With just 5,175 residents, an inviting small-town atmosphere, and an excellent school system, historic New Castle is beginning to lose its status as “One of Delaware’s best-kept secrets.”  As more people awaken to the advantages of this area south of Wilmington, both long-established neighborhoods and new developments are attracting waves of newcomers.  Accessible by many north/south routes including the scenic Delaware 9, the New Castle area is just 35 miles from the state capital of Dover and a short distance from Wilmington’s shopping and cultural amenities.  The wide variety of attractive housing is part of the allure, ranging from rambling country estates to affordable single-family homes.  Starter homes are as abundant as larger family colonials, ranches, contemporaries, townhomes, or luxurious custom designs.  Few locales in Delaware can rival New Castle for creating a postcard-perfect setting.  Adding to the atmosphere are attractions like the scenic Battery Park Trail, the New Castle Courthouse, a collection of charming colonial and Victorian homes, and wonderful museums.