Delaware, the state where the motto could be “We Liked America Before It Was Cool.”
As the first state to ratify the U.S. Constitution, Delaware immortalized its pole position spot of American states by calling itself “The First State,” although it’s also referred to as “The Diamond State” because Thomas Jefferson called it that, not because of any surplus of jewels hidden in the bay. To an outsider, nicknames like these may seem a little arrogant or, on the other end of the spectrum, vaguely hipster.
But don’t be put off by the nicknames. Only in Delaware can you find world-class beaches, Wawa convenience stores, and a bunch of people dressed in bull costumes.
Living in Delaware
Simply put, the First State has a lot going for it, even if it seems to be offered in a deluxe package.
With a land area of only 1,948 square miles, the First State would almost qualify as the Small State if it wasn’t for plucky little Rhode Island. It’s a sparsely populated state, too, with only three counties, and it’s also the lowest state, it’s average altitude only about 60 feet above sea level.
But because it’s small, commuting through the state provides no problem. The cities will be accessible by train or car, and most regional hubs and hotspots only require a quick car trip to reach. Size does matter, especially if your car has lousy gas mileage. Small size notwithstanding, it’s also a popular tourist destination, partly because of its beaches, and partly because it has not state tax.
Educational opportunities won’t be hard to find, either. From pre-k classes through graduate schools and everything in between, the state offers some of the best public and private educational opportunities.
Working in the Delaware Area
In 2017, the median household income for Delaware came in at $62,852, about $2,500 higher than the median U.S. household income, according to the Census ACS 1-year survey. Factor in the lack of a state sales tax with the low real estate taxes and lower income tax rates, and relocating to the First State certainly seems advisable, especially if you don’t care for the IRS. That’s everybody, by the way. Everybody hates the IRS. Even the IRS hates the IRS.
As with most states, the health care fields enjoy a healthy job demand in Delaware. However, the top ten list of job postings also focus on the practical, with electricians, carpenters, and plumbers staking out spots throughout the state, rounded out by business analysts and software developers. Sadly, there doesn’t seem to be much demand of diamond seekers. Because the industry doesn’t exist. We already told you the Diamond State nickname was Thomas Jefferson’s doing.
Delaware Typical Weather
Despite being located in the north, Delaware’s climate tends to be moderate throughout the year. Summers tend to be hot and humid, although they pale in comparison to the summers experienced by its neighbors to the south. When the summers tend to top off around 90 degrees, your weather gets classified as mild. Nobody dealing with 100-degree weather and the kind of humidity that requires a shower when you go out to get your mail wants to hear any complaining about balmy 80-degree heat waves.
But all four seasons will be on display in Delaware, which means you’ll need to diversity the ol’ wardrobe. Keep in mind, though, that snow pants and ski boots probably won’t come into play in the First State; the winters get cold, but generally tend to be mild compared to neighboring Pennsylvania due to being on the coast. As such, snow probably won’t be a factor. Winters in Delaware are cold, but reasonably mild due to the entire state’s proximity to the sea. Snow pants will only come into play if you’re relocating to Delaware from someplace in the tropic-subtropic area and have never dealt with weather below 50 degrees.
And as with most states that experience the glory of the four seasons, spring tends to be rainy, and fall gets all the glory. If fall had a football team, they’d be the New England Patriots, and they’d play their home games in Delaware. Spring would probably get the Seattle Seahawks because of all the rain.
Things to Do
Just because it’s a small state doesn’t mean there won’t be anything to do in Delaware. Hit up Lums Pond State Park to attempt the zip lines or rope courses. Or do both, if dangling from tall objects while wearing a tether sounds like fun (DO IT, IT’S AWESOME, EVERYONE SHOULD ZIP LINE AT LEAST ONCE IN THEIR LIVES).
If you enjoy beer and wine, relocating to Delaware will mean a trip on the Wine and Ale Trail and at least a passing familiarity with Dogfish Head beer. Better yet, make time to visit the Dogfish Head brewery and take part in beer tastings, festivals, or whatever else they’ve got going on.
And then there’s the beaches. Even if you don’t feel like hanging out on one of the state’s multiple beaches working on your tan, you can go dolphin spotting at Fisherman’s Wharf, get fresh seafood and Bethany Beach, or take a boat out to explore Delaware Bay.
But for a real sight, head down to Dewey Beach for the annual Running of the Bull, which pits a group of people in running shoes against another group of people in running shoes dressed up like bulls.
Delaware Culture
When you live in a state with only three counties, it’s natural to be a little nosy about what your neighbors are up to. Delaware has a reputation of being a small town in a state-sized location, so don’t be surprised if the gossip and chatter seems a bit compressed. It’s not you, it’s the proximity.
That closeness means you won’t have trouble making friends around town or finding someone to play disc golf with. And you will play disc golf in Delaware; the culture will demand it, especially if you end up in Brandywine Creek State Park.
RUN FROM THE BULLS AND HEAD FOR THE MOVING VANS
Beaches, beer, and disc golf sound inviting? Ready to move to a small state and get away from it all? Call a Colonial Van Lines professional and find out how simple getting to the First State can be.
Colonial Van Lines offers the experience and the expertise to put you at ease with such a big relocation. We’ll ensure your moving experience will put your mind at ease.
Long Distance Moving to Delaware
November 3, 2019