Booming Beach Towns in Southern Delaware Attract Retirees Seeking Low Taxes

A Bloomberg analysis shows that over 40,000 people have moved to Sussex County, Delaware, since 2020, attracted by low taxes and beachfront communities, pushing the county’s population up 17%—far outpacing national growth. The state’s residents aged 65 and older have risen 23%, the steepest increase among all states, driven by retirees relocating from places like New York and New Jersey. Buyers like Annette Babich find Delaware homes dramatically cheaper than in the Northeast, while property-tax savings can drop from about $18,000 annually to roughly $1,500.

However, the rapid growth strains roads to the shore and creates long waits for medical services, prompting leaders like Joe Pika to advocate for slower development. Local groups, including the Sussex Preservation Coalition, warn that unchecked expansion could erode the region’s “Lower, Slower Delaware” charm.