Alcohol consumption is on a steady decline in younger generations. Whether they’re turning to other vices like vaping and cannabis or opting out of substances altogether, many young people are choosing an alcohol-free lifestyle. Gen Z drinks, on average, 20% less than millennials, who also drink less than the previous generation, according to Forbes. With alcohol consumption trending down, it’s not surprising that many home buyers, day-trippers, and vacationers are looking for cities that are “sober-friendly.”
A recent SmartStart study found the most sober-friendly cities in the United States, and Newark, Delaware took the number two spot. Also in the top 10 are Wilmington ranking seventh and Dover at eighth. The study took into account characteristics like percentage of residents identifying as nondrinkers, average number of sober events per month, number of nonalcoholic beverage bars or snack bars per 100,000 residents, number of Alcoholics Anonymous meeting locations, treatment recovery centers, and more.
Newark (Ranked 2 out of 10)
Newark ranked favorably due in part to a large number of treatment centers. Despite being a college town, Newark also boasts a larger-than-average community of those identifying as nondrinkers. Home to plenty of cozy cafes and trendy restaurants, the Delaware destination offers no shortage of places to meet over a meal, coffee, smoothie, or tea.
For alcohol-free recreation, Newark is home to The Days of Knights, which hosts board game nights, Dungeons and Dragons, and more. Parks like Iron Hill Park and White Clay Creek State Park offer opportunities for outdoor recreation like hiking and mountain biking. Newark is also home to a classic arcade frequented by students. The Grove Shopping Center will soon contain indoor pickleball courts and bowling with the arrival of The Picklr and Lefty’s Alley & Eats in 2025.
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Wilmington (Ranked 7 out of 10)
Wilmington earned its ranking thanks to a large community of nondrinkers. While there aren’t as many recover resources as there are in Newark, Wilmington ranks even higher than the college town when it comes to alcohol-free social opportunities. Most of Wilmington’s beloved bars and restaurants offer a menu of mocktails. Cafes like Scout Cafe, Faire Cafe, and multiple Brew HaHa locations provide a trendy spot to meet with friends. Cafes are also hotspots for local events in the evenings and act as community hubs for education and connection.
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Local venues like The Queen and The Grand host internationally renowned acts and stage plenty of shows to enjoy throughout the year. Meanwhile, the Chase Center on the Riverfront houses public events all year round including the Brandywine Holiday Festival of the Arts and the annual Best of Delaware party. With museums, historic estates, local parks, and more to explore, there are plenty of ways to enjoy sober living in Wilmington.
Dover (Ranked 8 out of 10)
Delaware’s capital also made the list of most sober-friendly cities. With a community of self-reported nondrinkers almost as large as that of Wilmington, Dover is a place sober folks can find a likeminded community. Dover is an up-and-coming town in a lot of ways and, with local organizations working to revitalize the downtown area, the potential for recreation is growing. Dive into local and national history at museums like the historic buildings of First State Heritage Park, The Biggs Museum of American Art, and the Air Mobility Command Museum. Nearby Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge is a haven for nature lovers, and living in Dover means a 40-minute drive to Delaware’s coastal towns, where you can access even more alcohol-free fun at the beach or at state parks like Cape Henlopen.
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