quiet people.”

Following the formation of the Bethany Beach Improvement company in 1901, 150 parcels were developed and sold to members of the Christian congregation as well as residents of nearby Maryland, Washington, D.C., and Pennsylvania. The first building in Bethany Beach, Delaware was a tabernacle, completed later that year.

Following financial difficulties, a group of developers knows as the “Pittsburgh Six” purchased the Bethany Beach Improvement Company and began developing the original cottage homes, the original boardwalk, and other underlying utilities and services that created the platform for a hospitable beachside community. Following the completion of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge in 1952, Bethany Beach, Delaware remained a relatively small and quiet community.

Today, Bethany Beach, Delaware serves as an iconic Mid-Atlantic beach destination, featuring an iconic beachside boardwalk, charming cottages and summer homes, and popular restaurants and hotels. With a population of just 1,200 residents, Bethany Beach, Delaware is regarded as a popular second home and vacation home market.

Coastal Cottage of Bethany Beach, Delaware. Image courtesy of Robert Radifera.

THE HOMES COLLECTION

Coastal Cottage

In Bethany Beach, Delaware, a contemporary cottage with inspired interiors

BETHANY BEACH, DELAWARE

“Featuring white sand beaches and a charming boardwalk, Bethany Beach, Delaware is a quintessential Mid-Atlantic destination.”

Byron V. Hughey

Poplar Grove of Capitol Hill, Washington, D.C. Image courtesy of Ty Cole.

MARKET TRENDS

The Definitive Guide to Building a Custom Home

A guide for those who plan to build their first custom home in the Mid-Atlantic

BETHANY BEACH, DELAWARE

Frequently Asked Questions

Explore frequently asked questions about life in Bethany Beach, Delaware, including the best neighborhoods, restaurants, and more.

WHAT ARE THE TOP SIGHTS AND ATTRACTIONS IN BETHANY BEACH, DELAWARE?

As one of the Mid-Atlantic’s most popular beach communities, Bethany Beach, Delaware has many unique sights and attractions.

WHAT ARE THE BEST RESTAURANTS IN BETHANY BEACH, DELAWARE?

Bethany Beach, Delaware has many great restaurants, including…

WHAT IS THE PROPERTY TAX RATE FOR BETHANY BEACH DELAWARE?

Property taxes for Bethany Beach, Delaware are $0.196 per every $100 of assessed value.

HOW FAR IS BETHANY BEACH, DELAWARE FROM WASHINGTON, D.C.?

Bethany Beach, Delaware is approximately 128 miles from downtown Washington, D.C. The most common method of travel is by car, which requires taking the Chesapeake Bay Bridge.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO BUY A HOME IN BETHANY BEACH, DELAWARE?

The median sale price for a single family home in Bethany Beach, Delaware is $669,500, which is about twice times the national average of $308,980. Ready to buy the home of your dreams? Browse homes for sale in Bethany Beach, Delaware presented by Sotheby’s International Realty.

HOW MANY PEOPLE LIVE IN BETHANY BEACH, DELAWARE?

According to the 2020 Census data, the Bethany Beach, Delaware has a population of 1,433 people, including a median age of 70 and a median household income of $99,284. Of note, Bethany Beach, Delaware is regarded as a summer destination, with over 70% of homes designated as second homes or vacation homes.

WHAT ARE THE BEST NEIGHBORHOODS IN BETHANY BEACH, DELAWARE?

Bethany Beach, Delaware features an abundance of great neighborhoods including…

WHAT IS THE SCHOOL DISTRICT FOR BETHANY BEACH, DELAWARE?

Residents of Bethany Beach, Delaware attend Sussex County Public Schools within the Indian River School District, including Indian River High School.

BETHANY BEACH, DELAWARE

Find a Trusted Design Professional in Bethany Beach, Delaware

Explore the very best Residential Architects, Custom Home Builders, Interior Designers, and Landscape Architects near Bethany Beach, Delaware

Coastal Cottage of Bethany Beach, Delaware. Image courtesy of Robert Radifera.

BETHANY BEACH, DELAWARE

Boardwalk Builders

Boardwalk Builders is a Custom Home Builder in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware

Learn More »

Coastal Cottage of Bethany Beach, Delaware. Image courtesy of Robert Radifera.

SELBYVILLE, DELAWARE

Jonathon Selway Architects

Jonathon Selway Architects is a Residential Architecture firm in Selbyville, Delaware

Learn More »

Coastal Cottage of Bethany Beach, Delaware. Image courtesy of Robert Radifera.

SELBYVILLE, DELAWARE

Topio Landscape Architecture

Topio Landscape Architecture is a Landscape Architecture firm Selbyville, Delaware

Learn More »

THE RAPPAHANNOCK RIVER COMPANY

Create Your Next Home in Bethany Beach, Delaware

With our premium concierge service, it’s never been easier to create the home of your dreams