Is Barley Woods safe?
Greenville, Delaware · safety score updated nightly
Yes — it is one of the safer places in the metro to walk around.
VibeLoco rates Barley Woods as “Go”.
Gogo's take on Barley Woods
“Go. Barley Woods is an exceptionally safe, affluent residential enclave nestled in the rolling hills of Greenville's Chateau Country. Visitors will find virtually nonexistent violent crime, impeccably kept properties, and tranquil suburban roads.”
About the area
Barley Woods is an exclusive, picturesque residential community located just northwest of Wilmington in Greenville, Delaware. Surrounded by lush woodlands, estate properties, and historic du Pont cultural sites, it offers a peaceful, classic Mid-Atlantic countryside ambiance.
- Affluent / Suburban
- Wooded / Picturesque
- Car-Dependent
- Quiet & Peaceful
Walking and biking in Barley Woods
Walk score: 12/100 · Bike score: 20/100
There are no dedicated bike lanes or bike-share programs in the immediate vicinity; cycling is done primarily on shared rural roads or at nearby Brandywine Creek State Park trails.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Extremely low rates of violent and property crime compared to national and state averages
- High median household income well over $150,000 with near-zero poverty and well-maintained properties
- Close proximity to cultural landmarks like Winterthur and Hagley Museum
Cons
- Strictly car-dependent with virtually no sidewalks connecting to commercial districts
- Limited street lighting along narrow, winding residential roads at night
- Lack of immediate commercial amenities within walking distance inside the subdivision
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is not a notable presence in Barley Woods or the surrounding Greenville area.
What Barley Woods is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and serene with morning dog-walkers, joggers, and minimal neighborhood vehicle traffic.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Very quiet and safe with pleasant suburban views, though winding roads require caution if walking.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Calm and residential with little through-traffic and safe conditions throughout.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Exceptionally quiet and dark due to limited streetlamps, remaining secure with virtually no crime.
Transit, parking and getting around
Public transit is very limited; DART First State Route 52 runs along Kennett Pike nearby with infrequent service, while the Wilmington Amtrak/SEPTA station is roughly 6 miles southeast.
Ample private driveway parking exists throughout the neighborhood, and street parking is generally unrestricted on residential lanes.
Things to do in Barley Woods
- Explore the nearby world-class American decorative arts collection and sprawling gardens at Winterthur Museum
- Tour the historic DuPont gunpowder mills and estate along the Brandywine River at Hagley Museum and Library
- Shop and dine at the boutique retail clusters in Greenville Center along Kennett Pike
Local favorites
- Buckley's Tavern · American Restaurant · 4.5★ (1150)A legendary historic tavern in nearby Centreville offering upscale comfort food and a popular rooftop patio.
- BBC Tavern and Grill · Pub / American Restaurant · 4.4★ (840)A staple Greenville watering hole serving classic tavern bites, burgers, and craft beers.
- Janssen's Market · Gourmet Grocery Store · 4.5★ (320)High-end specialty grocer featuring prepared gourmet meals, fine wines, and artisanal goods.
Scores are safety-driven — recent reported crime and local news plus Census income, poverty, housing, education, household and access data — refreshed nightly. Walk and bike scores are shown separately and do not affect the safety score. A guide, not a guarantee — conditions change street to street.