Is it true what you read about the low taxes in Delaware? Yes, it is absolutely correct. If you now live in New Jersey, New York, Maryland, Pennsylvania, DC and almost anywhere else, your property taxes will be much lower here. Even in Coastal Delaware resort towns like Lewes, Rehoboth Beach and Bethany, taxes on a $400,000 new home will average less than $1,500 a year.

I get many calls from people looking at retiring to Coastal Delaware because our taxes are so much lower but they really don’t know that much about this area. They may tell me what they are looking for in a home and their target price range for a new active adult community with all the amenities. I often have to tell them that “Lower taxes doesn’t necessarily mean cheaper homes than where you now live”. What is a realistic price range for a new or resale home in a community that has it all – a clubhouse, a pool and some of the other amenities like a Fitness Center and group activities? That depends on location and the total list of amenities and size of facilities.

So how do you calculate what you might be able to afford as you prepare for retirement and living here in Delaware? Print this post and fill in the information below so that we can compare your expenses now to what they might be if you moved here:

• Property taxes:
• School taxes:
• Community fees (HOA, Condo or Club):
• Membership in a Fitness Club or Gym:
• Sales Tax:
• Insurance costs for both your home and your vehicles:
• Social Security and projected income taxes on retirement income:

More difficult to calculate but perhaps most important, what is your lifestyle cost? Can you put a price tag on less stress, less traffic and a more relaxed lifestyle? What I have noticed is less wear and tear in general. My car looks better and lasts longer than it did when I lived in New York or Boston or the DC area. Even my clothing wears longer and goes more places and there are no more suits taking up closet space. I’m just saying, the way to make decisions about where and how to live can be fun and lead to new adventures. Lower taxes just might make it possible.

Delaware is a small state of less than a million people! We have only 3 counties in Delaware! If you are trying to decide where you might want to find that perfect retirement community in  Delaware, start here:

• New Castle County is the northernmost county and includes Wilmington, Newark and  Middletown to name a few of the largest cities and towns. This is the most developed part of the state and has the fewest new home communities to offer. The existing active adult communities tend to be smaller and a bit more expensive but they are convenient to Philadelphia, to the airport, the Amtrak station and more of a city lifestyle. There is one new active adult community that has yet to build a model home, but they have begun to sell from floor plans. Preconstruction pricing ranges from $219,990 to $309,990 for the BASE MODELS with a host of options. Typically, you should estimate an additional $40,000 or more in options and upgrades.
• Kent County takes up the central part of Delaware and Dover, the State Capital, is the major city in Kent County. Several new home communities, including several popular active adult communities are being built in and around Dover. Home prices tend to more moderate in Central Delaware and communities here are close to the Dover Mall, Dover Downs and the State House. Being centrally located makes it easy to get to the Wilmington area and the beach resorts. It is possible to find a 3 bedroom, 2 bath ranch home in one or two popular active adult communities between $200,000 and $250,000.
• Sussex County is the lower part of Delaware or what we call Coastal Delaware. From the Atlantic Ocean to the western part of the county which borders the Eastern Shore of Maryland, this is the fastest growing county in Delaware. It is home to several of Delaware’s most luxurious and best known active adult communities. There is also a wide range of other housing choices, from elegant beach homes selling for Millions to affordable homes, townhouses and condos.

The lower taxes in Delaware do make it possible for many retirees to buy the home of their dreams. Can you find yours? It all depends on what you have pictured in your mind when you think about retiring to Delaware and living the good life. To start, you can preview some of the most popular active adult communities, starting here.

What makes a chef?

It takes more than a list of ingredients to make me a chef! When asked if I can cook, I often say “I can follow a recipe”. I can do the simple things pretty well. I don’t undercook or overcook and I know what I like. When I watch a chef put together a meal, however, I realize there’s a big difference.

What about a good builder?

I used that analogy recently with a client of mine who asked me how to tell the difference between the builders because they all say “we are green” and “we are the best”. A list of ingredients, I replied, does not mean that the builder is committed to building you a quality home. It takes more than advertising and a good sales pitch. It takes a commitment to quality, a reputation built over time and the respect of other professionals. The builders I recommend are the ones that consistently deliver on their promise, build a good home and have a company culture that prioritizes customer service. Something can always go wrong with any builder, but the difference is how they handle the problems and do the right thing.

Not sure where you want to live yet?  Need time to get familiar with the area and take your time finding the right home? Why not lease a place for the first year and see how you like it?

Pictured here is a great condo on the water in Millsboro, Delaware. A large 2 bedroom, 2 bath home with an oversized 2-car garage, it is available for rent immediately for only $1,100/month. Over 65? The rent is only $1,000/month. It is partially furnished and that can stay or go – it’s up to you.

You can have a boat right outside the back door or just relax on the large deck watch the boats float by. You can also walk into the town of Millsboro. No maintenance to worry about and the condo fee is included in the rent.

Interested? You can learn more by looking at the listing information – CLICK HERE