
12 Best Delaware Towns For Retirees
Although many frown at retirement, it provides a fresh opportunity to start over. There is no better time to transition from the chaos and commotion of living in the city to the cool and calm of the countryside. Few states present the convenience that Delaware does, including small towns with perks like mild weather, coastal scenery, affordable living costs, and a relaxed pace of life. The stage is to spend your golden years with no fuss or muss.
Whether you gravitate towards the coastal charm of Bowers or the suburban serenity of Delaware City, the best Delaware towns for retirees have all the hallmarks of a haven for senior living. With their vibrant cultures, captivating histories, and outdoor opportunities, they have the recipe to make your retirement gratifying.
Claymont

This historic village in New Castle County is known for its refreshing backstory and plenty of outdoor adventure. Retirees can expect adequate time for recreation with access to Woods Haven Kruse Park. This tranquil oasis offers picnic spaces, a playground, and walking trails for public use. The Claymont Stone School reminds residents of the past days and preserves a rich heritage in an old school building constructed in the early 1800s. Downtown also hosts a fair share of eateries, including Claymont Steak Shop, which treats patrons to juicy Philly-style steaks.
Thanks to the Claymont Community Center, the old and young can converge in this social hub for wonderful activities and recreation. Claymont's proximity to Wilmington means pensioners can commute to the big city for better social and health amenities. Finally, a decent home in the town costs around $329,000.
Wyoming

Wyoming is a clean, peaceful, and well-maintained town of about 2,000 residents. It enjoys a strong sense of community, enabled by constant resident interactions. Fifer's Farm Store and Kitchen is where everybody gets their daily supply of fresh groceries. It also doubles up as a social hub where community members can mingle and catch up. Meanwhile, Mike & Mel's Family Restaurant is where locals gather to enjoy hearty meals whenever they feel like eating out. Those who want to head outdoors can find a nice green spot to chill on the lush greens of Wild Quail Golf & Country Club while playing golf.
Wyoming is only seven minutes from Dover, and residents can readily commute to the capital for necessary amenities. Finally, buying a home in the town costs about $325,000, which is lower than the state average of $403,858.
Bridgeville

Bridgeville is a vibrant town in Sussex County with a lovely blend of small-town charm and an affordable cost of living. A standard home in the town is valued at about $395,000, below the United States average of around $416,000. Meanwhile, thanks to a thriving agricultural industry, senior citizens can access fresh groceries at TS Smith & Sons. Antique collectors will enjoy sorting through the merchandise at the Antique Alley of Bridgeville for a souvenir to add to their haul.
Active seniors who crave a workout can hike or bike the Bridgeville Walking and Biking Trail to discover the green spaces. Alternatively, they can opt for a less demanding session with peers at Heritage Shores, designed to entertain older adults in the community.
Delaware City

Delaware City promises pensioners access to green natural spaces for recreational purposes while giving them an interesting history lesson. The small town is steeped in historical heritage and houses Fort Delaware State Park. This early 19th-century fortress was constructed to protect the ports of Wilmington and Philadelphia. For quality time outdoors, the community has access to Fort DuPont State Park, which harbors boating, picnicking, fishing, and more opportunities. Additionally, Crabby Dick's provides a cozy waterfront diner where townsfolk enjoy delicious seafood while listening to live music in an upbeat atmosphere.
The Delaware City Recreation Hub is a gathering area for people of all ages to come together and enjoy social and recreational events, resulting in a sense of belonging. Wilmington is less than half an hour away for those trying to access the city. Lastly, buying a home in Delaware City costs around $385,000.
Cheswold

Cheswold is an unassuming suburb in the Dover Metropolitan area that enjoys access to crucial amenities in the state capital while maintaining a small-town atmosphere. This is evident from the few quaint outdoor spaces where residents spend their time outdoors. The 3-acre School Lane Park is popular among families and features a kids' playground and a delightful community garden. Meanwhile, seniors can spend time at the shooting range by visiting Shooter's Choice. Polisenos Pizzeria is the local hub for hot and fresh pizzas whenever you crave pizza, offering a welcoming atmosphere for all ages.
While Cheswold doesn't have many social amenities, its proximity to Dover means every necessity is within a few minutes' drive. For instance, the nearby BayHealth Hospital can cater to any medical needs. Finally, the town's median home price is about $392,400.
Elsmere

Elsmere is strategically located near major cities yet shields its residents from their bustle by providing a laid-back atmosphere and a strong sense of community. The town can be considered a Philadelphia suburb, but it is also close to Wilmington and New Jersey. It has a handful of nice green spaces, including Maple Avenue Park, where everybody goes to connect with nature. The same applies to Bryan Martin Park, whose isolated setting is perfect for meditation.
Its quaint downtown area is pretty walk-friendly and harbors an eclectic mix of restaurants, boutiques, and local shops. You can pop into the romantic Legal Grounds Cafe for a hot coffee and a snack to catch up with friends. Given a median housing cost of $245,000, Elsmere is one of the most affordable Delaware towns for retirees.
Harrington

Harrington is a close-knit community in Kent County that offers a welcoming atmosphere for retirees seeking to spend their golden years in a quintessential small town. It hosts the Delaware State Fair every year, bringing together the young and old to celebrate a lasting tradition focused on agricultural heritage. Harrington Parks and Recreation provides a range of programs and numerous facilities to ensure everyone derives value from their free time, including sports amenities, parks, playgrounds, community centers, and more.
Meanwhile, outdoor lovers flock to Browns Branch County Park, an almost 80-acre oasis offering picnicking, hiking, birdwatching, and other opportunities. The Bayhealth Outpatient Center covers the medical needs of residents in Harrington, while the Harrington Senior Center comes to the rescue of the elderly when old age limits their independence. At $339,500, Harrington's median home price is just below the state average.
Greenwood

Greenwood is a sleepy and safe village in Sussex County with down-to-earth residents. Townsfolk get their daily dose of fresh farm produce at Adams Fruit Market, including vegetables and flowers. This is also a chance to meet with other community members in a welcoming environment, encouraging cordial engagement. Pensioners can use their free time to shop for valuable treasures at Country Corner Antiques, which sells a diverse collection of decorative arts, primitives, antiques, and vintage furniture.
Some neighborhood diners around the downtown make for ideal hangouts when you need something to eat or drink, including the family-friendly Cafe Tamburelli's. Also, senior citizens can find retirement living facilities like Country Rest Home for health and moral support, and the median home cost in Greenwood is $445,000.
Felton

Retirees with a penchant for the outdoors will love this tiny town of Kent County, which promises delightful parks and green spaces for recreational fun. Felton is home to Killens Pond State Park, a 75-acre oasis on the banks of the Murderkill River with a host of fun amenities. This includes Killens Pond Water Park, where residents of all ages can enjoy unadulterated aquatic fun. Situated along Main Street, FLT Odd Fellows Park provides extra room for outdoor enthusiasts in the town.
The Willow Run Community Center organizes various programs, activities, and events that help enhance relationships between community members. Felton is also a short drive from Dover's capital, where locals can access different urban conveniences. Finally, a new home in the area will cost you around $405,000, almost at par with Delaware's average home price.
Bowers

If you want to embrace seclusion and peace of mind in your sunset years, this oceanfront community in Kent County is the perfect place to retire. Bowers provides a serene scenery, perfectly personified by the sandy stretches and spectacular views of Bowers Beach. This secluded escape allows your thoughts to wander during meditative walks. Meanwhile, Bowers Beach Maritime Museum provides a unique look into past sea expeditions along Delaware's coast using a library of interactive exhibits.
Every October, the tiny village hosts Bowers Heritage Day to pay tribute to its heritage. It brings together everybody for a fun day with friends and family. Elsewhere, an average home in Bowers costs around $300,000.
Newark

This pleasant college town has the vibrancy to keep senior citizens young as they sail into their sunset years, balancing a busy downtown district with quiet green spaces. Residents get daily outdoor recreation at White Clay Creek State Park, home to numerous winding trails ideal for nature viewing, biking, and hiking. Alternatively, you can escape to the tranquil shores of the Newark Reservoir for some alone time to meditate while staring into the horizon.
On the other hand, the bustling downtown district presents modern shopping opportunities at Christiana Mall, where over 100 stores sell all types of goods and wares. Alternatively, you can check out vintage items and treasures worth collecting at Aunt Margaret's Antique Mall. Also, the ChristianaCare Christiana Hospital is always on hand to render medical services when needed. Despite all its urban comforts, Newark is affordable, with an average home selling for $389,500.
New Castle

New Castle is a historic town near Philadelphia, known for its enduring heritage and welcoming residents. It promises incoming retirees a relatable nostalgia with its unique displays of antique sites and markers. The New Castle Court House Museum offers a glimpse of the building styles from the 1700s. The New Castle Farmers Market demonstrates to newcomers the warmth of the residents through heartfelt interactions and genuine conversations while shopping for fresh farm produce.
Residents have numerous options for outdoor recreation, including New Castle Battery Park. Furthermore, the New Castle Senior Center cares for older adults through vital meals, health, and social programs to improve their quality of life. Lastly, the local median home price is $399,900.
From the vibrant scene in Newark to the laid-back atmosphere in Long Neck, these Delaware towns for retirees present a broad spectrum of options to cater to any preferred lifestyle. While at it, they try to balance between an affordable cost of living, cultural offerings, and recreational activities to ensure seniors thrive as they embark on a journey into their golden years. Wherever you decide to start a new chapter, you can look forward to a respectable quality of life.