Suburban Philadelphia Real Estate News

Castle Hills remains one of the most popular housing choices between downtown Wilmington and New Castle Delaware.

Castle Hills was one of the earliest suburban developments spreading north from New Castle as growth continued after the war.  The community is located west of Route 9 (Wilmington Rd/ New Castle Avenue) just to the north of Rogers Manor Park and east of Moores Lane.  This location provides immediate access to I-295 and the Delaware Memorial Bridge and easy routes for quick commutes into Wilmington, Philadelphia, and New Jersey.  It is also easily accessible from Route 13 by crossing over Boulden Boulevard at the first light south of the Route 13 and I-295 intersection.

Today, Castle Hills is a well established suburban community of over 490 homes.  Development began in the 1950's with the first homes being completed in 1953.  Building began in the south along Moores Lane across from the Castle Hills Elementary School, part of the Colonial School District, and generally spread north and east from there.  Construction in the community was largely complete by 1956, although scattered infill homes have continued to be built.  By far the most popular design built in Castle Hills was the small ranch homes.  These were originally built on concrete slabs and were generally 850 to just over 1000 square feet.  Over time, these tended to grow to average over 1000 sq ft by 1956 and included some two story and split level properties by that time. 

As we have seen throughout the area, pricing in Castle Hills also peaked in the 2006-2007 time frame.  In both years, the sales price averaged $163,000 with 28 sales in 2006 and 15 sales in 2007.  Since that time prices have fallen with 11 sales in 2008 averaging $150,000, 11 sales in 2009 for an average price of $136,000, and 3 sales year to date averaging $133,000.  There are also two pending sales with an average list price of $134,000 and 7 homes currently on the market averaging $171,000.

For potential homeowners, Castle Hills offers the convenience of being close to major transportation routes, solid comfortable homes in a variety of configurations, and a nice active community.  A great choice to call home in the New Castle DE area.

David Henke
Long & Foster Real Estate Inc - Newtown Square,PA/Bear, DE
Office: 610-353-1199/Direct: 610-359-3853/Cell: 610-618-0808
www.DelawareCountyPennsylvaniaHomes.com

With their ideal location, Graylyn Crest and North Graylyn Crest have remained popular North Wilmington housing choices since their construction in the late fifties through early sixties.

These Brandywine Hundred communities with over 800 homes are centrally located just off Foulk and Silverside Roads.  They have immediate access to Interstate 95 by either the Marsh Rd or Harvey Rd exits.  They also are just minutes from the Route 202 corridor with multiple retail opportunities including the Concord Mall.  These routes enable easy commuting to Wilmington, West Chester, and Philadelphia.  They also have access to the SEPTA R2 Regional Rail Line at the Claymont Rail Station.

Although there are some other construction styles within the developments, split level homes are by far the most popular style.  Both developments are part of the the Brandywine School District with Brandywine High School within easy walking distance of Graylyn Crest.  The Forwood Elementary School is adjacent to North Graylyn Crest off Gravers Lane.  There are also several parks conveniently located to the developments.

Until recently, the real estate prices have held up very well.  Starting with an average sales price below $200,000 in 2001, prices climbed rapidly to top out at an average sale price of $305,000 with 32 sales in 2007.  Since then the average sales price has fallen to $300,000 in 2008 and to $268,000 so far in 2009.  Despite the economy, it appears that prices should firm up a bit in the short term as there are three additional homes currently under contract with an average list price of $313,000.  In addition, there are now five homes on the market with an average sales price of $318,000.  The average time on the market has also been building from under 25 days on the market in 2006 to 58 days on the market average in 2009, but this remains well below the current New Castle County average of 87 days on the market for sold homes.

A strong community in a great location with good schools and reasonable prices makes an opportunity that is hard to beat.  With their ideal location off Foulk Rd midway between Rt 202 and Interstate 95, Graylyn Crest and North Graylyn Crest continue to be popular housing choices.   Add the lower prices and falling interest rates, now is a perfect time to consider a change.

As always if you are considering a move to the area or may be considering selling your home, please feel free to call me anytime to discuss your options.  I always look forward to speaking with you.

(All statistics are from the TrendMLS system and believed accurate but not guaranteed)