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
1. Wilmington
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
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 Name | People Over 65 | Violent Crimes | Property Crimes | Access to Doctors | Median Home Price |
| Wilmington | 12.9% | 1,124 | 3,690 | 20 | $168,000 |
| Dover | 14.4% | 342 | 2,141 | 2 | $175,300 |
| Milford | 20.6% | 84 | 585 | 5 | $190,900 |
| Smyrna | 12.6% | 32 | 246 | 3 | $106,400 |
| Middletown | 15.3% | 66 | 647 | 7 | $231,300 |
| Newark | 13.6% | 118 | 1,142 | 10 | $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.
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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Leticia Demicoli
My husband and I are looking for beachfront property/ community ; possibly access to a marina closeby ; thanks