Gas and Electric Rates (Wilmington, Dover: house, buying, schools)

[ekgee]

Hello everyone. This forum is so helpful. Thank you to everyone who reads and takes the time to comment.

I am thinking of relocating from PA to Middletown Delaware. There are a couple of nightmare stories about Gas and Electric rates. We will be moving to a 4000 sq ft home. Does anyone have a similar size home that can tell me what their average gas/electric bill is in the winter or summer. I would really appreciate any imput.

Also, if anyone is from Middletown that can give me any feedback on the area, I would appreciate it. My husband and I love PA. We live in such a convenient area, but we the taxes are really high and you just can't get much house for your money. I will miss my Target the most. I hear the closest Target is up on in Wilmington off of Concord PIke. Okay I'm rambling. Sorry. I'll look forward to any responses.

[SXMGirl]

Utilities have gone up about 62 percent. My home is about the size of yours. The highest bill this year was in January at $507. Since the increase, the average for me is about $350. That is without air conditioning. We stopped using the gas fireplace this year because of the high rates. We also moved from PA for a larger home and lower taxes. We did get both, but taxes are going up and utility rates are becoming higher. New Castle County property taxes are going up 17.5 percent. Still less than in PA where our home was much smaller.

If you will be in Middletown, the Target in Dover is much closer and with much less traffic.

[ekgee]

SXMGirl

So do you regret your move or do you still feel it was worth it? We really like PA. We currently live in Montgomery County, which has so much to offer families. We are hoping that we will like Middletown just as much. Also, was that 507 utility bill gas and electric combined?

Elisha

[SXMGirl]

Elisha,

I really do not regret moving to Delaware. We live a very good life here. However, I miss walking to the post office, WaWa, bakery, etc. The cost of living is still much lower than in PA, regardless of the high utilities. Both gas and electric are included in our Delmarva Power bill. Expect Delaware State taxes to be higher than in PA.

Schools are getting better in Delaware and more retailers are opening in the areas south of Wilmington. Middletown is prime for new stores opening up. Also, Middletown has a number of family activities such as parades and the Peach Festival. Where I live, we don't have those things.

I would advise you to get a good doctor. Delaware is not the healthiest state to live in. What development are you looking at?

[ekgee]

SXMGirl,

What do you mean Delaware is not the healthiest state to live in? What health hazards should I worry about.
We are looking at a development called Shannon Cove. It is off of Rt 13 near Boyds Corner.

[from PA]

Are you building or buying a resale? If you drive south on RT. 1, you might want to check out Magnolia. We moved here from Mont. Co. last year and are quite satisified.
This area is less congested, utilities are more reasonable, you have the tax benefits and homes are definitely more reasonable than up north.
We are located just south of Dover AFB.

[ekgee]

Husbands family is in Philly and I was lucky to get in below the canal.
We don't want to go much further south. Also, my husband will be commuting to Philly, at least in the beginning. Magnolia does sound nice though.

[from PA]

Yep. We are a stretch for commute to Philly. Guess I'll see ya when you come to Target then.
Where in Montgomery County are you?

[ekgee]

I live in Lansdale. We love it here. THere are so many great things to do for families, but you just don't get much house for your money here and the taxes are higher. We are debating our decision to move though. Part of me feels like maybe I should just take the smaller house to remain in the community that I love. Then again, maybe I'll grow to love Middletown.

[SXMGirl]

Elisha,

Since I moved to Delaware, I have developed several autoimmune diseases. One of them is found in people who are in nursing homes and over the age of 80. This might be a coincidence, but... Anyway, I have an infectious disease specialist who is very good. Just not what I expected when I moved.