8 Best Towns In Delaware For Retirees

Delaware is an attractive state for retirees for many reasons, including state median home prices of about $345,000 as of March 2025 (per Zillow.com). According to the U.S. Census Bureau, those 65 and over make up almost 18% of the state's population. More reasons to retire to Delaware include the fact that Social Security benefits and the first $12,500 of pension income are not taxed on Delaware residents. There is also no state sales tax. If you are considering retiring in Delaware, check out these eight small towns, one of which just might end up being your ideal destination.

Wyoming

You might be surprised to find a small Delaware town named for a state that is much larger, but Wyoming, Delaware, is actually named after a local reverend in the 1800s who was from the town of Wyoming, Pennsylvania. Today, Wyoming, Delaware, is home to more than 1,800 people, 18% of whom are age 65 and up, per the U.S. Census. Zillow.com notes the median home value in Wyoming is $304,430, making it an affordable place to retire. What else draws retirees to Wyoming? Many enjoy its ample green spaces, found in places like Wyoming Park and Wyoming Lake. Others may opt to visit Fifer's Farm Store & Kitchen, a family-owned farm that sells seasonal produce and holds annual events. The fact that the state capital of Dover is only a few miles away is also attractive to many retirees who move to Wyoming.

Retirement home choices can be found in neighboring Dover, including independent living and assisted living options at Harmony at Kent and Brookdale Dover. The nearest hospital, Bayhealth Hospital Kent, is also in Dover, easily accessible should the need arise.

Georgetown

As the county seat of Sussex County, Georgetown is a bit larger than other small towns in Delaware. Its population totals around 8,000, with 14% aged 65 and up. Median home list prices are $413,283, lower than the state average. The historic Georgetown Circle, with its beautiful park and peaceful fountains, is inviting to many who visit or decide to move to Georgetown. Others appreciate the fact that Delaware's beaches are just a 30-minute drive from Georgetown.

If you need retirement home options, many exist in Georgetown, such as the 55-and-over condos in the Village of Cinderberry and Dunbarton Village Apartments. Assisted and independent living options can be found in Brandywine Seaside Point by Monarch in Rehoboth Beach, just 15 miles east. Bayhealth Hospital Sussex is in Milford, just 15 miles away, if you need medical care.

New Castle

The town of New Castle blends old-world historic charm with modern amenities. Its population of about 5,500 includes 21.8% of residents who are age 65 and up. Retirees are drawn to New Castle's low median home prices of $243,467 and to the many historic buildings still standing in town. The New Castle Court House Museum, circa 1732, is just one of the many buildings that can be toured. Beach lovers will appreciate that New Castle sits on the Delaware River and has its own small beach, Deemers Beach, where you can swim, fish, and kayak.

New Castle has retirement homes, including several 55-and-over developments and the New Castle Health & Rehabilitation Center nursing home. Christiana Care in Newark is a nationally ranked hospital located just eight miles away, should medical care be needed.

Smyrna

Smyrna's agricultural heritage shines through today, even though the burgeoning town has a population of more than 13,000, 16.9% of whom are age 65 and up. The small town's median home prices are a bit higher, at $408,567, but its proximity to Dover and Middletown is enticing to many retirees who choose to move here. Recreation areas like Big Oak County Park abound in Smyrna, and a small beach on the Delaware River, Fraland Beach, is just 10 minutes away.

Peach Circle Apartments provide independent retirement living solutions. A famed assisted living, Persimmon Park Place, is just 10 miles away in Dover if more supportive living is needed. Bayhealth Hospital Emergency Center is conveniently located in Smyrna. A full hospital, Bayhealth Kent Campus is in Dover, just 15 miles away.

Newark

You might not think of a college town as a great place to retire, but Newark is the exception to the rule. This small town in New Castle County has a population of about 30,000, 12% of whom are over age 65. Seniors can take some classes at the town's University of Delaware for free, just an added benefit to living in Newark. Its Main Street is another, with its many shops like Rooted on Main and eateries such as Taverna Newark. Median home listing prices in Newark are under the state average, at $374,783.

There are quite a few retirement homes in the area, including Millcroft Living, Juniper Village at Newark, Somerford House & Place. Christiana Care is a top-rated hospital located within Newark, easily accessible for medical needs.

Milford

Looking for a retirement destination close to the beach? Milford might be your answer. This small town has a population of about 13,000, with 20.6% over age 65. Median home values are a comfortable $344,845. The closest beach is about 10 minutes away by car, which entices many who decide to retire to Milford. Its location on the Mispillion River and the Mispillion Riverwalk are two more attractions to living in Milford.

Retirement homes are plentiful in the Milford area, including assisted living at Milford Place and the Milford Center nursing home. Bayhealth Hospital Sussex Campus is conveniently located right in Milford, should the need for medical care arise.

Delaware City

With a population of just under 2,000, 12% of whom are over age 65, you might scoff at the "city" in the town's name, but Delaware City is a hidden gem of a village that is a delightful retirement destination in New Castle County. Its average home value of $288,475 is just one attraction. Others include its proximity to the waterfront Battery Park and the nature center at Dragon Run Park.

While there are no retirement homes in Delaware City, there are many nearby, such as Cokesbury Village, less than 20 miles away in Hockessin, and Foulk Living, about 20 miles away in Wilmington. Medical care can be administered at Christiana Care Wilmington Hospital in Wilmington.

Clayton

Clayton is a small town that has an appeal to seniors looking for quiet and safety, as the FBI notes its crime rate is 65% lower than the national average. Just under 4,400 people live in Clayton, with 21% of them age 65 and up. The median home value is a reasonable $399,780. Outdoor lovers will appreciate that two recreational areas are close to Clayton. Blackbird State Forest provides trails for walking, biking, and jogging. Blackiston Wildlife Area is 2,200 acres in area and offers ample opportunities for wildlife spotting and hunting.

The closest retirement homes are in Dover, just 12 miles away, where you can find both Brookdale Dover and Dover Place. Likewise, the best hospital is also in Dover, Bayhealth Hospital Kent Campus. Many seniors appreciate the proximity of the state capital of Dover and its amenities when choosing to live in the small hamlet of Clayton.

Retiring to Delaware

Moving to any of these eight towns in Delaware can help you live your retirement years to the fullest. Whether you choose a town like Wyoming, which is small but is close to the larger city of Dover; or one such as Newark, which is booming with the youthful vibrance of college-aged part-time residents, learning about these eight Delaware towns can help you to find your ideal retirement destination.