3 Reasons Why Delaware Is the Best Place To Retire

As the first state to exist in the USA, Delaware has a lengthy history that seems almost too big for its small size. With historic charm, beautiful beaches, and welcoming communities, it has proven to be an extremely desirable place to live. And yet, many don’t yet realize how attractive an option it is to the elderly and those looking to retire specifically. Luckily, this article can help guide you to the best places to retire in Delaware. 

Weather, Climate, and Natural Beauty

It’s often surprising how many different environments can be found within a state as small as Delaware. As it is, there are sprawling cities and forests to the north and the more pastoral scenes in the middle and south, with rolling green hills crossed by rivers. The south also has the majority of the farmland and a few swamps. But all parts of the state seem to be connected both physically and in spirit by the long coastline and hugely popular beaches. 

The state presents a milder version of the four seasons, where winter showcases cold but not freezing weather. Some snow, but not much and not often. Spring is rainy and temperate. Summer is the most extreme month, offering very hot and humid weather, where you’d think that fleeing to the coast would make the most sense, but although the coast offers cooler temperatures, it’s often the site of summer thunderstorms and rain. Finally, fall is a bit of a mix between summer and winter, where the start feels like summer but without humidity, and the end is closer to winter but has little to no snow. 

Unique Lifestyle Benefits of Retiring in Delaware

Known as "The First State," Delaware has an abundance of colonial history for those history buffs out there looking to retire in a place where they can continue to learn. There are military forts, settlement sites from the 1600s, one of the oldest courthouses in the US, lighthouses, and numerous preserved homes from the 17th and 18th centuries. Then, if you want a bit more history, towns like Philadelphia and Washington, D.C. and all of their museums and monuments are only a short car ride away.

Besides the history, Delaware is all about the beaches and what the ocean and the surrounding land can provide. There’s a big sea-to-table and farm-to-table culture, especially in the southern parts, and fishing and boating are increasingly common pastimes for all (but especially retirees). For those not interested in floating on the water, there are also a few fabulous beaches like Rehoboth Beach and Dewey Beach, offering great sunbathing, nightlife, and boardwalk adventures. 

Overall Quality of Life

Besides the history and beaches, there are plenty of reasons to live in Delaware. There are, however, a few things that those specifically looking to retire in Delaware would want to know more about. In terms of affordability, the state ranks solidly in the middle of the rest for the overall cost of living, but it is also considered one of the most tax-friendly states. This includes no sales tax, no Social Security tax, low property taxes, no personal property or inheritance taxes, and many other benefits that directly aid the elderly. In fact, the state is dedicated to helping its aging population in numerous ways, including many senior/retirement communities, visits from community groups for seniors, classes for seniors, and more. Most of the towns are extremely accessible, as well as downright cute and charming, and with a surprisingly solid art and theater scene, there’s plenty to do in addition to the activities that the natural landscapes provide (hiking, camping, biking, and exploring, in addition to the aforementioned fishing and boating). If you’re looking for the absolute best places to retire in Delaware, look at towns like Dover, Rehoboth Beach, New Castle, Lewes, Bethany Beach, and Wilmington. 

So, there you have it. Delaware is a great place to live for all, but is especially enticing to those looking to retire. Ready to start planning your next trip? Try Only In Your State’s itinerary planner.