Located 20 miles south from downtown Philadelphia, the community of Claymont is on the brink of significant residential and commercial development. With a charming, small town atmosphere, the main street and neighboring areas of this community are growing hotspots for Delaware residents seeking Claymont apartments for rent. With a strong sense of heritage and culture, this tight-knit community is an ideal place to raise a family, since nearly a quarter of the residents in Claymont are under the age of 18, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
Claymont's history dates back to approximately 1200 A.D. when Lenape Native Americans developed a settlement near the mouth of the Delaware River. The area remained an agricultural community until the mid-19th century when many wealthy Philadelphia families turned the farms into a suburban resort area. However, the Industrial Revolution during the turn of the 20th century transformed the city into a blue-collar working community.
The city gets its name from one of the first residents of Claymont, Reverend Clemson, the pastor of the Episcopal Church in the area during the 19th century. After he and his family relocated from Charles Town, West Virginia, Reverend Clemson's wife wanted to name the city after their family plantation in their home state, Claymont Court.
The area has seen many revitalization efforts recently. Many residents have renovated historical sites like the Claymont Stone School and the Darley and Robinson Houses, which have earned the city a Sustainable Communities Award from the National Association of Counties. The association even coined Claymont "the single largest redevelopment project in Brandywine Hundred in the last 40 years."
According to the Wilmington's 2011 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report, the largest employers in the New Castle County area include Bank of America, E.I. Du Pont Nemours & Company and AstraZeneca Inc. The top industries in the area include banking and manufacturing; however, the largest employer in the area is Christiana Care Health Services. Whether you are traveling to the Wilmington/Philadelphia areas or working in the city, finding Claymont apartments near Interstates 95 and 495 are probably best for shortening your commute time.
One of the largest public universities in area is the Claymont branch of the University of Delaware. A land, sea and space grant university, many students as well as researchers frequent this campus for a variety of scholarly endeavors. Part of the community since 1833, this school offers associate, bachelor, master and doctoral programs in seven colleges.
Even though Claymont is nestled near two large metropolitan areas, the cost of living index in Claymont is similar to the national average. According to city-data.com, the median gross rent in 2009 was $864 per month. Because of its close proximity to cities as well as many green spaces near the rivers, it makes sense that this community is proud of its recent growth and rejuvenation.
One of the most popular festivals in the area is the Wilmington Winter Bluegrass Festival. With more than 30 bands picking and fiddling the sounds of the Appalachian Mountains, this festival attracts residents from all over Delaware. Complete with live performances, mountain clogging, workshops and theory classes for musicians, this is a great festival for music lovers and those interesting in Appalachian culture.
One of the best areas for horseback riding and hiking is Bellevue State Park, a lovely green space with boating activities, fishing, tennis and equestrian centers. The Bellevue Hall located in the park is also a popular, picturesque setting for group functions such as meetings and wedding receptions.
Rent.com® can help you get settled in a Claymont apartment. Look through our rental listings and find the perfect home for your needs.