Is Union Park Safe, Pros and cons of living in Union Park

Union Park, located in Wilmington, Delaware, is a neighborhood that offers a blend of urban and suburban living. It is a community with a mix of homeowners and renters, characterized by its historic residences and a notable proportion of row houses. The area provides access to various amenities, including bars, restaurants, and parks, contributing to its appeal for young professionals and those seeking a dynamic yet comfortable environment.

The neighborhood’s character is shaped by its diverse population and a significant presence of government workers. While it presents an urban suburban mix, its proximity to Wilmington’s cultural and economic hubs offers residents the convenience of city living with a more residential feel. This balance makes Union Park a distinctive place to consider for those looking for a community with a unique identity within the broader Delaware landscape.

Is it Safe to Live in Union Park?

Union Park Gardens, a neighborhood within Wilmington, DE, has a crime safety grade of A, indicating a very safe environment (as reported by DoorProfit). The overall crime index is 55, which is 45% below the national average. This means Union Park Gardens is safer than 91% of neighborhoods in Wilmington.

While the overall crime index is significantly lower than the national and city averages, assault is noted as a concern, with an index 16% above average. However, other crime types, such as robbery and burglary, are substantially below average. The neighborhood’s crime index of 55 is considerably lower than Wilmington’s average of 157, reinforcing its reputation as a safe place to reside (as reported by DoorProfit).

Understanding the Cost of Living in Union Park

Housing Costs

The median real estate price in Union Park Gardens is $345,765, which is less expensive than a majority of neighborhoods in Delaware and also below the national average (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). Redfin indicates that in March 2026, the median home price in Union Park was $350,000, a decrease of 12.5% compared to the previous year (as reported by Redfin). In Union Park Gardens specifically, the median home value was $224,471 (as reported by DoorProfit), while Zillow reported an average home value of $216,263 in March 2026, showing a slight decrease of 0.8% over the past year (as reported by Zillow).

Rental prices in Union Park Gardens are also relatively affordable, with the average rental price at $2,064 per month, which is lower than most neighborhoods in Delaware (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). Fair Market Rents, as provided by HUD, estimate average gross rents ranging from $692 for a studio to $1,394 for a four-bedroom unit (as reported by Weichert Realtors). Redfin notes that homes in Union Park Gardens were selling for a median price of $295K in March 2026, an increase of 10.3% year-over-year (as reported by Redfin).

Overall Cost of Living

Delaware, as a state, has a cost of living that is approximately 3% higher than the national average (as reported by Livingcost). Wilmington, the nearest major city, has a cost of living index of 103.1, meaning it is slightly more expensive than the national average (as reported by BestPlaces). This includes expenses for groceries, utilities, transportation, and healthcare, which are all factors that contribute to the overall cost of living for residents.

While specific cost of living data for Union Park as a distinct entity is not readily available, the figures for Wilmington and Delaware provide a general understanding. The median household income in Union Park Gardens is $91,962 (as reported by DoorProfit), which suggests that the cost of living is manageable for many residents, especially considering the median home values and rental prices in the area.

The Job Market in Union Park

Major Employers

Union Park Automotive Group is a significant employer in the area, with various roles including Sales Assistants and Sales Consultants (as reported by Indeed). Other major employers in Wilmington, a nearby hub, include Christiana Care Health Services and various financial and legal sector companies, reflecting a diverse economic landscape (as reported by Wilmington, DE Major Employers). The Delaware Prosperity Partnership also lists several major employers across the state, indicating a broad range of industries with employment opportunities.

The presence of the Union Park Automotive Group suggests a localized employment base, particularly within the automotive sector. For broader employment opportunities, residents often look to the larger Wilmington area, which benefits from a diverse economy including healthcare, finance, and technology sectors (as reported by Wilmington, DE Major Employers).

Salaries and Unemployment

The average salary for a Sales Assistant at Union Park Automotive Group in Delaware is approximately $40,806 per year, which is below the national average (as reported by Indeed). Sales Consultants at the same group earn an average of about $71,151 annually in Delaware, also slightly below the national average (as reported by Indeed). Union workers in Wilmington, DE, earn an average of $36,851 annually, with an hourly rate of $18 (as reported by ZipRecruiter).

The unemployment rate in Delaware was 5.4% in February 2026, unchanged from the previous month and higher than the national average at that time (as reported by USAFacts). New Castle County, where Union Park is located, had an unemployment rate of 5.5% in January 2026 (as reported by USAFacts). This rate reflects the broader economic conditions within the state and the region.

Climate and Weather in Union Park

Temperatures and Precipitation

The NOAA University of Delaware Air Temperature and Precipitation dataset provides historical climate data for the region, spanning from 1900 to 2017 (as reported by NOAA). While specific daily or monthly forecasts for Union Park are not detailed in the provided search results, general climate patterns for Delaware can be inferred. Delaware experiences a temperate climate with distinct seasons.

Typical summer high temperatures in the region tend to be warm, while winters are generally cold with the possibility of snow. Precipitation is distributed throughout the year, with variations in rainfall amounts depending on the season. The Wilmington area, for instance, typically sees average summer high temperatures in the mid-80s Fahrenheit and average winter low temperatures in the low 20s Fahrenheit (as reported by BestPlaces).

Education in Union Park

School Ratings

Public schools serving Union Park Gardens in Wilmington, DE, are generally rated as above average (as reported by Niche). Specific schools like The Charter School of Wilmington receive an A+ rating, while Conrad Schools of Science and Cab Calloway School of the Arts also hold strong ratings (as reported by Niche). These high ratings suggest a commitment to quality education within the community and surrounding areas.

The Niche platform provides detailed report cards for schools, including grades for academics, diversity, and overall Niche grade. The area’s schools are considered a strong point for families looking to relocate, offering a solid educational foundation for students.

Demographics of Union Park

Population and Diversity

Union Park Gardens has a population of approximately 1,810 residents (as reported by Niche). The neighborhood has a median age of 37.62 years (as reported by Weichert Realtors). The demographic breakdown shows a majority White population at 79%, followed by African American at 14%, and 5% identifying with two or more races (as reported by Niche).

The neighborhood is described as having an urban suburban mix feel, with most residents owning their homes. There is a notable proportion of government workers residing in Union Park Gardens, a characteristic that shapes its unique community profile (as reported by NeighborhoodScout).

Income and Occupation

The median household income in Union Park Gardens is reported as $91,962 (as reported by DoorProfit). However, NeighborhoodScout’s analysis indicates that the neighborhood has a lower income compared to many U.S. neighborhoods, with 44.1% of children living below the federal poverty line (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). This highlights a disparity in economic well-being within the community.

In terms of occupations, 36.4% of the working population in Union Park Gardens is employed in executive, management, and professional roles. Another significant portion, 28.6%, is in clerical, assistant, and tech support occupations, with 27.3% in sales and service jobs (as reported by NeighborhoodScout).