Do you envision yourself retiring to the East Coast? Perhaps the first thing that springs to mind is the cosmopolitan vibe of New York. Or you may consider Vermont's breathtaking fall foliage and rugged landscape. In 2024, however, one little East Coast state has risen to the top of the retirement rankings.
Delaware ranks at the top of Bankrate's comprehensive list of the best places to retire. Why choose Delaware for retirement? Despite being one of the smallest states in the union, its affordability, climate, and activities more than make up for its modest size. Is it possible for you to envision spending your retirement years here?
1) Affordability
Affordability is a major factor for many people making retirement plans. That's why Delaware took the top spot on Bankrate's list. The state is first and foremost tax-friendly. You won't be required to pay taxes on your Social Security benefits if you choose to spend your retirement years here. According to Bankrate, Delaware has lower property taxes than the rest of the nation and neither a state nor local sales tax.
According to Best Places, Delaware's overall cost of living is 3.5% higher than the national average for living expenses. However, the cost of living in Delaware is extremely low when compared to other coastal states. You may stay within your budget while still enjoying stunning views of the water.
2) Climate
Delaware is a state by the sea. Delaware Bay and Chesapeake Bay are two significant bays that round this Atlantic Ocean location. Hurricanes are uncommon in this state, despite the fact that they are frequently linked to coastal states. Nonetheless, the state receives a fair quantity of rain and snow due to tropical storms and other seasonal meteorological conditions.
You may anticipate chilly winters and scorching summers in Delaware. In the summer, temperatures may reach the 80s, while in the winter, they may drop below freezing. In their later years, some people wish to completely escape the cold. However, you will feel at home in Delaware if you accept the shifting of the seasons.
3) Culture
Delaware was named the top retirement destination by Bankrate in part because a sizable section of its population is over 62. There are plenty of people to interact with and form a community because so many inhabitants are content with their retirement years. Many of the state's towns are close-knit and open to newcomers. There are lots of ways to get to know your neighbors, particularly if you're planning to settle down in a active adult community.
No matter how you make friends in Delaware, you'll always find venues to have fun and explore the local culture. There are numerous theaters, art galleries, and museums throughout the state. The outstanding collection of historical and contemporary artwork at Dover's Biggs Museum of American Art dates back to the 700s. Wilmington hosts performances by the Delaware Theatre Company. Wilmington, Rehoboth Beach, and other places have art galleries that serve almost every taste and medium.
Delaware also fosters community through annual festivals and activities. In the winter, there will be plenty of festive cheer. In Wilmington, the Jaycees hold an annual Christmas parade, while in November, Rehoboth Beach holds a holiday sing-along and tree lighting. There are numerous opportunities to take in live music (try the Ladybug Music Festival in Wilmington) and smell flowers (literally) during the spring and summer months.
4) Education for Seniors
You can readily adopt a dedication to education if you intend to retire in Delaware. Residents 60 years of age or older are eligible for tuition-free undergraduate or graduate programs at the University of Delaware. As a full-time or part-time student, you can apply and follow your love of learning, with the only expenses being textbooks and materials.
You have the opportunity to attend classes that work with the rest of your hectic schedule, but you can also set aside time to become a student once more. Classes are also offered by the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at the University of Delaware. The program, which offers over 300 courses in disciplines including science, literature, art, history, and more, enrolls around 2,000 students each semester.
There are other options for educational enrichment than the University of Delaware. Additionally, Delaware State University provides alternatives for continuing and adult education.
The active adult population can connect and learn through the state library system. For instance, the Delaware Creative Aging program is a collaborative effort between the Delaware Division of the Arts and the Delaware Division of Libraries.
5) Health Care
Many people in their retirement years place a high value on receiving high-quality healthcare. Delaware was named the second-best state in the nation for hospital quality by U.S. News & World Report in 2024. The state also scored highly in a number of other areas of this ranking, including health care quality (#6), health care access (#10), and best states for health care (#9).
The state's top-ranked hospital is ChristianaCare Hospitals. According to U.S. News & World Report, this healthcare provider does well in 13 treatments and conditions and two specializations. There are plenty additional excellent hospitals in Delaware. This East Coast state provides the ease and comfort of nearby, high-quality healthcare for retirees.
6) Location
Delaware's accessibility and location get it high marks. Baltimore, New York, Philadelphia, and Washington, D.C. are all just a few hours away, and you can take advantage of everything the state has to offer. That alternative is always available if you wish to escape and spend time in a big metropolis.
Wilmington Airport is Delaware's biggest regional airport. Philadelphia International Airport is another airport you may fly into and out of, depending on where you're going.
With more than 500 buses and 70 routes, DART First State is the state's largest public transportation service. Additionally, residents have access to the state's trolley, elevated, and metro subway lines. Delaware people can travel both inside and outside the state thanks to Amtrak.
7) Recreation
You will have easy access to a wide range of leisure and entertainment opportunities when you retire to Delaware. Delaware is a coastline state, therefore its waterfront is largely composed of stunning beaches. The sandy shoreline and boardwalk at Rehoboth Beach attract swimmers, shoppers, and sun worshippers. In addition, Bethany Beach boasts a lovely beachfront and boardwalk that provide both leisure and excitement. You have the option of dining by the sea or going kayaking or surfing.
There are other outdoor areas in Delaware to visit besides the seductive beaches. Additionally, you can explore the state parks' natural splendor. Places like White Clay Creek State Park and Fenwick Island State Park offer hiking, biking, swimming, bird watching, and picnicking.
You can hit the green when you're not hitting the beaches. There are a lot of private and public golf courses in Delaware. Explore Bear Trap Dunes' 27 picturesque holes or take on The Rookery South's 18 holes. There are many of classes to choose from in Delaware, whether your goal is to improve your skills or just spend time with your friends.
Chris Pataki Can Help You Buy a Home in Delaware
It's hardly surprising that Delaware is becoming known as a retirement hotspot given its accessibility, location, and abundance of activities for active seniors. To begin your Delaware active adult home search, contact Chris right now!
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