Otherwise known as the “First State” and the “Blue Hen State,” Delaware is a glorious place to raise a family, enjoy your retirement, or start a new adventure. However, if you have never moved from one state to the other, chances are you have several questions about moving to Delaware, including the cost of hiring a moving company.
Here are a few of the ins and outs of moving to Delaware from the great state of Colorado, including working with reputable moving companies in your area.
Tell Me the Pros and Cons of Living in Delaware
Like living in any other state, there are several ins and outs that come with living in Delaware. Here are a handful of the pros and cons that come with living in Delaware.
Excellent educational opportunities.
Delaware has some of the best elementary and high schools in the country. If you have college-aged kids, residents of Delaware can pass less for tuition at many state schools. Your kids can also enroll in any of the fantastic private universities throughout the state, including Wesley College and Goldey-Beacom College.
Top-notch healthcare system.
Instead of packing up and moving to Florida, consider relocating to Delaware, instead. Delaware has no sales tax, but this isn’t the only advantage for seniors relocating to the state. Some of the best hospitals, clinics, and doctors call Delaware home. This means that you can enjoy top-notch healthcare without breaking the bank.
Excellent tax benefits and incentives.
Once again, there is no sales tax in Delaware — but this isn’t the only tax incentive to calling the First State home. Delaware’s income taxes range is anywhere between 2.2o% and 6.60%, which is on par with the sales surrounding Delaware. There are opportunities to receive a tax credit, as well, including credits for homeowners through the Delaware State Housing Authority.
Higher than average crime rates.
Unfortunately, there are disadvantages to living in the First State. One of the most prominent is Delaware’s higher-than-average crime rates, which are above the national average. This is particularly true of the state’s rates of violent crimes, which are higher than the national average.
One unexpected disadvantage.
The population of Delaware hovers around 1 million citizens. This might not seem like a massive number, but when you consider how small the state of Delaware is, you will realize that living in the second-smallest state in the country can seem very cramped.
The population density of Delaware is the sixth highest in the country, which means you might feel a little claustrophobic living in any of the state’s biggest cities, including Wilmington, Newark, Rehoboth Beach, and Dover.
Top 9 Advantages and Disadvantages of Living in Delaware
Sure, there are a handful of disadvantages to calling Delaware home. However, there are still several reasons why you should consider relocating to the Diamond State. Here are 8 of the many reasons to live in Delaware.
The state’s amazing history
From the Winterthur Museum and Gardens in Wilmington to historic Odessa and historic New Castle, Delaware has a rich and vibrant past. Delaware, which is also the home of Thomas Jefferson University, is arguably one of the most historically significant states on the East Coast. Several landmarks are on the National Register of Historic Places throughout the state.
The beaches
Speaking of the East Coast, if you want to enjoy some best beaches and beach towns in the country, you cannot go wrong with Delaware. In fact, one of the most amazing beach towns in the entire United States, Rehoboth Beach, is found in historic Sussex County.
The shopping, restaurants, and nightlife
The food, entertainment, and nightlife are top-notch in Delaware. Whether you are looking for a fantastic spot for families or want to spend a quiet weekend as a couple, you can explore all the parks, shopping malls, and natural wonders Delaware offers.
You will pay less in taxes (Sales Tax Included)
There are several things Delaware does right, and one of the most significant is the low tax rates and zero sales taxes. When compared to living in Colorado, Delaware is very affordable.
The residents
There are several advantages to living in Delaware, but one of the biggest is the people. You will not find more welcoming, kind, and thoughtful families and residents anywhere on the Eastern seaboard.
Plentiful jobs
Delaware is a great option if you want to boost your income. There are several high-paying jobs throughout the state. The job market is also red-hot, and when you combine this with the state’s low unemployment rate, you won’t have to look very hard for a high-paying profession.
Fewer options for public transport
The public transport system in Delaware is slightly underdeveloped. However, if you want to take the train to Philadelphia for work or play, there are options.
Potentially dangerous weather
If you are not a massive fan of the snowy weather of Colorado, Delaware might not be the best option for you. The winters can be miserable, and the summers are hot and muggy, which can make enjoying days at the many beaches across the state complex. Delaware isn’t always associated with hurricanes. However, over 108 tropical storms and hurricanes have impacted Delaware since 1749.
Traveling out of Delaware can be tricky
An unexpected downside of living in Delaware is the lack of airports. In fact, there is only one major airport, New Castle Airport, in the entire state. If you want to travel outside the Delaware area or internationally, you will need to drive to another state to catch your flight.
Tell Me the Cost of Living in Delaware
As with every other state, the cost of living in Delaware can vary depending on your location. For example, you will typically pay more to live in a larger city, such as Wilmington, than in smaller towns. A single person’s overall cost of living is approximately $1,826 each month.
The cost of living for a modest family of four is around $4,270 per month. The cost of basic services and food is average compared with the rest of the United States. For example, it will cost you approximately $4.31 to purchase a cup of coffee, and you can expect to pay$2.44 for a loaf of bread!
Several employers are hiring throughout the state, including employers in the agriculture, fishing, manufacturing, mining, and tourism industries. The employment rate in Delaware is lower than in Colorado. However, don’t worry because there are several jobs available, and you won’t have too much trouble finding businesses that are hiring!
Delaware’s unemployment rate hovers around 4.5%, which is only slightly higher than the national unemployment rate of approximately 3.5%.
A Delaware resident’s average annual pay is between $23,100 and $407,000. The median salary is $85,700. If those numbers seem low, don’t worry, because remember, you won’t have to pay sales taxes on several purchases!
What will it cost to rent an apartment in Delaware?
The average costs of renting an apartment vary, depending on which county you call home. For instance, you can expect to pay $1,460 for rent in Wilmington and $1,672 in Newark. This is compared to the average cost of living in an apartment throughout the rest of the state, which is approximately $1,259.
You will pay less for a studio apartment, and obviously, larger families will pay more for a multi-bedroom apartment. The average cost of renting a 3-bedroom apartment in Delaware is $1,800. The rental prices are on par with the average cost of living in other states on the East Coast and slightly higher than the prices in Colorado.
What will it cost to buy a house in Delaware?
Like renting an apartment, the cost of a single-family home in Delaware will vary depending on your location. The average home purchase price in the state is approximately $361,656. The cost has risen slightly, 12%, since the past year.
The average monthly mortgage payment is $1,121. This number is something to keep in mind, especially when you compare the average monthly mortgage payment to the average rent in the state. The housing costs in Delaware are higher than in Colorado, so factor these numbers into your budget, as well.
However, despite the higher-than-average rental costs in Delaware, finding affordable housing in the state is still possible. A great place to start is the Delaware Department of Housing, or you can consider living in a smaller town and commuting to the metropolitan areas, including Philadelphia, for work.
Top 7 Cities in Delaware
Delaware is a historically significant and breathtaking state with several major cities and small towns to call home. Here are five of the top cities to consider in Delaware:
Lewes
If you would love the opportunity to walk to work, Lewes is your town. With a population of around 2,700, Lewes is a great location to start a family. There are several parks and a thriving business district, and the expenses of living in Lewes are on par with the rest of the country, making this a very desirable place to call home.
Clayton
With a population of just under 3,000 residents, Clayton is another fantastic location in the First State. The housing prices are reasonable, the schools are amongst some of the best in the state, and the income opportunities are plentiful. Additionally, compared to the rest of the state, the crime rate is also very low.
Wilmington
Wilmington has several things to offer, including the city’s close proximity to several beaches, the higher employment rates, and the opportunity for affordable housing. There are job opportunities in several industries in the area, as well, including the industrial and educational industries.
When you combine the higher income opportunities with the lower living costs in the city, including lower housing costs, it makes sense to give Wilmington a second look.
North Star
Another beautiful location in Delaware to consider is North Star. The housing prices are slightly higher, but this is because some of the best schools are in the North Star area. Another benefit of calling North Star home is the city’s fabulous restaurants, plentiful employers, and the company you will keep, which is some of the best in all of Delaware!
Dover
If you are retiring and considering moving to Delaware, Dover is a great option. Young adults who want to start a family will also enjoy the top-notch school districts. The business district in Dover provides amazing opportunities to start a new career, and the relatively low living costs mean you can buy a home without breaking the bank. However, be aware that Dover’s crime rate is slightly higher than in the rest of Delaware.
Smyrna
Any family would be lucky to call the small-town Smyrna, Delaware home. Sure, the city of around 10,000 people has a funny name, but you won’t find nicer people, better restaurants, or fun family activities in the entire state. If these facts aren’t enough to entice you to pack up the kids and move to Smyrna, consider the school district, which is one of the best in the state.
Greenville
Finally, although Greenville is technically a suburb of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the small town is squarely in the state of Delaware. Greenville offers you a wide variety of employment and reasonable housing options. The cost of living in Greenville is higher because it is a suburb of Philadephia.
However, because the city is so close to Philadelphia, the higher cost of living is offset by the amazing income opportunities.
How Much Will It Really Cost to Move to Delaware?
Now that you are strongly considering making the move from your home state of Colorado to Delaware, it is time to get to the nitty-gritty of the situation: how much it will cost to pack up and relocate. A simple breakdown of the costs is complex because so many factors are associated with the move.
For instance, the regular gasoline diesel tax and the cost of diesel fuel and gasoline can impact the overall cost of your move. The number of cumbersome items you are moving and even the number of stairs in your home can impact the final price.
As with any interstate relocation, securing at least three to five moving quotes is the best place to start. One of the many services offered by a reputable moving company is a free quote. This quote should include the estimated overall cost of your relocation.
You will typically be allowed to choose between a binding and a nonbinding contract. A binding contract means that the price you are quoted at the beginning of the move is what you will pay when you arrive in Delaware. A nonbinding contract is different, and the price is not fixed.
This means you might wind up spending more or less from your move from Colorado to Delaware.
The Final Verdict?
You love Colorado but are considering calling Delaware home. Before you make a final decision, it is time to reconsider a few pros and some of the cons that come with moving from Colorado to Delaware. If you love Colorado because of the state’s wide-open spaces, be aware that the population density of Delaware is very high, meaning you might feel a little boxed in, especially in the urban areas.
The lower taxes in Delaware are definitively a pro. There are no sales taxes in Delaware, and the income taxes are relatively low, especially when compared to the average income taxes throughout the rest of the United States.
Delaware has a rich history, and there are several cities with attractions on the National Register of Historic Places, including St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Georgetown, Memorial Hall, and Fourteen Foot Bank Light, a historic lighthouse located in Delaware Bay.
The living costs are higher in Delaware than in Colorado. You will also typically pay more for rent and for your monthly mortgage in Delaware, as well. However, there are several employment opportunities, whether you want to start your own small business or work in the tourism and mining industries.
Well, there you have it. If you are ready to get packing and make the trip from Colorado to Delaware, the first place to start is to contact a reputable moving company in your area. Luckily, the Colorado moving industry is red hot and very affordable, which means you won’t have any trouble finding amazing long-distance moving companies to work with.
