Located on the shores of the Atlantic, Delaware is a small, beautiful state with excellent education, robust medical care, and plenty of exciting things to see and do.
Although Delaware is generally a great place to live, it does have a few downsides, just like any other place. If you’re thinking about moving to Delaware, here are some pros and cons to consider.
Pros of Moving to Delaware
First, let’s start with the positives. Delaware has a good job market, great schools and colleges, stunning nature, and friendly residents. It offers a unique blend of rural and urban culture. Here are a few things you can enjoy when you move to Delaware.
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Tax-Free Shopping
You’re going to love this one. Whether you’re buying a pack of gum or a brand-new suit, you won’t pay any sales tax when shopping in Delaware. Yes, shoppers in Delaware don’t have to worry about those little, annoying extras added to the prices, unlike those in other states. See something you like for $5.99? It’s yours for $5.99 (provided the shop is open, of course!). What you see is what you get, and when you’re shopping, that’s mostly a good thing, right?
Annual property taxes are also relatively low, so you will save money on that if you live in Delaware.
Clean Beaches and Serene Parks
Delaware is home to several beaches and parks where you can enjoy swimming, camping, fishing, beachcombing, and all your favorite outdoor activities. If you love being outside, you will find Delaware to be an excellent place to call home year-round.
Delaware’s Location Makes Road Tripping Easy
No matter where you live in the First State, you can hop on the highway and get to Maryland, New Jersey, or Pennsylvania in just a few hours. Traveling north and south is easy, but be prepared to cross the Chesapeake Bay Bridge if you head west.
If you’d rather travel within the state itself, you can also visit Delaware’s nature parks and beaches. With its small size, you’ll be able to go around and check out its wonders in less time compared to other, bigger states.
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Ample Opportunities for Growth
Job and educational opportunities abound in Delaware. You can find success in the medical, agricultural, service, and financial industries when you move here.
Some Prefer the Slow Pace
Life in Delaware moves at a slow pace. If you are used to the hustle and bustle of the big city, you won’t find it there. While this can be a nuisance to those who love city life, others adore the opportunity to get away from it all. As Delaware is close to Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Maryland (among others), it can be a haven for those seeking a less hectic environment to relax.
Great Stargazing Grounds
Because it’s mostly rural, Delaware has some excellent spots for watching the night sky. If you’re into stargazing, Cape Henlopen State Park, Port Mahon, Brandywine Creek State Park, Trap Pond State Park, and Small-town Sussex County are some of the best places to set up that telescope and check out the heavens. Away from the big cities and their massive light pollution, Delaware’s spots are simply fantastic places for watching the night sky with perhaps a cup of hot chocolate or coffee.
Cons of Moving to Delaware
Ok, now that we’ve checked out the good, let’s now take a look at the…. not-so-good. Living Delaware can pose some challenges depending on your specific lifestyle demands, but that’s true of pretty much any place. Here are a few of the downsides you may experience as a Delaware resident.
No Access to International Flights
If you love to travel outside the country a lot, then the first item on this list may make you feel like you’ve suddenly eaten a raw lemon: you can’t fly directly from Delaware to another country. This is because it (currently) has no airports for flights outside the US (at least, not yet). If you want to travel that way, you will have to drive to Baltimore/Washington International Airport (BWI) or Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) to catch a flight. While not at all ideal, the good news is those landing strips aren’t too far away, as Delaware borders New Jersey to the East and is about an hour or two away from BWI, depending on the traffic conditions at the time and where in Delaware you start out from.
Public Transportation isn’t Quite There Yet
Delaware is a mostly rural area, and most towns don’t offer a central subway system. Buses are available, but rideshares like Uber and Lyft aren’t as popular here. This shouldn’t be a problem if you own/drive a car of your own, but without a vehicle, getting around can be a bit tedious.
Some Dislike the Slow-Pace
While Delaware’s slow pace can be enticing for some, others may find it boring and not very exciting. Delaware is located on the Delmarva Peninsula, which is connected to the rest of the United States only by bridges. This can lead to a feeling of being cut off from the rest of the world. Some people love it, but it can definitely be an adjustment. On the flip side, if you really do prefer that sort of environment, the big city vibes are all but a couple of hours away: Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Maryland are all a (figuratively) stone’s throw away from Delaware, and if you have your own vehicle, it’s just a quick trip to them, making them quite accessible.
Transfer Tax is High
While Delaware doesn’t impose sales taxes and it does have (comparatively) lower Annual Property Taxes against other states, its Transfer Tax is on the high side. This can vary though, depending on the circumstances. Hey, you can’t have everything, right?
Agricultural Odors
Agriculture is a huge part of Delaware’s economy, and you can’t drive through the state without passing farms and fields. Odors from fertilizers and pesticides can be a nuisance, especially in the summer.
This article was written in collaboration between Delaware Beaches Online and Aurora Homes.
