Our Neighborhoods

"So, let's make the most of this beautiful day. Since we're together, we might as well say, would you be mine? Could you be mine? Won't you be my neighbor?" - Fred Rogers

History of Delaware

Many people associate Delaware as "The First State". However, Delaware's history is much more fascinating. Some interesting facts include:

  • Delaware gets its namesake from the Delaware Bay and River which is named after Thomas West, 3rd Baron De La Warr.
  • The first residents of Delaware were the Lenape Tribe in Northern Delaware and the Nanticoke Tribe in Southern Delaware. The first European Settlers were the Dutch followed by the Swedes and then the English. At one point, Delaware was part of Pennsylvania which was referred by William Penn as "the lower counties on the Delaware".
  • Delaware was also active in the American Revolution. Several notable residents include Thomas McKean, John Dickinson, George Reed, and Cesar Rodney. The Delaware Regiment in the Continental Army was known as "The Delaware Blues" and nicknamed "Blue Hen's Chicks". Delaware officially became the First State after being the first to ratify the US Constitution on December 7, 1787, henceforth known as "Delaware Day".
  • Delaware voted against secession and remained with the Union during the American Civil War.
  • A Sussex County tradition called "Return Day" is a celebration where all the politicians gather in Georgetown, DE to reveal who the winner of the election was. There's a big parade where the winner comes in facing everyone and the loser comes in backwards. Return Day occurs two days after the election.


To learn more, visit The Delaware Historical Society.

Why Move to Delaware?

  • Climate

    Coastal Delaware enjoys a warm to temperate climate for 8-9 months out of the year and is almost always on the "rain side" of the rain/snow line for east coast winter storms.

  • Culture

    The small town feel of most Delaware communities is complemented by an abundance of entertainment, cultural and dining opportunities near the beaches.

  • Ecology

    • The Delaware beaches are highly rated for some of the healthiest water in the country.
    • Delaware is also home to one of largest bat populations in the country. 
    • The official State Animal is the Blue Hen Chicken. 
    • The State Marine Animal is the Horseshoe Crab. 
    • The State Mamal is the Gray Fox
    • The State Bug is the Ladybug
    • The State Flower is the Peach Blossom
    •  The State Tree is the American Holly

  • Education

    Delaware public schools have won several academic awards and are in the Top 15 schools in the country. 


    Delaware is also home to several universities such as University of Delaware, Delaware State University, and Widener University School of Law.

  • Locality

    Major metropolitan areas such as Baltimore and Philadelphia are just a couple of hours away. 

  • Tax Advantages

    The Kiplinger Retirement Report Loves Delaware!


    Coastal Delaware is rapidly becoming one of the most desirable retirement locations in the mid Atlantic area. Why?

    • NO SALES TAXES! There is absolutely no sales tax in Delaware.
    • A top marginal income tax rate of 6.60% (as of 01/01/2021). 
    • Extremely low Sussex County real estate taxes - People who come here from Maryland, Virginia, Pennsylvania, New Jersey and New York are usually shocked by how low the real estate taxes are in Sussex County. You can expect to pay about .2% of the value of your home in taxes. That’s right "point two percent." 
    • Up to $12,500 of retirement income is tax exempt for people over 60.
    • No personal property taxes.
    • No estate or inheritance taxes on estates below $5.25 million.

     January 24, 2021 article in the Kiplinger Retirement Report concluded that Delaware as the most tax-friendly state in America for retirees. New York, New Jersey and Connecticut were listed among the ten WORST states. AND THIS REPORT DID NOT EVEN FACTOR IN THAT SUSSEX COUNTY REAL ESTATE TAXES ARE MUCH LOWER THAN THE DELAWARE STATE MEDIAN.

If you would like to learn more about the choices in coastal Delaware, give us a call. Our people know all the ins and outs of the various coastal communities and will help you decide what part of "The Beach" is right for you.

Where We Build

  • Broadkill Beach

    Situated on the Delaware Bay and surrounded by the Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge, Broadkill Beach is perfect for nature lovers!

  • Lewes

    Originally named Zwaanendael or Swan Valley by Dutch Settlers in 1631, Lewes proudly claims to be "The First Town in the First State". With easy access to the Delaware Bay, Atlantic Ocean, Cape Henlopen State Park, and Museums, Lewes is the perfect town for everyone!

  • Rehoboth Beach

    Called "The Nation's Summer Capital", Rehoboth Beach is home to Funland and hosts several festivals throught the year including the Sea Witch Festival and Rehoboth Beach Autumn Jazz Festival. The restaurant scene is also extremely competitive so there is no shortage of delicious food!

  • Dewey Beach

    Incorporated in 1981, Dewey Beach is home to several historic bars including The Bottle and Cork, The Rusty Rudder, and The Starboard. Dewey Beach is also home to the Rehoboth Beach Life Saving Station where you can view remnants from shipwrecks off the Atlantic. 

  • Bethany Beach

    Known as one of the "Quiet Resorts", Bethany Beach is the perfect place to sit out on your balcony or front porch and listen to the ocean waves and calming sea breeze. 

  • Fenwick Island

    Another town part of the "Quiet Resorts" is Fenwick Island. With its proximity to Ocean City, Maryland, Fenwick Island is the perfect place for that quiet getaway with easy access to all the attractions Ocean City has to offer. 

What to Consider When Buying

Many of our customers are new to the Delaware Beaches. Others have lived here their entire lives. Most are somewhere in between. Regardless of your familiarity with the area, you will benefit from our knowledge when it comes time to choose a lot or community.



One of the most endearing things about this area is that there is literally something for everyone. We are very knowledgeable about the unique characteristics of each of the communities that comprise the Delaware shore. Allow us to help you narrow down your search to those communities that fit your lifestyle. Choosing a lot is one of the most important decisions you will make. Among the many variables to consider are:

  • Views

    Most of the communities we build in adjoin water. We work to insure that your lot and home design optimize the water views from your new home. We will bring our lift to your site so you can experience firsthand the potential views from various elevations. Often overlooked is the need to PROTECT the views you expect. You must understand what can be built around you, and plan for neighboring properties being built out to maximize THEIR view.

  • Lot Orientation, Sun and Shade

    Few factors affect the livability and efficiency of a home as much as sun and shade. The importance of natural light cannot be overstated. 

  • Sustainability for Solar Panels

    If you’re thinking about solar, now or in the future, you will ideally want to find a lot that will accommodate solar panels on the rear of the house.

  • Lot Size and Building Footprint

    Tell us your desired living space and number of floors and we will help you work backwards to the necessary building footprint. Setback requirements vary in different municipalities, so it is crucial to understand these building constraints.

  • Wind and Flood Zones

     An understanding of wind and flood zones is an absolute prerequisite to intelligent lot selection along the shore. Construction methods and costs can be dramatically impacted by these variables. The cost and availability of insurance are also important considerations in wind and flood zones.

  • Flood Area Rations (FAR) and Height Restrictions

    Several municipalities have their own height restrictions and maximum square footage relative to lot size.

  • Outdoor Living Potential

     Indoor/outdoor living, cooking and dining are increasingly popular. The pitch of your lot can greatly affect its suitability to desirable outdoor living spaces.


  • Privacy Considerations

    If you desire maximum privacy you must plan in advance and understand what can be built around you.

  • Access to Municipal or County Sewer and Water vs. Septic Systems

    we understand the complex requirements and the added costs inherent in advanced septic systems required near the water.

  • Suitability for Geothermal Systems

    Not all soil conditions are suitable for geothermal systems. 

Is your head spinning yet? Don’t worry – Turnstone will help you intelligently address all these lot selection criteria!


Share by: