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8 Safest Towns In Delaware For Senior Living
Known by some as the “Diamond State” for its prosperous location along the eastern seaboard, Delaware is the perfect destination for a sparkling retirement. Not only does this state provide beautiful scenery and great healthcare facilities, but it also harbors a safe and care-free environment. In terms of tax benefits, Delaware exceeds expectations! Some of these ideal tax benefits include no sales tax and tax-exempt Social Security benefits! See what this “Diamond” of a state has in store for your retirement! Population statistics used come from the American Community Survey, which was conducted from 2019 to 2024. Crime statistics were found on the FBI’s Crime Data Explorer.
Hockessin
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Hockessin, located in Northern Delaware, boasts a safe community featuring some of the best healthcare the United States has to offer! Hockessin is just a short drive away from 2 highly rated hospitals. Christiana Hospital and Wilmington Hospital are about 9 miles away from Hockessin and have been rated among the country’s top 50 hospitals in 2023. This award is given to healthcare facilities that are among the top 1% of patient care in the United States. Aside from incredible healthcare, Hockessin is especially safe, earning them an “A+” grade on CrimeGrade.org. Nature lovers will enjoy Ashland Nature Center, which features 242 acres of stunning scenery and various wildlife. Here, you can experience the incredibly diverse wildlife of Delaware while staying fit! Another perfect location to remain active is the Mt. Cuba Center nature trails. Mt.Cuba hosts more than two miles of nature trails that encompass over 1,000 acres of land!
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Milton
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Milton is a senior-friendly community renowned for its diverse collection of parks. Seniors comprise almost 40% of Milton’s residents, signaling how inviting the town is for the older population. Seniors are drawn to the area for the variety of nature adventures. The town includes three public fishing areas. Among these is the scenic Broadkill River, known for its picturesque forest ambiance. Just east of Milton, you can explore the 10,000 acres of untouched wildlife at Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge, which is the perfect destination for hikers. Safety is also paramount in Milton as the town boasts no homicide incidents in the last 10 years. Regarding healthcare, the 2022 recipient of the Outstanding Patient Experience Award is Bayhealth Hospital, located only ten miles away in nearby Milford.
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Ocean View
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Ocean View not only features beautiful views, as the name implies, but it also boasts an incredibly diverse senior population with lower crime rates. Ocean View exceeds expectations in its low property crime rates. For example, the town has experienced very few motor vehicle thefts in 10 years. Ocean View hosts a senior population that comprises half of all the town’s residents. Clearly, the word is out to retirees on this serene destination. Ocean View is just a short drive from the stunning beach views at Bethany Beach. Another scenic destination is the Assawoman Canal. This canal is a 4-mile waterway equipped with a trail that is currently being completed and will provide an incredible view of the waterway for all of its senior residents. Ocean View Primary Care is a great healthcare option that offers individualized options for seniors.
Selbyville
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Selbyville is the perfect place for golf enthusiasts and harbors a safe environment. This town is just a short drive from the scenic beaches on Fenwick Island and is close to a 鶹AV-renowned golf course. Selbyville is home to the first Jack Nicklaus Signature Course in the state of Delaware at Bayside Resort Golf Club. This unique course showcases awe-inspiring bay views while leading you through lush pine forests. Apart from the wonderful golf opportunity, Selbyville remains a safe and secure community for any retirement. This is highlighted by the low rate of violent crimes. In 2022, FBI crime statistics show that there was not a single robbery incident in Selbyville. Prime Medical Care is just a short drive away in nearby Berlin at Atlantic General Hospital.
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Middletown
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Middletown is an incredibly safe community that has 鶹AV-class healthcare nearby. CrimeGrade gives Middletown an A-, detailing lower rates of property and violent crimes. Middletown is placed among the 81st percentile of safest cities in America. According to FBI statistics, Middletown boasts an uncharacteristically low number of arson crimes, as there has not been an incident in the last 10 years. The community features several parks, including Charles Price Memorial Park, which features a six-acre pond for fishing. Levels Park is equipped with walking trails that will keep any retiree in shape. Just a short drive away is the highly rated Union Hospital of Cecil County, which was awarded the Patient Safety Excellence Award in 2023.
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Newark
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Newark is the third largest city in Delaware and hosts a bustling college town environment. Home to Delaware University, Newark gives residents ample opportunities that an ordinary college town provides without the risk of being a victim of crime. Violent crime is scarce, as homicide rates are extremely low compared with other Delaware communities. In fact, Neward has not reported a homicide incident in the last 2 years. For hiking enthusiasts, Newark is paradise, as it offers over 17 miles of trails and 33 parks to stay active. Some exciting trail opportunities include strolling around the Neward Reservoir or exploring the James F. Hall Trail, which spans 3,000 miles to Canada. Christiana Hospital is only 5 miles away and is one of the top 50 hospitals in the United States.
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Lewes
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Lewes is the prime destination for seniors hoping to enjoy the great outdoors in safety. Located at the opening of Delaware Bay, this oceanside town harbors incredible views of the Atlantic Ocean. The best views of the sea can be seen from Cape Henlopen State Park. Here, you can find wonderful beaches where you can spend the day tanning or observing the calmness of the sea from the observatory. FBI crime statistics show that Lewes incurs lower rates of violent crimes. For example, Lewes has not experienced a robbery since 2016! The population of Lewes is comprised of 59% seniors, so you are sure to be surrounded by like-minded individuals. Quality healthcare is right in your backyard, as Beebe Medical Center is renowned for its coronary intervention procedures.
Rehoboth
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Rehoboth is another beachside heaven containing stunning views of the ocean and fantastic amenities. Delaware Seashore State Park features the perfect way to stay in shape while simultaneously appreciating the beautiful ecosystem of the beachfront. The Rehoboth Boardwalk is a nice place to explore some of the local fanfare along the coast! You can also feel at ease in Rehoboth due to the low rates of violent crime. Lewes is only 5 miles away, so you are not far from the 鶹AV-class health facility of Beebe Medical Center. With a median age of 62, Rehoboth offers a familiar oasis for any retiree.
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Retiring to Delaware will not only give you peace of mind, but it will also offer some of the best oceanside getaways in the 鶹AV. You no longer need to worry if you locked your door or not. Delaware provides some of the safest locations in the United States. While you are there, make sure to watch the sunrises over the picturesque Atlantic Ocean as you relax into your retirement with style.