8 Most Comfortable Delaware Towns For Seniors For 2025
With proximity to the coast, a short distance from major cities, general affordability compared to neighboring states, and no state sales tax, retiring in Delaware is an option more and more people are considering. From the scenic beaches and fascinating historical sites of Lewes, to the lovely waterfront vistas of Seaford, and the picturesque multi-use trails of Newark, you will have plenty of activities that will make you love living here. Discover the eight most comfortable Delaware towns for seniors for 2025.
Lewes
How does retiring somewhere safe, affordable, and in close proximity to the coast sound? Experience peace of mind as you reside in one of the Five Safest Cities in Delaware For 2025 (SafeWise). Not to mention that Beebe Medical Center, ranked third on the Best-in-State Hospitals list by Newsweek and Statista in 2025, is located in the city. Now, you can access high-quality healthcare while living somewhere beautiful.
Places like Savannah Beach, a lovely spot to soak up the sun by Delaware Bay, and Cape Henlopen State Park, a breathtaking natural wonder to get in your steps, are easily accessible. Not to mention Lewes is also teeming with history, home to fascinating sites like Fort Miles. Discover well-preserved monuments dating back to WWII as you explore this significant East Coast defensive fortification.
Dover
If having access to big city amenities, unbeatable recreational activities, and some of the best hospitals in the state is important to you, welcome to Dover. As the capital, there is no denying Dover is one of the most comfortable Delaware towns for seniors for 2025. The award-winning Bayhealth Hospital, Kent Campus, has several departments, including Cardiac, Pulmonary & Vascular Rehabilitation, Neurosurgery, and the Cancer Center. Regarding recreation, Dover offers an exciting mix of events, esteemed museums, and lively historic streets lined with Victorian homes.
Attend an iconic NASCAR All-Star Race at the Dover Motor Speedway, or see over 35 magnificent aircraft ranging in roles and sizes at the Air Mobility Command Museum. Plus, a wide range of social, recreational, and educational activities are available through the Modern Maturity Center. From organized trips to theater dinners, a pool and fitness center, and wellness opportunities, these will help enhance your well-being while connecting with others.
Seaford
A stunning city on the Nanticoke River, moving to Seaford will provide several benefits of waterfront living. Breathe in the fresh air with morning strolls down the Riverwalk, starting from the Seaford-Blades Bridge situated along the riverfront. With several benches to sit back and soak in the views, and a boardwalk floating dock available for fishing, kayaking, and canoeing (depending on water levels), you will love getting your steps in around here.
If you wish to cross the river, the cable-run Woodland Ferry will take you on a scenic journey west to Bethel. Regarding healthcare, TidalHealth Nanticoke is located in town. From emergency care to cancer treatment and advanced surgical procedures, various kinds of services are offered. You can also find a lovely place to call home with unbeatable waterfront views in spots like The Residences at River Place.
Milton
Experience the small-town charm of Milton, where the pace of life is peaceful and the community is tight-knit. Rated the second-safest city in Delaware (by SafeWise in 2025), you can feel secure exploring everything the area has to offer. Watch spectacular shows at The Milton Theatre, a dynamic cultural hub offering quality entertainment and experiences in the heart of town.
See captivating creatures in the Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge, home to over 245 extraordinary species of birds. For those who can not resist a great round of golf, The Rookery Golf Course offers an 18-hole championship course suitable for all abilities. The Bayhealth Hospital, Sussex Campus, provides several services in town, with an Emergency and Trauma Center that is open 24/7.
Millsboro
With 32% of residents being 60 years old or older (CensusReporter, 2023), Millsboro is one of the most comfortable towns in Delaware for seniors in 2025. Work on your aim at the Plantation Lakes Golf & Country Club, a luxury championship golf course with a clubhouse, pools, community centers, tennis courts, fitness centers, and the award-winning Landing Bar & Grille. Cupola Park is an excellent spot for a morning or evening stroll, where you can soak up the sights of the Indian River.
In the late spring and during the summer, Concerts in the Park are hosted here on Tuesdays. The Indian River Senior Center is located here, organizing a wide range of engaging activities, including golf leagues, billiards leagues, aerobics, Zumba, line dancing, nickel poker, Mah Jongg, Tai Chi, crafts, art classes, chair yoga, a walking club, and a book club. Beebe Healthcare offers a Walk-In Care Center, open seven days a week.
Rehoboth Beach
Enjoy the benefits of living a laidback coastal lifestyle in Rehoboth Beach. The pace of life here is slow, the scenery is spectacular, and the sense of community is strong. With a median age of 62.8 (according to Data USA in 2023), the city boasts a vibrant senior population. There are many activities for residents to try, along with meaningful volunteer opportunities through the Rehoboth Community Resource Center—Meander down the Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk, tasting fresh seafood in spots like Above the Dunes.
Try the fish tacos, mouth-watering crab cake, and delicious oysters, while sipping on a craft cocktail amid incredible views of the ocean. Not to mention, the grandkids will be extra excited to visit when they find out both Funland amusement park and Jungle Jim's water park are in town.
Smyrna
If enjoying a peaceful, small-town atmosphere within 12 miles of the state capital sounds incredible to you, welcome to Smyrna. This stunning town, situated on the banks of Duck Creek, combines over 250 years of history with modern cutting-edge technology amid rapid growth. Travel centuries back in time at the magnificent Smyrna Museum (previously known as "The Barracks," constructed in the 1790s). Soldiers were housed here during the War of 1812, and this is where the Union draft headquarters were located during the Civil War.
Discover the area's expansive natural beauty by venturing through the scenic trails of the Blackbird State Forest or spotting captivating creatures in the Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge. Regarding healthcare, Bayhealth Emergency Center is open 24/7. The downtown area is also considered very pedestrian-friendly. With a Walk Score of 75, you can easily get your steps in while running errands or exploring the area.
Newark
Welcome to Newark, one of the most comfortable towns in Delaware for seniors in 2025. The town is home to ChristianaCare Hospital, the Best-in-State Hospital for 2025 (by Newsweek and Statista). Rated high-performing in three adult specialties, along with 14 procedures and conditions, rest assured you can access high-quality healthcare services here.
Boost your well-being with morning walks or afternoon hikes through White Clay Creek State Park. From over 37 miles of trails, to historical monuments, an 18-round disc golf course, and even fishing opportunities with the accessible docks of Smith Mill Pond, living here can quite literally improve your health! Wander down the 1.8-mile paved walking trail surrounding the Newark Reservoir, before you head indoors for a wonderful evening of painting and socializing at Painting with a Twist.
Considering its humid-temperate climate, proximity to beautiful beaches, abundance of picturesque parks, and favorable tax policies, Delaware is a lovely place to retire. Factor in low living costs and a short distance from neighboring states, and living here can be both affordable and convenient. From the magnificent mix of historical and natural wonders in Lewes to the high-performing healthcare services and stunning scenery of Newark, these are the eight most comfortable Delaware towns for seniors in 2025.
