Relocating from NYC to Middletown, DE (HOA, homes, neighborhood)

[mizvee2003]

My husband and I are both born and raised in NYC and plan to retire in 2022. We are starting our "Forever Home" search in DE this Spring to familiarize ourselves with the properties and neighborhood in Middletown.

I have been in contact with a salesperson at the "Ponds at Bayberry" (Builder, Blenheim Homes) a 55+ community in Middletown. The Villas start at $300K, HOA is $100, property tax is between $2,600 - $3,600 depending on the size of the home, which all sounds too good to be true to us, coming from New York where the cost of living is extemely high...
Is anyone familiar with the builder or the Ponds at Bayberry?

Any thoughts, feedback, suggestions or personal experience regarding relocating to Middletown would be greatly appreciated, specifically in the area of Middletown on Vivaldi Drive. How close is the supermarket, pharmacy, shopping, healthcare, hospital, beach, restaurants, etc. to the Ponds at Bayberry?

I have been reading some of the comments on here, and Middletown sounds like a good place to retire.

[homestead123]

You should really start taking weekend trips and explore the area.

[mizvee2003]

Originally Posted by homestead123

You should really start taking weekend trips and explore the area.

That is definitely our plan to take a few weekend trips down to get a real feel of the area.
Thanks for your feedback.

[Bellagio1]

We have been searching (scouring almost the entire state) for about 2 years now, and have finally decided Ponds at Bayberry. Checks so many boxes for us, and we like that is a little bit away from the main part of Middletown. coming from Long Island that is refreshing.

Can't wait.

[Seaponies]

You may want to take a look at the reviews for Blenheim on BBB. There are several on Bayberry.

[Bellagio1]

i did, thank you.
Every builder we have considered has BBB comments and complaints.
And we have looked at probably 10 at least.