Delaware’s safest towns give you calm streets and familiar faces without dropping you in the middle of nowhere.
Places like
Lewes, Rehoboth Beach,
Milford,
Middletown, and
Newark pair lower violent and property crime rates with nearby hospitals, community events, and an overall pace that feels steady instead of stressful.
This guide looks at the safest places to retire in Delaware so you can line up each city’s crime rates, weather risks, and healthcare access with the level of safety and comfort you want in retirement.
Our Top Picks for Retirees
• Lewes for a premier coastal retirement where the state's lowest crime rates meet rich history and a tranquil beachside vibe.
• Rehoboth Beach for a secure and social lifestyle defined by a lively boardwalk, community festivities, and seaside beauty.
• Milford for a peaceful and cost-effective retreat offering a relaxed pace of life and a welcoming local community.
• Middletown for a protected suburban experience that provides friendly neighborhoods and convenient access to modern medical centers.
• Newark for a vibrant and safe university-town atmosphere that keeps retirees active with cultural events and specialized healthcare.
What Are the Safest Places to Retire in Delaware?
Lewes
- Violent Crime Rate: 0.4 per 1,000 people
- Property Crime Rate: 7.9 per 1,000 people
- Extreme Weather Risk: Moderate, with some coastal storm exposure
Lewes offers retirees a quiet, safe environment with easy access to Delaware’s scenic coastline. Known for its rich history and beachside living, Lewes is popular among seniors seeking relaxation.
Beebe Healthcare’s Lewes Campus provides primary care, senior wellness programs, and telehealth services, supporting senior health needs year-round. For specialized services, retirees can access cardiology, physical therapy, and outpatient rehabilitation, ensuring a well-rounded approach to senior care.
Rehoboth Beach
Rehoboth Beach combines low crime with a community-centered, lively environment. Known for its beautiful beaches and boardwalk, this town is perfect for seniors who enjoy social gatherings and cultural events.
Beebe Healthcare’s Rehoboth Beach location offers primary care, geriatric services, and a range of outpatient services. Seniors needing more specialized care can easily access cardiology, physical therapy, and wellness programs tailored to older adults, making Rehoboth Beach an attractive option for retirees.
If a few Connecticut towns are starting to sound like they belong on your short list, it helps to see how
senior living communities in Connecticut are actually spread across the state. That way, you’re comparing not just which towns feel safest, but where the safest‑feeling neighborhoods also give you realistic options for housing, care, and everyday routines.
Milford
Milford’s scenic, relaxed environment appeals to seniors looking for peace and simplicity. This town’s lower cost of living and welcoming community make it a favorite among retirees.
Bayhealth Sussex Campus, close to Milford, provides comprehensive healthcare services, including geriatric assessments, physical therapy, and specialized wellness programs. The hospital also offers telehealth options, making healthcare more accessible for seniors who prefer care from home.
Middletown
- Violent Crime Rate: 1.1 per 1,000 people
- Property Crime Rate: 10.4 per 1,000 people
- Extreme Weather Risk: Low, with mild seasonal weather variations
Middletown provides suburban charm and convenience, ideal for retirees who enjoy a friendly, community-oriented environment.
The town is close to
ChristianaCare’s Middletown CareCenter, which offers primary care, preventive screenings, and chronic disease management programs for older adults. For seniors requiring more specialized treatment,
Christiana Hospital in Newark provides advanced services, including cardiology, orthopedics, and outpatient rehab, ensuring complete care for all medical needs.
Newark
Newark offers a vibrant environment with a mix of suburban and university-town elements, perfect for retirees who want to stay engaged and active.
Christiana Hospital provides comprehensive healthcare services, including specialized care for heart health, orthopedics, and memory support. With its range of senior wellness programs and support services, Newark is an excellent choice for retirees who value both safety and community engagement.
What Are the Best Healthcare Facilities in Delaware for Seniors?
Delaware’s safest towns offer easy access to quality healthcare facilities:
- Lewes: Beebe Healthcare’s Lewes Campus provides primary care, senior wellness, and telehealth options.
- Rehoboth Beach: Beebe Healthcare’s Rehoboth Beach location offers outpatient and geriatric care.
- Milford: Bayhealth Sussex Campus includes geriatric assessments, physical therapy, and telehealth.
- Middletown: ChristianaCare’s Middletown CareCenter supports chronic disease management and preventive screenings.
- Newark: Christiana Hospital offers advanced cardiology, orthopedic care, and memory support.
Is Delaware Senior-Friendly and Accessible?
Delaware ranks as the best state for retirees in 2024, thanks to its tax-friendly policies, mild climate, and accessible lifestyle options. According to
Bankrate’s recent findings, Delaware’s lack of state and local sales tax, exemption on Social Security benefits, and lower-than-average property taxes make it an attractive choice. Retirees also benefit from Delaware’s cultural diversity, abundant arts and entertainment, and temperate climate, with minimal risks of natural disasters like hurricanes or earthquakes.
What City Has the Lowest Crime Rate?
Lewes holds the title as Delaware’s safest city for retirees, with very low violent crime and property crime rates, making it an appealing option for seniors looking for peace and security. With accessible healthcare, scenic settings, and a welcoming community, Lewes offers an ideal mix for a relaxed, fulfilling retirement.
Ready to Explore Connecticut Senior Living Options?
In Connecticut, two peaceful‑looking towns can feel very different once you factor in how quiet the streets stay at night, how close you are to care, and how easy it is to get around without stress.
Our
Connecticut senior living directory helps you see senior living options in your area with that in mind, so you can home in on communities in neighborhoods that feel settled, well‑served, and like a place where you’d actually exhale when you lock the door.
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