"The separation of the U of Delaware from Wilmington by 15 or so miles is certainly unfortunate and may help explain why Boston (innumerable universities) and S

"The separation of the U of Delaware from Wilmington by 15 or so miles is certainly unfortunate and may help explain why Boston (innumerable universities) and Seattle (University of Washington, Seattle University) succeeded while Wilmington did not." One of the reasons (in addition to what you have mentioned) is that the areas that were closest to the south and had good welfare and benefits attracted many poor people looking to escape poverty tended to go to the places that were closer to the south. Boston is farther than NYC, Philly, Delaware etc.