Here is a list of the ten best small towns in Delaware for retirement, focusing on public safety, quality of life, access to quality healthcare, and amenities
1. Lewes
- Overview: A charming coastal town known for its historic charm and quiet beaches, Lewes offers a peaceful retirement setting with a blend of small-town hospitality and natural beauty.
- Amenities: Boutique shopping, fine dining, local art galleries, and cultural events.
- Hospitals: Beebe Healthcare.
- Parks: Cape Henlopen State Park, Lewes Beach, and the Lewes Canalfront Park.
- Other Features: The town has a rich history, with the Zwaanendael Museum and many historic buildings. It’s also close to the Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk.
2. Rehoboth Beach
- Overview: Famous for its mile-long boardwalk and wide sandy beaches, Rehoboth Beach offers a vibrant retirement lifestyle with a strong sense of community.
- Amenities: Restaurants, shopping, cultural activities, and outdoor recreation, including walking and biking trails.
- Hospitals: Beebe Healthcare - Rehoboth Beach facility.
- Parks: Grove Park, Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk, and Gordon's Pond State Park Area.
- Other Features: Rehoboth Beach is known for its lively arts scene, including theater performances, art galleries, and festivals.
3. Milton
- Overview: Nestled along the Broadkill River, Milton is a quaint town with Victorian architecture and a growing arts scene. It’s a peaceful town with a slower pace of life.
- Amenities: Local shops, a thriving farmers market, and proximity to the Dogfish Head Brewery.
- Hospitals: Beebe Healthcare (nearby in Lewes).
- Parks: Milton Memorial Park and Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge.
- Other Features: Milton has a growing reputation as a cultural hub with art galleries, performances, and festivals.
4. Middletown
- Overview: This rapidly growing town combines small-town charm with modern amenities, making it a popular choice for retirees looking for a balanced lifestyle.
- Amenities: Shopping centers, restaurants, movie theaters, and community events.
- Hospitals: ChristianaCare Middletown.
- Parks: Charles E. Price Memorial Park and Silver Lake Park.
- Other Features: Middletown hosts the annual Olde Tyme Peach Festival and has several golf courses nearby.
5. Dewey Beach
- Overview: Known for its lively beach culture, Dewey Beach is perfect for retirees who enjoy an active, social lifestyle with easy access to the ocean.
- Amenities: Beachside dining, watersports, and a vibrant nightlife.
- Hospitals: Beebe Healthcare (nearby in Lewes and Rehoboth Beach).
- Parks: Dewey Beach and Delaware Seashore State Park.
- Other Features: Dewey Beach is a walkable town with stunning views of the bay and ocean.
6. Ocean View
- Overview: Ocean View is a peaceful, family-friendly community just a short distance from the beach, offering a relaxed retirement environment with plenty of outdoor activities.
- Amenities: Small restaurants, shops, and community events.
- Hospitals: Beebe Healthcare (nearby in Lewes).
- Parks: John West Park, Assawoman Canal Trail, and Bethany Beach Nature Center.
- Other Features: Ocean View offers easy access to Bethany Beach and is known for its peaceful residential areas.
7. Fenwick Island
- Overview: A quiet beach town with a close-knit community, Fenwick Island is ideal for retirees seeking a slower pace of life by the water.
- Amenities: Restaurants, shops, and a serene beach environment.
- Hospitals: Beebe Healthcare (nearby in Lewes).
- Parks: Fenwick Island State Park.
- Other Features: Fenwick Island offers a more laid-back beach experience compared to other coastal towns, with excellent opportunities for fishing and boating.
8. Seaford
- Overview: Located along the Nanticoke River, Seaford combines a charming downtown with modern amenities. It is an affordable place to retire with a mix of historic charm and natural beauty.
- Amenities: Local restaurants, shops, and cultural events.
- Hospitals: TidalHealth Nanticoke.
- Parks: Seaford Riverwalk, Gateway Park, and Soroptimist Park.
- Other Features: Seaford has a rich history, including the Seaford Museum, and offers easy access to outdoor activities like boating and fishing.
9. Camden
- Overview: Located just south of Dover, Camden offers a quiet, small-town feel with easy access to the amenities of a larger city.
- Amenities: Local shops, restaurants, and proximity to Dover’s amenities.
- Hospitals: Bayhealth Hospital, Kent Campus (nearby in Dover).
- Parks: Brecknock Park and Tidbury Creek County Park.
- Other Features: Camden is known for its peaceful residential neighborhoods and proximity to historical sites like the John Dickinson Plantation.
10. Bridgeville
- Overview: A small town with a rural feel, Bridgeville is ideal for retirees looking for a slower pace of life surrounded by farmland and nature.
- Amenities: Local restaurants, shops, and community events like the Apple Scrapple Festival.
- Hospitals: TidalHealth Nanticoke (nearby in Seaford).
- Parks: Passwaters Park and Bridgeville Historical Society.
- Other Features: Bridgeville is known for its agricultural heritage and peaceful countryside.
Each of these small towns in Delaware offers a unique retirement experience, with a focus on safety, quality of life, healthcare access, and amenities.