As longtime Delaware residents, we sometimes just assume people who are considering moving here already understand all of the reasons why it’s a great place to live and own a business. And last week we got another great reminder with this Delaware News Journal story by Krys’tal Griffin that revealed a new study from United Van Lines that ranks our state at number 4 among moving destinations nationwide. Here are some highlights:
- We’re among the top 3 states preferred by retirees moving to a new state. In fact, 62 percent of new arrivals are age 65 and older, followed by those ages 55-64.
- Our very, very low property taxes and lack of sales taxes are a big factor, with more than 9 percent of respondents moving here for the cost of living – which is especially important for folks enjoying their hard-earned retirement accounts and Social Security.
- Many new residents are prosperous, with 28 percent earning (or retiring with) incomes of $150,000 or more and 25 percent earning $75,000 to $99,000.
- Our charming small towns and well-kept suburban areas are a big draw. Overall, the study found a macro pattern of people moving away from major cities and toward smaller cities and communities.
United has tracked this kind of data for almost 50 years to provide a clear picture of where people are moving and the factors that drive those decisions. It classifies a state as “high inbound” if 55 percent or more of the people the company moves are coming to a state, Overall, 60 percent of those moves are inbound to Delaware.
While many of us are well-aware of the cosmopolitan appeal of Wilmington and its surrounding towns and of the peace and recreation offered by our beach-adjacent towns, Dover was a big winner this year, with nearly 80 percent of those moving to Delaware settling in around our state capital. Other top inbound metro areas were Eugene-Springfield, Oregon (85 percent) and Wilmington, North Carolina (83 percent). Click here to view the full study.
WHY WE LOVE DELAWARE
There are so many reasons why we love our state. From our home in Sussex County, we’re within a short drive of wonderful beaches along Delaware Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. Year-round, our restaurants are thriving thanks in large part to the fresh produce and meats provided by our agriculture sector. We have wonderful local and regional theatre companies down here near the beach and can enjoy day trips and weekend getaways to the culture upstate. And many of our 55+ and all-age communities feature recreational and social amenities that make it easy to make new friends.
We also love being a resource for home shoppers, and have created this special place on our site. Here, you can order our free Relocation Guide, find places to stay when you travel here for your home search, learn about local events and financial resources, including the ins and outs of our consumer-friendly taxes. We hope you’ll take a look, and are ready to help you find your perfect home!