Bear, De
Bear, DE is a census-designated place (CDP) located in New Castle County, Delaware, United States. Geographically, Bear is situated at approximately 39.6128° N latitude and 75.6597° W longitude. The area is primarily identified by the ZIP codes 19701 and 19702. Bear is positioned south of the city of Newark and west of Wilmington, with US Route 40 (Pulaski Highway) and DE Route 1 serving as major thoroughfares through the region.
The population of Bear, as of the 2020 United States Census, is estimated to be approximately 21,000 residents. The broader Bear postal area, which encompasses nearby suburban developments, has a population closer to 40,000. Demographically, Bear is a diverse community: approximately 48% White, 32% African American, 8% Asian, 7% Hispanic or Latino, and 5% identifying with two or more races. The median household income in Bear is around $78,000, with a median age of 36. The population is fairly evenly split between males (48.2%) and females (51.8%). The area features a mix of families, young professionals, and retirees.
Bear is comprised of several neighborhoods and developments. Notable residential communities include Brennan Estates, Caravel Farms, Fox Run, Mansion Farms, Rose Hill, Becks Woods, and Clairborne. The area does not have officially designated districts or boroughs, but these neighborhoods are well-known to locals for their residential appeal, amenities, and community parks.
Education in Bear is served by the Christina School District and the Appoquinimink School District, with schools such as William B. Keene Elementary School, Caravel Academy (a private institution), and nearby high schools like Glasgow High School and Appoquinimink High School. The Bear Library, a branch of the New Castle County Libraries, is a prominent resource for residents.
The economic landscape of Bear is shaped by retail, service, healthcare, and light industrial sectors. Shopping centers such as the Fox Run Shopping Center and Governors Square provide a variety of retail and dining options. Major employers in the area include Christiana Care Health System, Amazon (with a regional fulfillment center nearby), and various logistics companies due to Bear’s proximity to major highways and the Interstate 95 corridor.
Bear’s history is rooted in rural and agricultural traditions, but since the 1990s, it has experienced significant suburban growth. Today, Bear is characterized by single-family homes, townhouses, and apartment complexes, catering to a commuter population working in Wilmington, Newark, and Philadelphia. Parks such as Lums Pond State Park, Delaware’s largest state park, offer outdoor recreation with hiking, fishing, camping, and boating opportunities.
Bear is part of the greater Wilmington Metropolitan Statistical Area and benefits from proximity to cultural attractions, healthcare facilities, and transportation infrastructure, including the Amtrak station in Wilmington and the New Castle Airport. Public transportation is provided by DART First State bus routes. The climate in Bear is classified as humid subtropical, with warm summers, mild winters, and average annual precipitation of about 45 inches.
Overall, Bear, DE is a vibrant and growing community known for its diversity, suburban quality of life, and access to both natural and urban amenities.
