Exploring the Best Reasons to Move to Delaware
Families and professionals looking to relocate will be happy to know that there are innumerable reasons to move to Delaware. The First State, as Delaware is nicknamed, serves as a convenient regional hub to some of the most exciting cities in the country, like Washington D.C., Baltimore, Philadelphia, and New York City. One reason why it stands out is that it’s situated on a beautiful peninsula along Delaware Bay, with borders along Maryland, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and the Atlantic Ocean. With about 381 miles of coastline, including ocean coastline and tidal shoreline, Delaware boasts sandy beaches, rivers, inlets, marshes, all accessible and all beautifully maintained by the government.
There are many other reasons Delaware stands out. There's no sales tax, property taxes are incredibly low, and the cost of housing, especially when compared to nearby states, is extremely reasonable. Then there are Delaware residents’ friendly demeanor, a rich history, and easy access to an assortment of outdoor recreation. You’ve got a fantastic combination for an enticing array of reasons why so many people are flocking to Delaware every year.
Delaware also has a geographic advantage that not many people realize until they visit in person. Hop in the car and in the span of about two hours, you can be laying out your towel on any number of Atlantic beaches, pick up Philadelphia cheesesteak from the source, walk around our nation’s capital, and take in the scenic beauty that is Baltimore. For people who want to live somewhere manageable but still have access to big-city experiences on the weekend, Delaware delivers in a way few states can match at this price point.
Affordability and Cost of Living
One of the first things people notice about Delaware right away is how much further a penny goes. Spend a whole day out and still find money in your wallet to spare. The absence of sales tax keeps money in your wallet, whether you’re buying a candy bar, a new dress, the latest television, or a car. Groceries, clothing, electronics, home goods, you name it – none of them gets taxed at the register. The price tag you see is the price you pay, just like in most cities in Europe.
Property taxes in Delaware are also well below the national average. – much lower than places like New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, or even Maryland. If you’re looking to buy in Delaware, you’ll appreciate the lower tax.
Speaking of home buying in Delaware, the median home price in Delaware is considerably lower than in Philadelphia or the D.C. suburbs. Delaware does have state income tax, but local tax is non-existent, and social security income is not taxed in Delaware, a boost for retirees.
Delaware is especially attractive to retirees for other reasons. There are additional exclusions on pension and investment income for residents of Delaware who have hit the threshold of age 60. The combination of low property taxes, no sales tax, and retirement-friendly income tax policies makes Delaware one of the more financially sensible choices on the entire East Coast.
Neighborhoods and Communities
Delaware has a range of towns and communities that suit different lifestyles. Smyrna, Middletown, and Dover are good places to start looking to buy a home in Delaware.
Middletown has grown quickly over the past decade and has become one of the most sought-after places to live in the state. It has a suburban feel with newer housing developments, well-regarded schools, and plenty of shopping and dining options. Families are drawn to it for the combination of safety, community amenities, and access to major routes like Route 1 and Route 301, which make commuting to Wilmington or even the Philadelphia area manageable. The Appoquinimink School District, which serves Middletown, consistently ranks among the top school districts in Delaware, which is a significant draw for families with children.
Smyrna is another community that's gaining real traction. It has a small-town character with a historic downtown, local events throughout the year, and a housing market that offers solid value. The schools are well regarded, the cost of living is lower than in some of the more developed parts of northern Delaware, and the town has a welcoming atmosphere that makes it easy for newcomers to get comfortable. For people who want a slower pace without giving up convenience, Smyrna checks a lot of boxes.
Dover, the state capital, offers more of an urban experience by Delaware standards. It's home to Delaware State University, along with government employment, healthcare institutions like Bayhealth Medical Center, and a growing professional sector. The city hosts community events regularly, has a vibrant historic district, and serves as a cultural and economic hub for central Delaware. Dover also draws visitors year-round with NASCAR races at Dover Motor Speedway, which brings energy and economic activity to the area. For people who want city conveniences without city-level housing costs, Dover is worth a close look.
All three of these areas share something in common: a genuine sense of community. Local events bring people together on a regular basis. And the pace of life allows for the kind of connection that gets harder to find in bigger cities.
Delaware's Rich History and Cultural Scene
The First State means more than just a nickname on a license plate. It was the first to ratify the U.S. Constitution in 1787, and that history is alive and well. It’s something that lives in the pride of most everyone in Delaware.
If museums are your thing, you’ll have plenty to choose from. In Wilmington, the Brandywine Valley is where you’ll find the Delaware Art Museum and the Brandywine River Museum of Art. The Hagley Museum and Library, located on the site of the original DuPont black powder mills, are where you can learn about the storied history of the industrial revolution. Old Swedes Church, built in 1698, is one of the oldest churches in the country. Stop by for a service, or visit when it’s quiet and still for a peaceful respite from the day’s activities.
Dover's First State Heritage Park has the Old State House, one of the oldest surviving statehouses in the country still standing. Another local favorite is the Air Mobility Command Museum at Dover Air Force Base, which offers historic aircraft exhibits and family-friendly educational experiences year-round.
General culture in Delaware is just as rich as its history. Something is always going on, be it local theater, an art gallery, festivals, or something else. Your weekends will be full, and there’s something for all the family members, from the youngsters to the precious elderly. Dover's Central Park has become a go-to gathering spot for community events, outdoor concerts, and seasonal festivals. Smyrna hosts its own community events that draw residents together and reinforce the strong sense of community and inclusion.
Outdoor Adventures and Recreational Activities
Delaware really packs it in with all kinds of ways to enjoy the outdoors. Temperatures are usually not sweltering in summer or so frigid in winter that you have to huddle inside like a hibernating bear. You’ll be able to get outside and experience nature. The Delaware beaches, including Rehoboth, Bethany, and Lewes, are busy with visitors and residents, even in winter months. Rehoboth Beach is one of the more popular beach destinations on the East Coast, with a fun boardwalk, great dining, and a welcoming atmosphere. This is where you can break out your roller skates or roller blades, kids can ride along on their bicycles and scooters, and the whole family can enjoy the sunshine. For people who live in Delaware, having that kind of beach access within a couple of hours is cherished.
Inland, there are more than a dozen state parks where you’ll find trails, fishing, kayaking, and camping. Killens Pond State Park, located near Felton in Kent County, has a waterpark, trails, and fishing ponds that make it a consistent favorite for families looking for a weekend activity. Got binoculars? Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge, located near Smyrna, is one of the best spots on the Atlantic Flyway for bird watching and covers nearly 16,000 acres of tidal salt marsh. For outdoor enthusiasts, it's a world-class resource sitting right in the middle of central Delaware.
As we said, Delaware’s climate is mild enough to support outdoor activity for most of the year. Sure, you should have a scarf and gloves in the closet, but winters are considered to be highly manageable. Compare it to states farther north and Delaware’s winters are downright mild. Come spring and fall, you’ll be seeing blooms and doing your leaf peeping for weeks on end. That seasonal variety makes it easy and natural to stay active, whether it's hiking, cycling the Junction and Breakwater Trail near Lewes, paddling on the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal, or spending a weekend afternoon at the coast.
For families with kids, outdoor recreation options are reliable selling points. State parks are well maintained, entry costs are low, and the geography of the state means there's almost always something worth doing nearby. The beaches are free and there are tons of public spaces that don’t cost a dime to enter and enjoy. Bring the kids’ bikes, pack a lunch, and slow down and enjoy life to the fullest in Delaware.
Delaware Is Worth the Move
Delaware has a lot going for it, and the more closely people look, the more they tend to find. The tax structure keeps money in residents' pockets. Communities like Smyrna, Middletown, and Dover offer real quality of life without the price tag attached to bigger metro areas. The history and culture run deep. And the outdoor access is better than most people expect from such a compact state.
For families, young, single professionals, retirees, people looking to make a change in life, and anyone in between, Delaware offers an extremely desirable lifestyle that effortlessly balances affordability, community, activities, and opportunity in a way that's genuinely hard to find elsewhere up and down the East Coast.
For those ready to put down roots in Delaware, JS Homes builds new home communities in Delaware designed with the needs of modern families in mind. Our communities are thoughtfully planned with quality construction and long-term livability as the focus. Whether someone's buying their first home or looking to upgrade, JS Homes makes the process approachable and clear. Explore our pathway to home ownership to get a clear picture of what the buying process looks like and how to take that first step. And when it's time to explore where to live, browsing our new home communities in Delaware is a great place to start. Contact us anytime to learn more!