Why are so many people retiring to Delaware?
Many people dream of moving to a new location in retirement. Selecting a place to retire requires a great deal of thought and planning. Considerations include location, quality of life, cost of living, health care, health insurance, life insurance and of course, the tax burden of where you plan to retire. These factors are just a few of the reason many retirees choose Delaware.
Tax Benefits (cha ching!)
• No sales tax. Delaware is only one of a handful of states with no sales tax. This means more disposable income for you!
• Low property taxes. The median annual property tax rate in DE is the 7th lowest in the nation.
• Relatively low state income tax. Retirees may receive up to $12,500 in pension funds before state income taxes apply.
• No tax on Social Security
• No inheritance tax
• No annual vehicle tax or fee imposed
• Kiplinger rated Delaware #1 for Most Tax Friendly States for Retirees (January 2021)
A Wealth of Things to Do – Year Round
• Despite a relatively small land area (just about 96 miles long from north to south and 32 miles across from east to west), Delaware boasts 28 miles of pristine Atlantic coastline for sun bathing, surf fishing, sea glass and shell collecting. In addition there is about 25 miles of Delaware Bay coastline and 115 miles of inland bay shoreline to enjoy. There is no shortage of outdoor water activities not to mention the fabulous sunrises and sunsets to view.
• For nature lovers, there are a number of State, County, local parks and nature preserves. Sussex County is home to Cape Henlopen State Park. Cape Henlopen's beaches attract thousands of visitors who enjoy everything from ocean swimming, boating, fishing, and kayaking to clamming, paddle-boarding and wind-surfing. But Cape Henlopen offers more than just the ocean and bays. The park's premiere trails offer some of the area’s best hiking and biking.
• In addition to the parks, there are extensive rail to trail systems for biking and hiking including the Junction and Breakwater Trail and the Lewes Georgetown Trail .
• Signature golf courses: Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course at The Peninsula, The Rookery Golf Club, Rehoboth Beach Country Club Golf Course, Kings Creek Country Club Golf Course
• Award winning Breweries, Wineries, & Distilleries. Milton is home to Dogfish Head Brewery!
• Year round fairs and festivals.
• In addition to the beaches, Sussex County has a large span of farm land, making it known for some of the best fresh seafood and locally grown produce and why Sussex County is home to many award-winning restaurants and markets.
• Vibrant arts scene. The Freeman Arts Pavilion, Clear Space Theatre, Milton Theatre, Rehoboth Art League
Ease of travel to major Northeastern metropolitan areas
• The state is accessible to about 25 percent of the U.S. population in a single day, and it has cities such as Philadelphia (119 miles), Washington D.C. (122 miles), Baltimore (120 miles), and New York City (208 miles), Trenton (150 miles), and Richmond (224 miles) nearby. Delaware is only 4 hours from Manhattan, and less than 3 from Philadelphia, Baltimore and the Nation’s Capital.
Delaware has four distinct seasons, and generally a humid temperature, thanks to the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean. During winter, the weather is mild with some snowfall, while it is hot and humid in the summertime.
