1. Delawareans Live In A Big Small Town
Yep, Delaware is small. It even says so on the welcome sign. And living in a small state is much like living in a small town. The people here know pretty much everything from one end of the state to the other. With only three counties in the entire state, you would literally have to hide under a rock to keep from knowing everything going on.
Everyone follows University of Delaware sports (since there are no pro teams), so get some blue and gold to cheer along. You can name anywhere in the state and a resident can get you there, without Siri. They know the best pizza (although the Grotto’s vs. Nicola debate rages on) and exactly how long it will take you to get there.
Because distance isn’t measured in a matter of miles, it’s given in a matter of time. That’s what happens when you can drive across a state in under 90 minutes.
2. … So The Littlest Things Are A Huge Deal To Them
Delaware has very few claims to fame. But they cherish the ones they do have like a hobbit cherishes a shiny ring.
When you come here, you’ll hear all about how Aubrey Plaza got her start in Wilmington before heading off to Parks and Recreation. And how there would be no Ryan Phillippe movies without New Castle… they’ll even show you his house if you’re up for it.
Dead Poet’s Society is also a big deal, as it was filmed at St. Andrews school in Middletown. Bonus points if you come across someone who was in extra in the film. There’s the relatively new but absolutely amazing Firefly music festival which has brought some of the biggest names in the industry to the state for a three day long mini-Woodstock.
Oh, and the VP, Joe Biden? He’s a proud Wilmington boy.
3. People In Delaware Are All A Bunch Of Sand Crabs
If you’ve been to Delaware and still think it’s got nothing, then you’ve clearly never come during the months of May through October, because the beaches here are seriously everything. The two most popular are Dewey Beach and Rehoboth, and where you live and what your preference of nightlife is will determine which beach you frequent.
Dewey Beach has the younger, louder party crowd, while Rehoboth is more for the yuppie crowd and has a stellar boardwalk. But both are awesome. The pizza, the Sunday morning bloody Mary’s to wash away the weekend’s transgressions, and the Dolle’s. Mmmm... Dolle’s.
You’ll probably find yourself there a few times during the off-season months, too, because:
1. It’s hard to stay away from all the Oktoberfest and Sea Witch Festival fun going on, but
2. It’s not like you’re ever really that far away. And when there’s not a trip to the beach on the horizon, it’s usually in the misery of winter and they’re daydreaming of getting there.
4. Everyone Agrees Delaware Should Really Be Two States
How a state so small could be so starkly divided remains a mystery. But it’s true. There’s North Delaware and South Delaware, and neither appreciate being mistaken for the other.
The Chesapeake and Delaware Canal stands as the state’s great divide. Anyone who falls above the C&D are from northern Delaware and anyone south of it fall into southern Delaware and Delmarva territory. The people in the southern region can tell which part of the state you’re from just from a sentence or two, even when there’s no difference to anyone else.
And when divulging the fact that you’re from Delaware to someone from out of state, it’s customary to explain which side on which you fall.
5. Everyone In Slower Lower Is Proud To Be There
Southern Delaware is more colloquially referred to as “Slower Lower,.” which sounds kinda bad, but locals take pride in the nickname. To them, it represents everything they love about their area – their closer-to-southern culture, the friendly people, and a more rural lifestyle away from the hustle and bustle of northern city life. They own tractors, ride quads, and can tell you the best way to get your bonfire going in under five minutes.
To everyone else in the state and even out-of-staters, “Slower Lower” has taken on more of a negative connotation and suggests a more redneck culture. Think “Honey Boo Boo Goes To Delaware.” Even though they disagree with it, Slower Lower locals don’t really care about the stereotype. If being called a redneck means not being from the concrete jungle of northern Delaware, they’re just fine with that.
6. And People From Northern Delaware Tell Outsiders They’re From Philly
Don’t make the mistake of assuming someone from anywhere in northern Delaware is part of Slower Lower, because they’re having none of that. Northern Delaware is in pretty close proximity to Philadelphia, and the surrounding suburbs and the locals relate much more to city lifestyle than they do the ways of those in Slower Lower.
The people are more likely to go to a Blue Rocks game, catch a show at the World Café Live, spend the night at the Riverfront restaurants, or party with the townies and UD students at some epic college parties in Newark than they are to go four-wheelin’ and hog-callin’ like their neighbors down south.
When they tell people from out of state that they’re from Delaware, it’s pretty common for them to say that they’re from Philly – or at the very least, the Philadelphia area. That way, there’s no mistaking them for a Slower Lower native.
7. Black License Plate = Delaware Royalty
Delaware is one of a small handful of states where the lower the number on your license plate, the higher your social status. If it sounds bizarre, it’s just because you’re not from around here. Plate status is common knowledge throughout the state. It might sound like no big deal, but getting one of these highly coveted, black license plates is no easy task, either.
The standard-issued plates are blue and yellow. The holy grail of plates is black with white numbering, which in itself stands out as unique. The lower the number, the more Fonzi you are. People have bid on low digit black plates for as much as $675,000. Yes, that comma is in the right spot. People even leave these things to family members in their will.
So if you happen to drive by someone with a black and white plate in the hundreds or below – trust me, they’re living the Delaware dream.
8. Taxes? People In Delaware Don’t Need Your Stinkin’ Taxes
Delaware is one of five states with absolutely no sales tax. Zilch. On anything. Whether you’re buying a $1,500 flat screen or splurging a whole $1 for that hula dancing bobble head hood ornament, you pay sticker price every time. That’s why Delaware is such a popular spot for shopping for all the surrounding states.
The people are so used to not paying sales tax, when they do leave the state it’s like pulling teeth to get them to pay up without a mild meltdown. And if they happen to forget and then get slapped with the shock of seeing a seven percent markup on their bill? Look out.
You’ll hear all about how much better Delaware is than every other state around because, seriously, sales tax payers are all suckers.
9. Delawareans Get Treated Like The Red-Headed Step Kid...
We know, Wayne. You’re in Delaware and there’s nothing to do because it’s boring. Apparently everyone else got the same memo because it’s the same old, tired joke all the time. Even from people who have never stepped foot in the state.
Let’s see… it’s small, it’s boring, and thanks to the royal DuPont Overlords, it’s polluted… Oh, and there was that time Robin Williams called Delaware boring because, as he said, the state “shuts down at 5 o’clock.” There, does that just about sum it all up? I think that covers the bulk of it.
So why don’t you just make them sleep under the stairs already and move on to jokes about another state that actually deserves it? Like New Jersey. You think watching them on TV is bad? Try sharing a bridge with ‘em.
10. But They Know They Were Here First, So Show Some Respect
You know how YouTube commenters like to proclaim being “first!!!” in what will soon become a very deep and insightful string of internet conversations? They got that from Delaware. It’s the first state and proud of it.
In fact, America could have just called it after Delaware signed in. One and done, no other states need apply. Because it’s got a little bit of everything – country life and city life, endless places to shop and acres of nothing to get away from the craziness, all while maintaining an intimate feel throughout an entire state. How many places can say that?
Delaware residents consider their state the best kept secret in all of the country, which is all well and good because it means that everyone else isn’t in a rush to crowd it up. Besides, this list should more than prove that Delaware doesn’t even come close to shutting down at 5 o’clock.
6:30, tops.
Feature Image Source: University of Delaware Facebook
Did we miss anything? Tell us what you think of Delaware in the comments below! 
