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Let’s cut to the chase: Delaware’s appeal to retirees lies predominantly in its tax advantages. In addition to there being no state sales tax, property taxes are low and there’s also no tax on Social Security income. Add to the equation the fact that a variety of tax deductions are also available for seniors, and Delaware certainly stacks up as an excellent choice for those looking to make the most of their retirement savings… and their lifestyle.

And while a relatively small state (it’s the second smallest in the US), Delaware is close enough to major Mid-Atlantic metropolitan areas like Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Washington, D.C., to ensure access to city amenities while at the same time allowing retirees to enjoy the benefits that come with living in a small town. Add to this its scenic coastlines and parks, as well as a generally mild climate, and Delaware is indeed a viable option for a fulfilling retirement.

Lewes

Lewes is a lovely coastal town near Delaware Bay and is an especially popular retirement destination for those who enjoy exploring nature and spending time in the great outdoors. Residents enjoy easy access to Cape Henlopen State Park, where walking trails, beaches, and birdwatching provide ample ways to stay active. Cultural attractions such as the Zwaanendael Museum will also keep you busy, while the town’s charming downtown area is filled with plenty of retail and dining experiences, with the first-rate Lewes Oyster House being a superb choice for seafood lovers.

Lewes also benefits from proximity to excellent healthcare facilities including Beebe Healthcare, the town’s centrally located hospital. As for a place to call home, The Moorings at Lewes offers independent living with great facilities including an indoor swimming pool, library, and dining hall. Volunteer opportunities are also plentiful here, with groups like the Lewes Historical Society always on the lookout for reliable help at their History Museum and Historic Lewes Town Campus, to name but a couple of their properties. You’ll also want to join the Lewes Senior Activity Center for its fitness classes, educational workshops, and social events.

Milford

Situated along the scenic Mispillion River, Milford offers folks looking for a great place to retire with plenty of natural beauty and a thriving cultural scene. The Mispillion Riverwalk is a popular spot for leisurely strolls and birdwatching and offers a three-mile out-and-back trek with excellent river views. For those seeking more cerebral pursuits, the local art and culture scene is thriving here, with facilities like the Riverfront Theatre providing cultural enrichment with its year-round program of musicals, comedies, and dramas.

Concerned about your healthcare options? Don’t be. Bayhealth Hospital, Sussex Campus, ensures that residents of all ages have access to expert healthcare services when needed. And for those wanting to stay active, Milford Senior Center hosts regular fitness programs, social gatherings, and volunteer opportunities that encourage community involvement.

Rehoboth Beach

Famous for its boardwalk and beaches, Rehoboth Beach is a pleasant seaside town that offers many reasons for retirees to want to consider it as their new home. In addition to being a big tourist draw, the mile-long boardwalk is perfect for year-round daily walks for seniors wanting a gentle way to stay fit while enjoying spectacular Atlantic Ocean views. Nearby Delaware Seashore State Park provides additional outdoor adventures like fishing and birdwatching, as well as six different easy trails to choose from.

Cultural highlights include the Rehoboth Art League with its regular exhibits and workshops, as well as an active social calendar of events, including the popular Rehoboth Beach Independent Film Festival, still drawing crowds after 26 years. Senior housing options in Rehoboth Beach range from resort-style retirement communities like the classy The Lodge at Truitt Homestead to homes in peaceful neighborhoods close to major amenities like Cape Henlopen Senior Center with its fitness and wellness programs, educational workshops, and social events. The town’s low crime rates and proximity to high-quality healthcare services also help make it a top retirement destination in Delaware.

Middletown

Located within easy reach of both Wilmington and Philadelphia, Middletown combines small-town charm with suburban convenience. The town is home to cultural attractions such as the Middletown Historical Society and community performances at the historic Everett Theatre, built in 1901 and still going strong (it also had a role in the Robin Williams classic Dead Poets Society.) The Historical Society is also behind the town’s top event, the Middletown Olde-Tyme Peach Festival, now in its 31st year of luring residents, visitors, and vendors to the downtown core each August.

And for those who enjoy outdoor activities, nearby Lums Pond State Park, Delaware’s largest freshwater pond, provides hiking and kayaking opportunities aplenty. Seniors in Middletown also benefit from affordable housing, with several retirement housing options like the brand new, state-of-the-art Meadowcrest at Middletown, which offers a mix of independent- and assisted living options. Accessible healthcare facilities such as ChristianaCare Middletown Emergency Department, along with facilities like the MOT Senior Center with its fitness classes, social gatherings, and arts and crafts activities, provide additional reasons for Middletown to be included on your list of retirement destination candidates.

Smyrna

Situated between Dover and Middletown, Smyrna offers a quieter, more laid-back retirement experience for those seeking somewhere a little different. Nature lovers can explore the more than 16,000 acres of Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge, known for its birdwatching and scenic trails, while Cedar Swamp Wildlife Area offers the same activities and is also close by. Enjoy a little culture now and then? The historic Smyrna Opera House delivers culture in spades with a regular roster of music and theatrical performances in the downtown area.

Medical services are well-covered by Bayhealth Hospital, ensuring retirees have access to top-quality healthcare, while wellness and fitness programs are available at the Mamie A Warren Senior Center, along with fun social events and educational activities. Add to this the town’s affordable housing and low crime rates, and Smyrna is certainly an appealing choice for older folks seeking a peaceful retirement environment.

Georgetown

As the county seat of Sussex County, Georgetown offers a strong sense of community that’s sure to appeal to those seeking a suitable place to retire in Delaware. The town is well-known for its historic Georgetown Circle, a central park-like setting in the middle of town. The Circle also serves as a hub for events like Return Day, a unique 200-year-old celebration that takes place the Thursday after Election Day when local voting results are read out loud to the crowd.

Georgetown also has several parks worthy of a wander, including Sandhill Fields, as well as notable attractions to get to know like the Marvel Carriage Museum, run by the Georgetown and Historical Society, a group that’s always happy to discuss volunteer opportunities with new residents. As for health services, Beebe Healthcare ensures that retirees have access to excellent medical care, while the Cheer Community Center offers fitness classes, social activities, and volunteer opportunities that help retirees stay active and connected to the community.

The Final Word

Delaware’s small towns offer a perfect blend of affordability, community engagement, and quality healthcare for retirees. Whether it’s the coastal charm of Lewes or the peaceful setting of Smyrna, each of these towns provides a unique retirement experience with plenty of opportunities to stay active and involved. With their low crime rates, affordable housing, and senior-friendly amenities, these Delaware towns offer an excellent quality of life for retirees seeking comfort, security, and a strong sense of community in their golden years.