Thinking about making a move? Delaware has plenty of reasons to land at the top of your list. Known for its small size and big perks, the First State offers no sales tax and some of the lowest property tax rates in the nation. Retirees also benefit from tax breaks on income.
The location is another win. You’re 30 minutes from the Philadelphia International Airport, with Amtrak running right through downtown Wilmington, our biggest city. The region is welcoming and affordable, where professionals, families, and entrepreneurs alike can enjoy a great mix of business and leisure.
Affordability & Everyday Living
The cost of living in the metro area is consistently lower than in other East Coast cities, while central and southern Delaware come in below the U.S. average. Household incomes are above the national average, and everyday expenses stay manageable, so your money stretches further here. With no sales tax, the price you see is the price you pay, from groceries and clothing to major purchases like cars.
Careers & Business Growth
Delaware may be small, but it plays a significant role in driving career growth and business development. We’re talking over a million companies incorporated here, including two-thirds of the Fortune 500. In Wilmington, financial services are a major driver, with leaders like JPMorgan Chase, Capital One, and WSFS Bank calling the city home. There are also nationally ranked hospitals, world-class universities, and a hub of manufacturing and logistics.
Of note is the area’s innovation culture, which ranks among the strongest in the country. Whether you’re looking to advance in finance, science, healthcare, or technology — or dreaming of launching your own venture — you’ll find a destination where careers grow and businesses thrive.
Family & Community Life
If you’re moving with family or simply looking for a new place to call home, Greater Wilmington offers the warmth of a close-knit community and a variety of neighborhoods, each with its own character. Trolley Square is known for its young, lively vibe and walkability, while Midtown Brandywine sits along the Brandywine River with green spaces like Brandywine Park and popular spots for a night out. The city covers just over 17 square miles, so you’re never far from parks, cultural attractions, or delicious restaurants.
Beyond the city, you’ll find even more variety throughout the county. Newark combines a lively college-town energy with walkable Main Street shops, cafes, and family-friendly restaurants, while Historic New Castle charms with cobblestone streets, colonial architecture, and waterfront green spaces. To the north, the Brandywine Valley offers rolling countryside, historic estates like Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library, Hagley Museum, and fine dining in scenic settings.
Plus, Delaware is known as one of the nation’s most dog-friendly states, where pets are welcome on brewery patios and in many downtown shops, and it ranks among the top biking destinations, making it easy to explore on two wheels or with four-legged company.
From relocating to choosing a neighborhood, Live Love Delaware has the details to help you picture your next chapter here. More information and resources can also be found below.
