Baby Boomers flock to Delaware for low taxes, sandy beaches

Key Points:

• Sussex County, Delaware, has seen a population increase of 17% since 2020, driven largely by retirees attracted to its low taxes, affordable living, and coastal lifestyle, with over 40,000 new residents moving in.
• The state's population of residents aged 65 and older has surged 23%, the highest growth rate in the U.S., as Baby Boomers increasingly choose Delaware over traditional retirement destinations like Florida.
• Rising housing costs and taxes in Florida and other states are pushing retirees to Delaware, where property taxes are significantly lower and there is no sales tax, making it an appealing alternative.
• The influx of retirees has led to challenges such as increased traffic, limited healthcare availability, and concerns about rising living costs potentially displacing local workers like teachers and healthcare professionals.
• Development is expanding inland to accommodate new residents, raising fears among locals that rapid growth could undermine Delaware’s small-town charm and unique coastal culture.