Heritage Shores
Bridgeville, Delaware
Middletown, Delaware
What It Is Like to Retire in Middletown
Middletown is a small but very rapidly growing town of 23,192 (2020 Census) near, as you might guess, the middle of northern Delaware. The population grew by 271% since the year 2000, with many affluent families moving from nearby cities. We have been driving through this town twice a year for over 15 years, since it is astride a pleasant route (301) that goes from Wilmington to Annapolis. During this time the town has exploded, with most of the changes being positive. For example 15 years ago the downtown seemed old and in places run down, but today all of the buildings are occupied and freshly painted. It has the bones to you tell this was once a prosperous town. There is tremendous growth just outside of town with new roads, shopping plazas, and housing developments coming in all over the place. Traffic is becoming a problem, a victim of its own popularity. Watch this short Youtube video presented by Virtual U.S. City Tours:
Where to Retire in Middletown and Home Prices
There are new active adult communities being built in the area. This has led to fairly high (and stable) median home prices here. Zillow reported in median home value to be $516,332 in mid-2024.
What Is Special about Middletown
Delaware is well known as a low tax state, and Middletown has low property taxes as well. It is not that far from the Delaware coast.
What Is Not Special about Middletown
The area is developing very quickly and can feel and look like urban sprawl and congestion. One drawback is that a major connecting road goes right through the heart of the town, which means stop and go traffic.
Who Will Like Retirement in Middletown
People who want to retire in Delaware but be away from the main population centers. It is good for people looking for active communities. Just over 15% of the population is 65 and over.
Local Economy Is Driven by
Construction, manufacturing, and retail are important here. Unemployment is below the national average. There is an Amazon Fulfillment Center in town.
Climate and Physical Environment
Middletown is located in northern Delaware and above Dover. The average January temperature is in the low 30's and the average July temperature is in the high 70s.
Restaurants & Cultural Scene
There are many chain restaurants in the new shopping areas. The Olde Tyme Peach Festival is an annual tradition that attracts thousands of visitors each August. The movie the "Dead Poets Society" was filmed here at St. Andrews, a private boarding school, as well as at the Everett Theatre.
Crime
Crime in Middletown are slightly lower than the national average.
Medical facilities
The nearest hospitals are in Newark (DE, 12 miles) and Wilmington (21 miles).
Transportation
The closest large airport is Philadelphia International Airport, approximately 47 miles away; there is an Amtrak station 16 miles away, in Newark; Middletown is below average in walkability when compared to other communities.
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