Retire Here: Discover the Coastal Charm of Sussex County, Delaware

Special thanks to our Member, Barbara, who provided the information for this article. She and her husband retired to this area on the Delaware coast and wanted others to know about it.

July 10, 2025 — When most people dream about retirement, their minds wander to the sunny shores of Florida, the desert warmth of Arizona, or the breezy charm of the Carolinas. But there’s a hidden gem nestled along the Mid-Atlantic coast that’s quietly attracting a growing number of retirees.

Welcome to Sussex County, Delaware—a place where serene beaches, friendly neighbors, and incredibly low property taxes make it one of the smartest (and most delightful) places to retire on the East Coast. Barbara and her husband are very happy here.

The Property Tax Secret No One Talks About

Let’s face it—retirement isn’t just about sunshine and golf carts. It’s also about making your money stretch. That’s where Sussex County shines.

Barbara and her husband know this firsthand. After leaving their home in Albany, New York they built a larger, more modern home in Sussex County. The surprise? Their property taxes dropped to just $2,022 a year from over $10,000 in Albany!

Delaware boasts some of the lowest property taxes in the country, and Sussex County is especially wallet-friendly. Most homeowners pay between $1,000 and $2,000 annually, even for properties close to the ocean.

The icing on the cake? Sussex County’s large retirement population means fewer school-aged children, which keeps school taxes low and property assessments stable—especially compared to more family-oriented counties like New Castle or Kent.

A Coastal Lifestyle Without the Crowds

Imagine living just a few miles from the Atlantic Ocean, where the pace of life slows down and the scenery does the talking. From the charming boardwalk at Rehoboth Beach to the quaint streets of Lewes and the family-friendly vibe of Bethany Beach, Sussex County offers all the beauty of the coast—without the chaos.

Barbara and her husband found their slice of paradise in Harbeson, just 8 miles from the shore, in a vibrant 55+ community called Walden. With amenities like a clubhouse, multiple pools, and regular social events, it’s easy to stay active and connected. Burton Pond in Harbeson, owned by the Walden HOA but not open to the public, is perfect for kayaking or fishing—as well as peaceful walking trails, wildlife preserves, and beautiful state parks. And thanks to Delaware’s relatively mild winters, you can enjoy the outdoors almost year-round.

Nearby Millsboro is an historic and affordable town about 30 minutes from the beach which offers shopping and medical resources.

The Walden Vibe: A Community That Feels Like Home

With about 750 residents, Walden is a friendly, tight-knit community designed with retirees in mind. The neighborhood features both single-family homes and villas (townhomes). There are a few dozen children in the mix, but it maintains a peaceful, adult-focused atmosphere.

But peaceful doesn’t mean boring.

People who bought in Walden are mostly 55 and up, and it is an HOA community but not a AA community. There is a social committee that plans events at the clubhouse and pool so they have enjoyed meeting many people. Barbara’s husband joined the Golf group which he enjoys. There are many groups organized by residents to socialize like the Wine Group, various Card Groups, Craft Group, Walking group, Pool Exercise group and more. Walden has the clubhouse, big pool, multi use courts, fitness center inside the clubhouse, tot lot, walking trails. The Walden Villas ,across the street from the SF Homes area, have a smaller pool. Burton Pond, owned by the Walden HOA, can be used only by Walden Residents.

Monthly HOA fees are a reasonable $125, which covers clubhouse access, pool maintenance, and community events. Homeowners take care of their own lawns, but that also means freedom to personalize your garden—or not! They have not had any problems with the HOA rules. People respect their neighbors and we have a conscientious, elected board to settle any problems. 

As Barbara puts it, “It’s the perfect balance of privacy and connection.”

On the Downside

Harbeson is a huge town spread over many miles so it is not walkable like many villages (but great for bike riding). Walden is on the eastern border almost in Lewes. During the summer season, Coastal Highway is loaded with traffic so they avoid that as much as possible.

What to Know Before You Move

Like any location, Sussex County isn’t without its drawbacks. One concern Barbara has is access to healthcare. As the population grows—especially with more retirees moving in—it can be challenging to secure appointments or primary care providers. Lower insurance reimbursements compared to neighboring states have discouraged some medical professionals from setting up shop in Delaware.

Another growing concern? Overdevelopment. As Sussex County gains popularity, more housing developments are popping up, which can mean more traffic and strain on local infrastructure. While this growth brings new amenities, it also raises questions about sustainability and the pace of change.

So, Is Sussex County Right for You?

If your dream retirement includes:

• Coastal living without the Florida humidity or price tag
• Exceptionally low property taxes
• A welcoming, active community of like-minded retirees
• Access to nature and recreational activities
• A slower, more relaxed pace of life

…then Sussex County, Delaware deserves a spot at the top of your list.

Of course, it’s wise to research healthcare options and consider the area’s ongoing growth. But for many retirees—like Barbara and her husband—the benefits far outweigh the trade-offs.

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Thank you Barbara for sharing! It is wonderful to hear what it is like to retire in a place from someone’s actual experience.

Comments? f you have comments about retiring in Delaware, please share them in the Comments section below.