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We are seriously considering Wilmington. Some people we knew were shocked to hear that. So what we did is go visit it to see what it was like. While there, we talked to locals from many walks of life---even got to talk to a police captain. What we found is that residents encouraged us to consider living here. It does have some crappy areas (like all cities do) and we will avoid these places. It also has areas with expensive housing.
Wilmington offers some nice options. The city itself covers only 17 square miles, with about six of those being water. But about a third of unincorporated New Castle County carries Wilmington zip codes, however, making it confusing to those unfamiliar with the area. And the city itself has some nice walkable areas, isolated from the more dangerous neighborhoods. Nevertheless, east Wilmington is one of the worst areas for crime on the east coast, without prospects for improving anytime soon.
One Wilmington suburb the OP might consider is Arden. It attracts a crunchy crowd, but I'll just throw it out there: Village of Arden, Delaware. One advantage is that it is north of Wilmington and therefore closer to Philly, should urban access be important.
Also, since the OP seemed to be a bit intrigued by Doyleston, there are many charming and leafy Philly suburbs that might be worth considering. Media, West Chester and Collingswood can go toe-to-toe with Doylestown, but they are far from alone: Classic Towns of Greater Philadelphia
Wilmington offers some nice options. The city itself covers only 17 square miles, with about six of those being water. But about a third of unincorporated New Castle County carries Wilmington zip codes, however, making it confusing to those unfamiliar with the area. And the city itself has some nice walkable areas, isolated from the more dangerous neighborhoods. Nevertheless, east Wilmington is one of the worst areas for crime on the east coast, without prospects for improving anytime soon.
One Wilmington suburb the OP might consider is Arden. It attracts a crunchy crowd, but I'll just throw it out there: Village of Arden, Delaware. One advantage is that it is north of Wilmington and therefore closer to Philly, should urban access be important.
Also, since the OP seemed to be a bit intrigued by Doyleston, there are many charming and leafy Philly suburbs that might be worth considering. Media, West Chester and Collingswood can go toe-to-toe with Doylestown, but they are far from alone: Classic Towns of Greater Philadelphia
Thank you very much for your very informative reply. I will be researching your suggestions. Thanks again.
During your trip to the Philly area you may want to consider West Chester Borough. We retired 2 years ago from rural NJ and love it. It is a university town with about 20K students also the county seat. It has a vibrant downtown with over 50 restaurants, shops and a community theatre. When the university is in full swing they have many free concerts as the university has a large music school, most are free, it is not unusual for us to go to 3-5 concerts during the week and weekends. Philadelphia is accessible via a 40 min train ride from a station 15 min from WC. If you are 65 it is free with a pass. As others have said PA is friendly to retirement folks with no tax on income. The added benefit is you have DE 20 mins away, the land of no sales tax. If you love gardens Longwood Gardens is 20mins from WC. Added benefit is you can be in the country in 10 mins from WC. Folks are very friendly and welcoming. You are within 2 hours to NYC, Baltimore and Washington DC.
During your trip to the Philly area you may want to consider West Chester Borough. We retired 2 years ago from rural NJ and love it. It is a university town with about 20K students also the county seat. It has a vibrant downtown with over 50 restaurants, shops and a community theatre. When the university is in full swing they have many free concerts as the university has a large music school, most are free, it is not unusual for us to go to 3-5 concerts during the week and weekends. Philadelphia is accessible via a 40 min train ride from a station 15 min from WC. If you are 65 it is free with a pass. As others have said PA is friendly to retirement folks with no tax on income. The added benefit is you have DE 20 mins away, the land of no sales tax. If you love gardens Longwood Gardens is 20mins from WC. Added benefit is you can be in the country in 10 mins from WC. Folks are very friendly and welcoming. You are within 2 hours to NYC, Baltimore and Washington DC.
Sorry for my tardy reply. Thank you for taking the time to recommend West Chester as a possibility. I'll be investigating it further. Thanks again.
During your trip to the Philly area you may want to consider West Chester Borough. We retired 2 years ago from rural NJ and love it. It is a university town with about 20K students also the county seat. It has a vibrant downtown with over 50 restaurants, shops and a community theatre. When the university is in full swing they have many free concerts as the university has a large music school, most are free, it is not unusual for us to go to 3-5 concerts during the week and weekends. Philadelphia is accessible via a 40 min train ride from a station 15 min from WC. If you are 65 it is free with a pass. As others have said PA is friendly to retirement folks with no tax on income. The added benefit is you have DE 20 mins away, the land of no sales tax. If you love gardens Longwood Gardens is 20mins from WC. Added benefit is you can be in the country in 10 mins from WC. Folks are very friendly and welcoming. You are within 2 hours to NYC, Baltimore and Washington DC.
TLC, I lived in Morris County NJ in the early 1990s, and visited Philly area many times on weekends. Your comment about Longwood Gardens brings back memories. The topiary displays there are incredible and the seasonal changes make it a good place to visit several times a year. I've also been to your town and agree it is a very good location in the NE Corridor.
Most of these areas have bad and very nice areas often with buffers in between. Wilmington is a perfect example and popular with affluent retirees. Look for example at areas in proximity to the coast etc. A good buyers agent is your best bet. There is Raleigh which is great and a regular too 25 destination location. Has a North
East feel with many transplants.
Most of these areas have bad and very nice areas often with buffers in between. Wilmington is a perfect example and popular with affluent retirees. Look for example at areas in proximity to the coast etc. A good buyers agent is your best bet. There is Raleigh which is great and a regular too 25 destination location. Has a North
East feel with many transplants.
Thank you. Yes, we are investigating Wilmington. Thanks for the other recommendations.
TLC, I lived in Morris County NJ in the early 1990s, and visited Philly area many times on weekends. Your comment about Longwood Gardens brings back memories. The topiary displays there are incredible and the seasonal changes make it a good place to visit several times a year. I've also been to your town and agree it is a very good location in the NE Corridor.
If your travels ever takes you back to Pa you need to revisit Longwood Gardens. They just completed a $45M, 2 year project to totally rebuild the fountains they are AMAZING!!!! They restored the gardens, fountains, and the light show, over the top, bringing it back to the way it was 100 years ago.
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