Delaware Housing Prices Surge Nearly 10%

☀️ Rise and Shine, 302. Home prices just hit an all-time high—so if your neighbor’s suddenly power-washing their siding, now you know why. Here’s what else is making noise above the canal.

Your 302 Rundown:

• Median Home Price in Delaware Climbs to $399K

• Free Museum Admission for Military Families All Summer

• New Pet Store Pet Kare Opens June 28

Let’s get to it

NEWS YOU CAN USE

🏠 Delaware home prices hit record high

Thinking of selling your house? Now might be your moment. Delaware's median home price just hit a record $399K in May — that's nearly 10% higher than last year. Sales of existing homes are also up, especially in Sussex County, which topped the state in both price and volume.

Even New Castle saw a solid bump, with prices jumping nearly 13% to $372K. Inventory’s growing too, so there’s more to choose from — if you’re quick.

🔥 Roads are melting—literally

This heat wave isn’t just tough on us—it’s warping the roads. DelDOT crews worked overnight in Sussex County, grinding down buckled pavement along Route 113, Route 1 near Milford, and Five Points near Lewes.

High temps are back in the forecast, so more buckling could pop up. If your summer plans involve a drive downstate, stay alert and maybe give the main routes a second thought. Asphalt and upper 90s? Not a great mix.

🎟️ Free museum fun for military families

Active-duty military families, this one’s for you — the Blue Star Museums program is back! Now through Labor Day, you and your crew can visit top Delaware museums for free, including Mt. Cuba Center, Nemours Estate, and the Delaware Museum of Nature and Science.

This program is part of a national effort to give military families a fun, enriching way to connect with local culture all summer long. Just show a valid military or dependent ID, and you’re in.

Whether you’re into history, gardens, or science exhibits, this is a sweet (and budget-friendly) way to beat the heat.

⛽ Why is gas $3.20 a gallon?

Despite oil prices dropping after a cease-fire overseas, Delaware gas prices shot up 27 cents this week — now averaging $3.20 a gallon. Some stations even hit $3.30, leaving drivers wondering what gives.

Turns out, prices were raised before tensions cooled down, and they haven’t come back down yet. Meanwhile, Costco and BJ’s are holding the line around $2.90 (bless them).

Yes, it’s still cheaper than last summer — but barely. Might be time to rethink that extra Target run.

🐶 Mega love, still going strong

The Brandywine Valley SPCA just pulled off a paw-some feat — over 1,000 pets were adopted in one weekend during their Mega Adoption Event! Tears, tail wags, and perfect matches all around.

And the love isn’t over: now through June 29, adoption fees are just $35 for large adult dogs and cats 6 months and up at all BVSPCA locations — including Wilmington, New Castle, and beyond.

If you missed the mega event, there’s still time to meet your furry soulmate.

IN BUSINESS

🐾 Pet Kare joins the pack

There’s a new pet supply store in town: Pet Kare, opening Saturday, June 28. They’re moving into the neighborhood with everyday essentials like food, grooming supplies, and a self-wash station — plus a local vet on-site for vaccine clinics.

Opening day runs 10 AM to 8 PM with giveaways, games, and discounts (think 20% off pet gear and half-price nail trims). It’s one day only, but the shop’s here to stay.

Worth a visit if your pup’s due for a treat — or a trim.

📉 Delaware unemployment ticks up — but just barely

Delaware’s unemployment rate edged up to 4.0% in May, a slight uptick from April but still below the national average. The job market isn’t shrinking — total employment stayed steady at just over 494,000 — but some sectors, like government jobs, dipped while construction added about 400 positions.

Local numbers were a mixed bag: Wilmington and Kent County saw tiny improvements, while Dover rose a smidge. But here’s a bright spot — more Delawareans are participating in the workforce for the first time in over a year.

In short: the job market isn’t booming, but it’s steady. Keep calm and carry on updating your resume.

THE HAPPENINGS

Thursday

"Sculpture Garden Happy Hour: Pet Night 'Jack’s Night'" – This special pet-themed happy hour brings together live music from Liz Watkins, local food trucks, lawn games, and good vibes in the open air. Thursday, June 26, 5–7:30 PM at the Delaware Art Museum’s Sculpture Garden (free admission, cash bar, and bites from Los Taquitos de Puebla and Tuk Tuk Wings & Thai Bowls).

Sip & Stroll at the Brandywine Zoo returns for a laid-back evening of live music, local food, and drinks among the animals. Thursday, June 26 from 5–7:30 PM at the Brandywine Zoo, Wilmington—enjoy tunes by Christine Kinslow and bites from Blue Hen BBQ at this family-friendly happy hour.

Summer Concert Series at Bellevue presents an evening with award-winning local singer-songwriter John Flynn, known for his heartfelt lyrics and family-friendly performances. Thursday, June 26 at 6:30 PM at the Bellevue Bandshell, Bellevue State Park—perfect for music lovers of all ages.

Summer Concert Series at Glasgow Park continues this week with a funky twist from local band What the Funk. Bring a chair, grab a bite at the farmers market, and enjoy the groove on Thursday, June 26 from 6:30–8 PM at Glasgow Park, 2275 Pulaski Hwy, Newark—admission is free!

Saturday

Old-Fashioned Ice Cream Festival at Rockwood Park is the ultimate summer celebration, packed with sweet treats, live music, family fun, and a fireworks finale. Don’t miss it on Saturday, June 28 from 1–9 PM at Rockwood Park & Museum, 501 Carr Rd, Wilmington—tickets are $5, and kids 12 and under get in free!

Open Streets Wilmington rolls out this weekend by turning West 4th Street into a car-free community hub on Saturday, June 28 from 1–4 PM. Expect fun for all ages: local food vendors, live music, bike rentals, fitness demos, and pop-up community booths—all flowing between Lincoln and Broom Streets in Wilmington.

Fountain Fest Weekend at Longwood Gardens kicks off with “Once Upon a Dream,” a magical lineup inspired by animated movie classics. Expect live steel pan music, juggling shows, family activities, and dazzling fountain displays nightly at 9:15 PM, all happening Friday through Sunday, June 27–29 from 5–10 PM at Longwood Gardens, 1001 Longwood Rd, Kennett Square, PA.

Sunday

Summer Concert Series at Bellevue rocks on with The Launch, a high-energy tribute band celebrating the legendary sounds of Boston, Styx, and Queen. Sunday, June 29 at 6:30 PM at the Bellevue Bandshell, Bellevue State Park—get ready for a night of epic classic rock nostalgia.

FORECAST AT A GLANCE

Thursday

89 🌡️ 66 | ⛈️ | 54 % | 💨 NE 7 mph

Friday

74 🌡️ 68 | ☁️ | 24 % | 💨 E 9 mph

💧🌡️ Water temperature = 71.8 ºF
Temperature readings taken from the Atlantic Ocean in Rehoboth Beach

QUICK POLL

WEEKNIGHT SOCIAL

Thursday, June 26

• Autumn Arch Beer Project | Team Trivia | 7:00 PM

• Chancery Market | Music Bingo with DJ Taven | 6—8 PM

• Grain H2O | Matt’s Classic Bingo | 7—9 PM

• JAKL Beer Works | Trivia Night with Xixa | 7—9 PM

• Makers Alley | Trivia Night (Pride Edition) hosted by Dan & Brennan | 5 PM

• Market at Liberty Place | Music Bingo | 6—8 PM

• Wilmington Brew Works | BoomBox Bingo | 7—9 PM

LIVE MUSIC

Thursday, June 26

• Argilla Brewing Co | Open Mic Night | 5—9 PM

• Bar XIII | Asylum 13 Presents DJ Brad Scott & Stygian | 9 PM

• Bardea Garden | DJ TKSONE | 6—10 PM

• Bellefonte Brewing Company | Jimmy Jimmy | 7—10 PM

• Bellevue State Park | John Flynn | 6:30 PM

• Chesapeake Inn | Conley & Watson | 2—5 PM

• Chesapeake Inn | Jovan Newman | 6:30—10 PM

• Christiana Hilton | Cher’s Playground | 6—9 PM

• Christiana Pub | Karaoke Night | 9 PM—1 AM

• D&H Jamaican Cuisine | Spokey Speakey | 6:30—9:30 PM

• Deer Park Tavern | DJ Gray | 9 PM

• Delaware Art Museum | Sculpture Garden Happy Hour featuring 🎸Liz Watkins | 5—7:30 PM

• Docklands Riverfront | DJ Trick Dawson | 5—10 PM

• Elk River Brewing Co | Open Mic Night w Ted Paugh | 6—9 PM

• Elkton Music Hall | Outlaws | 8 PM

• Gallucio’s | Cosmic Debris | 8—11 PM

• Glasgow Park | Summer Concert Series featuring What the Funk | 6:30—8 PM

• Grain Exchange | JD Webb | 5—8 PM

• Halftime Sports Bar | Lydia Can’t Breath | 6 PM

• Hilltop Crab House | Andy Shields | 6:30—9 PM

• Hummingbird to Mars | John Hoey | 7—10 PM

• Kelly’s Logan House | Ed Dwornik & Friends | 5—8 PM

• Kelly’s Logan House | DJ Niknax | 10 PM—Closing

• Longwood Gardens | Kennett Symphony Masterworks 3: Fiesta | 7:30 PM

• St. Georges Country Store | Jesse Loewy Band featuring Jackie Brown | 6—9 PM

• Schaefers Canal House | Neal Madan | 6 PM

• Stoney's British Pub | Greg Jam | 7—9 PM

• The Creamery Kennett Square | Country Line Dancing | 7:30—9:30 PM

• The Grand | The Allman Betts Band w/ Special Guest Mattie Schell | 8 PM

• The Nomad | Full Carbon Get Up | 9:30 PM—12:30 AM

• The Opulent | Grown Folks Line Dance Party | 6—9 PM

• The Reef Seafood & Steak | Flashback Band with Joe Gabe & Jim Scott | 7 PM

• Tom Foolerys | Karaoke | 9 PM—12 AM

• Tonic Seafood & Steak | DJ Hugh | 4—7 PM

• Trolley Square Oyster House | Love Struck Riot | 9 PM—12 AM

• Unwined on the Water | Jake Kaiser | 5—8:30 PM

Friday, June 27

• Autumn Arch Beer Project | Dirk Quinn | 6—9 PM

• Bar XIII | Philly Sabbath // The Ancient Mariners // Rattlehead | 9 PM

• Bardea Garden | Vernon James Trio | 7—10 PM

• Bellefonte Cafe | Lori Citro | 5—7 PM

• Bellefonte Cafe | The PJ’s | 8—10 PM

• Blue Crab Grill | Tweed Dogs | 8—10 PM

• Catherine Rooney’s | Porch | 10 PM—1 AM

• Chancery Market | Lew & Feuda | 5:30—7:30 PM

• Chesapeake Inn | Solecraft Acoustic | 4—7 PM

• Chesapeake Inn | Jumper | 7—11 PM

• Chuck Lager | Generation Gap | 7—9 PM

• Crooked Hammock | Bucket of Hot Duo | 5—8 PM

• Docklands Riverfront | DJ Niknax | 5 PM

• Docklands Riverfront | Yani w/ DJ Kardiair & DJ B Lee | 9 PM—1 AM

• Dolly Spanker’s | Del Soul | 7—10 PM

• Elkton Music Hall | Nirvani - A Nirvana Tribute Experience | 8 PM

• Grain H2O | Innerjetic | 7—10 PM

• Gus’s Crab Shack | Laura Lea | 7—11 PM

• Hilltop Crab House | Manny Trio | 8—11 PM

• Hummingbird to Mars | Kenya Digit | 9—12 AM

• Kelly’s Logan House | DJ Willoughby | 10 PM—Closing

• Kennett Flash | God of Carnage by Yasmina Reza, Translated by Christopher Hampton | 7:30 PM

• Kid Shelleen’s Branmar Plaza | Ted Stewart | 6—9 PM

• Kirkwood Country Club | Anthony Sophy | 6—9 PM

• Klondike Kate’s | Gray$ | 10 PM—1 AM

• Longwood Gardens | Plenty Pepper Steel Band | 6—8:45 PM

• Makers Alley | Eastern Elk & Gray Mount | 6 PM

• Market at Liberty Place | Green Eggs and Jam | 6—10 PM

• Penns Woods Winery | Joe Nester | 5—7:30 PM

• Patriots Glen Golf Club | Kenny Don’t Play | 7—10 PM

• Saint Georges Country Store | Venom Blues | 6—9 PM

• Schaefers Canal House | Pineapple Band | 6 PM

• Stoney's British Pub | Pat Kane | 7—9 PM

• Tacos Grande | Paul Sedacca & Begoña Gomez | 5 PM

• The Bayard House | Leadfoot | 6:30—9:30 PM

• The Creamery Kennett Square | Brandywine Riders | 7—10 PM

• The Gap Pub & Grill | Snake Eyes | 7—10 PM

• The Nomad | Diamond Swing Band | 9 PM—12 AM

• The Opulent | Candace Culcleasure | 7 PM

• The Queen | Drag Show Benefit (18+) | 8 PM

• The Reef Seafood & Steak | Big Ric Revue | 8 PM

• Tom Foolerys | James West Acoustic | 4:30—7:30 PM

• Tom Foolerys | Icon DJs | 10 PM—1 AM

• Trolley Square Oyster House | Candiflyp | 9:30 PM—12:30 AM

• Twisted Irons Craft Brewing | John Delarm | 7 PM

• Uncle John’s BBQ Stand | The Nasty Nelsons | 6—8 PM

• Unwined on the Water | The Loop | 6—10 PM

• Volunteer Brewing Company | Walter Van Geffen | 6:30—9:30 PM

• White Hall Beer Garden | The Audacity | 6:30 PM

• Wilmington Brew Works | Eric Levy | 6:30 PM — 9 PM

• Zollie’s | Kick Off The Weekend at Zollies Live Jazz | 6:30—9 PM

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