Lightship Cove features beautiful single-family homes perfect for the retiree looking to downsize to an efficient, modern space or upsize to accommodate visiting family. The builder of Lightship Cove is Schell Brothers, known for their quality construction and energy-efficient designs.

Key features and options designed with the retiree in mind include:
Styles & Sizes: Homes offer single-story and multi-story layouts, ranging from approximately 1,411 to over 4,000 heated square feet.
Main-Level Living: All floor plans are designed with a first-floor primary suite option, a crucial feature for aging in place and convenience.
Customization: Homes offer flexible floor plans and the ability to personalize finishes in a state-of-the-art design studio, ensuring your new home perfectly suits your retirement dreams.
Bonus Space: Basements are available on select homesites, providing excellent storage or the perfect space for a hobby room, workshop, or overflow guest quarters.

The community's amenity center, known as The Beacon, is the social heart of Lightship Cove, providing fun for residents and visiting family members of all ages!
Outdoor Pool & Pool House: Spend sunny Delaware afternoons relaxing poolside. 🏊‍♀️
Pickleball Courts: Stay active and connect with neighbors on the dedicated courts—a favorite among active adults! 🏓
The Screened Crab Shack: The perfect gathering spot for a relaxing summer feast with friends and family. 🦀
Walking Trails: Enjoy peaceful strolls around the community’s sparkling pond and over 26 acres of preserved, interconnected open space. 🚶‍♂️
Community Pavilion & Courtyard: A welcoming space with fire pits for cool evenings and planned social gatherings. 🔥

The story of Lightship Cove is one of finding a true sanctuary just moments from the fun of the coast. For those moving to Lewes, DE, but hoping to avoid the seasonal crowds and traffic, this community offers a brilliant compromise. It’s situated off a quiet country road, surrounded by protected open space and farmland, giving it a peaceful, timeless feel. Residents here love that they can wake up to tranquility, yet be in downtown Lewes for a doctor's appointment at Beebe Healthcare, a historic stroll, or a dinner reservation in less than 15 minutes. This intimate, beautifully designed neighborhood is often considered one of the best neighborhoods in Lewes, DE for the active adult buyer who values low-maintenance living, strong community bonds, and the financial advantage of Delaware’s tax environment. It's the ideal spot to start your next, most relaxing chapter. 📖😊

Lightship Cove offers the peace of a rural setting with exceptional access to essential services and beach-town fun, making it an ideal location for retirees
Lewes: Approximately 6 miles away, providing access to historic sites, boutique shopping, fine dining, and the highly-rated Beebe Healthcare system for peace of mind. 🏥
Rehoboth Beach: Just about 9 miles away, offering the famous boardwalk, outlet shopping, and a wide variety of restaurants. 🛍️
Local Charm: Enjoy proximity to local farms, greenhouses, and historic downtown Milton, which features community parks and events.
Travel: Convenient access to major roadways for visiting family or traveling to metropolitan areas.

The Homeowners Association (HOA) fee supports a low-maintenance lifestyle, allowing you to spend more time enjoying the coastal area and less time on home upkeep.
Monthly Fee: Approximately $166/month (as of October 2025).
What is Covered:
Maintenance of the common grounds and all amenities (Pool, Pickleball Courts, Crab Shack, etc.).
Garbage and Recycling services.
Snow Removal on streets during winter months.
Benefit for Retirees: These services are designed to simplify your life, ensuring the community always looks pristine without the burden of extensive exterior maintenance.

Retirees in Lightship Cove consistently praise the unique combination of quiet tranquility and easy access to coastal fun!
The Serene Atmosphere: Being tucked away from Route 1 traffic, surrounded by protected farmland and woods, creates a quiet, peaceful vibe. 🧘
Small-Scale Community: With only 97 homes, it’s genuinely easy to meet and connect with every neighbor, fostering a deep sense of belonging and quick friendships. 🤝
The Amenities: The simple but engaging amenities—especially the pickleball courts and the unique screened Crab Shack—offer perfect low-key options for active recreation and socializing. ☀️
Tax-Friendly Location: The financial benefits of retiring in low-tax Delaware are a huge draw for budget-conscious home buyers. 💰

Retiring in Delaware, and specifically in the Lightship Cove area, offers some of the best tax advantages in the nation for seniors, giving you more freedom to enjoy your retirement savings.
No State or Local Sales Tax! 🚫 This means instant savings on every purchase, from groceries to furniture.
Social Security Exemptions: Social Security retirement benefits are not taxed by the State of Delaware.
Retirement Income Exclusion: Delaware offers a generous pension exclusion (up to $12,500 annually) on eligible retirement income for those aged 60 and older.
Low Property Taxes: Property taxes in Lightship Cove (Sussex County) are among the lowest in the nation, significantly reducing your monthly housing expenses.
Transparency Note: Tax laws are subject to change; please verify all exemptions and rates with a tax professional, as of October 2025.