A new survey reports that Delaware ranks third as a good place to retire.
WalletHub compared the 50 states across 45 key metrics. The analysis examines affordability, health-related factors and overall quality of life.
The state did not rank first in any category, but was near the top in taxpayer friendliness and the percentage of the population over 65. Its quality of life ranking was in the middle of the pack.
Delaware does not tax Social Security and has the lowest property taxes in the region
Ranking first in the Walleub was Florida, a destination for many retirees, due to its lack of an income tax and warm climate.
Delaware has seen an influx of retirees to Sussex and to a lesser extent Kent counties, due to low property taxes and homes that higher income retirees can afford, especially if they sell their former residence.
Delaware is also adjacent to New Jersey, which ranks at the bottom in the WalletHub report and New York, which is 49th. The First State also beat out the Carolinas, another popular destination for Delaware retirees.
The influx of retirees has led to debate over whether the impact on the economy and whether the current tax structure is not justified by the added costs for infrastrure and other services.
Backers ay that spending by seniors boosts the economy in key areas such as housing and health care.
Delaware rankings at a glance.
- 26th – Annual Cost of In-Home Services
- 2nd – WalletHub ‘Taxpayer’ Ranking
- 20th – Elderly-Friendly Labor Market
- 5th – % of Population Aged 65 & Older
- 29th – Property-Crime Rate
For the full report, please visit:
https://wallethub.com/edu/best-and-worst-states-to-retire/18592
Below is an interactive map that shows the ranking of all states.