9 Welcoming Towns to Retire in Delaware
The First State was voted the best state to retire in a 2024 survey by Bankrate.com. One of the reasons that so many retirees are moving to Delaware is for its economic friendliness to seniors. Delaware has no state or local sales tax, and Social Security benefits are not taxed, either, making it a very enticing and affordable state for retirees. Property taxes in many parts of Delaware are also lower than in other states. As you read about the following towns, however, you will discover that beyond being wallet-friendly, these towns are some of the most welcoming in Delaware, making for a comfortable and inviting transition.
Lewes
The coastal town of Lewes stands out as one of the state's top spots for retirees. Lewes, a charming community of just 3,303 residents, has a median age of 66.5. As 56.5 percent of Lewes' population is age 65 or older, Lewes is a very welcoming town for retirees. Situated along the scenic Delaware Bay, Lewes offers several advantages for retirees.
Those who enjoy outdoor activities will appreciate Cape Henlopen State Park, offering swimming beaches, an 18-hole disc golf course, basketball courts, walking trails, and a campground. Others might opt for a trip on the Cape May-Lewes Ferry, which welcomes all methods of travel, including bicycles, vehicles, and foot passengers, and provides a leisurely and scenic ride from Lewes to Cape May, New Jersey.
Some aspects of life in Lewes are a bit more expensive than other parts of Delaware, such as the median home price of $586,488. Rental prices are a bit more reasonable, at an average of $1,354 per month. Despite the higher costs, many retirees find the trade-offs worth it for the Atlantic coast's low taxes, improved well-being, and natural beauty.
Bethany Beach
With a population of just 954, Bethany Beach is the quintessential small town. Its median age of 66.8, combined with the fact that 55.6 percent of its population is age 65 and over, are just a few hints as to why Bethany Beach is a good town in which to retire.
Bethany Beach was founded by members of the Disciples of Christ as a permanent yearly retreat and was intended as a sanctuary of rest for quiet people. Today's Bethany Beach is a bit more bustling but still offers residents the quietude of the pristine coast of the Atlantic Ocean and the serenity of the Delaware Bay. Although Bethany Beach does not offer the cheapest housing, at an average of $822,795, many residents choose to rent at a more affordable average of $1,398 monthly.
While strolling along Bethany Beach's family-oriented boardwalk is enough fun for some people, others will enjoy a trip to the Bethany Beach Nature Center. The small center offers visitors interactive, educational exhibits and programs and the chance to learn about local wetlands, wildlife, and conservation. Whether you enjoy the sand, sun, and surf or have a bit of an inquiring, curious nature, you will find much to occupy your time if you choose to retire to Bethany Beach.
Milford
Milford is home to 11,190 people, and about a quarter of them are aged 65 and over. Another of Milford's attractions for retirees is the fact that the median home price in Milford is $338,189, a bit lower than Delaware's state average of $389,714. For those opting to rent, this averages just $1,109 monthly.
Milford is a historic town located along the Mispillion River with the unique distinction of lying in both Sussex and Kent Counties in Delaware. At the time of its founding in 1807, Milford was primarily a shipbuilding town. Today, Milford's historic downtown section features art galleries, restaurants, shops, boutiques, and a community theatre.
Abbott's Mill Nature Center in Milford is run by the Delaware Nature Society and offers a preserved mill, educational programs, and nature trails. Milford residents also enjoy their own version of a boardwalk, the Mispillion Riverwalk. This series of paths is designed for walkers, runners, and bicyclers and provides outdoor exercise for many of the city's residents and retirees.
Hockessin
Hockessin's population is 13,478, and 23 percent of its population is over the age of 65. As a census-designated place located within the northern part of New Castle County, Hockessin is closer to the larger city of Wilmington and the college town of Newark, yet it retains a unique charm and identity of its own.
Hockessin has much history, having been settled by Quakers in 1688. It is thought to be named after the Lenape word hokesa. Much history has been preserved in Hockessin, including the Marshall Steam Museum at Auburn Heights Preserve, featuring the world's largest collection of Stanley steam cars and vintage vehicles.
Those who prefer outdoor activities will have much from which to choose in Hockessin. Ashland Nature Center is a 130-acre nature preserve with hiking trails, environmental education programs, and areas in which to observe local wildlife. Mount Cuba Center is a botanical garden that specializes in native plants of the area, providing educational information about local flora and fauna.
Although home prices in Hockessin are a bit higher, averaging $580,568, and rent, too, is higher, averaging $3,500 per month, many retirees still prefer to settle in Hockessin for its small-town feel, historic atmosphere, and proximity to cities such as Newark and Wilmington.
Middletown
Middletown is a burgeoning area in New Castle County, Delaware, with a population of 23,192 residents. Although just 18 percent of its residents are over the age of 65, the town's median age of 37.3 keeps the seniors living there young at heart!
Middletown's median home price is $523,019, and monthly rent averages $1,443. However, the area is growing and offers many housing options, with new townhomes and 55+ communities being built.
With its share of outdoor recreation, Middletown appeals to retirees who want to remain active. Silver Lake Park and Levels Road Park are just two of the recreational areas in which Middletown residents enjoy biking, hiking, bird watching, and fishing.
Theater lovers will appreciate the Everett Theatre, a historic theatre in Middletown's downtown area that features live performances, events, and movies year-round. Middletown also offers restaurants, shops, festivals, and farmer's markets. Retirees will enjoy the community-oriented lifestyle that is to be found in Middletown.
Georgetown
The county seat of Sussex County, Georgetown, offers retirees a central location and breathtaking scenery. Its population is 7,134, with 15 percent of that population being age 65 or older. Residents enjoy lower median home prices of $351,627 than the state average. Rent is affordable for most, averaging $1,163 per month. These are just a few of the reasons retirees are moving to Georgetown.
Georgetown, founded in 1791 and named after Commissioner George Mitchell, who moved the county seat to the town, offers much to do. Residents and visitors today can enjoy walking around the charming, historic circle called The Circle in the town's downtown area, which features a park and fountains.
The Marvel Museum, also located in Georgetown, includes many historical buildings, such as the one-room Ellis School, an old blacksmith's shop, and a Methodist church, all from the 1800s. Also on the museum grounds are the Western Auto Museum, the Delaware Telephone Museum, a model railroad display, and a Carriage House displaying 1800s-era horse-drawn carriages.
In addition to this, Georgetown is just a short drive to area beaches, such as Lewes and Bethany Beach. Retirees who settle in Georgetown can enjoy the advantages of a small town and the added benefit of being close to the Atlantic shore.
Selbyville
Known as the "Gateway to the Beaches," many beach-goers pass through Selbyville each year without stopping to see what the town offers. This charming small town near the Maryland border has a total population of 2,878. A full quarter of that population is age 65 and over, making this a good town for retirees to call home.
Being just a half-hour drive to beaches such as Ocean City, MD, and Fenwick Island, DE, is just one advantage for retirees who choose to move to Selbyville. It is also close to larger medical centers such as Beebe Healthcare in Lewes and TidalHealth in Berlin, MD.
Selbyville began as home to the poultry industry years ago. Today, it features a historic downtown area with local shops, restaurants, and charming buildings. The agricultural industry surrounding Selbyville also provides local farmers' markets offering fresh produce, meats, baked goods, and artisan products.
Home prices in Selbyville average $545,681, and rent averages $1,527 monthly. Despite these prices, Selbyville remains an attractive option for retirees, especially as more 55+ communities and housing options move into the area.
New Castle
New Castle was founded in 1651 by Peter Stuyvesant as Fort Casimir and became Delaware's colonial capital in 1704 and was the county seat until the late 1800s. Today, New Castle is home to 5,551 people, and over 20 percent of its residents are over the age of 65. The picturesque small town is rich in history as well as contemporary amenities, and is a good choice for retirees moving to Delaware.
New Castle has been named a National Landmark Historic Area. Its historic district offers hours of exploration on cobblestone streets and well-maintained colonial buildings. The New Castle Court House Museum is an attraction that should not be missed. It was significant in history as the place where Delaware's legislators decided to separate from Pennsylvania. The Dutch House Museum and Gardens, established in the late 17th century, is another popular attraction. It is a restored Dutch colonial house with beautiful gardens that offers tours.
Located along the Delaware River, New Castle offers many outdoor activities for those who are searching for them. Battery Park on the river offers bird-watching, hiking, biking, and fishing opportunities. The New Castle Farmers Market is a unique market combining outdoor and indoor spaces and features baked goods, meats, produce, cheeses, and local products.
The average home price of $265,544, well below Delaware's state average, is another enticement to retirees to move to New Castle. For those choosing to rent, this averages $1,316 per month. Its lower cost of living, central location, historic significance, and natural beauty are just some of the reasons retirees are moving to New Castle.
Wyoming
Wyoming, Delaware, is a small town in Kent County just outside of the capital city of Dover. With a population of just 1,680, 20 percent of whom are age 65 and over, it can be a quieter, more welcoming town for retirees to settle in than the bustling city that is its neighbor.
Just like New Castle, Wyoming is an affordable town to live in, with home prices averaging $297,614, below the state average. Rent is also more affordable, averaging $1,190 monthly.
Wyoming was founded in 1856 as a railroad town. It had grown into a village by 1865 when it was named Wyoming after a local reverend who had moved from the Wyoming Valley of Pennsylvania. Today, downtown Wyoming features a small area with historic buildings, shops, local businesses, and restaurants. The Wyoming Millwork Historic District allows for self-guided tours.
Wyoming Park provides much space for picnicking, playing sports, and walking paths. Wyoming Lake is also located in the town and offers opportunities for fishing, kayaking, and relaxing by the water. Some also enjoy touring Fifer Orchards in Wyoming, a family-owned farm offering seasonal produce, events, and festivals.
Wyoming's proximity to Dover is appealing to many, as the amenities of the state capital are just a six-mile drive away. The town offers the best of both worlds, with a small-town, quiet atmosphere and closeness to the big city attractions and amenities many retirees desire.
These towns in Delaware welcome retirees and provide much to keep them busy. When you are researching where to spend your retirement years, weigh the affordability of a town with its amenities, as well as the atmosphere that its communities offer. Whether you choose the beach towns of Bethany Beach or Lewes or the historical towns of New Castle or Hockessin, relocation to Delaware in your retirement years can be a positive step for your psychological, physical, and financial well-being.
