Bridgewater is a multi-builder community offering single-family homes.
Builder: Lennar and Schell Brothers
Home Types: Single-Family Detached Homes.
Sizes & Price Ranges (Approximate):

• • Lennar Homes (Bridgewater): Homes generally range from 1,570 sq. ft. to over 2,700 sq. ft., with prices starting from the mid-$500s.

  • Schell Brothers Homes (The Estates at Bridgewater): These are typically larger, luxury-focused homes, with prices starting in the low $800s and upwards.
    Retiree Focused Features: Nearly all floor plans feature convenient main-level living with first-floor owner's suites. Homes often include gourmet kitchens, granite countertops, two-car garages, and options for screen porches, dens, and bonus rooms.

The community boasts a high-end, resort-style amenity center:
Two-Story Waterfront Clubhouse (A unique feature in the area)
Outdoor Resort-Style Pool with Sun Ledge and Splash Pad 🏊
State-of-the-Art Fitness Center with Yoga/Barre Studio 💪
Pickleball Courts 🎾
Outdoor Bar and Grilling Area
Game Room and Lounge with Fireplace
Private Kayak Launch on Dirickson Creek 🛶
Walking Trails
Tot Lot (Playground for visiting grandchildren)

The story of Bridgewater is one of uncompromised coastal living. For retirees exploring moving to Frankford, Delaware, and seeking the best neighborhoods near Fenwick Island, Bridgewater offers a rare combination of luxury new construction and direct water access. It’s where active adults can launch a kayak in the morning, spend the afternoon socializing by the resort-style pool or playing pickleball, and be dining in Bethany Beach by evening. The community’s comprehensive HOA ensures a worry-free environment, allowing residents to dedicate their time to the enjoyment of their retirement in one of the most tax-friendly states in the nation.

Frankford offers prime access to the beaches and services of Southern Delaware and Maryland:
Beaches: Only 5 miles to Fenwick Island, 7 miles to Bethany Beach, and a short drive to Ocean City, MD, for the boardwalk and major marinas.
Dining & Shopping: Excellent access to coastal dining, tax-free shopping in Rehoboth Beach, and everyday essentials in nearby Ocean View and Selbyville.
Recreation: Proximity to Bear Trap Dunes golf course and numerous opportunities for fishing, crabbing, and boating on the surrounding bays.
Healthcare: Convenient access to the medical facilities of Beebe Healthcare in Millville and Lewes.

The Homeowners Association (HOA) fee for The Estates at Bridgewater (Schell Brothers section) is comprehensive, ensuring a highly desired low-maintenance retirement lifestyle.
Monthly HOA Fee (The Estates at Bridgewater - Schell Brothers): Approximately $281 per month (subject to change).
What the Fee Covers: Lawn care for individual homesites, organic turf treatments, curbside trash and recycling services, maintenance of all community amenities (clubhouse, pool, courts), common area maintenance, snow removal, and street/sidewalk maintenance.
Retiree Appeal: This fee provides a "lock-and-leave" lifestyle, freeing active adults from the burden of exterior home and yard maintenance.

Retiree home buyers are strongly drawn to Bridgewater because of:
The Tax Advantage: Zero sales tax and incredibly low Sussex County property taxes, which significantly increase disposable income in retirement.
Waterfront Lifestyle: The unique ability to have a private kayak launch and water access to Dirickson Creek and the bay.
Low-Maintenance Living: The comprehensive HOA coverage that takes care of the lawn and exterior.
The Location: Being just 5 miles from the beach, making quick day trips effortless.

Frankford is located in Sussex County, benefiting from the state’s highly tax-friendly status for retirees:
No Sales Tax: Delaware has zero sales tax.
Low Property Taxes (as of October 2025): Property taxes in Sussex County are some of the lowest in the nation, typically ranging from $2,000 to $4,500 annually.
Retirement Income Exclusions: Residents aged 60 and older can exclude up to $12,500 of eligible retirement income (pensions, 401k/IRA distributions) from state income tax.
No State Social Security Tax: Social Security benefits are not taxed by the State of Delaware.