Head southwest on Interstate 95 and you will run into the charming community of Bear. Legend has it that this town got its name from a local tavern whose sign depicted a bear many centuries ago. Today, this community is a collection of housing developments and shopping centers near Wilmington that offer great Bear apartments for rent. In 2010, the population neared 19,400 and more than a quarter of its population was under the age of 18, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, so it is obvious that this quaint Delaware town is an ideal location to raise a family.
Lenape Native Americans were among the first inhabitants in the area until Dutch settlers came into the Mid-Atlantic region in the late 17th century. Many of the areas around Bear switched control between the Dutch and Swedes until the British colonized what would later be called the United States. The area played a critical role during the Revolutionary War. Three signers of the Declaration of Independence - George Read, Thomas McKean and Caesar Rodney - all hailed from the communities around Bear.
Since Delaware was the first state to ratify the Constitution, many scholars refer to it as the First State. During the Civil War, many areas in New Castle County were instrumental in the development of the Underground Railroad since Delaware was considered a border state during that time. Bear remained a rural community that grew corn and raised cattle until the late 1960s when suburban development changed the makeup of New Castle County and Bear became an incorporated municipality.
Today, Bear remains a sprawling community of housing developments and shopping centers that prides itself on its patriotic past and bright future.
Many students in Bear attend nearby University of Delaware. Part of the Bear community since 1833, UD has earned many great honors over the years, including being named a high research facility by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. UD also ranks within the top 100 of the nation's universities for science and engineering. This excellent public university offers undergraduate, graduate and doctoral programs, as well as houses more than 70 research centers. If you are a student looking for Bear apartments close to campus, beginning your search before the school year starts is advised to find the place that is right for you.
According to the New Castle County Official Economic Development and Business Guide, the industries in the area are quite diverse; however, the bulk of the residents here are in finance, insurance and real estate, retail and wholesale trade and healthcare. The major employers in the area include 21st Century Insurance, DuPont, the University of Delaware and Astrazeneca.
Many Bear residents enjoy a cost of living that is similar to the nation's average, making the community an affordable place to live. According to information from city-data.com, the 2009 median gross rent was around $1,200 per month. People in the Bear community earn more than $6,000 per year more than the average Delaware resident, so renters here should have a wide variety of apartments to choose from.
One of Delaware's most visited and scenic outdoor areas are located right in the heart of Bear. Lums Pond State Park is home to the largest freshwater pond in Delaware. With more than 1,790 acres between the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal, this place is perfect for family outdoor adventure. With features like hiking trails, fishing, sports facilities and boating, it is easy to see why this park has been a must-do in the community since 1963.
If you are looking for an apartment for rent or a house rental in Bear, search for rental properties at Rent.com®.