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In the real estate world, location is everything. This is particularly true if you are making the decision to build a custom or semi-custom house. When you decide to make a long-term investment in a new construction home, you want to make sure that it is in a place where you can build your future.
As a Delaware custom home builder, we regularly speak with clients who are considering relocating to our state or building their forever home here. Many prospective clients have one simple question: Is Delaware actually a good place to live? The short answer is that Delaware is a fantastic place to live. While it has its pros and cons, the lifestyle, prime location, taxes, and quality of life give Delaware a combination of attributes that is hard to match on the East Coast.
For 40 years, Carl Deputy and Son Builders has worked with homeowners to build semi-custom and custom houses in Kent and Sussex Counties in Delaware. We also renovate existing houses to make them more functional and updated for our clients. We are personally pretty partial to Delaware, as it is where we have chosen to build our lives and our business. If you’d like to learn more about building a custom home in Delaware, reach out to us to set up a consultation.
Have questions about building a home or making home renovations? Sometimes talking directly to an expert is easier than reading a post. Speak with a builder at Carl Deputy & Son Builders > (302) 284-3041
The Advantages of Living in Delaware
We might be a bit biased, but we do think that Delaware is a great place to live. Below, we list some of the reasons why you might also choose to make Delaware your home.
Tax-Friendly Living
One of the reasons that some people choose to relocate to Delaware is its tax structure. Delaware is known for being a more tax-friendly state, especially compared to many other East Coast states like New Jersey and New York.
Delaware does not have a state sales tax. This means that the price you see on a sticker is what you pay. It also does not have an inheritance or estate tax, which can help families preserve wealth. For older residents, the fact that Social Security income is not taxed is also important. For homeowners, these tax policies can make a big difference in terms of affordability.
Overall, Delaware is ranked 24th in the nation in terms of tax-friendliness. While this might not seem that high a ranking, it is much better than any of its neighboring states. If you want to live in the North East yet don’t want to feel smothered by taxes, Delaware is a great option.
An Ideal East Coast Location
Another major benefit of living in Delaware is its central location in the Northeast corridor. Living in Delaware, you are within easy driving distance of several major cities. This includes Philadelphia, Baltimore, Washington, DC, and New York City.
This strategic location allows Delaware residents to enjoy the peace and green space that comes with living in a smaller community. At the same time, Delawareans have access to all that big cities have to offer, including job opportunities, entertainment, culture, and major airports. Many professionals in Delaware commute to nearby metro areas while they enjoy Delaware’s quieter lifestyle and lower tax rates.
Beautiful Coastlines and Outdoor Recreation
Delaware is a fairly small state. Despite its size, Delaware offers an impressive range of stunning natural beauty.
Delaware residents can enjoy Atlantic Ocean beaches, like Rehoboth Beach and Bethany Beach, or Delaware Bay waterfronts. There are also many state parks and nature preserves where residents can boat, fish, hike, bike, or get out on the water.
Living near the water, especially in a custom-built home designed for coastal living, is a dream that has drawn many prospective homeowners to Delaware each year. Even if you don’t build in a coastal community, many beaches are just a short drive away from many areas of the state.
A Strong Sense of Community
One of the benefits of Delaware being a relatively small state is that it has a lot of very close-knit communities. Many towns throughout the state have a warm, welcoming vibe. It’s pretty easy to live in a place with a small-town feel, even in larger cities like Dover.
Because our state is geographically small, there is simply a great sense of community. Many towns in Delaware have regular community festivals, local markets, and neighborhood events. This sense of community is one of the qualities that many residents value most about life in Delaware. If you’re considering building a home and making a long-term commitment to an area, this type of environment can make a big difference.
A Laidback Lifestyle
Compared to many parts of the Northeast, Delaware offers a more relaxed pace of life. When you live in Delaware, you can still enjoy modern amenities like restaurants, shopping, healthcare, and entertainment. However, because the state is small and has a relatively low population compared to other states, you can do all of this without the intense congestion and constant rush that is present in many larger metropolitan areas.
Many people who relocate to Delaware say that it offers the best of both worlds. You are close to major cities, but you enjoy everyday living that feels much calmer and more manageable compared to those regions.
A Rich History
Delaware is one of the original 13 colonies, and is also the “first state.” It has an incredible legacy as one of the birthplaces of America. You can celebrate this at historical sites and museums throughout the state.
Living in Delaware means that you have a true sense of American history. You can also easily visit many major historical sites nearby, such as museums and sites in Philadelphia and Washington, DC.
The Potential Drawbacks of Living in Delaware
Of course, no place is perfect. Delaware does have a few downsides to consider if you are thinking about moving here.
Limited Public Transportation
While Delaware is famed for its trains, public transportation options are somewhat limited outside of major corridors. In the northern part of the state, residents can rely on the bus and/or train system. However, many residents still rely on cars for daily commuting and travel.
For people used to living in an area with great public transportation, this can be an adjustment. However, it is a tradeoff that many are willing to make to live in a state with more green space and a slower pace of life.
A Smaller Job Market
Because Delaware is a small state, its job market isn’t as large compared to nearby metropolitan areas. For this reason, some residents choose to commute to major cities like Philadelphia for more career opportunities.
Of course, Delaware does have its own industries. Our state is well-known for being perhaps the most popular state for incorporation, making corporate services a great sector for employment. Banking, healthcare, and education also offer a lot of opportunities across the state.
Tourist Crowds in the Summer
One of the best things about living in Delaware is how close you are to the beach from many spots within the state. This can also be a big drawback, particularly if you live anywhere close to the shore.
During the summer, increased tourism can bring traffic and crowds. It isn’t unusual to find yourself stuck in a traffic jam, especially on weekends when people travel to and from vacation destinations. It can also mean longer wait times at restaurants during peak tourist season.
Of course, for many residents, this is just part of living near one of the East Coast’s most desirable beach regions. It’s also just a fact of life for anyone who lives in or near a beach town anywhere in the United States. When you live in a desirable area, it isn’t unusual that you’ll have to deal with tourists in some parts of the year.
The Bottom Line: Delaware Is a Wonderful Place to Live
While there are some “cons” to living in Delaware, the “pros” easily outweigh them. In fact, most people who relocate to Delaware quickly realize why so many residents love living here.
Every state has its trade-offs. When you look at Delaware as a whole, the advantages of living here are compelling. Residents enjoy no state sales tax, easy access to major East Coast cities, beautiful beaches and outdoor recreation, a relaxed pace of life, and friendly communities. For many people, Delaware offers exactly what they are looking for: a place where quality of life comes first.
Delaware’s combination of natural beauty, tax advantages, and a more manageable lifestyle makes it an ideal place to build a home that is designed specifically for how you want to live. Whether you want to live in a gorgeous coastal retreat, a spacious family home, an energy-efficient modern build, or a retirement-friendly accessible house, Delaware is the perfect place to build.
Thinking about Building a Home in Delaware? We’re Here to Talk
Choosing where to live is the first step. If you have decided on Delaware as your home base, the next step is to choose an experienced home builder who can bring your dreams to life. Our team can help you design a home that fits your lifestyle, location preferences, and long-term goals.
Carl Deputy and Son Builders works with homeowners to help them design and build homes in coastal communities, rural oases, suburban centers, and in cities throughout Delaware. Our goal is to help you build a home that truly feels like your own. To learn more about building a custom home in Delaware, or to schedule a consultation with a member of our team for a free estimate, give us a call at 302-284-3041 or fill out our online contact form.
