Is Tolham Estates safe?
Bear, Delaware · safety score updated nightly
Yes — it is one of the safer places in the metro to walk around.
VibeLoco rates Tolham Estates as “Go”.
Gogo's take on Tolham Estates
“Go. Tolham Estates is a calm, established residential suburban community in Bear with low rates of violent crime. Visitors will find little of interest beyond quiet residential streets, but safety concerns are minimal beyond standard precautions regarding vehicle security.”
About the area
Tolham Estates is a traditional single-family suburban neighborhood located just off the major commuter corridors in Bear, Delaware. The area consists mostly of ranch and split-level homes built in the late 20th century, surrounded by suburban shopping centers and regional parks. It offers a quiet, family-oriented atmosphere with high rates of homeownership.
- Quiet Suburban
- Family-Friendly
- Car-Dependent
- Residential
Walking and biking in Tolham Estates
Walk score: 28/100 · Bike score: 34/100
There are no public bike-share stations; while interior neighborhood roads are fine for casual cycling, major thoroughfares lack dedicated bike lanes, though Glasgow Park offers protected multi-use paved loops nearby.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Low violent crime rates typical of established suburban subdivisions in New Castle County
- High homeownership rate with stable residential tenure and well-kept properties
- Close proximity to extensive outdoor recreation at Glasgow Park and Lums Pond State Park
Cons
- Suburban property crimes such as unlocked car prowls occasionally occur along nearby corridors
- Completely car-dependent layout with few sidewalks connecting to commercial zones
- Heavy commuter traffic and occasional congestion along nearby Route 40 (Pulaski Highway)
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is not an issue within the Tolham Estates residential community, though occasional individuals asking for assistance may be seen near high-traffic retail intersections along US-40.
What Tolham Estates is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and active with residents heading to work and walking pets along neighborhood streets.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Calm and safe with light local traffic and school buses making rounds.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Quiet residential setting with low ambient noise and safe conditions for an evening stroll.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Very dark and quiet due to limited streetlighting, though serious safety incidents are rare.
Transit, parking and getting around
DART First State operates bus service along nearby corridors such as Route 40 and Route 72 (Routes 40, 42, and 55), though there is no direct rail service; the nearest regional rail station is Newark Station roughly 7 miles northwest.
Free and ample street parking is available throughout the neighborhood, and commercial destinations along nearby highways feature large, free surface parking lots.
Things to do in Tolham Estates
- Walk, jog, or use the skate park and paved loop trails at nearby Glasgow Regional Park
- Go kayaking, fishing, or hike nature trails around Lums Pond State Park just south of town
- Shop and grab casual local dining at the nearby Governor's Square and Fox Run shopping plazas
Local favorites
- Stewart's Brewing Company · Brewpub · 4.4★ (1280)Long-running local microbrewery serving classic craft ales alongside hearty pub fare and burgers.
- El Pique · Mexican Restaurant · 4.5★ (460)Authentic, unpretentious Mexican spot known for traditional street tacos, tamales, and tortas.
- Tony's Bistro · Italian Restaurant · 4.3★ (310)Neighborhood eatery offering classic Italian-American pasta dishes, specialty pizzas, and subs.
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.