9 Towns In Delaware That Are Ideal For Seniors
While it is not the most affordable and cannot beat Southern states such as Mississippi and Oklahoma, Delaware performs exceptionally well in measures of well-being, racial and ethnic diversity, and recreation facilities per capita — to emerge second-best in the nation for retirement. That is according to a study by New York City-based consumer financial services company Bankrate. And as an icing, the First State scores big on its mild weather — besides boasting one of the highest percentages of over-65 residents in the United States. But where can one get the best retirement experience in the smallest state after Rhode Island? Discover the following nine Delaware towns that are ideal for seniors.
Hockessin
While Hockessin is not on everyone's lips, this quaint Delaware town is home to several gems, including the Ashland Nature Center, an outdoor oasis that plays host to what could be the most beautiful butterfly house in the state. Known to be tight-knit, safe, and friendly, Hockessin also scores big on location and accessibility. Besides sitting almost at the center of four states, Hockessin is within driving distance of about 25% of the country's population. Wilmington is just a 19-minute drive down the road, while Philadelphia is only 41 miles via Interstate 95. That means amenities that a senior would need, including excellent medical establishments, are numerous. Finally, an occasional brunch at The Well, a hidden gem of a deli operated by the Trinity Church, makes this town hopelessly addictive.
Rehoboth Beach
A retirement family. That is what Rehoboth Beach looks like. And the demographics bear this out. According to Niche.com, seniors — 55 years and above — comprise a whopping 72% of the town's population. The town's median age stands at a mellowed 63.5 years. But it is not just that. Rehoboth Beach is a thriving small town full of friendly and helpful residents. Known as the "Nation's Summer Capital," this Delaware gem boasts an award-winning boardwalk, an old-school amusement park ( a perfect place to take grandchildren), and what is arguably the state's most sought-after beach. Beebe Medical Center, recognized for the Pulmonary Care Excellence Award, and Bayhealth Hospital, Sussex Campus, recognized for America's 100 Best Hospitals for Stroke Care Award, are only 5 and 23 miles down the road, respectively.
Newark
According to Redfin, the median sale price of a home in Newark stood at $285,000 in November 2023. For perspective, this is against a state average of $449,930 — according to the same source. Besides the fact you can save loads of cash, Newark is just about 13 miles from Wilmington, Delaware's largest city. In short, retiring here comes with access to some of the best medical facilities in the state. Also, according to Niche.com, 28% of Newwark's population holds a master's degree or higher. This means you can strike up a conversation with a random person you meet at a restaurant concerning a statement by Jefferson, a line by Shakespeare, or a quote by Maya Angelou. This town's median age stands at about 22 years, meaning it is ideal for seniors who want to feel young at heart and who enjoy hanging out with a youthful, sprightly crowd. Finally, for seniors with a desire for lifelong learning, the University of Delaware offers free tuition programs to Delaware residents aged 60 years and above.
Bear
Bear is a quiet, lakeside community that has previously been voted among the best of its kind in the state. Seniors enjoy the town's tranquil atmosphere amid environs that are incredibly safe and crime-free. Glasgow Park is a beautiful spot for some seclusion and fresh air — besides being an awesome spot for exercising a furry family member. Also, Bear is close to Newark and Wilmington. This means one does not have to worry about access to desirable amenities. Christiana Hospital in Newark, for instance, recognized for America's 50 Best Hospitals Award, dabbles up as the only Level I trauma center for both adults and children in Delaware. On Niche.com, Bear scores an impressive A+ on ethnic and economic diversity and features a demographic of which 28% are seniors aged 55 years and above.
Lewes
Lewes is known as "the first town in the first state" and is traditionally a favorite with retirees. This Delaware charmer was named for an England town associated with Thomas Paine, the "English Voltaire" whose writings helped shape the political ideologies of George Washington. Founded about ten years after the Pilgrims' landing at Plymouth, Lewes was originally called Zwaanendael (this name is immortalized by a similarly-named museum in the town) and was the first white settlement along the Delaware River. The Cape Henlopen State Park is right at this town's doorstep, and the beaches here are nothing short of phenomenal. Also, living here comes with access to several medical facilities. Beebe Medical Center, for instance, located right in town, has been recognized for the Pulmonary Care Excellence Award. Boasting a median age of 65.7, one will enjoy interacting with individuals who share the same challenges and experiences.
Long Neck
To know that Long Neck is a hot favorite with retirees, about 87% of the town's residents, according to Niche.com, are homeowners. There is much to love about this coastal neighborhood, including its quiet streets, small-town charm, and friendly atmosphere. Secreted off of the Atlantic Ocean's Indian River Inlet, this spot is ideal for those looking for a relaxing place to retire. Plus, since it is not right on the ocean, home prices often tend to be a tad cheaper. Of course, beaches such as Rehoboth and Bethany are minutes from town. As an icing, seniors aged 55 years and above comprise about 64% of the town's population. This means you can count on a supportive network largely made up of similarly-aged folks. Finally, Millsboro is just about 9 miles from town, meaning shopping hot spots such as Harris Teeter can be accessed in no time.
Middletown
Quiet, for the most part, Middletown is a small Delaware town that is gradually becoming a sought-after economic hub. Clean and neighborly, many seniors will enjoy retiring here. Fortune Well, for instance, Fortune's new wellness vertical, awarded Middletown an impressive fifth spot on its 2023 list of the "50 Best Places to Live for Families" — not just in Delaware but the whole of the United States. The town boasts six hospitals within 25 miles, recommended by more than half of the patients. The best part of living here, however, is that both Wilmington, the largest city in Delaware, and Dover, the state's capital and second-largest city — are a convenient 27 miles from town. Finally, according to Niche.com, seniors comprise 30% of Middletown's population. This means retirees will find ample opportunities to interact with individuals in the same age bracket.
Bethany Beach
Bethany Beach is part of a triad of towns fondly referred to as "The Quiet Resorts." As many might confess, this is just the appellation that will appeal to those in their sunset years. Six miles of shoreline await empty-nesters at the much beloved Delaware Seashore State Park, a popular facility that features a special access pier for the elderly and people with disabilities to enjoy fishing action. According to Niche.com, 97% of Bethany Beach's residents are homeowners, meaning virtually everyone here has long-term plans and is not about to move. Also, those aged 55 years and above make up a whopping 77% of the town's population, implying seniors should expect a family-like vibe. And if you love chatting up folks who are fairly well-informed, the fact that 1 in 4 residents hold a master's degree or higher should be a point of interest.
Greenville
A median age of 40, just where life is said to begin, and the chance to call the president of the United States your next-door neighbor — are some features you may want to consider Greenville as your preferred retirement destination. While you may not live on Barley Mill Road, where Joe Biden lives, whatever spot you pick will still give you access to awesome parks and green spaces as well as amazing shopping centers such as the much-loved Powder Mill Square. Greenville is neat, if a bit upscale, and will meet the expectations of those who put a premium on taste and style. Moreover, 1 in 3 of the town's residents are seniors aged 55 years and above, implying seniors can plot adventures with townmates in the same age bracket.
The Takeaway
Ranked by Bankrate as the second-best state to retire in the nation, Delaware is a state that should kindle the interest of every senior. The First State is one of a few that does not maintain a sales tax, nor does the smallest state in the country — after Rhode Island — tax Social Security retirement benefits. Boasting environs that are mostly peaceful and relaxed, few other states offer such conditions for blooming into old age. For specific recommendations, the most ideal towns to retire in Delaware include Hockessin, Rehoboth Beach, and Newark.
