9 Best Towns In Delaware To Retire Comfortably
The small state of Delaware, also called the First State because it was the first of the 13 colonies to ratify the US Constitution, is just under 2,500 square miles in area (including land and water), with three counties. Throughout the state of Delaware are small towns that are perfect for retirees to call home. Each of the nine towns we explore here is all under or near Delaware's average home value (which, per Zillow.com, is $403,858 as of June 2025). Read on to discover where in Delaware you can live comfortably after retirement.
Clayton
Under 4,000 people live in Clayton, which is in both New Castle and Kent Counties. Fourteen percent of Clayton's residents are over the age of 65. Home values average $399,780, under the state average, making the small town affordable for retirees. But what is there to do in Clayton? Blackiston Wildlife Area, consisting of 2,200 acres of protected land, is perfect for those who love being outdoors and want to see nature up close. Also near Clayton is Blackbird State Forest, with trails for hiking, jogging, and biking. The Lillian Smith Senior Center serves Clayton and nearby Smyrna, providing social and recreational programs. Although Clayton is small, it does have public transportation, provided through Universal Transportation Company. Retirement housing can be found in the state capital of Dover, just 12 miles south of Clayton. Brookdale Assisted Living and Westminster Independent Living are just two examples of retirement care in Dover. Bayhealth Hospital Kent Campus, a highly-rated hospital, is also in nearby Dover, should care be needed.
Delaware City
Less than 2,000 people live in the hamlet of Delaware City in New Castle County, 12% of them over the age of 65. Home values here are under the state average, at $288,475. This village offers a mix of history, nature, and recreation, all of which can be found at one of its prime tourist locations, Fort Delaware State Park on Pea Patch Island, accessible by ferry. The Delaware City Community Center houses the Senior Center, with programs and services for those aged 60 and up. The Chesapeake and Delaware Canal runs through Delaware City and provides opportunities for walking, biking, and enjoying scenic views. Delaware City is served by public transportation through DART First State buses. The nearest retirement homes are in Wilmington, just 16 miles north of Delaware City, and include Millcroft Assisted Living and HarborChase of Wilmington Assisted Living. ChristianaCare Wilmington Hospital, also 15 miles away in Wilmington, is the nearest medical facility to Delaware City.
Georgetown
Just under 7,900 people call Georgetown, the county seat of Sussex County, home. Fourteen percent of Georgetown's residents are over the age of 65. Average home values here are $363,012, under the state average and attractive to those who want to be near the state capital, Dover, which is just 35 miles north of Georgetown. The fact that Delaware's beaches are just a half-hour's drive away is another draw for retirees to move to Georgetown. Georgetown's Senior Center on South Bedford Street has a slate of activities to entertain seniors. DART serves Georgetown with public transportation through transit buses. There are many retirement living options in Georgetown, like Paradise Senior Living and PeachTree Health Group, both assisted living care facilities. The nearest hospital to Georgetown, Bayhealth Hospital Sussex is in Milford, just 15 miles to the south of town.
Magnolia
The tiny town of Magnolia, in Kent County, houses less than 300 people, and almost 30% of them are over age 65. Homes in Magnolia are valued at slightly below the state average at $409,181. A sign outside of the town's historic Lindale House states that Magnolia is "the center of the universe around which the Earth revolves." If this isn't enough reason to convince retirees to move to Magnolia, its small-town charm, proximity to the state capital of Dover (less than a 15-minute drive), and beaches (Lewes is just a 40-minute drive away) should help. The Frederica Senior Center is just five miles from Magnolia and furnishes meals and services for senior citizens. DART First State provides bus service to Magnolia. When it comes to retirement living options, K. Hovnanian's Four Seasons at Hatteras Hills in Magnolia offers independent living. Assisted and nursing care can be found in nearby Dover in places such as Harmony at Kent. Bayhealth Hospital, Kent Campus in Dover, is just six miles away if medical care should ever be necessary.
Milford
Just under 13,500 live in Milford, a town split between Kent and Sussex Counties, and over 20% are age 65 and up. Home values here average an affordable $344,845. What draws many retirees to Milford is that it is only 45 minutes from the beach. Others enjoy the town's location along the Mispillion River and walking the Mispillion Riverwalk to take in the scenic views. The Milford Senior Center is open to all ages 50 and up and provides meals, programs, and activities to members. In Milford, Delaware, DART First State provides public transportation, including fixed-route and paratransit services. If you need retirement living options, they abound in Milford, from independent and assisted living at Milford Place to more supervised nursing care at Country Rest Home. Milford has its own hospital, Bayhealth Hospital, Sussex Campus.
Newark
Newark, in New Castle County, is best known as the home of the Blue Hens, also known as the University of Delaware's sports teams (and how many graduates and fans identify). It is more than just a college town, however. Just over 30,000 people live in the city of Newark, and 12% are age 65 and over. Home values here average $360,258, making retirement affordable and possible in Newark. Another benefit to retirees is that they can take some classes at the university for free or reduced tuition. The Newark Senior Center, open to seniors age 50 and up, has many programs, trips, and meals for seniors. DART serves Newark's public transportation needs. Retirement homes are plentiful in the area and include Milcroft and Juniper Village (both of which provide assisted living services) as well as Somerford House & Place, which is a continuing care community. Christiana Care Newark is a highly-rated medical facility located in the town.
New Castle
Just under 5,600 live in the town of New Castle, in New Castle County, and almost 22% of them are age 65 and up. Home values here average $279,163, well under the state average. The historical town draws many retirees who are looking for a slower pace of life that is still near the larger city of Wilmington, just seven miles to the north of town. The New Castle Court House Museum, built in 1732, is a favorite of those who are history buffs. The New Castle Senior Center offers classes, activities, and services for interested seniors. DART First State buses travel to and from New Castle, providing public transportation. Many retirement living options are in the New Castle area, such as Stonyfield Estates independent living and New Castle Health & Rehabilitation Center nursing and rehab care. If you need hospital care, Christiana Care Newark is only eight miles west of town.
Odessa
Almost 400 people call the small New Castle County town of Odessa home, and a whopping 26% of them are over age 65. Home values here are under the state average, at $376,291. Odessa is a welcoming community for retirees who enjoy history, as the town, dating to the 1660s, houses one of the country's most pristine colonial landscapes and is a National Historic Registry District. Check out the Historic Odessa Visitor Center for a complete list of all of the buildings you can tour, many of which contain art from the Brandywine Valley. The Middletown Odessa Townsend Senior Center provides bus service to interested Odessa seniors who want to partake of the center's activities in Middletown (three miles away). DART First State buses serve Odessa's public transportation requirements. Legacy at Odessa National offers independent retirement living, while nearby Meadowcrest at Middletown has a continuum of care, with assisted living available. ChristianaCare Hospital in Newark is about 20 miles north of Odessa when you need medical care.
Wyoming
The Kent County town of Wyoming has a population of just over 1,800, with 18% over age 65. Home values in Wyoming average $304,430, making it attractive to retirees looking to relocate. Wyoming is also close to the state capital of Dover, which is just three miles away. Outdoor lovers will enjoy the 86-acre Brecknock County Park, just two miles away in Camden, Delaware. Harvest Years Senior Center, also in Camden, serves members with social, recreational, fitness, and educational opportunities. DART buses serve the town of Wyoming with public transportation. Retirement living can be found in nearby Dover, and includes Westminster Village at Dover, with independent and assisted living options, and Complete Care at Silver Lake, a nursing home and rehabilitation center. Bayhealth Hospital Kent Campus in Dover is also close to Wyoming if medical care is needed.
Retire to the First State
Retiring to the First State can be a great idea if you want to enjoy a comfortable, affordable lifestyle. With no state sales tax and no tax on Social Security benefits, retirees who elect to relocate to Delaware may discover that life is much more fulfilling there. Whether you choose a truly small town, such as Magnolia, or a college town, like Newark, retiring to Delaware might be the right move if you are looking to expand your horizons during your retirement years.
