Although it's a small state, Delaware has plenty to offer residents. Living in Delaware means access to beautiful beaches, scenic state parks, and cultural attractions, not to mention the numerous tax advantages!
Buying a home in Delaware means you also get to choose the type of lifestyle that fits you best, from quiet small towns to exciting cities. Whether you settle down near Rehoboth Beach or Bethany Beach, you’ll never be more than a few hours away from some of the largest metropolitan areas in America. Now let’s talk about some of the great benefits of living in Delaware.
What Is It Like to Live in Delaware?
In most states, the infrastructure would crumble from lack of funding by providing its residents with such great tax incentives. However, Delaware has implemented a great solution. The state offers businesses an extremely favorable environment in which to operate, as well.
As a result, Delaware is home to almost half of all publicly traded companies. While these companies certainly do not pay what they would in taxation in other states, they do provide Delaware with enough funds to provide residents with a robust infrastructure and high-quality city services.
Delaware may have been a well-kept secret in the past, but more people are choosing to live here nowadays. The population is increasing at a higher rate than most surrounding states and the growth is above the national average.
What Are Winters Like in Delaware?
Climate is one of the ways Delaware stands out in the northeast, as it avoids some of the brutal winters endured by other states in the region. Residents enjoy comfortable, moderate weather year-round. The average temperature varies throughout the year from 75 degrees in summer to 32 degrees in winter. The beaches get a little extra warmth in the summer and extra cold in the winter, by about 10 degrees.
The state has an average of about 45 inches of rain per year, which is slightly higher than the US average. However, the state receives far less snow. Delaware only sees an average of 15 inches of snow per year, while the US average is closer to 30 inches.
When it comes to severe weather, Delaware also fares well. Since record-keeping began in Delaware, no hurricane has struck. Since 1851, only two storms in Delaware have had hurricane-force winds.
Is It Expensive to Live In Delaware?
The cost of living in Delaware is much lower than in most states on the East Coast. Delaware is one of the only northeastern states which has maintained a cost of living only slightly above the national average. One reason why Delaware has managed to stay so affordable is the tax benefits it provides residents, particularly homeowners. This may be why Delaware has one of the highest rates of homeownership in the country.
Sales Taxes in Delaware
First, Delaware does not collect any sales tax! Raid Delaware’s many outlet centers, and take advantage of amazing deals available only here. You may even have to advise your visitors to bring an extra suitcase to take home the fruits of their shopping adventures.
Income Taxes in Delaware
Delaware has a relatively low income tax, especially compared to states in the region. With no state tax on Social Security income, Delaware is an especially great place to live for retirees. As an added benefit, residents 60 and over are exempt from state income tax on up to $12,500 of pension and eligible retirement income.
Property Taxes in Delaware
Delaware has the fourth lowest property tax of any state at 0.31 percent. The low property tax means added peace of mind for people buying a home in Delaware, especially retirees. Enjoy your well-earned retirement knowing your taxes won’t get out of hand down the road. Delaware even provides a tax credit of up to $400 for seniors (65 and older) for paying their property taxes on their primary residence in Delaware on time.
Other Tax Benefits
The state’s repeal of its estate tax on January 1, 2018, adds another benefit to families. Residents of Delaware rest easy knowing they can pass on their estates without forfeiting huge amounts to taxation.
Finally, Delaware offers qualified homeowners 65 and older a Senior Citizen Property School Tax Credit of up to $500. This financial picture is one of the main reasons Delaware is a popular state for anyone looking for an affordable home in the Northeast.
Where Is the Best Place to Live in Delaware?
That depends on what you’re looking for in a new home. Because the state is only 35 miles wide at its widest point, no place in Delaware is far from the beach. Thus, much of the decision on where to live depends on which beach you prefer. We’ll explore your options from north to south:
Slaughter Beach
This beach is home to the Milford Neck Wildlife Area. It attracts both beachgoers and birdwatchers and is also a designated sanctuary for horseshoe crabs. The shoreline at Slaughter Beach is beautiful, but less friendly to waders due to its rocky composition and the hermit crabs living on the ocean floor.
Lewes Beach
Lewes is a small town in Sussex County near Rehoboth Beach, and is known for its scenic tranquility. It is home to the Zwaanendael Museum, as well as shops, restaurants, historical sites, and parks. Its dock, which stretches to Rehoboth Beach, is a great place to spot some of Delaware’s iconic lighthouses.
Rehoboth Beach
Rehoboth Beach is a small suburb right on the Atlantic coast. Its boardwalk boasts eclectic specialty shops and restaurants. The popular craft brewery Dogfish Head is based in Delaware, and its brewery/restaurant in Rehoboth Beach is one of the many great places to relax after a summer’s day at the beach. With its quaint atmosphere and scenic ocean views, Rehoboth is considered a prime spot for anyone looking for family fun and relaxation.
Dewey Beach
Dewey Beach is a tourist community in the northern part of the state. It has a reputation as a “party town,” and offers a bustling nightlife with plenty of bars and restaurants. Several large events take place here, including the Dewey Beach Music Conference, Greyhounds Reach, and East Coast Skim-Boarding Championships.
Bethany Beach
Bethany Beach is known for its 12-foot-wide boardwalk, which stretches along the beach for half a mile. It is known as a much more quiet place to live. Located a bit farther south, and more removed from the outlet malls, Bethany Beach doesn’t attract quite as many summer tourists as some of the northern beaches.
South Bethany Beach
South Bethany Beach has proximity to the ocean as well as the bay. The beaches are beautiful and attract long-term visitors and home buyers. Surrounding the homes are plenty of restaurants, shopping, and recreation facilities.
Fenwick Island
Like Bethany Beach, Fenwick Island is considered a quieter resort community. It is known for its beautiful natural landscape and the iconic Fenwick Island Lighthouse, which was built in 1858. Fenwick Island’s beach is open throughout the year, and is ideal for both surfing and swimming.
Why Move to Delaware? 
If beautiful beaches and incomparable tax benefits aren’t enough to sway you, consider also that Delaware was ranked by U.S. News & World Report as the 6th best state in the country for health care quality. Despite its small size, Delaware has a dozen hospitals that offer a broad spectrum of specialties and services.
Delaware also has well-funded public schools and many highly rated private schools, including St. Andrew’s School, Tower Hill School, and Wilmington Friends School. For post-secondary education, the University of Delaware offers affordable in-state tuition. The university has highly-rated graduate programs in education and engineering.
For a night out, Delaware has three popular casinos. Dover Park Racetrack offers not only a casino but also a golf course and a thoroughbred horse racing track. The largest casino in the state, Dover Downs Hotel & Casino, is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. With its extensive spa services, it’s the perfect place for a relaxing weekend or an exciting one.
For a more tranquil outing, visit one of Delaware’s two national wildlife refuges. Enjoy nature and the comfortable weather while hiking, biking, or horseback riding.
For all of these reasons, Delaware could be the place for you. Insight Homes can help you find your dream home in Delaware. Contact us today to learn more about the Insight Difference.
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