Moving to Delaware checklist: Research local housing market. Understand Delaware's tax benefits. Explore employment opportunities. Familiarize yourself with Delaware's transportation options. Register your vehicle promptly. Transfer driver's license within 60 days. Locate nearest healthcare facilities. Investigate local school systems. Become acquainted with state laws. Discover community events and activities.
Research local housing market.
In Delaware, home prices have risen by 8.5% year-over-year to a median price of $359,400, with an increase in homes sold and homes for sale, indicating a strong but slightly shifting market favoring both buyers and sellers. For more detailed insights and updates, refer to the Delaware Housing Market report, which provides comprehensive data and trends shaping this dynamic real estate landscape.
Understand Delaware's tax benefits.
Delaware provides numerous tax advantages, making it an attractive state for military personnel and veterans. With the absence of state or local sales taxes, individuals experience significant savings on purchases. A key benefit is the exclusion of up to $12,500 on military retired pay, allowing veterans to maximize their retirement benefits. Furthermore, Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) is tax-free, offering financial relief to eligible families. For disabled veterans, Delaware extends a school tax credit, easing the cost of education. Residents aged 60 and older can also benefit from the exclusion of up to $12,500 in survivor annuities. Perhaps most notably, Delaware does not tax Social Security benefits, adding another layer of financial comfort. For more detailed information on these benefits, visit My Army Benefits, where resources about Delaware's tax exemptions can be explored further.
Explore employment opportunities.
Explore employment opportunities in Delaware through the Delaware Employment Link, which lists various job postings, including merit and non-merit positions, and offers resources such as career counseling, training programs, and a comprehensive benefit package for state employees. Additionally, Delaware JobLink provides advanced job searches, career planning services, and connections to employers and training/education providers.
Familiarize yourself with Delaware's transportation options.
Familiarize yourself with Delaware's transportation options by understanding DART First State's statewide bus services, including local, intercounty, and seasonal routes, as well as commuter rail services provided through SEPTA. You can also explore resources for public transit schedules, fares, and special services like paratransit and DART Connect microtransit.
Register your vehicle promptly.
To register your vehicle in Delaware, you must gather necessary documents including the Delaware title certificate, proof of insurance, a completed vehicle application form, and payment for the registration fee. New residents must complete vehicle registration within 60 days, which includes passing a vehicle inspection, obtaining Delaware auto insurance, and submitting all documents to the DMV.
Transfer driver's license within 60 days.
If you move to Delaware, you must apply for a Delaware driver's license within 60 days, surrendering your out-of-state license or providing a certified copy of your driving record, proof of citizenship or legal presence, proof of social security number, and two proofs of Delaware residency. You will also need to pass an eye screening, and written and road tests may be waived if your out-of-state license is valid. For detailed information on the process and eligibility, visit the Delaware Department of Motor Vehicles website. Make sure to gather all necessary documentation to ensure a smooth transition to being a Delaware resident.
Locate nearest healthcare facilities.
To locate the nearest healthcare facilities in Delaware, you can refer to the List of Hospitals and healthcare centers, including Bayhealth Medical Center, Beebe Healthcare, ChristianaCare, and others, which are organized by county and location. You can also use the Facility Locator provided by the Delaware Health Care Facilities Association to search for assisted living facilities, rehabilitation centers, and other healthcare facilities by city or zip code.
Investigate local school systems.
Investigate the local school systems in Delaware by using SchoolChoiceDE.org, which allows you to apply to any Delaware public traditional school district, charter school, or vocational-technical school, and provides a comprehensive list of participating schools and application deadlines. On this platform, you can also register your student in their school of residence and monitor the application status. For further information and to explore all available options, visit School Choice DE and take advantage of their comprehensive resources for an informed decision-making process.
Become acquainted with state laws.
When moving to Delaware, one of the immediate tasks is to update your driver's license within the first 60 days. It's also essential to register your vehicle, ensuring it meets the required insurance and inspection standards. Moreover, make sure to register to vote as part of settling into the community. Depending on your profession, obtaining appropriate professional licenses is crucial. Additionally, it's important to become familiar with local regulations on dog licensing, boat registration, and the area's emergency notification systems to fully comply with state laws.
Discover community events and activities.
Discover a wide range of community events and activities in Delaware, including festivals, markets, art exhibits, and holiday celebrations, that can help you integrate into the local community and find things to do in your new area. For more information on these events, visit the Eventbrite website, where you'll find a comprehensive list of happenings throughout the state. Embrace the opportunity to connect with locals and enjoy the vibrant culture that Delaware has to offer.