The New Castle Historic District and the First State National Historic Park is filed with colonial era homes, iconic buildings, roads and historic markers. Image credit: George Wirt via Shutterstock.

12 Best Places To Retire In Delaware

Retirees looking to change their environment often choose Delaware, as the state boasts no sales tax and fairly low property taxes. The median home price in Delaware is $397,000, according to Zillow.com. Known for its friendly and welcoming communities, the First State is an enticing destination for retirees seeking a slower pace of life. The abundance of outdoor activities available, as well as historic and cultural attractions, are also motivators for retirees who want to live in a small town in Delaware.

Read MoreThese 7 towns in Delaware were ranked among US favorites in 2025

Wyoming

A sign welcoming visitors to Wyoming, Delaware.
A sign welcoming visitors to Wyoming, Delaware. Image credit: Jimmy Emerson DVM/Flickr.

The small town of Wyoming in Kent County is just three miles from the state capital of Dover. The median home price in Wyoming is $299,000. Retirees who move to Wyoming often do so as they are drawn to its small-town feel and proximity to a larger city.

Outdoor enthusiasts may wish to visit Wyoming Park, on the banks of Wyoming Pond. Open year-round, the park features pavilions and a picnic area that can be reserved for special events. Fifer's Farm Store & Kitchen is a popular meeting spot for townsfolk who want to pick their own fruits and flowers or purchase local produce and goods. The town's holiday village comes to life each December with the Camden Wyoming Christmas Parade. Tre Sorelle Dolce Ice Cream & Italian Ice serves specialty ice cream and Italian ice, and features live music through the end of November.

Elsmere

Kirkwood Highway in Elsmere, Delaware.
Kirkwood Highway in Elsmere, Delaware. By Dough4872 - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons.

On the western border of the larger New Castle County city of Wilmington lies the small village of Elsmere. Life in Elsmere is attractive to many retirees looking to save money, as the median home price there is just $234,000. Its nearness to Wilmington appeals to retirees craving big-city amenities, and justifies the town's motto, declared on a sign as you drive into town: "A Wonderful Place to Live."

Dog owners will be glad to know that the town hosts its own Elsmere Dog Park, where dogs and their owners can socialize with each other. Fairgrounds Park, once the site of the annual Delaware State Fair, is now home to playgrounds and sports fields, and it hosts various community events. Hungry Delawareans know that the best cheesesteaks and subs are found at Casapulla's Elsmere Steak & Sub Shop. Elsmere Library, open six days per week, is another popular gathering place in town for seniors and others.

Bridgeville

Market Street at Railroad Avenue in Bridgeville, Delaware.
Market Street at Railroad Avenue in Bridgeville, Delaware. Image credit: Famartin via Wikimedia Commons.

One of the oldest towns in Sussex County, Bridgeville is about 30 miles from the state capital of Dover. The town motto is, "If you lived here, you'd be home now." The median home price in Bridgeville, at $350,000, is appealing to many retirees who want to live in a smaller village but still be close to larger cities, as well as the beach (Rehoboth Beach is approximately an hour's drive away).

The Bridgeville Historical Society Museum tells the story of the town's roots, dating back to the 1680s. Golfers can hit the links at Heritage Shores Golf Course in Bridgeville. If antiques are more to your liking, check out Antique Alley of Bridgeville, open seven days a week. Each October, Bridgeville hosts the unique Apple-Scrapple Festival, with entertainment, vendors, and of course, apples and scrapple.

New Castle

Row homes with American flags in historic New Castle, Delaware.
Row homes with American flags in historic New Castle, Delaware.

The oldest continuously occupied town in the Delaware River Valley, New Castle was founded in 1651 and is about 10 miles south of the larger city of Wilmington. Median home prices in this town along the Delaware River are $276,000, attracting many retirees who long for a slower pace of life.

Storefront in historic New Castle, Delaware.
Storefront in historic New Castle, Delaware. Editorial credit: Lisa Rapko / Shutterstock.com.

Battery Park in Old New Castle is situated right along the Delaware River and offers ample space for walking, strolling, and relaxation. Check out Deemers Beach, accessible from Battery Park, if you are looking for a quiet spot to fish and enjoy the peaceful river. The New Castle Farmer's Market is a common gathering spot for residents and visitors, where vendors sell produce, baked goods, and international items. Visit the Dutch House Museum and Gardens to see the oldest structure in town and the second-oldest in the state.

Newark

Main Street in Newark, Delaware.
Main Street in Newark, Delaware. Image credit PookieFugglestein Own work, CC0, Wikimedia Commons.

New Castle County's town of Newark is home to the University of Delaware and is a mile south of the spot where Delaware, Maryland, and Pennsylvania share borders. It is also just 15 miles from the bigger city of Wilmington. Newark's median home price of $358,000 draws retirees looking to live in a town that carries a youthful vibe.

University of Delaware campus in Newark, Delaware
University of Delaware campus in Newark, Delaware. Image credit: Cargoudel via Wikimedia Commons.

White Clay Creek State Park encompasses 3,300 acres of land and features trails ideal for hiking and biking. The University of Delaware Botanic Gardens is open every day with no entrance fee, and is a great place to enjoy more than 3,000 species of plants. Sweet treats can be purchased at UD Creamery, the university's own ice creamery, open to the public. For a more substantial Italian meal, check out La Casa Pasta Restaurant, popular with townsfolk.

Smyrna

Downtown street in Smyrna, Delaware.
Downtown street in Smyrna, Delaware. Image credit Acroterion via Wikimedia Commons.

Straddling New Castle and Kent Counties, the town of Smyrna sits on the east bank of Duck Creek. It is just 15 miles from the state capital of Dover, and, according to town officials, is the fastest-growing municipality in Delaware. Median home prices in Smyrna are just under the state median, at $394,000.

Woodland Beach is a small, out-of-the-way beach on the Delaware Bay's western coast and is open to the public. Blackbird State Forest is another outdoor mecca for retirees who crave nature. Culture lovers can visit the Smyrna Opera House, which features an art gallery and a theater. Those interested in premium spirits should visit Painted Stave Distilling, housed in a 1940s-era movie theater and open for tastings and cocktails Thursdays through Sundays.

Milford

Downtown Milford, Delaware.
Downtown Milford, Delaware.

Another town that straddles two counties, Milford is in Sussex and Kent Counties. It is just a 45-minute drive to Delaware's beaches, and the median home price in Milford is $341,000. These two factors are advantages to many retirees looking to relocate to this small Delaware town on the Mispillion River.

Art lovers may wish to check out the Mispillion Art League, a nonprofit organization that holds classes for artists from beginners to professionals. The Milford Museum showcases exhibits on the town's long, rich history, which includes shipbuilding and canned goods. This community-minded town is home to many annual events, including the Bug & Bud Festival, which celebrates the ladybug and nature each April. Historic downtown Milford holds a Holiday Stroll each December, highlighting local businesses, restaurants, and entertainment.

Georgetown

Sussex County Courthouse at the Circle in Georgetown, Delaware.
Sussex County Courthouse at the Circle in Georgetown, Delaware. Image credit: Eric B. Walker via Flickr.com

The county seat of Sussex County, Georgetown, is about 36 miles from the state capital of Dover. The median home price of $360,000 in Georgetown is under the state median, and one motivation for retirees to move there. Its mix of history, nature, and culture is another reason retirees are relocating to Georgetown.

The Circle in Georgetown, Delaware.
The Circle in Georgetown, Delaware. Image credit: Duckeesue / Shutterstock.com.

The Circle, established in 1791, is a park and fountain in the downtown section of Georgetown, perfect for a leisurely stroll or to just sit and watch the world go by. The Marvel Carriage Museum, also in downtown Georgetown, displays a one-of-a-kind collection of toys, carriages, and telephones. Every September, Georgetown celebrates the Festival Hispano de Georgetown, honoring Hispanic heritage and culture. Another annual Georgetown festival, Wings and Wheels, is held each October and features a variety of vehicles and planes, with airplane rides available.

Delaware City

Entrance to the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal in Delaware City, Delaware.
Entrance to the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal in Delaware City, Delaware. Image credit Smallbones via Wikimedia Commons.

The New Castle County town of Delaware City is a cost-effective option for retirees looking to relocate to Delaware. The median home price in Delaware City is a comfortable $294,000. Its proximity to the larger city of Wilmington, just 20 minutes away, is another attraction to retirees considering moving to Delaware City.

The Michael N. Castle Trail runs along the Chesapeake & Delaware Canal Branch and features 12.1 miles of paved trail, making it ideal for hiking and biking. The Delaware City Community Center in the town's old elementary school houses the Delaware City Library, Senior Center, and Police Athletic League Center and is a popular gathering spot. Dragon Run Park is a blend of streams, forests, and meadows situated in the heart of Delaware City, offering a serene oasis. Each September, Delaware City celebrates Canal Fest, a mixture of music, art, food, and fun.

Dover

Rustic brick buildings in Dover, Delaware.
Rustic brick buildings in Dover, Delaware.

Dover, Delaware's capital, located in Kent County, still qualifies as a small town, as it has fewer than 50,000 residents. Median home prices in Dover are $333,000, below the state median. Dover's rich history and abundance of activities entice many retirees to move to the First State's capital.

Retirees and others enjoy hanging out on the Dover Green, a National Historic Park in the town's central area. Walking tours of Dover's historic area begin here. NASCAR fans may prefer visiting Dover Motor Speedway to enjoy a race. Another exciting spot to visit in Dover is Bally's Dover Casino Resort, featuring casino games, live entertainment, restaurants, and a hotel. Art lovers should check out the Biggs Museum of American Art, an exploration of history, art, and culture.

Laurel

A beautiful restored historic colonial home in downtown Laurel, Delaware.
A beautiful restored historic colonial home in downtown Laurel, Delaware. Image credit Dee Dalasio via Shutterstock

The small town of Laurel in Sussex County is just 15 miles from the larger town of Salisbury, Maryland. The median home price in Laurel is $300,000. This historic town on Broad Creek was founded in 1683 and incorporated in 1883, and is a popular place for retirees to relocate in Southern Delaware.

Trap Pond State Park contains the northernmost baldcypress swamp in the US, and more than nine miles of water trails for paddling. Biking and hiking also take place here. Phillips Landing Park and Monument honors the spot where Captain John Smith first set foot in Delaware during his exploration of the Chesapeake Bay. Laurel Junction Flea Market is open weekends and features vendors selling produce, antiques, food, and clothing. Every August, Laurel hosts the Broad Creek Bash (formerly known as the Broadcreek Bike & Brew), featuring food trucks, vendors, biking, and a 5K run/walk.

Odessa

The historic Odessa Bank on Main Street in Odessa, Delaware.
The historic Odessa Bank on Main Street in Odessa, Delaware. Image credit: Khairil Azhar Junos / Shutterstock.com.

New Castle County's historical town of Odessa was originally called Cantwell's Bridge in the 1600s. It was renamed Odessa after the Ukrainian port city in 1855. The median home price in Odessa is $378,000. Odessa's nearness to the larger city of Middletown (just three miles away) and the state capital of Dover (just 26 miles away) draws retirees to move here.

The view of the historic buildings on Main Street of Odessa, Delaware.
The view of the historic buildings on Main Street of Odessa, Delaware.

Odessa Memorial Park, located on the west side of town, features a 1/4-mile walking and biking trail, as well as areas for picnicking and gathering. The Historic Odessa Foundation Museum is a good place to begin any tour of historic Odessa. Cantwell's Tavern, also a historic site, is a working restaurant that serves tasty food and beverages in town. Christmas in Odessa, which occurs each December, is an event that attracts visitors from all over to tour private homes and public buildings decorated for the season.

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Relocate to the First State

If a move is included as part of your retirement plans, consider checking out one of these small Delaware towns that are ideal for seniors. These communities offer a mixture of convenience, access to larger cities and to the beach, natural beauty, arts and culture, and heritage. With relatively low median home prices, the dozen towns featured here should each provide retirees with a comfortable cushion in their retirement years.

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Susan Maphis December 2 2025 in Places

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