What to know as new resident in Delaware: No state sales tax. Beaches popular in summer. Diverse cuisine options available. Varied climate; mild winters. Historical landmarks abound. Thriving arts scene. Numerous outdoor activities. Cost of living varies. Proximity to major cities. Reputable schools and universities.
No state sales tax.
Delaware has no statewide or local sales tax, meaning consumers pay only the listed shelf or menu price without any additional taxes. This absence of sales tax simplifies compliance and administrative tasks for businesses and provides financial savings for residents and visitors. For further information, the Delaware Sales Tax Guide offers detailed insights into this unique tax situation.
Beaches popular in summer.
Delaware's popular summer beaches include Rehoboth Beach, known for its mile-long boardwalk and family-friendly activities; Bethany Beach, with its old-fashioned boardwalk and relaxed atmosphere; Dewey Beach, famous for its lively social scene and water sports; and Cape Henlopen State Park, offering nature, adventure, and scenic views. Other notable beaches include Lewes Beach, Fenwick Island State Park, and Delaware Seashore State Park, each providing unique experiences ranging from gentle surf to diverse wildlife and outdoor activities.
Diverse cuisine options available.
Delaware offers a diverse range of cuisine options, including elevated ethnic cuisine at restaurants like Aroma Mediterranean Cuisine, Bardea Food & Drink, and Capers & Lemons. Additionally, there are other international cuisines such as Mexican at Papa Grande's and Italian at Lupo Italian Kitchen, as well as various Asian and Latin American options across the state. For more information on these culinary experiences, you can visit Delaware Today.
Varied climate; mild winters.
Delaware offers a varied climate with distinct seasons, featuring mild winters with temperatures averaging in the 30s to 40s Fahrenheit, warm summers with temperatures in the 70s to 80s Fahrenheit, and moderate rainfall throughout the year. The state's coastal location moderates extreme temperatures, making it ideal for outdoor activities year-round. For more detailed insights, consider visiting the Loft Team Blog which provides comprehensive information on climate and weather considerations for those moving to Delaware.
Historical landmarks abound.
As a new resident in Delaware, you should know that the state is home to 14 National Historic Landmarks, including the New Castle Historic District, Fort Christina, and the John Dickinson House, among others, which are distributed across the three counties and highlight the state's rich historical significance. For those interested in exploring more about these historical sites, the List of National Historic Landmarks in Delaware provides comprehensive information and a deeper understanding of each site's importance.
Thriving arts scene.
As a new resident in Delaware, you can engage with the thriving arts scene through the Delaware Artist Roster on DelawareScene.com, which showcases a diverse selection of local artists available for hire, and explore various cultural and artistic events, venues, and initiatives that enrich the state's cultural landscape.
Numerous outdoor activities.
As a new resident in Delaware, you can enjoy a wide range of outdoor activities, including hiking through wooded trails, kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding in various waterways, biking through scenic coastal views, and exploring the state's 18 state parks, 8 beaches, and numerous campsites and trails. For more detailed information on these exciting opportunities, you can visit the Visit Delaware website and discover the abundance of nature-based experiences available to both residents and visitors in the state.
Cost of living varies.
The cost of living in Delaware surpasses the national average by 1%, influenced by various factors such as housing, utilities, and essential services. Notably, housing costs are 2% lower, while utilities are slightly more economical at 3% below the national benchmark. However, residents face elevated expenses in categories including food, healthcare, transportation, and goods & services. Interestingly, costs fluctuate significantly between cities; for instance, Wilmington exhibits living expenses that are 4% above the national average. Conversely, Dover offers more affordability with rates 2% lower than the national standard. Discover more detailed insights by visiting the RentCafe Cost of Living Calculator for Delaware.
Proximity to major cities.
As a new resident in Delaware, you are strategically located near major cities, including Philadelphia (34 miles), Baltimore (58 miles), Washington, D.C. (90 miles), and Newark, NJ (110 miles), making it convenient for travel and access to various amenities and opportunities. For more details on the cities nearby, visit the Travelmath website to explore distances and travel times with ease.
Reputable schools and universities.
Delaware is home to several reputable schools and universities, including the University of Delaware, Delaware State University, and Wilmington University, each offering a range of academic programs, varying student-to-faculty ratios, and different enrollment sizes, ensuring there are options to meet various educational needs. For more information on these institutions, you can visit the website for Delaware Colleges to explore the diverse opportunities available within the state’s educational landscape.