Delaware is a state whose whole is larger than its parts – three counties with distinct personalities at the heart of the Mid-Atlantic, a short drive from Philadelphia, New York, Washington, D.C., and Baltimore. Delaware offers a dynamic blend of affordability, economic opportunity, and high quality of life for young professionals and families. Whether you’re looking to build your career, raise a family, or simply enjoy life, Delaware is a place where you can do it all.
3rd Most Dog-Friendly State
(Showsight Magazine 2024)
6th Best Health Care Quality Nationwide
(US News & World Report 2024)
6th Lowest Personal Tax Burden in the Country
(WalletHub 2024)
As one of the most affordable states in the Northeast, living in Delaware means access to essential services and economic opportunity without sacrificing quality of life. No sales tax, no value added tax, and low property taxes let your dollars go farther in Delaware. Situated along the I-95 corridor, Delaware remains highly connected to the country’s largest cities while also offering a diverse array of neighborhoods and communities.
New Castle County features the scenic Brandywine Valley in the upper half of the county while the lower half is home to picturesque farmland and growing suburban developments. Wilmington offers residents the hustle and bustle of urban life downtown and on the riverfront. Newark, home to the University of Delaware and a quintessential college town, provides easy access to amenities in a suburban environment along with other towns like Middletown, New Castle, and Hockessin.
Kent County offers a picturesque rural landscape dotted with quaint villages, farms, and burgeoning suburban neighborhoods. As the youngest county on average in Delaware, Kent County is attracting many young families to its developing suburbs in Smyrna, Harrington, and Milford. Dover, the state’s capital and second largest city, is a hub of activity in central Delaware, fed largely by the Dover Air Force Base. With ample open space between major towns, residents can enjoy a quieter, more serene lifestyle.
Sussex County is characterized by a patchwork of agrarian pastures in the west and a network of bays, rivers, and inlets in the eastern half along the Atlantic Ocean. Popular beach towns such as Rehoboth, Dewey, and Bethany Beach provide year-round amenities to visitors and residents alike, while historic towns like Seaford and Georgetown offer a charming, suburban, small-town feel. Considering the scenic beaches and relaxed pace of living, it’s no wonder that Sussex County is Delaware’s fastest growing region.
1st Fastest Growing State in the Northeast
(Census 2023)
3rd Best State for Women Small Business Owners
(Lendio 2024)
68% of Fortune 500 Companies Incorporated in Delaware
(Forbes)
Innovation runs in Delaware’s DNA. From the founding of DuPont over 200 years ago to the Apollo 11 spacesuits manufactured by ILC Dover, Delaware’s thriving business environment is not just historic – it’s an active, foundational tenet. In the First State, you can find your next opportunity to change the world.
Notable companies like W.L. Gore & Associates, Chemours, CSC, Incyte, Capital One, Bank of America, Kraft-Heinz, Perdue Farms, and Enstructure position Delaware as a nationwide hub for life sciences, advanced manufacturing, business and financial services, food and agriculture, and logistics. Delaware’s flourishing startup ecosystem feeds on this fertile ground, fueling growth in emerging industries such as biotech, biopharma, precision medicine, green hydrogen, and fintech.
Delaware supports growing families and work-life balance. In 2022, the state legislature passed a Paid Family Leave program in the state, offering employees flexibility during critical life moments. Many Delaware companies provide additional healthy living and work-life balance benefits, such as CSC and Perdue Farms.
As a small state, networking and mentorship opportunities can open new doors for career advancement. Leadership Delaware, the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce, and other industry specific networks like DelawareBio or the Tech Council of Delaware host networking and professional development events regularly, fostering engagement and building community.
380 Miles of Pristine Coastline
25 Major League Professional Sports Teams Within Driving Distance
188 Stores at the Christiana Mall
There is never a dull day in Delaware. New Castle County features rambling rivers and rolling trails in state parks like Alapocas Run and the Brandywine River while Kent County offers one of the largest tidal salt marshes in the country at Bombay Hook, with over 16,000 acres for hunting, fishing, birdwatching, and more. In Sussex County, explore local flavors on the aptly named Culinary Coast, a recognition celebrating Delaware’s agricultural roots with farm-to-table dining and craft beer, wine, and cocktails at some of the nation’s most beautiful beaches.
Delaware is a treasure trove of arts and culture with concert venues, pavilions, theatres, and galleries dotting the landscape up and down the state. The Delaware Art Museum showcases fine arts and historic masterpieces while live music at the Grand Opera House in Wilmington and the Freeman Arts Pavilion in Selbyville builds shared experiences and strengthens community connections. Major festivals include the Rehoboth Beach Jazz Festival and the Brandywine Festival of the Arts. The Woodlands outside of Dover hosts many music festivals year-round, with past event headliners Paul McCartney, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Kendrick Lamar, Phish, and Lizzo.
Shopping enthusiasts can enjoy tax-free deals at Delaware’s impressive Christiana Mall in Newark or the Tanger Outlets in Rehoboth, home to over 100 outlet and factory stores. Sports fans can catch future stars in action with Delaware’s two farm teams: the Blue Coats, an NBA G League team, and the Blue Rocks, a minor league baseball team. For racing excitement, the Dover International Speedway, famously known as the “Monster Mile,” hosts thrilling NASCAR events that attract fans from across the nation. Nearby cities of Philadelphia, Washington D.C., Baltimore, and New York City offer similar opportunities for relaxation and entertainment.
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