Finding and Leaving the Dream Beach Home: A Retirement Journey

Our Dream of Owning a Beach Home

Like many families, we had always dreamt of owning a beach home for vacations and weekend getaways. However, budget constraints and our children’s busy schedules made this dream seem unattainable for a long time.

As we approached retirement, we revisited this dream and bought a beautiful home in Delaware, a short drive away from the stunning beaches.

Our New Home in Delaware

Our new residence was part of a newly built development near a historic village brimming with lively restaurants, music venues, and art galleries. My husband enjoyed fishing off the coastline and our friendly neighbors made us feel welcomed.

Despite our initial joy, after three years, we began planning to move again.

Our Life Before Delaware

Before moving to Delaware, we lived in a suburban New Jersey town. Despite having stable jobs and living a middle-class life, we struggled to fit into the social scene and often felt lonely.

Realizing We Were Not Beach Lovers

In Delaware, the lower property taxes and affordable real estate eased our budget. However, we soon realized that we missed being near our family in New Jersey and the vibrant culture of New York City. Additionally, we discovered that regular beach visits had lost their charm.

Community Life in Delaware

Our Delaware community was welcoming with various social activities. However, our homesickness and desire to be closer to family and the city’s cultural scene outweighed the social advantages of our Delaware home.

Our experience in Delaware taught us valuable lessons about prioritizing what enriches the soul when making retirement decisions.