Jana Yeo65074

Rehoboth beach is the new Miami..no just kidding, but with all the talk of global warming, I think some people may be thinking of Delaware for retirement since the winters recently in the Northeast have been feeling milder. Rehoboth is a Northeast area to consider for its tax advantages and close proximity to the Atlantic Ocean.

Delaware has been said by AARP to be the most tax-advantaged state. Rehoboth Beach, 4 miles to the Atlantic Ocean in Delaware, has long been a retirement town historically known for its small town charm. Today, it has managed to change with the times and a more sophisticated downtown is emerging.

It used to be pretty plain and simple..a pizza parlor, The Grotto Pizza, and a restaurant, The Avenue, were the most exciting night life around but not anymore..

The Grotto Pizza is still there and expanded and made more convenient for larger crowds..their food is very much in demand and their location right next to the Rehoboth's boardwalk main entrance can't be beat. But there are many new restaurants in the downtown area now, including some very nice restaurant nightclubs. Rehoboth's growth from families and retiring baby boomers will encourage more new places to come.

Shopping outlets have multiplied probably due to no sales tax, and so have shopping centers. It is high traffic near the downtown center. I prefer to stay back a little further in surrounding towns like Lewes and Georgetown where it is quieter, being a senior, but the amount of tourists and seniors strolling the boardwalk at Rehoboth was as numerous as ever in my 30 years of going there.

In my search for retirement communities, I didn't find too many designated for over 55 currently. There are older communities like Angola by the Bay in Lewes, within 4 miles of the Atlantic Ocean, that isn't designated for over 55 but appeared senior dominated and also good for second homes. You can find these communities by checking with local Realtors. This is a very pleasant gated community with pool and lots of mature trees. Also in Lewes is Bay Crossing Villas, retirement community by premier builder Pulte for over age 55.

There is a new community called Independence by Builder Schell Brothers located in Georgetown, also nearby. They say it is approximately 15 minutes to Rehoboth and Lewes. It is for active adult living. All are single family homes. 30 miles away in Bridgeville is Heritage Shores.

Heritage Shores has two builders, Lennar and Brookfield Homes. It is a premier over 55 retirement community with luxury amenities and about a 45 minute drive to Rehoboth. See my personal on-site review of these communities on my website at www.bestguide-retirementcommunities.com.

A premier over-55 community builder, Del Webb, will be building Coastal Club in Lewes sometime in 2008. Planned 650 new homes.

30 minutes more North in historic town of Milford, Central Parke will be building Milford Ponds over 55 community in the near future.

With Delaware's tempting tax incentives and close location to the seashore, it is destined to thrive with the baby boomers retiring. Along with so many new shopping centers and retirement communities, Rehoboth may not be so small anymore, but hopefully it manages to keep some of the small town amenities that we have enjoyed over the years.

Carol Fena, Realtor and Webmaster for http://www.bestguide-retirementcommunities.com.