Choosing the ideal state to call home involves plenty of research and reflection. Do you want easy access to urban areas and essential services? What about recreational opportunities? What type of tax burden are you willing to assume as a state resident? We’ve made your research process a little easier by highlighting seven reasons that Delaware is the perfect place to buy or build a new home.
With no sales tax, you’ll save when you shop in Delaware. Although tax-free purchases may not be the primary reason you decide to move to Delaware, it’s certainly an attractive bonus. At the end of the year, you may save enough money to redecorate your home office, take a weekend getaway, or buy an upgraded grill for the backyard.
Bonus: Property taxes are incredibly reasonable, especially when comparing to surrounding states, but more on that below.
When you live in Delaware, there’s no need to spend hours in the car if you want to enjoy a day at the beach. In fact, most residents can reach the state’s beaches in less than two hours. Rehoboth, Dewey, Lewes, Bethany, Fenwick Island, and other beaches offer swimming, surfing, boogie boarding, fishing, shelling and plenty of other outdoor activities. Whether you prefer the lively atmosphere of a hotel or motel or the more laid-back vacation experience a vacation home rental offers, you’ll find plenty of accommodation choices in beach towns.
No matter where you live in Delaware, you won’t be far from a state park. Take a hike on a wooded trail at Brandywine Creek, enjoy a picnic by the bay at Holts Landing, try the zipline at Lum’s Pond, explore history at Fort Delaware, or windsurf at Cape Henlopen. You can extend your visit at many parks by booking a campsite or cabin in the park’s campground.
If a 30-minute drive to pick up a gallon of milk or a three-hour daily commute doesn’t sound appealing, you’ll love the convenience of living in Delaware. Although there are some rural areas in the southern part of the state, Wilmington, Middletown and Hockessin area residents are never far from services and amenities. Stores, hair salons, gas stations, gyms, doctor’s offices and other services are a just a short drive from most homes.
Do you work in Philadelphia? You’ll spend about 40 minutes driving to the city if you living in Wilmington and around an hour if you’re a Middletown resident. If your job takes you to Baltimore, New York City or other towns on the eastern seaboard occasionally, you’ll appreciate the easy access to I95. Amtrak has a station conveniently located in Wilmington if you prefer to travel by train.
Whether you’re buying your first or fourth house, property taxes are an important consideration. Taxes are less expensive in Delaware than in neighboring states, which can keep your monthly costs lower if your taxes are bundled into your mortgage payment. Delaware residents pay an effective tax rate of .56%, which translates to $1,153 on a $205,000 home, according to WalletHub. Are you buying your first home? As a first-time home buyer, you may be eligible for a tax credit of up to $2,000.
Delaware also offers attractive benefits for retirees. If you’re considering retiring in Delaware, your social security benefits and $12,500 of your retirement and pension income will be exempt from taxes.
Good schools are a sign of a strong community. When schools don’t provide a quality education or aren’t safe, the entire fabric of the community breaks down. Home values plummet, and worst of all, young people aren’t prepared for the workforce or higher education. Delaware schools offer a solid, well-rounded education and focus on the skills students need to thrive in the 21st century. Computer literacy and science, technology, engineering and math (STEAM) programs are part of the curriculum in elementary, middle and high schools.
The University of Delaware and several other public and private colleges and universities offer local students a chance to further their educations without leaving the state. Whether students want to complete an associate’s, bachelor’s or advanced degree or learn a trade, the state provides ample opportunities to succeed.
Delaware may be a small state, but it’s certainly not lacking in culture. Throughout the year, museums, art galleries and studios stay open late for Art Loop Wilmington, held on the first Friday of every month. If you enjoy museums, you can spend your free time immersing yourself in art and history at the Delaware Art Museum, Delaware History Museum, Winterthur Museums and Gardens, Brandywine River Museum of Art, Rockwood Museum, the Newark History Museum and the American Helicopter Museum.
Free festivals and events also keep Delawareans busy. Jazz music comes to Rodney Square in downtown Wilmington at the Dupont Clifford Brown Jazz Festival, held every June. Other popular festivals and events include the Holy Trinity Greek Festival, Ladybug Music Festival, Sea Witch Festival, Delaware Wine and Beer Festival, Winterthur Point-to-Point, Dover Days Festival and the Mount Cuba Center Wildflower Celebration.
With a few notable exceptions, prices rarely drop. If you’ve been considering buying a new home in Delaware, there’s no time like the present. When you buy now, you’ll avoid price increases that may make home ownership less affordable.
Would you like to purchase a brand new home in Delaware for a great price? Although we still have availability at our Blenheim Homes communities in Wilmington, Middletown and the Hockessin area, you may not have your pick of lots or floor plans if you want until most of the homes in a particular community are sold. Starting the home buying process sooner rather than later will help you avoid disappointment if prices rise, prime lots sell or availability decreases.
Whether you’re new to the state or are a lifelong resident, you’re sure to find a floor plan that offers the space and amenities you need in one of our Delaware communities. All homes offer spacious living areas, kitchens with islands and ENERGY SAVER appliances, and spacious master bedroom suites. No matter which Blenheim Homes community you choose, you’ll be close to shopping, restaurants, entertainment, schools and recreational opportunities.