Need to find work in Delaware (Dover, Milford: real estate, vacation, job)

[anniebleu]

Chris, I'm sorry not to have gotten back to you regarding the B&B I mentioned as having, at least at one time, existed on Governors Ave. in Dover. I haven't been in the vicinity, though that might still happen this weekend.

From PA mentioned a State St. B&B, and checking online, I've seen the State Street Inn, which looks very nice. Just type in the name, and their site and info will appear.

[anniebleu]

Updating my own post from this morning!

I drove past where the B&B used to be on Governor's, across from a church which is now part of "Museum Square," and it's no longer there. It could have disappeared anytime within the past 5 or so years without me noticing, I'm afraid.

Do any other long time Dover residents remember? I think there was a florist--"Roots n' Branches?" (?) near it.

Moderator cut: edit

[ChrisAnn]

Anniebleu:

Thanks for checking and for the info about the B & B. I will check it out. Is the area safe to stay in at night? Would we be better with a hotel on the highway?

Hope people are as helpful to you if you do leave the area.

Chrisann

[anniebleu]

In order to answer your question about safety, I had to check the location of the State Street b&b. It was easy for me to do that today. It's a neat but otherwise fairly ordinary house north of Wesley College. I'd thought it might be one of State Street's large Victorian's, but these days most of those seem to be divided into apartments, owned by lawyers, or associated with the college.

In general, we don't walk anywhere near downtown Dover after dark, but this place is going in the "right" direction, that is away from town, so I'd say the immediate vicinity would be all right in the early evening.

As we don't stay in Dover motels/hotels, I'm afraid I can't help you there, but, of course, out on the highway you deal with traffic--so one thing or another.

Thanks for your hope that people help us out, if we get around to moving. We have been researching and asking questions, and I'm astounded that a several of our possibile destinations seem to be popular. Two are in northern New England, and I thought people of our (not advanced but advancing) age usually moved south. Yet I've found, right here in Dover, several people interested in moving to New England, as well as to Madison, Wisconsin which really surprises me! Turns out, several publications have put Madison and its suburbs at the top of their lists. And as to getting help, we've already had some contributions: someone who works in a local drugstore gave me names of her relatives in Madison!

[Charley]

Originally Posted by ChrisAnn

Anniebleu:

Thanks for checking and for the info about the B & B. I will check it out. Is the area safe to stay in at night? Would we be better with a hotel on the highway?

Hope people are as helpful to you if you do leave the area.

Chrisann

I stay at the Dover Fairfield (Marriott) on Route 13 regularly and can easily recommend it as a good place to stay.

Charley

[ChrisAnn]

Thanks Charley. We've stayed in other Marriotts & Fairfield inn & liked them so I think we will probably stay there rather than the B & B. We stayed in Rehoboth & Lewes the last couple times we went to De and loved both towns but might want to be closer to check Dover/Milford area.
Annie, its funny because we love New England & checked out Maine awhile back & alsothought of Wisconsin since my husband is ahuge Green Bay Packer fan.I sent for info on Door County which is supposed to be lovely. Taxes & closeness to family is why we are leaning towards Delaware. We also like the colder weather.

ChrisAnn

[anniebleu]

ChrisAnn, Charley's recommendation sounds right. I didn't even know Dover had a Fairfield (Marriott), but then I don't have any reason to keep track of the hotels here. When we have visitors, they stay with us.

Vermont and New Hampshire interested us because of past travels--such beautiful country--and some family ties, but we've never even visited Madison, though we have relatives in Wisconsin. Certainly, when it comes to taxes, Delaware has them all beat, except perhaps New Hampshire, but we've put in 30 years here and we have no family in Delaware.
So time for a change.

Annie

[maryCh]

Its interesting where this thread has wound, as we too considered VT and NH prior to our move here to DE. Oddly, I read up on Wisconsin, given the positive things I hear about education in that state (as relating to our son with autism).

Given that the kids and I have been in NC so long, I voted against going any further north for now. It has been tough enough developing a thick skin against the chill here, so I am sure we did the right thing not going any more north.

Annie, I hope you and hubby do well, where ever you choose to land. I hear Madison WI is nice, although I've never been there. Please do stay in touch through City-Data, as I for one enjoy "speaking" to folks from all over.

Mary

[anniebleu]

Mary,

I can't predict how often I'll post, but I think we'll probably be in Delaware for another year or two. I'm surprised that there aren't more long time Delawareans posting here. When I read other forums, even correcting for population differences, there seem to be many more locals.

Back to moving: I think we're going to have to wait for the housing market to improve, though it can be argued that we may get less for our house at this time, but pay less for the new house.

Vermont and New Hampshire are heart-stirringly beautiful and I spent a lot of time in both states as a child, but we're wondering how we'd deal with winters as older adults. Same with Wisconsin. I gather Madison, which usually has considerably less snowfall than Burlington VT, is breaking a record for snow this year! Yes, I've been researching Madison too, and it does get high marks for education, and more specifically for children with special needs, as well as excellent ratings for doctors and hospitals, and for a generally interesting community. It's quite large though, and I think we'd likely be seeking something in a nearby town.

We think this winter is really mild here in Dover so far, and that seems to have been the trend for quite a few winters in (trying to remember) about the past ten years here. When the children were young, we had lots of snow days with schools closed, and much more accumulation. Global warming?

I'm afraid it hasn't been warm enough to keep our oil bill low though, even though we keep the thermostat set low!

And winding back to the recent topic, late last evening, I was surprised to find myself recommending that Fairfield (Marriott) to a friend who was seeking a place for her relative to stay! A couple days prior, I wouldn't have known about it.

Annie

[14inDE]

Hi Chris Ann,

My husband and I are originally from PA but have been De residents for over 14 years. We have lived all over New Castle County and are just now considering moving down state. The prospects look very exciting for us.

I decided to log on and possibly share some of our thoughts on the First State as there do not appear to be many "BNR'S( Born and raised) Delawarians. Although I'm a PA girl in heart- De has been our home most of my adult life.

I would expect you to find fine jobs in the Southern part. New Castle county has been overcrowded for years. I would not recommend it when looking forward to retirement years at all. And I would caution you not to move to Bear. Very hit or miss area with tons of traffic lights, crime, and poor layout.

Because of large employers like Dupont, Gore, and major Banks...New Castle county holds a huge population. The traffic is crazy and the solution often times is to just widen roads. We had a huge boom in population 10 years ago and it feels like most Government agencies do not plan together and work independently.

The Nassau Grove area previously mentioned has some of the prettiest homes I have ever seen. Right off Lewes downtown. There prices have gone up but certainly in price range with basements and very roomy one floor living. We almost bought there but with two young children need more yard. Highly recommend taking a visit. The models are gorgeous!

As for us- we are considering Dover, Milton and Lewes( if we can find something there). Looking to get away from New Castle and a slightly slower pace. Love the new shops in Dover. Target, etc. New Castle county literally has only 1 Target...all the way in Wilmington.

Well best wishes with your job search and new home.