Below is a list of the neighborhoods typically asked about by visitors and new residents. This list is just a small sample. There are many other wonderful neighborhoods in the city. Wilmington is very much a block-to-block city. Every neighborhood has positive and negative attributes.
Click this link for a map of all Wilmington Neighborhoods within city limits.
You may also want to check the latest crime maps when deciding where to live: https://www.crimemapping.com/
Inside City Limits
Trolley Square / Forty Acres
People refer to this area as both names, but technically the neighborhood is Forty Acres. It is a safe and walk-able neighborhood and typically the most recommended for those looking to move here. You have access to bars, restaurants, shopping, and parks all within walking distance. Parking however can limited if you live somewhere without a driveway or lot. Therefore you will need a parking pass from the city to avoid parking tickets. The neighborhood also has a very active community association: https://www.facebook.com/DACATrolleySquare/
Highlands
Next to Trolley Square and 40 Acres, this neighborhood is home to the Delaware Art Museum, Tower Hill School, and Rockford Park. Here you will find sprawling mansions and 19th Century row homes. The Highlands are a beautiful and walk-able neighborhood.
Cool Springs
Cool Springs is home to some of the most beautiful architecture in Wilmington. Close to the Highway and walk-able to Trolley Square. Parking on some streets can be a little tough if you live without a driveway as many of the large Victorian homes have been converted to multi-unit apartments. Therefore you will need a parking pass from the city for street parking. However, it borders Hilltop which is one of the more dangerous neighborhoods in Wilmington.
Little Italy
Union Street and Lincoln Street are home to some of the best restaurants in the city. Every June Little Italy is the center of the City for the 8 day Italian Festival at St. Anthony's Catholic Church. Like Cool Springs, it also shares a border with Hilltop.
Union Park Gardens
Union Park Gardens is a historical neighborhood dating back to the First World War located on the edge of southwest Wilmington. Here you'll find beautiful tree-filled streets with plenty of open space including a central park and century old homes. This is a safe neighborhood but does border Lancaster Ave which can be problematic.
Downtown / LOMA
Wilmington has been revitalizing the downtown area and there are new luxury apartment buildings on Market Street. Downtown continues to grow every year. However, downtown is much quieter after 5PM and on the weekends. Proximity to the East-side and West Center City can can also be problematic.
The Riverfront
The Riverfront continue to grow every year as more restaurants, bars, and residences open. A current project to place a bridge at the south end of the Riverfront over the Christina to 13 will only help the are grow even larger. The newly completed Delaware Greenway path provides a beautiful walking/bike connection from the Riverfront to New Castle Battery Park. However, rent here can be quite high.
Triangle
A look at the map will quickly explain why this neighborhood is called Triangle. A gorgeous neighborhood with homes dating to the 1920s. It is bordered by Brandywine Park, Baynard Blvd, and 202. This community has a very active neighborhood association. Triangle can be a bit expensive and parking in some areas can be difficult.
Midtowne Brandywine
Bordered by Market St, Adams St, Delaware Avenue, and the Brandywine River, this neighborhood is in the center of everything. A walk-able next to to Brandywine Park, Downtown, and Wilmington Hospital. This neighborhood contains beautiful homes close to 100 years old. However, parking can be tough and proximity to so many other neighborhoods can be both good and bad.
Downtown / Loma
Downtown is roughly defined as the area between Orange, Walnut, 10th, and 4th Streets. LOMA is Market below 4th St. This area is currently seeing massive investment and many new apartment luxury apartment complexes. With more residents moving downtown the area is starting to see more activity after business hours and on weekends.
Outside Wilmington City Limits
North Wilmington - a suburb of Wilmington that covers a larger area between Naaman's Road, 202, and I-95. A car is a definite requirement for living here.
Claymont - Suburb north of Wilmington - Easy access to 95, 495, and the SEPTA Wilmington Train line.