8 of the Friendliest Towns To Retire In Delaware

Delaware is filled with small towns that appeal to retirees thanks to their welcoming feel, relatively low property taxes, and lack of a state sales tax. Milford stands out for those who want community events and coastal access, with the annual Bug and Bud Festival and Rehoboth Beach only about 20 miles away. Laurel is another strong option, offering easy access to Trap Pond State Park, where residents can explore the northernmost baldcypress swamp in the United States, along with miles of water and hiking trails. If retirement is taking you to Delaware, make sure you consider these choices below.

Bridgeville

Bridgeville's town motto, "if you lived here, you would be home now," exemplifies its welcoming feel. This Sussex County town is about 30 miles south of Dover, the state capital, and 25 miles north of Salisbury, Maryland. It is home to about 2,500 residents. In spite of its small size, Bridgeville is famous for its community events and tight-knit atmosphere.

During the second weekend of October each year, Bridgeville hosts the Annual Apple Scrapple Festival. More than 20,000 visitors have flocked to the town over the past 35 years to taste local scrapple, enjoy apple-related activities, listen to music, eat and drink, and ride carnival rides. Admission to the Apple Scrapple Festival is free. Another popular event in Bridgeville is the Holiday Parade, held each December, with a different theme each year. Bridgeville's Cornerstone Community Center on Market Street hosts community events and offers senior support programs, such as meal delivery, exercise, and socialization opportunities.

Smyrna

Sitting within two counties (Kent and New Castle), the town of Smyrna, home to just under 13,000 people, is just 15 miles from Dover and an hour from Delaware's beaches. Its small-town charm and close-knit, safe neighborhoods beckon to many retirees who want to live in a suburb of the state capital.

Smyrna's shared annual 4th of July celebration, the Smyrna-Clayton July 4th Association's Annual Celebration, draws thousands of visitors to the two towns each summer. The town's Mamie Warren Senior Center provides recreational and social programs, and daily lunch, to seniors age 50 and up Monday through Friday. Another spot that many retirees enjoy is the Duck Creek Regional Library, which hosts events and programs of interest to all ages and is open every day but Sunday.

Georgetown

Georgetown, the Sussex County seat, is just 35 miles from Dover and offers an attractive combination of nature, history, and culture. Retirees who move to this town of about 7,000 will enjoy the "well-roundedness" of Georgetown, which is part of the town's motto and contributes to its community spirit.

Residents often gather in The Circle, a park and fountain established in 1791 in Georgetown's downtown, where they can converse, watch nature, and take a leisurely stroll. December's Christmas Parade and community holiday events include carolling on The Circle. The CHEER Community Activity Center in Georgetown accepts members aged 50 and up and provides meals, exercise programs, classes, and trips.

Laurel

Sussex County's small town of Laurel is 15 miles from Salisbury, Maryland. The quietude and serenity of this town of about 2,500 on Broad Creek is a draw for retirees wanting to relocate to southern Delaware.

Laurel's community events contribute to its small-town status. The Broad Creek Bash, held each August, features bike races, a 5K run/walk, food trucks, and entertainment. Trap Pond State Park in Laurel, the northernmost baldcypress swamp in the US, contains over three miles of water trails as well as land trails for hiking and biking. The Laurel Senior Center on Central Avenue provides services and socialization for members aged 50 and up.

Middletown

The growing southern New Castle County town of Middletown is home to just under 25,000 residents. Its placement, 25 miles south of Wilmington and 25 miles north of Dover, attracts many retirees.

The MOT Jean Birch Senior Center serves seniors of Middletown and the neighboring towns of Odessa and Townsend. The Dutch Country Farmer's Market in the Middletown Square Shopping Mall is open every Thursday through Saturday and is a popular meeting spot for those seeking food, produce, crafts, and a sense of simplicity. Retirees might also enjoy spending time in Charles E. Price Memorial Park, which features a paved walking trail ideal for exercise and is ADA-compliant.

Milford

Another town lying within two counties (Kent and Sussex), Milford is on the Mispillion River and just 20 miles from the popular shore destination, Rehoboth Beach. This town of just over 11,000 residents appeals to many retirees who want to live close to the beach but still be far enough away from its seasonal crowds.

Milford's annual Bug and Bud Festival is held in April and honors the town's symbols, the ladybug and trees. It includes a parade and live entertainment, and beckons both residents and visitors to this charming community event. On the first Saturday in December, residents and visitors can enjoy the Holiday Stroll and Christmas Market, with downtown shops and restaurants decorated for the holiday season. Milford's Riverwalk Farmers' Market is another common gathering spot. The longest-running farmers' market in Delaware, this market is celebrating its 31st year and operates from May through October.

Newark

New Castle County's town of Newark, home to about 30,000 and best known for the University of Delaware, also has a reputation for its outstanding senior services. The Newark Senior Center is the first and only senior center in Delaware to receive national accreditation from the National Institute of Senior Centers. It offers daily meals, exercise classes, an indoor pool, wellness events, and periodic evening events such as its New Year's Eve Party, which runs from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. each December 31.

Newark's location, just 15 miles from the larger city of Wilmington, is appealing to many retirees who enjoy proximity to city amenities. The town has a tight-knit feel, with events such as the Downtown Newark Food & Brew Fest each July bringing townsfolk together. Many retirees also enjoy attending sports events at the University of Delaware, such as watching the Delaware Fightin' Blue Hens football team's home games.

Wyoming

Wyoming, in Kent County, is not named after the state, but rather, after Pennsylvania's Wyoming Valley, the original home of one of the town's founders, Rev. John J. Pearce. Today, about 2,000 live in Wyoming, which is a suburb of Dover. Retirees who move to Wyoming may appreciate the proximity of the capital city and Wyoming's agricultural, communal atmosphere.

The Wyoming Peach Festival, held every August, is a popular annual event that draws residents and visitors with free admission. Crafts, peaches, activities, and more occur. Another annual event is the Camden & Wyoming Christmas Parade, held every December and shared with the nearby town of Camden. Wyoming Park, on the banks of Wyoming Pond, is open year-round and includes a dog park, picnic area, and multipurpose court. Residents of all ages can enjoy the park's amenities.

Friendly Delaware Towns

Choosing to move to any of these eight small Delaware towns could be the best decision a retiree makes. In these friendly communities, neighbors still greet each other by name and newcomers are quickly made to feel at home. Beyond the financial perks Delaware bestows upon retirees, relocating to one of these towns can also provide retirees with a sense of community and extended family, welcoming them into ready-made environments that offer lively connections with residents of all ages.