Delaware has a variety of communities appealing to those who retire on the East Coast. They range from coastal properties to inland towns that are accessible to major cities.
The First State was named the top spot by Kiplinger's Best States for Retirement list in 2015. Low taxes, affordability, and ease of access helped Delaware win its first place national ranking.
1. Coastal Towns
Retirees in Delaware may be attracted to beach houses in coastal communities such as Bethany, Dewey, and Rehoboth.
According to CNBC, Rehoboth Beach is especially popular.
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The area, which is a three-hour drive from Philadelphia and Washington, D.C., “has been a magnet for retirees over the past several years.”
2. Milford
Milford is located within an hour’s drive of the beaches and offers quality healthcare. Bayhealth Milford Memorial provides an array of inpatient and outpatient services that include a cancer center to a joint-replacement facility.
Other town attractions include restaurants, shops, and seasonal events. Milford has a cost of living of about 5 percent above the national average,
according to Sperling's Best Places.
3. Wilmington
Amenities and attractions in the state’s largest city include from historical museums, art galleries, fine music venues, golf courses, casinos, gardens, and wineries.
Also, Wilmington has Amtrak service to other major East Coast destinations.
4. New Castle
New Castle County is where the state’s major airport is located; however, New Castle Airport is considered a regional airport for Philadelphia.
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Old New Castle, the historic part of town has cobblestone streets, Colonial homes and landmarks, and five museums where some retirees serve as volunteers.
5. Newark
Retirees looking for a college town experience might want to consider Newark, home to the University of Delaware. The university offers continuing education opportunities and hosts theatrical productions and college sports.
6. Lewes
Those who retire in Delaware and want to live near the beach but pay a little less may want to relocate to Lewes.
The town has a cost of living nearly 43 percent higher than the national average,
according to MarketWatch. Still that’s much less than Rehoboth Beach, the state’s most popular beach town.
Lewes also has a popular ferry that shuttles passengers to and from Cape May, New Jersey.
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