Is there a Delaware Lifestyle for Single Folks?
When I moved to Delaware in 2000, I was single; in fact, I had been single for 30 years! Despite the fact that I have now been married for almost 15 years, I still identify with single women. Over these years in real estate, I have had the privilege of working with many single women, and even a few single men, helping them relocate to Delaware and choose new homes in new communities.
I thought it would be interesting to ask them how life is as a single retiree. In a recent survey, one of the respondents did ask What groups, organized activities, clubs, etc. are there for active adults who choose not to live in an Active Adult Community?
Sometimes you are single at this age by choice and sometimes you have lost your partner or spouse. Lets hear from some of my clients directly -
Previously, I was in a 10 year relationship. When I became single 7 years ago, moving to Southern Delaware was an opportunity to venture out on my own. Personally, I do not feel comfortable going to social events with couples and often I am not included in simple activities like going out to eat. This is not true for some of my single friends.
I decided to join as many clubs as possible to meet people. The singles club I joined is mostly women but I enjoy expanding my social network. There is also a lot to do by myself - walking on the boardwalk and, of course, shopping. My decision to move to Delaware was an excellent choice for me . There is so much more to do compared to where I lived in New Jersey.
What can you tell people about the Delaware lifestyle if you are single? Has it been difficult to meet people when you are single and living in Delaware? How difficult is it for singles to get involved in things?
Absolutely not; there are so many organizations that welcome new members and offer opportunities to get involved. Rehoboth Art League, Rehoboth Film Society, Rehoboth or Lewes Historical societies, just to name a few.
Of course it depends on what you enjoy in life. There are bird watchers here, sailors, boaters, fisher people, tennis and golf players, music lovers, art enthusiasts, poets, writers, wine lovers, etc. But if your thing is the opera in New York, the philharmonic in DC, or a society of art experts at galleries in Chicago or New York, you may want to keep a crash pad in one of those cities. Don't expect to hear Itzhak Perlman or enjoy a Degas exhibit here - at least not soon.
Do you feel included by others in your community?
Absolutely. You do have to get to know people as some clearly feel more comfortable in couples situations only, but I think that is the minority and easy to flush out.
Ive been single (divorced) for 30 yearsmore years than I care to remember. It has not been difficult to meet people in my community since we have so many different activities and its a very friendly neighborhood. I dont feel as isolated socially as I did in my previous community since there are other single women in my community and we get together for dinner, movies, etc.
I do feel accepted. Right from the beginning I was included in activities. It took some time to develop the friendships, but that is mostly my own reserve. I didn't want to make friends too fast and have them not be the people I am most comfortable with so I took my time. Getting involved in the activities helps to meet more people.
One of the differences here from where I moved from is that we are almost all retired in the community. And we all live within walking distance. Once you make friends you can almost always find a friend to do something with.
The comments above came from 6 different clients who have been single for a few years to 30 years, that have now lived in Delaware for 2 20 years. Let me close with this comment from one of my successful single retirees -
Making new friends and enjoying new experiences is a wonderful way to enter retirement!
And, I would add, that is great advice whether you are single, married or in a relationship!
Looking for some insight into dating and relationships over 60 from someone right here in Coastal Delaware? Check out this recent article written by my friend Susan Towers, Boomer Unchained: Dating in Your 60's.
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