Best Places to Retire in Delaware
Are you considering where to spend your retirement years? Delaware is increasingly gaining recognition as an exceptional place to retire. Whether you’re already living in the area and wondering which town might be the perfect fit for your retirement, looking to join family nearby, or intrigued by Delaware’s charming beaches and favorable tax benefits, this small but mighty state has plenty to offer.
Why retire in Delaware? From its picturesque coastal towns to its thriving communities, Delaware combines natural beauty with a low cost of living and no sales tax—a big draw for retirees. Add to that its proximity to major cities like Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Washington, D.C., and it’s no wonder why Delaware is becoming the state to retire. We’re here to guide you through some of the best places to retire in Delaware and show you why this welcoming state could be the perfect destination for your next chapter.
Is Delaware One of the Best Places to Live in for Retirees?
Delaware may be small, but it offers big benefits for retirees. Here's why this Mid-Atlantic gem is one of the best places to live in for retirees:
- Scenic Charm: Beautiful beaches and picturesque inland areas offer plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities and relaxation.
- Convenient Proximity: Close to major metro centers like Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Washington, DC.
- Moderate Climate: Average summer temperature around 74 degrees, and average winter temperatures around 32 degrees, with four distinct seasons, without weather extremes like in other states.
- Tax-Friendly Policies for Retirees: Delaware is also one of the most tax-friendly states for retirees. There’s no sales tax and Social Security benefits are tax-exempt as well. Plus, for residents aged 60+, the first $12,000 of other annual retirement income, (e.g., pensions) is exempt from state income tax.
- Cost Effective Living: Stretch your retirement income further with Delaware’s affordable cost of living.
- High Quality Healthcare: Delaware provides residents with access to high quality healthcare.
- History: Delaware has a rich cultural heritage, and the coastal community of Lewes is known as the first town in the state.
Best Towns to Retire in Delaware
There’s no shortage among contenders for the best cities and towns to retire to in Delaware. Here are just a few of the ones you should consider if you’re thinking of retiring to the Blue Hen State!
Dover
The capital of Delaware, Dover is a great place due to its quirky, fun-loving culture and its historical Colonial architecture. Plus, it’s just a short drive to the shore, so you can always enjoy everything coastal living has to offer, from beachcombing and fishing to simply enjoying a lazy afternoon in the warm sun.
Georgetown
The county seat for Sussex County, Georgetown’s main export is history – it’s known as “The Historical Jewel of Sussex County” and it’s a true treasure trove for American history buffs. The nearby Redden State Forest offers some great opportunities to get back to nature and enjoy the outdoors, as well.
Hockessin
Located right on the Delaware-Pennsylvania border, Hockessin is a wonderful alternative to living in the busy Wilmington urban area without having to sacrifice access to everything a major city has to offer. You can truly enjoy the quiet life as well, thanks to its numerous hiking trails, nature areas, state parks, and much more.
Lewes
Lewes is a historic town known for its picturesque streets lined with colonial-era buildings, scenic waterfront parks, and rich maritime heritage, providing retirees with a serene and culturally rich environment.
Milford
Located in central Delaware, Milford is a small city with a big heart. There’s plenty to enjoy in this little metropolis, from its fantastic local art community to its bevy of beautiful nature centers. There’s even a well-renowned brewery. Plus, with Delaware Bay so close by, you can easily enjoy the mid-Atlantic shore and everything it has to offer!
Milton
Milton offers a charming small-town atmosphere with a vibrant arts community as well as easy access to nearby beaches and nature preserves.
Newark
Home to the University of Delaware, this college town balances out the bustling, center-of-it-all urban environment with some of the nicest parks in the area. Plus, you can spend days exploring the Newark Reservoir and still have undiscovered gems to uncover.
New Castle
Another city nestled right up against the Delaware River, New Castle is just a few miles south of Wilmington but offers a much more small-town feel. Parks, beaches, and farmer’s markets abound, as well as great points of interest such as the New Castle Court House Museum.
Rehoboth
Rehoboth boasts beautiful beaches, a lively boardwalk, and a plethora of dining and shopping options, making it a
popular destination for retirees seeking a coastal lifestyle.
Seaford
Seaford is in southern Delaware and is right next to the Nanticoke River, which offers plenty of opportunities for residents to enjoy the outdoors. Nature trails and preserves abound as a result! The Seaford Historical Society is also a big draw, considering their headquarters is Governor Ross Mansion, a sprawling Victorian Italianate estate sitting on 20 acres dating back to the 1800s, which offers guided tours.
Smyrna
Smyrna offers a peaceful suburban setting with convenient access to urban amenities, recreational facilities, and
outdoor recreational opportunities. This makes it an attractive option for retirees seeking a balance between tranquility and activities.
Wilmington
The largest city in the state, Wilmington plays host to 70,000-plus residents. It sits at the very northernmost part of the state where the Christina River empties out into the Delaware River, putting it within spitting distance of Philadelphia and all the amazing things the City of Brotherly Love offers once you get tired of everything Wilmington has to offer – which won’t be any time soon!
Have You Considered a Retirement Community in Delaware?
While you’re thinking about where some of the best places to retire in Delaware are, we’d like to raise for consideration the idea of a retirement community.
Far from the image that suggestion might conjure, a modern retirement community is an ideal way to enjoy your post-career years all the way into old age. Lush campuses and posh amenities describe many of the retirement communities in Delaware. You can be as active or tranquil as you want, with swimming pools, fitness classes, art rooms and woodworking shops, events excursions, gardens and walking trails, fine dining, and so much more.
The Delaware retirement communities of Acts Retirement-Life Communities take this dream retirement lifestyle even further, offering what’s called Type A Life Care, which is, in a nutshell, pre-planned health services.
The way it works is that you enter the community feeling as healthy and independent as you do now. But should you ever need a higher level of care such as assisted living or skilled nursing care, it’s already included in the deal, already on your existing campus. No need to move away or come up with more monthly budget. It’s peace of mind so you can focus on loving life.
