Thinking of moving to Southwest DE? -- Don't! (Seaford, Laurel: house, neighborhoods)

[doctorjef]

I agree that western Sussex may have its day as the rest of the State becomes filled to capacity with development. My point also was that there wasn't necessarily nothing there to promote but that promotion and the development of resources for promotion to play off of go hand in hand.

I'm a little less convinced that western Sussex necessarily represents good accessibility to the DE coast and the Chesapeake coast of MD -- good proximity, yes; but people on this forum complain constantly about the traffic and the poor access between various points inland and the beach and shore areas. I tend to think that DE tax advantages and small town living would be more attractive features for development in western Sussex than anything else -- unless DE invests a helluva lot of money in infrastructure, particularly roadways. It's telling that when driving between Middletown and points in Maryland, the road on the DE side is a two lane highway that immediately becomes a nice four lane highway as soon as you cross over into MD. The back roads of DE may be scenic, but they are also often dangerous and they're inadequate both to present needs and the future development of the State.

Finally, I would hope that future development doesn't devour all the remaining agricultural land in Delaware.

[jtees4]

Don't disagree, but....you could be describing about 75% of America.

[jm02]

Originally Posted by doctorjef

I'm a little less convinced that western Sussex necessarily represents good accessibility to the DE coast and the Chesapeake coast of MD -- good proximity, yes; but people on this forum complain constantly about the traffic and the poor access between various points inland and the beach and shore areas. I tend to think that DE tax advantages and small town living would be more attractive features for development in western Sussex than anything else

It don't see the advantages as "either/or." The following quotes are lifted from promotions for two retirement communities in that area:

"Love the ocean? We thought you might, so we had one installed just 45 minutes down the road. Love low taxes? . . . " (Location | Heritage Shores - Providence of Brookfield Homes | 23 White Pelican Court, Bridgeville DE 19933).

"Located on a graceful curve of the Nanticoke River, Manor House is surrounded by rich farmland and framed by the Atlantic Ocean and the Chesapeake Bay. Here recreational opportunities are plentiful and rural traditions run deep . . . " (ACTS Retirement Community Locations - Manor House - Seaford).

From the perceptive of someone from northern DE, Western Sussex is not close to salt water. From the perspective of those coming over from DC and Baltimore, the area is much closer to these amenities since they can avoid the beltways and bridge back-ups which are the most stress-inducing parts of their journey (I know - I have made that trip many times). I do agree with you, however, that tax advantages and small town living are likely considered equally attractive reasons to re-locate.

[longnecker]

Originally Posted by doctorjef

Of course, if you're living in SW Sussex and working in Dover, that is a commute, even if perhaps a somewhat modest one.

RE: Talbot County -- one thing I like about it is that it's wonderfully historic and seems to emphasise that aspect.

Heading from Laurel to Dover you would really have to continually watch your speedometer. A lot of enforcement in the small towns on U.S. 13.

[rdlr]

Originally Posted by jm02

From the perspective of those coming over from DC and Baltimore, the area is much closer to these amenities since they can avoid the beltways and bridge back-ups which is the most stress-inducing part of their journey (I know - I have made that trip many times). I do agree with you, however, that tax advantages and small town living are likely considered equally attractive reasons to re-locate.

I guess it's all in the eyes of the beholder. We have good friends living in Heritage Shores, and they moved there from Annapolis, not for the golf, but for proximity to the Delaware beaches, Dover Downs, Harrington Casino, Dover eateries, the historic nature of Dover, and of course low taxes. They also love small towns, browsing consignment shops, and driving through rural areas. Sounds like southwestern Sussex is perfect for them! In fact, they seem to fit perfectly with the locals.

[doctorjef]

Originally Posted by rdlr

I guess it's all in the eyes of the beholder. We have good friends living in Heritage Shores, and they moved there from Annapolis, not for the golf, but for proximity to the Delaware beaches, Dover Downs, Harrington Casino, Dover eateries, the historic nature of Dover, and of course low taxes. They also love small towns, browsing consignment shops, and driving through rural areas. Sounds like southwestern Sussex is perfect for them! In fact, they seem to fit perfectly with the locals.

But surely their decision had to do primarily with some combination of tax burden, real estate costs, and beach proximity? After all, Annapolis has it all over Dover and most anywhere else in DE as far as having a beautiful, historic old town dating back to colonial times (a lot more colonial and early federal houses than any town in DE), more good places to eat than Dover, and a wonderful location on the Chesapeake and Severn River.

[retiree2011]

Originally Posted by longnecker

Heading from Laurel to Dover you would really have to continually watch your speedometer. A lot of enforcement in the small towns on U.S. 13.

I noticed that - never saw so many police cars as in Delaware. I live in a town about the size of Dover and rarely see a police car and New Haven, a much larger city, does not have so many out patrolling. I was very careful and watched those speed limit signs as the limit would suddenly drop to 25 or 30 mph. Saw a lot of other people being stopped by police.

[rdlr]

Originally Posted by doctorjef

But surely their decision had to do primarily with some combination of tax burden, real estate costs, and beach proximity? After all, Annapolis has it all over Dover and most anywhere else in DE as far as having a beautiful, historic old town dating back to colonial times (a lot more colonial and early federal houses than any town in DE), more good places to eat than Dover, and a wonderful location on the Chesapeake and Severn River.

Nonetheless, at least one particular senior couple, having raised their family in Annapolis, chose to leave there and prefer all of what I outlined. It seems there are many more, as Heritage Shores is selling well. Everyone has their personal opinion.

[brava4]

[quote=jm02;23629158]^^^ That's why I am I am not counting it out. The fact that it lost an employer of 4000 people(!) yet has still managed to grow, albeit slowly, says something. Cycles come and go. While it will never be what is once was, it might still become something no one could imagine today.


What are the photos of? It looks rather pleasant. Thanks for posting them!!

[longnecker]

[quote=brava4;23652569]

Originally Posted by jm02

^^^


What are the photos of? It looks rather pleasant. Thanks for posting them!!

There are some nice beautiful areas. Inner-city(?) Laurel and Seaford are rather poor areas whose housing and business areas are really run down. There is a lot of poverty.