7 Senior-Friendly Towns in Delaware
When looking for a new spot to retire in, it is important to remember things such as affordability, crime stats, housing, health, and things to do. Delaware is a prime state for retirees to consider settling down in.
Delaware is a no-tax state, making it affordable to shop for necessities such as clothes, home supplies, and various other things you may wish to purchase. Delaware also offers no tax on seniors' Social Security, making it a prime place to retire and receive your full benefits. Take a look at seven towns to consider that are senior-friendly.
Rehoboth Beach
Rehoboth Beach is a beach town on the Atlantic coast. This coastal town is lined with housing, shops, restaurants, and various entertainment venues for seniors. During May through August, the temperatures are ideal, so you can take a dip in the ocean, refresh yourself, and walk the boardwalk. During the other months, Delaware residents get to enjoy the changing seasons.
Outside of the beach life, there are also plenty of things for seniors to do, like Rehoboth Beach’s Farmer’s Markets. This is an opportunity for locals to get together to sell organic vegetables, homegrown food, and various other goods.
Lewes
Lewes is a historically vibrant town in which to retire. This town is often known as the “walking town,” according to the local government. There are numerous historical museums and sites to see.
The Zwaanendael Museum was built in honor of Delaware’s first European colony, Swanendael, in 1631. The best part about this museum is that admission is free, although they do receive donations if you’re able to give.
In addition to historical sites, there are senior centers such as the Lewes Senior Activity Center. This senior center is designed to help keep seniors active after 50 years. This center offers meals, transportation, medical services, and various programs to keep retirees busy throughout the year.
Dover
A great town to retire in would be the friendly capital city of Delaware, Dover. This town offers a lot of historical significance as well. You can tour the 1791 Old State House Wednesday-Saturday. This State House served as the state capital all the way till 1933.
The Biggs Museum of American Art is also another great attraction for residents. This museum is open from Thursday to Sunday and offers a wide variety of American art, including portraits, paintings, and embroideries.
Seniors can enjoy plenty of great outside activities to keep them walking such as the Brecknock County Park or the Silver Lake Park. Both of these parks offer walking paths, fishing spots, picnic areas, and opportunities for birdwatching.
Milford
Milford is known as a quaint town with a lively downtown area. In downtown Milford, residents can enjoy unique boutiques, restaurants, live entertainment, chain and family-owned restaurants, and even art galleries.
A huge benefit to living in Milford is that seniors can enjoy a short drive to other major cities, without having to live in those big cities. This small town has a very welcoming atmosphere that offers plenty for retirees to do outside with their community events and activities such as the Bug & Bud Festival, Ladybug Music Festival, and Riverwalk Freedom Festival held annually.
Bethany Beach
This idyllic town is set right on the coast overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. This beachside town is perfect for seniors to stroll the beach, collect seashells, saltwater fishing, and enjoy the calm waves the Atlantic Ocean brings.
There are other recreational activities such as the Bethany Beach Nature Center. There are various activities to do here such as walking trails, farmer’s markets, and places for clubs and other organizations to host their events.
Seniors can also enjoy their time strolling through the different boutique shops and other unique local shops. Couple this with Bethany Beach’s various dining options from upscale seafood to good old American food.
Newark
The small town of Newark is a great spot for retirees to consider that offers the liveliness of university life and the rich history of its community. The University of Delaware is a privately governed university that offers a long list of courses and a state-of-the-art Performing Arts Center where seniors can attend performances at.
Annually, retirees can enjoy events such as the Newark Community Day Winterfest and Summer Concert Series, where the community comes together to celebrate. They do this with food, live music, local vendors, and a chance to bring the community together.
Middletown
Middletown is the place to get into for retiring in 2024. It is rapidly growing in population since 2010. Currently, Middletown has around 25,000 people. Silver Lake Park and the Charles E. Price Memorial Park are great spots for retirees to enjoy the weather and soak in the scenic beauty of Mother Nature.
This town offers a wide range of medical services for seniors to feel comfortable in before choosing this town to retire in. ChristianaCare provides day-to-day medical care as well as emergency services for those who need it. Middletown also offers various wellness and fitness centers for seniors to keep their health in check.
Ideal Retirement Destinations in Delaware
These seven Delaware towns are the desired spots for retirees to consider moving to. These towns offer quality healthcare, vibrant downtown life, recreational activities, senior centers, and numerous places to enjoy the outdoors. So, no matter if you are seeking the hustle and bustle of city life, the serenity of the beach, or the quiet of a small town, Delaware is the state for you.
