A Guide to 55+ Active Living Communities in Delaware

 

Start Planning Your Retirement in Quaint Delaware

Delaware is a popular retirement destination for active seniors looking to spend their time doing what they love. The state affords retirees the opportunity to pursue passions like golfing and playing pickleball or water sports such as sailing, kayaking or fishing. It also offers seniors incredible healthcare options and low tax burdens, including no sales tax.

Like many northeastern states, Delaware experiences all four seasons. While there is rain and snow, excessive heat waves and cold fronts are rare.

Some regions of Delaware are fairly mountainous. This is especially true for the more rural parts of the state. As a result, outdoor activities that take advantage of the state's national parks and protected areas are popular. These include hiking, birdwatching, biking, and catch-and-release fishing.

There are coastal areas where seniors can lounge on the beach. Active retirees can walk the boardwalk or try out ocean sports like swimming and snorkeling.

Delaware is one of the nation’s more diverse states with more than 30% being of African American or Hispanic descent. The state slightly leans liberal overall with the 55+ population being more conservative. Delaware is very welcoming to people of faith with churches, temples, and synagogues found throughout the state.

Seniors looking to downsize into a new single-story, move-in ready home for their retirement in Delaware will find many choices when searching for a 55+ active adult community. Popular options for empty nesters include master-planned golf course communities, low-maintenance communities, age restricted neighborhoods, condo communities, and luxury apartment rentals.

Should you want to travel outside of Delaware during your retirement, it's easy to do so. Most bordering states are a short drive away with New Jersey, Maryland, Washington D.C., Virginia, and New York being nearby. Public transportation options like Amtrak trains and Greyhound buses are also widely available if you prefer to not drive.

 

The Regions of Delaware that are Best for Seniors

Delaware is fairly rural throughout, but there is some variety in its different regions. Larger cities like Dover provide a unique change of pace with shopping and dining, while the coastal regions are perfect for beachgoers in the summer.

Kent

Kent county is home to Delaware’s capital city of Dover. Dover has many suburbs suitable for an active lifestyle. 

Just south of the capital is the suburb of Camden Wyoming, which has an interesting history of its own. To the southwest of Camden Wyoming is the small town of Magnolia. Frederica and Felton are about equidistant from Dover. Felton has brand-new, master-planned all aged communities. 

North of Dover is the town of Smyrna, home to about 10,000 residents, some of whom live an active adult lifestyle in exclusive 55+ communities. Just west of Smyrna lies the small town of Clayton, home of a variety of all age communities.

New Castle

As the original state capital of Delaware, the city of New Castle is filled with both historical and modern attractions that are connected by miles of biking and walking trails. It’s also conveniently located near the cities of Baltimore, Philadelphia, and Washington DC. 

The town of Bear is south of New Castle and offers active older adults a choice of housing. Whether you’re looking for a 55+ community or an all ages community, the master-planned communities of Bear have something for everyone. 

Newark, on the border with Maryland, has a vibrant 55+ community, as does the city southwest of the town, Hockessian. Middletown is the fastest-growing town in Delaware. Its master-planned communities include exclusive 55+ communities. 

Just south on the 71, you’ll find the small town of Townsend with just over 2000 residents. If living in a golf course community or an active lifestyle community, while still retaining a rural atmosphere is what you’re looking for, this may be the perfect place for you!

Sussex

Sussex county is the largest county in Delaware. It’s located at the crossroads of US404 and US13. The county offers active older adults many locales and housing options. 

Bridgeville is located in the northeast corner of Sussex county. It’s one of the oldest neighborhoods in the state. Home to one of the state's most modern golf course communities and a prestigious 55+ community. 

Just east of Bridgeville lies the community of Milton. South from there is the town of Georgetown. Traveling east towards the Atlantic coast, you’ll find the community of Harbeson. And on to the active lifestyle communities of Lewes, a waterfront community north of Rehoboth Beach. 

Following Indian River Bay, active adults will find a variety of manufactured home communities in the village of Long Neck and the town of Millsboro. From there, residents seeking an active adult lifestyle, follow the bay east to the ocean. The community of Dagsboro is on the way through Millville, Ocean View, and further to the coast at Bethany Beach. 

At the southern end of Sussex county, you’ll find the community of Frankford and the town of Selbyville.

 

Taking Advantage of the Active Older Adult Lifestyle in Delaware

There’s no shortage of activities that are enjoyed by active older Delawareans. The state is known for its bicycle-friendly landscape and infrastructure. Cyclists are joined by wildlife photographers, bird watchers, and hikers enjoying the year-round outdoor, active adult lifestyle. 

The state’s eastern border is the Atlantic Ocean. The numerous waterways that dot the coast are the perfect place for activities that suit an active lifestyle. Opportunities to Kayak, Stand Up Paddleboard, or fish pristine waters are right out your front door. 

Delaware is the second smallest state in the USA and has nearly fifty golf courses within less than 2,000 square miles. The flat landscape makes for the perfect landscape to race NASCAR at the world-famous Dover Motor Speedway. 

Shopping, dining, and entertainment are convenient and free of sales tax. Indoor activities include ice skating at the nearest arena, or trying your hand at gaming in one of the state’s three “racinos”. 

Amenities Within Delaware’s 55+ Communities

Delaware’s active 55+ communities know what active older adults seek from a neighborhood. No matter which county you choose to call home, you’ll find a variety of housing options that provide interesting amenities that help you stay healthy in every season.  

Just about every community has a clubhouse that’s the center point of the neighborhood. Some communities have swimming pools, and courts for bocce ball, pickleball, basketball, or tennis. 

Despite the changing seasons, these properties are low-maintenance with little need for lawn care or snow removal. That means you can spend more time doing what you love right where you live!

Visit the Clubhouse

Meet up with your fellow 55+ community residents at the local clubhouse for weekly card games and crafting guilds. The clubhouse will have a comfortable place to sit and chat while picking up your mail or walking your dog. 

Some clubhouses have community kitchens, game rooms, and art studios. The clubhouse is an integral part of an active adult lifestyle. 

Take a Class at the Fitness Center

Community fitness centers come fully equipped for the use of residents. On days when you’re pressed for time, or the weather isn’t conducive for outdoor exercise, an indoor gym is a great substitution for your regular activity. 

Some fitness centers have rooms dedicated to weights, treadmills, and group classes. Some fitness centers offer swimming pool and spa access, locker rooms, and personal trainers.  

Play a Round of Golf

Residents of Delaware’s golf course communities can play a round of golf right on their property. Many of these communities also grant residents the use of a putting green and a driving range. 

Delaware’s Active Adult Activities

Delaware’s small size and flat geography makes it easy to explore on foot and bike. It’s various waterways lend to resident’s desire to explore the state by water. 

If you’d like to travel outside of Delaware as part of your active lifestyle, the state’s central location on the east coast is very convenient for adventurous older adults looking to explore. 

Try Your Hand at Water Sports

Experience Delaware’s natural beauty as you try out water sports!

Take the boat out for fishing on the rivers, lakes, and ocean. Or bring a chair and a cooler to a pier off one of the numerous stocked lakes and ponds.Kayaking and Stand Up Paddleboarding are two activities that residents see and do when the weather permits.

Gamble at Casinos

Delaware’s casinos are closely linked with their racetracks. They offer the opportunity to win at the slots or in the sports book.  

 

Why You Should Consider Retiring in Delaware

Spending the next chapter of your life in a state that’s conveniently located, bike- friendly, and surrounded by nature makes Delaware worth a look. Residents love that Delaware is a tax-friendly state with lower property taxes than surrounding states, and no sales tax. Delaware also has first-class health care.

 

Types of Communities for 55+ Active Adult Living

Many kinds of new homes are available for those interested in retiring in Delaware. The state features everything from 55+ active adult communities with single-family, single story homes to luxury rental properties and more.

Golf Course Communities

Live right next to the back nine at a golf course community!

Not only are these communities ideal for passionate golfers, they also feature amenities you’d expect at country clubs and luxury apartments. Features often include gated access, community pools, fitness centers, and spas.

Low-Maintenance Communities

Why spend time doing lawn work when you can instead enjoy your retirement pursuing activities you love?

Low maintenance communities handle property upkeep such as snow removal during the winter and grass and tree trimming during the summer.

Age Restricted Communities

Looking for a quiet community with friendly residents who share your interests? Age restricted communities are an ideal match. These neighborhoods provide services tailored to seniors, such as equipment for low-impact exercise and 55+ healthcare facilities.

Condominium Communities

If a sense of community is important to you, consider retiring in a condominium (condo) community in Delaware. These accommodations are comfortably sized for single residents and couples. They’re more affordable than many single-family homes, making them a budget-friendly option for seniors.