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Home » 55+ » The Best Places to Retire in Delaware in 2021

The Best Places to Retire in Delaware in 2021

delaware

Delaware is a beautiful state on the East Coast that gives retirees the chance to enjoy a laidback beachfront lifestyle, without having to make the trek to swampy Florida. Retiring to one of the affordable cities in Delaware will give you access to the historic charm of a New England city and the beautiful beaches on the Atlantic Ocean.

NewHomeSource has named the top six cities for retirees in Delaware. Your dream retirement home awaits you in Delaware, in a community that fosters your dream lifestyle.

Top 6 Cities to Retire in Delaware

Skip Ahead
1. Wilmington
2. Dover
3. Milford
4. Smyrna
5. Middletown
6. Newark
Common Questions About Retiring in Delaware

1. Wilmington

Skyline of Wilmington, Delaware

Percentage of the Population Over 65: 12.9%

Median Home Value: $168,000

Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 1,114

Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 3,690

Number of Hospitals Within 25 Miles of the City: 20

Wilmington is an affordable urban hub along the Delaware River. If you want to enjoy a luxurious East Coast retirement, with a price tag that won’t wreck your finances, Wilmington should be the first city that comes to mind as you search for the perfect retirement home. 

2. Dover

Dover, Delaware, state legislature

Percentage of the Population Over 65: 14.4%

Median Home Value: $175,300

Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 342

Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 2,141

Number of Hospitals Within 25 Miles of the City: 2

Dover is the charming state capital that serves up everything people love about living on the East Coast: just a short drive to the coast, historical architecture and a funky culture. Retirees can live a life they love on a reasonable budget in this Delaware gem. 

3. Milford

Victorian home in Milford, Delaware

Percentage of the Population Over 65: 20.6%

Median Home Value: $190,900

Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 84

Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 585

Number of Hospitals Within 25 Miles of the City: 5

Retirees looking to stay active and enjoy Delaware’s striking natural beauty should consider making Milford their home. This beautiful town gives active adults easy access to the nearby Atlantic Ocean, has a charming riverwalk and provides numerous nature centers to explore. If you’re in the mood to walk on the wild side, you can head over to Milford’s popular breweries.  

4. Smyrna

Smyrna, Delaware town hall

Percentage of the Population Over 65: 12.6%

Median Home Value: $206,400

Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 32

Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 246

Number of Hospitals Within 25 Miles of the City: 3

The lovely and historical community of Smyrna lets retirees enjoy an unbeatable lifestyle, no matter how they want to spend their golden years. Numerous parks appeal to nature lovers of all ages, while Smyrna’s fun culture makes it easy to explore new events and experiences. Plus the beaches along Delaware Bay are only about 10 miles away.  

5. Middletown

tall, blue bridge in middletown, delaware

Percentage of the Population Over 65: 15.3%

Median Home Value: $231,300

Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 66

Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 647

Number of Hospitals Within 25 Miles of the City: 7

Middletown is a quaint and historic city close to the Maryland border, offering plenty of arts and cultural events throughout the year. Numerous trails and parks give Middletown plenty of natural beauty, and make it easy for active adults to stay healthy.

6. Newark

Park in Newark, Delaware

Percentage of the Population Over 65: 13.6%

Median Home Value: $277,800

Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 118

Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 1,142

Number of Hospitals Within 25 Miles of the City: 10

Retirees looking to live in a college town can’t go wrong when they make their home in Newark. This thriving home to the University of Delaware offers up an eclectic culture and an exciting urban lifestyle for people of all ages. Nature lovers can enjoy numerous parks and the Newark Reservoir to explore when they get tired of the urban jungle. 

Common Questions About Retiring in Delaware

Is Delaware a retirement friendly state?

Delaware has a favorable tax code for retirees. Delaware has no state sales tax, no taxes on social security income, and allows a $12,500 deduction for income from pensions.

What property taxes to retirees pay in Delaware?

Delaware already boast of the 6th lowest property taxes in the nation at 0.56%. Homeowners over the age of 65 in Delaware can get a 50% tax credit against their school property taxes on their primary residence.

City NamePeople Over 65Violent CrimesProperty CrimesAccess to DoctorsMedian Home Price
Wilmington12.9%1,1243,69020$168,000
Dover14.4%3422,1412$175,300
Milford20.6%845855$190,900
Smyrna12.6%322463$106,400
Middletown 15.3%666477$231,300
Newark13.6%1181,14210$277,800

NewHomeSoNewHomeSource pulled data from the FBI Uniform Crime Reporting Services, Medicare’s Hospital Compare and the U.S. Census Bureau. In the event exact crime data was unavailable, estimates were used. Median home price, number of hospitals, 65+ population, and crime rates were entered into an algorithm to calculate a score for each city whose population is at least 10,000.

Access to Doctors is calculated by finding the number of hospitals, discounting children’s hospitals and VA hospitals within one mile of the city.

Other Delaware Resources

How to Build a House in Delaware
6 Most Affordable Cities in Delaware
2021 Closing Costs in Delaware
2021 Best Suburbs Near Georgetown, Delaware
First-Time Homebuyer Programs in Delaware
Top 10 Safest Cities in Delaware
sarah-scott-photo
Sarah Scott

Sarah graduated from Trinity University in 2012 with a degree in International Relations and Political Science. She writes blogs on new homes, decor, communities, and more for NewHomeSource. When she’s not writing, you can find her spending time with her three cats.

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  1. Leticia Demicoli

    November 1, 2019 at 9:06 am

    My husband and I are looking for beachfront property/ community ; possibly access to a marina closeby ; thanks

    Reply

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