11 Liveliest Delaware Towns For Active Seniors
Retirement doesn't have to mean slowing down, especially in Delaware, where charming small towns and vibrant communities offer plenty of ways for active seniors to stay engaged. From lively cultural events and historic districts to scenic trails, waterfront activities, and bustling town centers, Delaware is full of places where older adults can thrive. Whether you're looking for a spot with easy access to the beach, one close to the big city amenities, or a town with plenty of recreation, the state has no shortage of options. Here are 11 of the liveliest Delaware towns where active seniors can enjoy both relaxation and adventure.
Clayton
The town of Clayton, home to almost 4,000 people, lies in both New Castle and Kent Counties, and is just 15 miles from the state capital of Dover. The city of Wilmington is less than an hour from Clayton, and the state's beaches are just an hour to the south. Although tiny Clayton measures just one-and-a-half miles in area, seniors who live there are surprised by the many things that are there to occupy their time.
Those who enjoy the outdoors appreciate Blackiston Wildlife Area, 2,200 acres of protected land that is open to the public for birdwatching, hiking, and hunting. Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge is another appealing spot for seniors who are outdoors lovers, covering 16,000 acres of fields, forests, and marshlands.
The Lillian Smith Senior Center on Clayton's Main Street serves lunch daily and provides social, recreational, and educational programs for area seniors age 50 and up. Some may want to stop by Kee's Cookies & Cupcakes on Main Street for a sweet treat after a visit to the senior center.
Delaware City
Delaware City's motto is "a historic past, a bright future." Although the word "city" is in its name, this town in New Castle County, which is home to about 1,900 people, has much to keep its seniors busy. Whether history or culture interests you, you can find it in Delaware City.
Fort Delaware State Park on Pea Patch Island is accessible only by ferry and is one of Delaware City's most popular attractions. Here, a mixture of nature and history can be found in one landmark. Another outdoor highlight of the area is the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal, which runs through the "city" and offers seniors and others opportunities for walking, biking, and nature-watching.
The Delaware City Community Center houses the Senior Center and the Delaware City Library, both of which are gatherings spot for seniors in the area. The Senior Center is open to seniors age 50 and over, and meets Mondays and Tuesdays. The library is open every day except Fridays and Sundays.
Dover
Although Dover, in Kent County, is the state capital, it is home to just over 39,000 people, and is the second-largest city in the state. It is chock full of history, but there are also many other activities in Dover to keep seniors busy.
The Dover Green, located in the center of town, is a National Historic Park and the starting point for tours of the town's historic area. Those looking for more active pursuits may prefer to visit Dover Motor Speedway, the home of NASCAR racing.
Bally's Dover Casino Resort, the largest casino in Delaware, is also located in Dover. It houses not just games but restaurants, bars, live entertainment areas, and a hotel. Dover's senior center is the Modern Maturity Center, which is open daily to area seniors age 50 and over. The center provides meals, activities, and community events.
Georgetown
The county seat of Sussex County, just over 7,100 people call Georgetown home. Georgetown is just 35 miles south of Dover, which is attractive to many seniors who want to be closer to the state capital. Delaware's beaches are just a half-hour car ride away, another appealing aspect of senior living in Georgetown.
Some seniors might want to join Georgetown Arts & Flowers, Inc. This is a new community organization that strives to promote the beauty of the historic area of the town, as well as promote arts and music events in town. The Historic Georgetown Association offers free tours of the Georgetown Train Station and First Fire House on the first Saturdays from May through September.
The Georgetown Public Library hosts free Spanish classes, as well as a multitude of other activities and programs that may appeal to seniors. The CHEER Georgetown Activity Center on Sand Hill Road is open to area seniors age 50 and older. In addition to serving lunch Monday through Friday, the center runs daily activities including exercise programs, health seminars, and craft classes.
Lewes
Lewes, the northernmost beach town in Sussex County, Delaware, is home to just over 3,300 people. This quiet, historic beach town is ideal for seniors who want to live on the Delaware Bay and enjoy some of the lowest property tax rates in the nation. There is much to see and do for seniors in the maritime town of Lewes.
Cape Henlopen State Park in Lewes has plenty of hiking and biking trails to please seniors who love spending time outdoors. The Canalfront Park Marina and City Dock at 1812 Park are both on Front Street in Lewes and offer docking facilities for seniors with boats.
Many seniors also enjoy the Lewes Summer Concert Series at Stango Park, which runs from June through August. The Lewes Senior Activity Center serves meals, counseling, resources, and activities for area seniors aged 50 and up.
Middletown
New Castle County's Middletown is, as its name suggests, between the larger cities of Dover and Wilmington, just 28 miles from Dover and 27 from Wilmington. Middletown is a growing town, with a population of just over 23,100 today. It contains many amenities for seniors who want to stay in town, yet it isn't too far from the larger cities surrounding it.
Charles E. Price Memorial Park contains a fishing pond, dog park, and walking trails, and is a favorite of residents, including seniors. Seniors who are golfers will enjoy playing 18 holes at the picturesque Back Creek Golf Club.
MOT Jean Birch Senior Center serves Middletown, Odessa, and Townsend's seniors age 50 and up with meals, programs, and activities. The Dutch Country Farmer's Market is open Thursdays through Saturdays and features a variety of vendors selling crafts, produce, deli, dairy, and more.
Milford
The Sussex County town of Milford is home to just under 11,200, many of whom enjoy the fact that the state's beaches are less than an hour's drive away. Milford sits along the Mispillion River, and the Mispillion Riverwalk is a popular mile-long boardwalk upon which you can find seniors and others strolling most days.
The Mispillion Art League in downtown Milford is attractive to many seniors who are art lovers. Some seniors might be interested in joining the town's Tree Preservation & Advisory Council, created to maintain the appropriate amount of tree cover on public lands throughout the town.
The Milford Senior Center on Park Avenue is open to all aged 50 and above. In addition to providing meals and activities, the center hosts craft shows, health education seminars, and more.
Newark
Although Newark, in New Castle County, is best known as the home of the University of Delaware, it is also an enticing town for seniors to live in. Just over 30,500 people reside in Newark, the third-largest city in Delaware. Seniors will enjoy its youthful vibe and the fact that there's always something going on in this college town.
The University of Delaware enables seniors to take some classes for free or reduced tuition, which may appeal to those who want to continue lifelong learning. The Newark Senior Center hosts programs and services for senior adults age 50 and over, including a swimming pool, daily meals, arts and enrichment classes, and special events.
Seniors who enjoy the outdoors also have much to occupy them in Newark. Glasgow Park features paved walking trails, a fenced dog park, a farmer's market each Thursday, and concerts in season. White Clay Creek State Park offers miles of trails, disc golf, and an outdoor amphitheater for summer concerts.
New Castle
The historic town of New Castle in New Castle County sits on the Delaware River and is home to just over 5,500 people. It is just 10 minutes from the larger city of Wilmington, but it has its own historic destinations to keep residents and visitors occupied.
History lovers won't want to miss visiting the New Castle Court House Museum, built in 1732. Those who prefer to spend time outdoors should check out Deemers Beach, a beach area along the river on Route 9 just south of town.
The Art Loving Seniors Program is held at the New Castle County Art Studio specifically for seniors 50 and above who are interested in starting or continuing their art education. The New Castle Senior Center on South Street is open to seniors 50 and up from all areas, not just the town of New Castle.
Smyrna
The former farming town of Smyrna is home to just under 12,900 today. Like its smaller neighbor, Clayton, it lies in both New Castle and Kent Counties. Smyrna has a peaceful suburban atmosphere and is close to the larger towns of Middletown (20 minutes away) and Dover (25 minutes away). Its quietude yet proximity to larger urban areas makes Smyrna alluring to many seniors.
Blackbird State Forest, the northernmost forest in Delaware, consists of 10 tracts free to the public for hiking, walking, jogging, and horseback riding. A half-mile wheelchair-accessible trail is also included within the forest. Seniors who appreciate culture may want to visit the Smyrna Opera House, which features a variety of live performances from various genres.
Duck Creek Regional Library on Main Street serves the towns of Smyrna and Clayton and is a haven for book lovers. Mamie Warren Senior Center on Wheatley's Pond Road serves lunch daily and offers programs, socialization, and activities for area seniors.
Wyoming
The small town of Wyoming in Kent County is home to just under 1,700 people and is only three miles from the state capital of Dover. Many seniors like living in a tiny town that is still so close to the larger-town amenities found in Dover. The natural beauty of small-town Wyoming is a draw to seniors looking for something different.
Brecknock County Park, just two miles from Wyoming in the town of Camden, is a popular outdoor recreational spot for seniors in the area. The town has a smaller park, Wyoming Park, featuring picnic tables and pavilions.
Harvest Years Senior Center, also in the town of Camden, serves seniors aged 50 and above in Wyoming and the area with meals, activities, and events. Fifer's Farm Store & Kitchen in Wyoming is a family-run farm that has been selling local produce since 1919. It is also a common gathering spot for seniors in the area.
Live Your Best Life in Delaware
Seniors looking to fill their golden years with activities, serenity, and natural beauty would do well to check out these 11 towns in Delaware. Whether you crave living near the beach, in towns like Lewes, or are more of a larger town dweller, preferring to live in (or near) the state capital, Dover, these Delaware towns each offer something to fit everyone's interests. Find out why Delaware is called a "Small Wonder" today and explore these gems that welcome new residents of all ages.
