Single late 30's teacher help with location (Wilmington, Newark: rental, home)

[musicchick581]

Hi!
I'm a single female in my late 30's, never married with no kids. I'm moving from the "shore" area of Central Jersey to Delaware. I will be working in the Long Neck area as a teacher. I'm a photographer, classical musician, board game enthusiast, and an avid traveler so I am interested in an area that I would be able to entertain those hobbies as well. My rental budget before utilities and fees would be no more than $1300, but it's a flexible number (I'm aware the beach area is expensive as I grew up in and have lived in beach communities most of my life in NJ). I realized on a single salary in NJ, I would be unable to buy a home because of the taxes, so keeping that in mind, I would like to save as much as I can on rent (compared to central Jersey) while still finding a suitable living environment. I would consider eventually buying if I like the area, but it would be a few years until I had job security, unless I found a place I couldn't pass up! (I'm a sucker for a wrap around porch.)

Anyway, I am looking for an area with residents my age and things to do on the weekends; farmer's markets, areas to walk (I frequently walk the boardwalk here in NJ), parks, cultural events, great restaurants, etc. I realize most of this seems to be in the Newark/Wilmington area so I'm hoping there are other areas with this setting as well.

I have family in Kent County and anticipate driving at least an hour or two to reach a Trader Joes and Shop Rite, and I'm ok with driving for entertainment but would like a place with its own gems as well.
Any advice that comes from a place of helpfulness is much appreciated.
Thank you!

[Mimidae]

Rehoboth/Lewes/Milton area, or as near as you can get in your price range. (Caveat: I'm from northern DE but have spent a lot of time in Sussex). Otherwise, you're right, the towns of southern Delaware are not going to have what you're looking for. And there's not much in the way of cultural centers between there and Newark. Southern DE does have its own charms. If you like wildlife photography, that area is a birding mecca - people come from many states around for the birds. Lots of nature, lots of beauty.

I'm sure there's some kind of community orchestra down there. You could probably find your niche as a classical musician (I've seen weddings down there with terribly amateurish musicians playing the processional music, so I've always thought the market was ripe for some decent classical musicians, if you're looking to gig). The biggest/"most serious" community orchestra in Delaware is in Newark. There may be some in nearby Virginia / Maryland that I'm not aware of.

Good luck!

[DelawareLiz]

Hi! I work in Sussex County as a teacher too (part-time now). A couple of my teacher friends are involved with the Rehoboth Concert Band and they absolutely love it. I will post the link below.

I have lived here all my life and enjoy traveling as well--especially now that I'm an empty nester--as do many other locals. You will find many others (of all ages) who will discuss their adventures with you.

Plenty of great parks, farmer's markets, restaurants, and events in this area, and there's enough wildlife to fulfill any photographer's wishes. In fact, fall is probably the most enjoyable and eventful season. We are busy every single weekend from September into January with some event or race we're attending. Not sure if you are into running, but there is a supportive and just all around wonderful running community in the beach resort area.

Welcome--and best wishes at your new job. You will meet many supportive co-workers in your district who will make you feel at home.

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