Small state, big questions (Wilmington, Dover: crime rate, mortgage, house)

[notuzin&zewski]

My wife and I are retired. Currently in Florida. Unfortunately, politics can play a part in where you are comfortable. We are looking at De. based on location, tax breaks etc. As an interracial couple, we don't to live surrounded by ultraconservative fanatics, or in the worst areas of any town. My understanding is that the central part of the state is rural and conservative. The lower part is very expensive ant the northern part is possibly not so great. Am I off base here? After some responses, I will give more info.

[DesertRat56]

My daughter lives in a town next to Wilmington called Hockessen. It is a nice area and their mortgage for a 2 story 4 bedroom house is the same as mine (I live in New Mexico in a 2800 sq ft house, very old house). I think the neighborhood is very mixed politically so you would probably feel comfortable. There is a bad part of Wilmington that has more crime than NY city (which is very weird considering the low population of that town). Maybe take a few trips to visit different towns in Deleware and see if any of them resonate with you.

[kyle19125]

Originally Posted by notuzin&zewski

My wife and I are retired. Currently in Florida. Unfortunately, politics can play a part in where you are comfortable. We are looking at De. based on location, tax breaks etc. As an interracial couple, we don't to live surrounded by ultraconservative fanatics, or in the worst areas of any town. My understanding is that the central part of the state is rural and conservative. The lower part is very expensive ant the northern part is possibly not so great. Am I off base here? After some responses, I will give more info.

Wilmington in general can be pricey, especially in the more desirable areas on the north/northwest side. Much of the middle 2/3 section is rural with the exception of Smyrna/Clayton and the capital city of Dover which might be your best option. The city itself has a higher crime rate but the suburbs to the south and west have fairly low rates and affordable homes. Dover has a diverse population with an elite HBCU (Delaware State), state government operations and one of the more important USAF bases, Dover AFB. https://www.realtor.com/realestatean...ht%40&qdm=true

[rdlr]

Outside of the City of Dover, is a hidden gem: The Town of Wyoming. Rather than elaborate on why this little town is attractive to many, I've added a link: the Town of Wyoming's newsletter (published monthly). This town may be "too slow" for some, but to others, it's "heaven".

https://wyoming.delaware.gov/files/2...oming-June.pdf

[nuts2uiam]

Originally Posted by notuzin&zewski

My wife and I are retired. Currently in Florida. Unfortunately, politics can play a part in where you are comfortable. We are looking at De. based on location, tax breaks etc. As an interracial couple, we don't to live surrounded by ultraconservative fanatics, or in the worst areas of any town. My understanding is that the central part of the state is rural and conservative. The lower part is very expensive ant the northern part is possibly not so great. Am I off base here? After some responses, I will give more info.

As you know De. is a more liberal state in general. I can only speak to my own experiences specifically, but my impression is that you will not be uncomfortable anywhere in De. Sure there are idiots anywhere, but I don't think they will impact a decision to live in the state.

I live in Rehoboth, which you will see is the most conservative area and my community has a mix of all parties inc. Indys. Do we disagree at times? Sure, but we are all friends and we never let politics get in the mix.

The below from a tv report one day last week. I have pulled out the Delaware list and aded the entire link below.

- Most conservative county: Sussex County

--- Republican votes in 2020: 71,230 (55.1%)

--- Total votes cast: 129,352

Distinguishing Sussex County most significantly from its more liberal neighboring counties is the high median age of its residents at 51.8 years, with 29.8% of Sussex County residents being 65 and older, and 75.4% of its 237,378 residents identifying as white. Immediately north is Kent County, Delaware, which has a median age of 38.8, and a lower percentage of white residents at 58.8% of 181,851. While not as markedly white as other counties, Sussex's racial demographics, combined with the fact that older voters generally vote more conservatively, likely contribute to its Republican lean.

https://www.kpvi.com/news/political/...2997242.html#1

[retiree2011]

Originally Posted by rdlr

Outside of the City of Dover, is a hidden gem: The Town of Wyoming. Rather than elaborate on why this little town is attractive to many, I've added a link: the Town of Wyoming's newsletter (published monthly). This town may be "too slow" for some, but to others, it's "heaven".

https://wyoming.delaware.gov/files/2...oming-June.pdf

With all the chaos, crime and stress in other areas, this newsletter certainly makes Wyoming look like a great place to be. I am there a few times a week

[rdlr]

Originally Posted by retiree2011

With all the chaos, crime and stress in other areas, this newsletter certainly makes Wyoming look like a great place to be. I am there a few times a week

No crimes to amount to anything, just a couple bicycle thefts and domestics. Heads up: We have 4-5 police officers who rake in the money from speeders, those talking on their cell phones while driving, and those not wearing seat belts. I guess the law breakers think all of that is o.k. now, like everything else.
Surprise!!!!