Tag: Live

Beneficial Delaware Tax Policies for it’s Citizens

Delaware’s approach to taxation has long defined its reputation as a business-friendly state. By eliminating certain taxes and offering favorable rates on others, Delaware’s Tax Policies foster an environment conducive to both business growth and individual prosperity. In fact, WalletHub ranked Delaware as having one of the lowest personal tax burdens in the country, placing the state 6th best in 2024. Families and individuals alike benefit from these strategic tax advantages, making Delaware an attractive place to live, work, and play.

No Sales Tax

One of Delaware’s most attractive features is its absence of a state or local sales tax. Unlike many other states that may impose a six to ten percent sales tax, Delaware ensures that consumers pay only the shelf price for goods and services, without additional tax burdens. The lack of a sales tax also makes Delaware a shopping destination, drawing visitors from surrounding states who want to take advantage of tax-free purchases. Companies that operate in retail, hospitality, and consumer goods benefit significantly, as Delaware’s policy makes it easier to offer competitive pricing and streamlined financial management. This in turn translates into simplified pricing and cost reductions. rth individuals or families, and retirees who want to preserve wealth without additional state-imposed bur

No Estate and Inheritance Tax

Delaware is one of the few states that has eliminated its estate and inheritance taxes, making it an attractive location for entrepreneurs, high-net-worth individuals or families, and retirees who want to preserve wealth without additional state-imposed burdens. For those seeking financial security and smart wealth management, Delaware provides an appealing environment to safeguard and grow assets for future generations. This policy, combined with the state’s low property taxes and lack of sales tax, creates a comprehensive tax-friendly landscape that allows residents to retain more of their wealth while enjoying a high quality of life.

Low Property Tax

Delaware offers a welcoming environment for those looking to put down roots in a state with significant cost-of-living advantages. A 2025 study by the Tax Foundation ranked Delaware as having the 7th lowest effective property tax rates in the nation, not to mention the lowest in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions. This makes homeownership more affordable, allowing residents to retain more of their earnings and invest in their communities. For retirees and professionals relocating to Delaware, this policy translates into long-term financial savings, particularly when combined with the state’s lack of a sales tax and no state-level estate tax. Whether purchasing a first home or planning for retirement, Delaware’s tax-friendly approach enhances its appeal as a place to live, work, and build wealth over time.

Delaware’s Tax Policies Working for it’s Citizens

Delaware offers a welcoming environment for those looking to put down roots in a state with significant cost-of-living advantages. A 2025 study by the Tax Foundation ranked Delaware as having the 7th lowest effective property tax rates in the nation, not to mention the lowest in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions. This makes homeownership more affordable, allowing residents to retain more of their earnings and invest in their communities. For retirees and professionals relocating to Delaware, this policy translates into long-term financial savings, particularly when combined with the state’s lack of a sales tax and no state-level estate tax. Whether purchasing a first home or planning for retirement, Delaware’s tax-friendly approach enhances its appeal as a place to live, work, and build wealth over time.

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Chemours Community STEM Hub Now Open At EastSide Charter School

New Chemours Community Hub Provides Premier Access Point for STEM Studies at EastSide Charter

Facility offers state-of-the-art science, technology, engineering and math education in Wilmington

North Wilmington, Delaware, now has a new resource for the community as the Chemours Community STEM Hub at EastSide Charter School officially opened its doors. The Chemours Community STEM Hub is a state-of-the-art, premier access point for science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education. The new building houses EastSide Charter School’s APEX (Middle School Honors) and STEM programs and includes a maker’s space, 3D printing, engineering and other STEM-related activities.

In addition to serving the students of EastSide, the Hub also doubles as a community center after school, on weekends and in the summer with out-of-school programming spanning mentoring, robotics, coding, chemistry, biology, renewable energy, and Science Olympiad competitions.

Part of Chemours’ ChemFEST school partnership program launched in 2021, focused on championing change toward a more diverse STEM workforce, EastSide Charter School was among the first school partners, receiving a $4 million dollar donation which spurred the creation of the new Hub. Investing in under-resourced middle schools in its footprint communities, Chemours works to ensure that younger students are exposed to STEM education early on, which research has shown is critical and most influential when started before students reach high school and begin choosing their courses.

Chemours President and CEO Denise Dignam shared, “Through my own journey to becoming a chemical engineer, I understand that giving students access to STEM resources can help inspire and allow them to see themselves in a STEM career. That’s important because these students will be a part of our next generation of innovators and problem solvers–our future STEM workforce.”

The new Hub supports workforce development, offers health services, and enhances STEM education opportunities for local students, helping to meet the critical need for current and future scientists, engineers, technologists and more.

About The Chemours Company

The Chemours Company (NYSE: CC) is a global leader in providing industrial and specialty chemicals products for markets, including coatings, plastics, refrigeration and air conditioning, transportation, semiconductor and advanced electronics, general industrial, and oil and gas. Through our three businesses – Thermal & Specialized Solutions, Titanium Technologies, and Advanced Performance Materials – we deliver application expertise and chemistry-based innovations that solve customers’ biggest challenges. Our flagship products are sold under prominent brands such as Opteon™, Freon™, Ti-Pure™, Nafion™, Teflon™, Viton™, and Krytox™. Headquartered in Wilmington, Delaware and listed on the NYSE under the symbol CC, Chemours has approximately 6,000 employees and 28 manufacturing sites and serves approximately 2,500 customers in approximately 110 countries. For more information, visit chemours.com or follow on LinkedIn.

This article was originally posted at https://www.csrwire.com/press_releases/816876-chemours-community-stem-hub-opens-eastside-charter-schoolby from a submission by The Chemours Company.

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Bridging Education and Careers in Delaware

Over the last decade, Delaware has been transforming its educational system to focus on creating strong educational-to-career pipelines, ensuring that students have multiple pathways to success after high school. Through initiatives like Delaware Pathways, the vocational technical schools, and the Student Excellence Equals Degree (SEED) Scholarship, students and adult learners alike have access to quality education and career training programs that align with the needs of the workforce.

A Model for Careers in Delaware

The Delaware Pathways initiative is a collaborative effort connecting education, business, and community leaders to provide students with real-world skills and career exposure. With over 30,000 students enrolled across 89 middle and high schools as of January 2025, Pathways programs span industries such as manufacturing, agriscience, healthcare, STEM, and information technology. These structured career tracks allow students to explore their interests while developing both technical and soft skills, offering them a glimpse into multiple post-secondary opportunities.

A standout feature of Delaware Pathways is its work-based learning component. While requirements vary by school district, students gain hands-on experience through internships, job shadowing, and apprenticeships with local employers. This integration between education and employment not only benefits students but also ensures that Delaware’s industries have access to a skilled workforce, solidifying talent pipelines.

Vocational-Technical Schools: Preparing Students for Careers in Delaware and Beyond

Delaware’s four vocational technical (vo-tech) high schools take career readiness to the next level by offering full-day programs that blend academic coursework with hands-on career training. Unlike some states where vocational training is an alternative track, Delaware’s vo-tech schools offer students traditional high school experience, including sports, extracurricular activities, and prom, while also preparing students for specific trades and professions.

Like Pathways, although often more specialized, each of Delaware’s three vo-tech school districts (one per county) provides students with access to desirable fields to begin their careers in Delaware; such as automotive technology, construction, culinary arts, and health sciences. These programs emphasize industry certifications, co-op experiences, and direct job placements, allowing graduates to enter the workforce immediately or continue their education through dual enrollment programs.

Notably, Delaware’s vo-tech system also extends beyond high school. Adult and continuing education programs provide opportunities for career changers, job seekers, and incumbent workers to upskill and earn new certifications in high-demand fields.

The SEED Scholarship: Making College Affordable

One of Delaware’s most transformative education policies is the Student Excellence Equals Degree (SEED) scholarship, which offers free tuition for Delaware high school graduates at Delaware Technical Community College (DelTech), University of Delaware, Delaware State University, and Goldey-Beacom College (qualifications and restrictions vary by college and university). Originally designed for recent high school graduates, SEED was expanded in 2021 to include Delaware residents of all ages, making higher education more accessible than ever.

Additionally, with over 200 transfer agreements between DelTech and four-year universities, students can complete an associate degree at no cost before completing a bachelor’s degree. This approach reduces student loan debt and increases college completion rates, ensuring that Delaware remains competitive in upskilling and connecting its workforce to educational opportunities.

Beyond High School: Workforce Development and Lifelong Learning

Delaware’s commitment to workforce development and lifelong learning has been further strengthened by Governor Matt Meyer’s recent Executive Order #1, signed on January 21, 2025. This order establishes a statewide working group led by the Delaware Department of Education, comprising members from labor, educational, and non-governmental sectors. The group’s mission is to develop processes and policies aimed at expanding youth apprenticeships and workforce development programs across the state.

Governor Meyer emphasized the importance of these initiatives, stating, “Workforce development programs for youth are integral to growing Delaware’s economy in a way that all families can prosper.” By fostering collaboration among various stakeholders, Delaware aims to create a more efficient and sustainable 21st-century economy, ensuring that both students and adult learners are well-prepared for the evolving job market.

Delaware’s approach to education and workforce development reflects a commitment to providing students and adult learners with the resources they need to succeed in an evolving economy. By integrating career exploration, technical education, and affordable higher education through initiatives like Delaware Pathways, vocational-technical schools, and the SEED Scholarship, the state is creating multiple entry points into rewarding careers. Further, with policies like Governor Matt Meyer’s Executive Order #1, Delaware is doubling down on youth apprenticeships and workforce development, ensuring that its talent pipeline remains strong and aligned with industry needs.

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Delaware’s Strategies for Sustainable Infrastructure

The growing risk of rising sea levels and more unpredictable weather underscore the critical need for sustainable multi-modal transportation and resilient infrastructure in coastal communities across the United States. Leveraging over $1 billion in federal funds accompanied by state legislation, Delaware is making significant advancements in fostering innovative initiatives to reduce emissions and promote environmentally-friendly infrastructure solutions.

The 2023 Climate Action Implementation Report

As directed by the Delaware Climate Change Solutions Act of 2023, the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) assembled the first Climate Action Plan Implementation Report in 2023. This report details a commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and maximizing resilience to the impacts of climate change. Significant programs include $44 million dedicated to new bike and pedestrian infrastructure to encourage green transportation and $27 million towards reducing on-road transportation emissions. These investments showcase Delaware’s proactive approach to supporting sustainable transportation infrastructure and will help the state reach its goal of reducing net greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by 2030.

Electric Vehicles and Alternative Energy

Delaware is also taking strides to encourage green transportation options. The Clean Transportation Incentive Program, complemented by federal tax incentives, offers a cash rebate to Delaware families for the purchase or lease of new electric vehicles (EVs) and for the installation of Level 2 EV charging stations. With 8,000 EVs registered and 281 public charging ports as of October 2023, EV adoption in Delaware continues to grow. Additionally, the Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT) has plans to further this progress with an almost $18 million investment in a network of fast charging stations along major highways like I-95 and Route 1. The state is also on track to convert 20% of its vehicle fleet to electric by 2025, setting a positive example for residents to follow.

Additionally, though still in the preliminary stage, the federally-recognized Mid-Atlantic Hydrogen Hub (MACH2) partnership between Delaware, southeastern Pennsylvania, and southern New Jersey aims to generate clean hydrogen to supply various industries. A key transportation-related component of the proposal is the use of hydrogen-powered vehicles by DART, Delaware’s multi-modal transit system, as well as potential hydrogen refueling stations for long-haul trucks that operate on the Delmarva Peninsula.

Another key alternative energy proposal is a biogas project spearheaded by Bioenergy Devco in Sussex County which received necessary land permits in late 2023 to transform organic waste from the poultry industry into renewable natural gas, or biogas. This biogas will supply Sussex County customers through local utility provider Chesapeake Utilities, supporting the reuse of materials previously discarded.

Resilient Infrastructure

To prepare for the impacts of climate change and invest in resilient infrastructure, DelDOT developed a Resilience Improvement Plan that focuses on segments of the transportation network most susceptible to flooding. This plan provides a roadmap for thoughtful investment in an equitable transportation system, considering both the design and maintenance of roadways to mitigate the impact of adverse climate events as well as evaluating the impact of sea level rise and natural hazards. DelDOT is currently completing an improvement plan along State Route 1 south of Dewey Beach to the Maryland border and will develop a similar roadmap on State Route 9 between New Castle and Kent County.

Delaware is also making critical investments in electric infrastructure. The Grid Resiliency Grants program allocates funding to utility companies for improvements to the electric grid as the transition to electric home heating and EVs increases the strain on the current network. This strategic investment provides $3 million to ensure grid stability and reduce the likelihood of service disruptions. Additional goals of the program include investing in efficient and clean energy infrastructure, supporting work-based learning opportunities, and engaging communities historically underserved by existing energy infrastructure.

Looking Toward the Future

Through strategic investments in electric vehicles, green transportation systems, and resilient infrastructure, Delaware is moving toward its goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and build a more sustainable future. While change does not happen overnight, Delaware has an actionable plan to mitigate climate risks while supporting economic development.

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Why You Should Live in Delaware

When considering homeownership, Delaware emerges as a hidden gem on the East Coast for young professionals, growing families, and retirees. Nestled halfway between Washington, D.C., and New York City, living in Delaware offers beneficial tax advantages and natural beauty without sacrificing access to economic opportunity. (Live work and play)

Delaware Tax Advantages and Affordability

One of the most compelling reasons to consider Delaware for your residence is its affordability. While median home prices across the mid-Atlantic region remain competitive, the absence of sales tax and low property taxes in Delaware make homeownership a tangible reality. In 2022, the average cost of real estate taxes in Delaware was approximately half of the cost in Maryland, District of Columbia, and Pennsylvania, less than one-third the cost in New York, and nearly one-fifth the cost in New Jersey. Instead of paying higher taxes, homeowners in Delaware can build more equity in their homes and enhance their lifestyle. Additionally, Delaware’s housing stock is diverse, offering something for everyone, whether you’re in search of a sprawling suburban home, a rural farmhouse, a vibrant downtown condo, or a cozy beachfront cottage. Use our cost of living calculator to compare Delaware to other locations.

Delaware Beaches and Livability

Given that most of Delaware is situated on the Delmarva Peninsula, it’s unsurprising that the state boasts some of the country’s most stunning beaches on the East Coast. In fact, Bethany Beach was ranked as one of the best beaches in 2024 by U.S. News & World Report. Charming and family-friendly towns like Rehoboth and Lewes provide residents and visitors with easy access to vibrant boardwalks, an active arts community, and an exquisite shoreline. Beyond the beaches, Delaware’s landscape is rich in natural beauty, offering bird watching, hiking, or simply enjoying a sunset over the water. From Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge, a 16,000-acre tidal salt marsh in Kent County, to the Brandywine Valley, with its rolling hills and extensive multi-use trails, Delaware’s natural attractions offer a sanctuary for outdoor enthusiasts.

Delaware Job Opportunities and Innovation

Delaware’s diverse economy and strategic location afford residents unparalleled access to job opportunities in high-wage and innovative industries. Notable employers in the life sciences in Delaware include DuPont, Solenis, Chemours, Siemens Healthineers, Incyte, and Labware. Delaware has established itself as a part of a federally recognized Hydrogen Hub, leading the expansion of clean energy alternatives. Plus, the National Institute for Innovation in Manufacturing Biopharmaceuticals (NIIMBL) is headquartered at the University of Delaware in Newark. The financial services sector is also highly concentrated in Delaware, with major banks such as J.P. Morgan, Barclays, Bank of America, WSFS, and M&T Bank basing their U.S. operations or maintaining substantial operations near Wilmington. In central and southern Delaware, agriculture and food manufacturing are significant economic drivers, supported by well-known companies like Perdue, Allen Harim, and Mountaire. A newly opened incubator kitchen in Sussex County also supports food entrepreneurs in Delaware and the burgeoning Culinary Coast.

Why Wait? Experience Living in Delaware Now

For those pondering where to buy a home, Delaware presents a compelling case. Its affordability makes homeownership achievable, while access to high-wage jobs and natural beauty enhance the living experience. Delaware is abundant in opportunities and amenities, making it an ideal place to call home for families at all stages of life.

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Dover, Delaware, Ranked Among ‘South’s Best Cities on the Rise’ by Readers of Southern Living Magazine

Dover, Delaware, Recognized by Readers of Southern Living

Photo: DENIS TANGNEY JR./GETTY IMAGES

The South’s Best Cities on the Rise 2024

March 25, 2024

By Southern Living Editors
Updated on March 6, 2024

According to the U.S. Census, the South is the place to be. Not only is it the most populous region in the country, it accounted for 87% of our country’s growth in 2023. Plus, the South is the only region that maintained population growth during the pandemic. Visit any of the places on this year’s Best Cities On the Rise list and you’ll quickly understand why.

These reader-selected cities have excellent food scenes, cool yet quaint downtown districts, incredible natural beauty, thriving arts communities, and the warmth our region is known for. And they’re not done growing. Each one has exciting new projects on the horizon, like a minor-league baseball stadium in Spartanburg, South Carolina, entertainment districts in Huntsville, Alabama and Alpharetta, Georgia, and even economic development, like electric vehicle manufacturing in Bowling Green, Kentucky.

How did we come up with the list? Southern Living editors compiled a large list of cities based on research, reporting, and our own experiences. Then, our readers selected their top picks in our annual South’s Best Awards survey. The result is a diverse mix of large and small cities, and each one has something different to offer. Whether you’re looking for a new place to live or somewhere fun to visit, you’ll find plenty of options here.

South’s Best Voting Process

An online survey was conducted by third-party agency Proof Insights among Southern Living consumers, asking them to rate their favorite places across the South for the South’s Best Awards 2024. The survey was fielded from July 12 to August 23, 2023, and had over 20,000 respondents.

25. Dover, Delaware

With a 300-plus year history, Delaware’s capital has changed quite a bit since its early days as the appointed court town for Kent County. It still houses the Delaware Supreme Court, but may be about to embark on its biggest season of change yet. In 2023, the Downtown Dover Partnership presented a redevelopment plan called Capital City 2030 that will transform the area with a proposed multimodal transportation hub, 100,000 square feet of commercial space, 20 acres of greenspace, 1,000 residential units, and a half-mile riverwalk to be built over the next decade.

Explore Southern Living’s 7 Best Things To Do In Dover, Delaware, here.

Read the rest of Southern Living’s The South’s Best Cities On The Rise 2024 here.

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More and More Moving To Delaware, Which Ranks as a Top State To Live In

Does it feel like everyone is moving here? Well, Delaware ranks as a top state to live in

Welcome to Delaware road sign at the state border. Andrey Krav, Getty Images/iStockphoto

February 27, 2024

By Krys’tal Griffin
Delaware News Journal

Delawareans are the first to shout their First State pride and boast about the allure of the Small Wonder, but it looks like the rest of the nation is finally catching on now that Delaware is deemed a top state to live in.

In 2022 when approximately 8.2 million people moved around the United States, Delaware broke through the top 20 list and ranked as the 16th-most-sought-after state in the country by net migration, according to StorageCafe.

Is everyone moving to Delaware now?

StorageCafe, an online platform that provides storage unit listings across the country, used U.S. Census Bureau data and other government data to find trends in recent nationwide moving patterns.

The study reports that Delaware gained around 12,500 more residents than it lost in 2022, with 29% of the 125 people who moved to the state every day being millennials, followed by 18% being baby boomers.

The top states contributing to Delaware’s influx of new residents are Pennsylvania (26% of movers), Maryland (22%), New Jersey (12%), New York (7%) and North Carolina (7%).

The typical new Delawarean earns an average of $58,000 and has an average age of 37 years old, according to the study, which adds that 38% of new residents at least have a bachelor’s degree and 7% are working remotely.

StorageCafe reports that tax leniency and housing affordability – including homes that are approximately 16% cheaper than Maryland rates and 22% cheaper than New Jersey rates – are big wins for movers choosing Delaware as their new home

Nationwide moving trends

Nineteen out of 50 states saw negative net migration numbers in 2022, according to StorageCafe.

The only U.S. region to end 2022 with a population gain is the South, which had a net gain of 690,000 residents from interstate migration. All other regions – the Northeast, Midwest and West – saw net declines, with the Northeast losing the most and shedding over 300,000 residents.

The top 10 states for net migration gains in 2022 were:

  • Florida
  • Texas
  • North Carolina
  • Arizona
  • Georgia
  • South Carolina
  • Connecticut
  • Tennessee
  • Alabama
  • Oklahoma

The main factors drawing movers to the South include favorable climates, a relatively lower cost of living, abundant job opportunities and a robust economy in some areas. The region has also seen improvements in infrastructure and real estate landscapes, according to StorageCafe.

Of the southern hot spots, Texas, Georgia and Florida saw the highest volumes of net migration among 24- to 39-year-olds in 2022, the same demographic that Delaware has welcomed the most in recent years and the largest moving generation in the U.S., the study reports.

For younger movers, Connecticut, North Carolina and Washington D.C. saw the most Generation Z movers.

Generation Z continues to stray away from expensive urban areas like Los Angeles and New York City, with New York, California and Illinois all seeing negative migration of the demographic. Instead, Generation Z prefers relocating to states like Texas, Pennsylvania, Utah, North Dakota and Alabama.

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What is it Like to Live in Delaware?

Dela-where? Yes, Delaware.

Nestled along the Atlantic coast between Pennsylvania, Maryland, and New Jersey, living in Delaware proves it is possible to have a high quality of life at a reasonable cost with easy access to cultural amenities. New and diverse people move to Delaware every day – it was one of the fastest growing states in the country in 2022. With safe neighborhoods, low taxes, and quality infrastructure, living in Delaware is a no-brainer. The only question now is: which county?

Living in New Castle County

Delaware may be only 96 miles long, but its three counties – New Castle, Kent, and Sussex – span distinct geographic and culturally diverse areas, each providing unique benefits of living in Delaware.

New Castle County sits in the scenic Brandywine Valley and is home to numerous museums, parks, and two of the major cities of the First State, Wilmington and Newark. Living in New Castle County juxtaposes the history and the future of industry in America; historic sites like the DuPont’s Hagley or Nemours Estates sit only a few miles away from innovation incubators like STAR Campus at University of Delaware. With an emerging art and theater scene in Wilmington and an active live music scene in the college town of Newark, cultural amenities abound in New Castle County. Plus, Wilmington is only a 20-minute train ride to Philadelphia, a city well-regarded for its dedication to the arts. If you love the bustle of urban environments plus nearby access to greenspace, New Castle County is the place for you.

Living in Kent County

Driving south past the C&D Canal on Route 1, you can feel the tension in your shoulders begin to dissipate as you enter Kent County in central Delaware. A rural and suburban landscape dotted with quaint villages, Kent County is the least populous yet youngest county on average in the First State, indicative of the many young families settling in the developing suburbs of Dover, Harrington, and Milford. Dover, the state capital, hosts major events year-round at Bally’s Dover Casino Resort and the Dover Motor Speedway, drawing thousands of fans from around the region for comedy shows, live music, and NASCAR races. Plus, due to its central location on the Delmarva Peninsula, living in Kent County offers easy access to both the Delaware and Chesapeake Bays. If you love to stop and smell the roses, Kent County is the place for you.

Living in Sussex County

Continue south along Route 1 and you will find yourself in Sussex County, famous for its lovely beaches and agrarian pastures. Beach towns like Rehoboth, Lewes, and Cape Henlopen offer year-round amenities for beach-lovers including a lively boardwalk, water sports, idyllic dunes, and multiple film, music, and holiday festivals. Living in Sussex County means access to farm fresh produce, local oysters, world-class chefs, and more at the Culinary Coast, the Mid-Atlantic’s newest foodie mecca. Plus, take the road less traveled on one of Sussex County’s many scenic byways, including the Historic Lewes Byway, the Nanticoke Heritage Byway, and the Delaware Bayshore Byway. If you love fresh food and relaxing at the beach, living in Sussex County is the place for you.

Overall, living in Delaware checks all the boxes – all you have to decide is which county fits your lifestyle.

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Wilmington Among Outside Magazine’s ‘15 Happiest Places to Live in the U.S.’

Magazine lauds Northern Delaware location for community, quality of life and outdoor access

Outside Magazine has identified Wilmington, Delaware, as one of the “15 Happiest Places to Live in the U.S.” The publication noted that greenspace has long been valued in Wilmington and that 98 percent of Wilmington residents live within a 10-minute walk of a park.

“Situated within reach of Philadelphia (a 20-minute train ride), New York City, Baltimore and Washington, D.C., this place prides itself on outsize access to the outdoors,” said the article. “Locals love its walkability, abundance of parks (nearly 70), revitalized downtown and riverfront and proximity to Mid-Atlantic beaches.”

To compile its list, Outside examined criteria such as overall well-being, percentage of public land, affordability, climate change effects and community inclusivity. Findings were based on statistics from Sharecare, Headwater Economics, the Trust for Public Land, The New York Times, the University of Notre Dame, the Human Rights Campaign, the U.S. Census Bureau and Redfin.

Among the attractions cited in the Wilmington entry were the Northern Delaware Greenway Trail, whose more than 10 paved miles link “parks, playgrounds, historic estates, the Brandywine Zoo, museums, commercial zones and schools,” and the 5.5-mile Jack A. Markell Trail, which runs along the Christina Riverfront from the Russell W. Peterson Urban Wildlife Refuge to New Castle. Also referenced were Alapocas Run, including its 12 bolted climbing routes on Delaware’s only crag, and the access and engagement provided by free entrance and community programming at the three Wilmington State Parks: Brandywine Park, Rockford Park and H. Fletcher Brown Park. Wilmington’s promotion of inclusivity, particularly for the LGBTQ+ community, and its celebration of music through events such as the free Clifford Brown Jazz Festival were noted as well.

The other places identified on the “15 Happiest” list include Reno, Nevada; New Orleans, Louisiana; Cincinnati, Ohio; Charlottesville, Virginia; Hood River, Oregon; Minneapolis, Minnesota; Glenwood Springs, Colorado; Harrisburg, Pennsylvania; Plano, Texas; Anchorage, Alaska; Madison, Wisconsin; Frederick, Maryland; Saint Petersburg, Florida; and Tacoma, Washington.

View the full article at https://www.outsideonline.com/adventure-travel/destinations/north-america/happiest-places-to-live-us/.

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