 |
Quality of Life in Sussex County Delaware. Facts, Statistics, Observations and even opinions!
We Sussex Countians are fortunate in many ways as we have a wonderful quality of life here. Climate:
Our climate for one thing is the best in the region. The United States Department of Agriculture has a map that shows the temperature zones for plants (and people). This map http://www.growit.com/ZONES/ shows Delaware in the same climate band as mid-Texas, northern Georgia, and the Carolinas. Delaware is by far the northern most place for this climate. Southern Delaware, although not delineated on this map is shown as one zone more southerly in the more detailed maps you get for planting flowers and vegetables as shown in gardening texts. Sussex County Delaware has a winter climate and temperature that equals the Carolinas, Georgia and northern Florida. It has a summer climate and temperature that is more like New York and Massachusetts. The reason for this is the tempering effects of the large bodies of water that surround Sussex County have more local effect on keeping us cool in Summer and Warm in winter than the land does. The closer you get to the water the more this is true. The Eastern Sussex area is almost identical to Boston temperatures in the summer and Tampa temperatures in the winter. Driving and Commuting Distance:
In Sussex County we feel we are far enough from everything and close enough to all that's important. While we enjoy and idyllic rural and resort lifestyle here, we are a couple of hours to the cities. When I lived in L.A. most of us drove two or more hours each way to work. Southern Californians spend 4 to 8 hours a day in their cars - no wonder the car culture is so strong there. In two hours we can be past Wilmington to Philadelphia and beyond; past Baltimore and into Washington D.C. and beyond and to the south we can reach Norfolk in just over two hours. The slowest part of each of these trips is the first 45 minutes which are on our picturesque Colonial roads, but then we hit the open roads and the miles click on by. We are about 90 minutes to any of four International Airports - take your pick: Dulles, Reagan, Baltimore Washington or Philadelphia. We have air commuter service 45 minutes away in Salisbury or Newcastle. Charter service is available in Georgetown right here in the middle of Sussex County. Telecommuting and Teleworking:
Sussex County, especially just west of the beach areas is a rapidly growing area for telecommuting. The ultra-high-speed cable access to the Internet is available anywhere that Comcast Cable television service is. This cable modem service is about 10-30 times faster than dial-up service and makes all the difference if you are on line all day like Kate and I are. Although the cable modem costs about $50 a month, you can split it and without a drop in speed have two or three people in your home on the same hookup - that makes it very cost effective. I specialize in helping those who do, or want, to telecommute or as they say in Europe and the Federal Government, to telework. We have helped numerous people move in and work from home. The various government agencies are now pressing more and more people to telework at least a few days a week. If you go to the various federal web sites most if not all of them have criteria and jobs for teleworkers - check it out. And don't forget your favorite jobs anywhere - you may be able to work here and have a job in any other place on earth or at least any other place in America. Crime:
Our crime, what there is of it, is mostly out of state speeders on the highways. Some of our visitors are of the opinion (right or wrong) that our major source of state income in Delaware is fines from speeding tickets. That is the primary function of our police on a daily basis. We are certainly not crime free but we are safer than most places. In fact of our serious crimes, most are DUI, Driving Under the Influence and still our statistics are that of a very peaceful and laid back rural area. Size and Density:
Sussex County is the largest county east of the Mississippi River with 938 square miles! Sussex has almost the exact same size as the other two counties of Delaware combined; yet we have only about 15% of the state population with our 120,000 people. That relates to only 128 people per square mile, compared to almost 1100 people per square mile in our northern county, New Castle. Financial and Economic Vitality:
Southern Delaware is uniquely a haven for the self employed. The economic vitality of Sussex County, especially eastern Sussex County, is primarily that of self employment in addition to jobs in education, law enforcement, lodging, health care, Real Estate of course, Real Estate law, residential and commercial building and construction, which is related, and retail management. Part of the reason for our overall economic health is that our owner operated businesses are so diverse. There are no huge corporations employing thousands of people in high paying jobs that can crash or affect our economy in any way. We also have a growing and vibrant arts community of fine artists, writers, and musicians who live here and gain income from a wide national and international area. As the teleworking era grows here this self-employed base will grow and diversify even more. Cultural Values:
We have so many cultural events in the so called off-season that we are developing another season which some are calling the aesthetics season to complement the beach tourism season. The arts are a measure of the richness of our lives, our community and our economy. The arts are a multi-million dollar industry here when our aesthetics season visitors rent rooms, rent homes for the several day events, eat at our restaurants, shop at our hundreds of outlet stores and otherwise spend time and money in our various establishments. We have a couple of local pre-university schools which feature art and music education which studies show enhance problem solving and abstract thinking abilities of students in whatever field they may end up in; arts or not. Many of us are working to further enhance the emphasis on the arts here. There are many ways we can individually work to increase our cultural assets. One business could support art in public places. An individual can contribute time, money, or expertise to cultural organizations. All these efforts will help stimulate an on-going cycle of learning, investment, and growth in our region. And, of course the most important thing we can do is attend and invite friends in from out of town to attend as many of these events and functions as possible. Tourism:
For many decades, tourism has been the backbone of our local, eastern Sussex County economy. We are well known, in Rehoboth Beach, as The Nation's Summer Capital. Our other beaches are regionally favored above all others: Dewey Beach for the skim board surfing and parties; Bethany Beach for the bedroom community family oriented beachy place and Fenwick Island for the fine homes and fine beaches that are revered by those who relish home life without adjacent commercial activities. Of course Fenwick Island is very close to thousands of commercial enterprises in Ocean City Maryland. Visitors bring money into our local economy, support local businesses, which provide jobs, and they pay for gas, rooms, home rentals and room sales taxes. We increasingly enjoy higher returns from our visitors thus maximizing on our investments. Bringing millions and millions of visitors to our Delaware Beach area affects not only our economy but also our transportation system, our water system and our natural environment. Studies show that different types of visitors have different impacts. For example, visitors who attend an arts event typically stay longer and spend more money. Tourism is evolving. Our Bed and Breakfast establishments for instance are a major factor in bicycle tourism, bird watching and corporate and executive think-tank retreats. We are developing different types of visitors to our area while maintaining our lifestyle, economic vitality, and environmental quality. Emphasizing outdoor recreation, clean air, wide-open spaces and beautiful scenery, we can attract "eco-friendly" visitors. Camping, for instance, is a large and growing eco-tourism feature where thousands of our campsites host those who enjoy the area and often stay right at the camp most of the time. Canoeing and kayaking, sea kayaking, the kite festival, jet skis and other personal watercraft as well as boating, fishing, sailing and that most usual of all eco-tourism pursuits; beach walking, are all growing by several percent each year. Historic Appreciation and Preservation:
Lewes, Milton and Georgetown all have (in that order) substantial historic preservation districts. Purchasing and restoring as well as maintaining these historic homes and shops is a major and growing contributing factor to our economy and local aesthetic beauty. There are hundreds of homes in Lewes and Milton with extensive restoration work done. Some of these are now Bed and Breakfast Inns. Many of these Historic sites are listed in the national or state register of historic places because of their importance to community, their place in state history or prehistory, or due to significance in architecture, archeology, or culture. Many of these places are not suitably listed by beautiful never the less and important to all of us. Sussex County has listed several buildings in the National/State Register in recent years. Retaining our existing stock and extending the longevity of historic resources keeps the past vivid in our daily lives. Travelers tend to plan longer trips around historic sites. Education:
Education is a critical element in our community's quality of life. Our vision for the future creates a world-class education system that is challenging and diverse enough to encourage the highest levels of student and faulty achievement, works in partnership with families and the community, and provides life-long learning opportunities. Sussex Technical & Community College, Wilmington College, Goldey Beacon Business Schools, University of Delaware and more are active campuses here in Salt Water Sussex County. A thriving economy is essential to the education system. Healthy families ensure that students are ready to learn. A vibrant arts community and our unique natural environment provide opportunities for hands-on learning. We have numerous work study programs particularly in education, the arts, health care, law enforcement, oceanography, environmentalism and commercial boating. Our region will continue to enhance the strength, depth and diversity of our region's education system. Educational excellence is fundamental to our competitive economy, a healthy environment, self-sufficient families, and an outstanding community. Our elementary schools, middle schools and high schools in the Cape Henlopen School District and nearby areas are usually at or near the top of the Delaware education system success gradients. Health Care:
Health and wellness are fundamental to community prosperity. A healthy community embraces all aspects of health. Our vision of a healthy future focuses on healthy behavior and prevention which allows people to celebrate and live life to its fullest and ensures accessible care to encourage the best health outcomes. State of the art technology will allow people with critical needs to get care in their own community. Dedicated and caring doctors, nurses and caregivers are at the heart of our health care system. A thriving economy and good jobs ensure that families have access to health care. A clean environment offering rich recreational choices supports healthy families. Affordable, accessible health care is essential to our vision of families that can support our economy and schools as well. Beebe Hospital headquartered in Lewes has developed (to a great degree under the auspices of my father, Joe Hudson) a large number of clinics and satellite health care facilities spread frequently around the area. Healthy communities focus on wellness, prevention and access to quality medical care. When health care is hard to find or expensive, people may delay treatment, often making their health problems worse. Timely access to appropriate health care benefits everyone. Beebe Hospital is certainly the fastest growing and largest employer in the beach resort area and growing fast to support our retirement communities as more and more people retire here at earlier and earlier ages and remain more and more active in life, business and recreation. We have a wonderful school of nursing attached to the hospital as well: The Beebe Hospital School of Nursing. Beach and Natural Environment Areas:
And this, our beach area, is of course what we are nationally famous for. The natural environment is the very foundation of community well-being. We are in late transition from a farming community to a resort and arts community. Our best and most optimum future relies on a clean environment that attracts tourists as well as high quality residents and entrepreneurs. A world-class educational presence here supports environmental protection. Our highly educated tourists and residents are another factor ensuring our increasingly strong accent on an ever improving environment. A strong economy is essential to restoration projects. Well-planned land uses and infrastructure investments can protect and enhance the environment. Environmental vitality is essential to our vision of a sustainable economy. An unmatched environment also supports year-round recreation to attract a more diverse mix of tourists and our favorite and more diverse mix of teleworkers and retirees. The National Parks & Recreation Association recommends 7 acres of community parks and 20 acres of regional parks per 1,000 population. We are far, far, beyond that ratio. Our beach area is one of our largest park assets and boasts a variety of recreational facilities including ball fields, golf courses, and a variety of water sports and enjoyment opportunities. Keeping up with parks maintenance is a constant area concern which we do quite well. Parks offer a place to relax, recreate, and visit with friends. A combination of developed parks and natural areas provides a mixture of activities like playing sports and walking a quiet trail. Trees, grass and other vegetation clean our air. Relocating individuals often cite parks and schools as deciding factors for moving to our region. Trails can connect neighborhoods and contribute to healthy active lives. Trails enhance mobility and access to public lands. The hundreds of miles of trails and bike paths have increased constantly in our beach region. Funding issues make development of trails challenging. The natural environment, our beach and wetland areas as well as our farm land, is what most people list first when talking about our region's quality of life. This is an area that clearly shows what a positive impact people can have with relatively small individual contributions. Our region's water quality and air quality are wonderful and have improved tremendously over the last 50 years. Regional investment in the natural environment can ensure that we continue to enjoy the natural benefits we can not easily replace: reducing pollution, processing waste, improving water and air quality, and moderating the damage of flooding. Investments in our community's "green infrastructure" are critical to the health of our families as well as to our tourist-based economy and those investments are being made by our various governmental divisions and by our individuals. Our largest park style land owner in fact, is Delaware Wild Lands a private organization devoted to securing the quality of life for all Delawareans and doing it well. Land Use and Zoning:
The land use choices we make are the blueprint for our community's design. Our vision of the future provides effective infrastructure that enables us to work, raise our families, and educate our children. Our land use supports our quality of life while protecting the environment. Community infrastructures attract tourists as well as high quality visitors, retirees and entrepreneurs. Our region will foster sustainable development that meets the needs of present generations without impairing future generations' ability to meet their own needs. A strong economy is essential to good land use planning and infrastructure provision. A respect for the environment helps maximize the use of land and infrastructure. Involved neighborhoods are essential for a thriving community. Smart land use and high quality infrastructure are essential if we are to achieve our vision of a robust economy, world-class education, and a safe community. We are expanding rapidly as more and more people arrive here for short, medium or permanent residential and business life. As our Quality of Life is what most people come here to enjoy; part time or full time. ENJOY! Copyright 2000-2005 by www.JodyHudson.com Jody Hudson is a Realtor of 35 years professional experience and a lifetime in America and Delaware. Source page for this article is: http://www.kate-jody.com/essays/qualityoflife.html
MORE RESOURCES:
London Ontario Real Estate Information
Can I Sell My Private Mortgage Notes?
How to Prequalify a Buyer When You Sell Your Home By Owner
Purchasing Property With No Money Down: My Personal Experience
Budgeting Your Log Home: Where Do You Start?
How to Get Financing after Filing Bankruptcy
Joint Ventures In Real Estate Development; So How Do They Work?
How to Price Your Property?
How to Make the Real Estate Market Work For You and Get The Most Money
Cheap, Bargain, Real Estate; Good Deals, Below Market, Low Priced Properties Are Available...
Real Estate: Reasons and Priorities for Purchasing Property
A Powerful Suggested Technique for YOUR Home & Property Search
Horses In My Back Yard
How To Give Yourself A $20,000/Year Raise Without Asking Your Boss
How Do I Implement The Lease Purchase Plan?
How I Became a Real Estate Investor
Safe, Scenic & Secure Sussex County Delaware
Quality of Life in Sussex County Delaware. Facts, Statistics, Observations and even opinions!
Investing in Real Estate Profitably: Financing Options for Purchase of Rental Houses, Part 1.
Investing in Residential Real Estate: Achieving Positive Cash Flow
Regarding Real Estate On Leased Land
How Much Home Can You Afford In Todays Market?
Why Do Realtors Advertise Your Home in Print,on the Radio, on Television, etc.?
I have a buyer for your property and I can sell it now!
Where Does Your Real Estate Commission Fee Go - Why is The Commission so HIGH?
What We Do To Sell Your Property!
Maximizing Curb Appeal and First Impressions to Sell your Home
Juggling The Day With A Deal
The Many Benefits Of Lease Purchasing
Various Aspects Of The Lease Purchase Business
What Can I Realistically Earn In A Lease Purchase Business?
Real Estate, Real Property and Leased Land; Definitions, Discussion and Explanations
Tax Deferred Exchanges of Investment and Business Real Estate
High Tension for the Buyer and Seller of Real Estate Can Be Reduced
Legal Information About the Real Estate Contract
Real Estate: Buyers Agent, Sellers Agent & Dual Agent (defined and explained)
Landscaping Adds Great Value to Real Estate And Helps You Sell
Are You Profiting From O.P.P.?
The Many Ways To Profit From O.P.P.s Multiple Cash Streams
How Do You Profit From O.P.P.?
Lease Purchasing Is The Perfect Home-Based Business
Buying Country Acreage and Rural Properties, To Buy or Not To Buy
The 21st Century Way To Build Equity
Property Types A, B, C And D
The Psyche of The Seller and The Tenant Buyer
Reprint Rights and How To Use Them To Generate A Steady Income
Seller Objections To Lease Purchase
Tenant/Buyers Have Multiple Options
The Devine Secrets Of The Ya Ya Lease Purchase Hood
How To Get The Best Rental Accommodation In The Area By Using Your Capital
Strata Title Hotel Investments
Why You Should Rent To Live And Buy To Invest
Time Is A Major Real Estate Wealth Growth Tool, So Use IT And Watch Your...
Property Auction & Why You Should Run A Mile From Them
Condo Hotels Offer Luxury and Great Investment Potential
Condo Hotel Trends - A Look at the Big Picture in Vacation Home Ownership
The Benefits of Fractional Ownership in Private Residence Clubs
Real Estate Development Marketing
Buying Land For Development Requires Careful Planning and Execution
Home Inspections or Home Warranty?
Peace of Mind for Home Inspections: Choose the Right Inspector!
Preparing To Make A Zero Down Offer
Using The Internet In Your Lease Purchase Business
Real Estate Local FAQs.
Sell Houses Fast & Top Dollar: Design Psychology
What is a Predatory Lender?
Find Bucks in Yucks! 20-Year-Old Woman Turns Doghouses into Dollars!
Selling by Owner = Saving by Owner?
You Have 15 Seconds to Sell Your Home! 11 Steps You Can Take to Sell Your Home for Top Dollar
Selling by Owner Tips
Using Transformation Psychology to Sell Investment Properties
How to Become a Successful Real Estate Investor
Buying Houses: Types of Bargains to Find
Financing Houses
Using Color Psychology to Sell Your Home
Five Things to Help Sell Your Home Fast, and For More Money
Ten Steps for Becoming a Successful Real Estate Investor
Finding a Great Listing Agent for Your Home: 8 Tips
Selling Houses: Design Psychology and Interior Colors
Interior Design Secrets for Selling Houses
Five Ps of Selling Houses
Selling Houses: The Basics of Design Psychology
The Costs of Transforming Your Home into a Buyers Dream House
Fixing Houses: Mixing Your Own Paint for Savings and Harmony
If Your House Is a Mess, You Dont Have To Sell For Less
18 Easy Steps to Buy a Bargain House
How to Choose Your Real Estate Lender
Create a Sizzling Home Sales Flyer
A Beginners Guide to Flipping Houses
Questions Investors Should Ask When Buying and Selling Investment Property
Real Estate Investing: How to Choose a Lender
Real Estate Investing: Infomercial and Mentoring Scams
Why You Need a Lender to Sell Your Home
Selling Your Home: The Power of a Great Sales Flyer
The Secret to Maximum Real Estate Profits: Lighting
Selling Investment Houses: Props & Profits
Selling Houses: Cutting Edge Design Tips for Selling
Dont be Tempted by We Buy Houses (Updated)
Buying and Selling Distressed Houses for Maximum Profit (Update)
Selling Houses Fast: Basics of Design & Color Psychology
Selling Houses: Flooring & Feelings
Selling Houses: Psychological Effects of Landscaping
Credit Help: Buying Real Estate -- Not the Same as Buying Cars
Fixing Houses: Using Psychology for Profits
Selling Your Home Quickly, Even if You Have No Money For Repairs
Talk to a Lender Before You Sell Your Home
Selling by Owner Escrow or Closing Checklist
Investing in Real Estate Profitably: Eliminating the Need for Mortgage Insurance
How to Make Money in Real Estate Without Doing the Scrunch Work
Achieving Positive Cash Flow from Your Real Estate Investments
Selling Houses: Design Psychology Works!
Selling Your House Fast!
Transforming Doghouses into Dollhouses
Selling Investment Houses: Psychology of Mirrors
A Real Estate Primer
What are the Elements in Real Estate?
Curb Appeal
What to Look Out For When Buying Off Plan
Staging® Your Home for Sale: a Superior Real Estate Home Marketing Technique: Part 1
What Does It Take To Be A Donald Trump in Real Estate?
On the Crossing of Continents
Panama is Hot - A World Class Retirement Haven Thats Ripe For Profitable Real Estate Investment
Personal Branding Techniques for Real Estate Agents and Brokers
Real Estate Investing Myths That Steal Profits From Your Pocket
Budgeting Your Log Home - Creating a Checklist
Do You Want To Sell Your Rehabs Fast?
How Much Should I Pay For This House?
Real Estate Investment 2005 - The Hottest Countries for Investment in 2005
Real Estate Investment - Why it is Big Business?
Tax Free Exchanges: Watch out for the New Residence Rules
Home Inspectors - Negotiating a Lower Price
Finding the Right Real Estate Agent:: A Guide for Seniors
Why it is Important to Hire Just One Real Estate Agent to Buy a Home
The Professional Investors Plan
How to Buy a Home When Your in Your Twenties
Why Invest In Property?
Location, Location, Location
Prepare Your House for a Successful Sale
Pricing your House to Sell
Virtual Agent? Online Real Estate
Curb Appeal
Water, Water Everywhere on the Waterfront
Before Selling Your Home
When Showing Your Home
For Sale By Owner Listings
Should you Sell your Home yourself?
Evil Gains Entry
How to Sell Your Own Home and Save Thousands of Dollars
Home Inspection Checklist - Home Inspectors
The Value of Foreclosed Property
Investing In Commercial Property
Investing In Land
Selling Your Home - A FSBOs Guide to Keeping It Safe
Seven Questions You Should Ask When Buying a Condo Hotel Unit
What is a Foreclosure?
Expenses of Home Ownership
Dealing With Dual Real Estate Agents
At Home In Your Overseas Home
A Real Estate Investing Primer
The Real Estate Bubble Fallacy
Tax Assessment/Appraisal: How Do I Know What My Home is Worth?
How to Build a Real Estate Investing Power Team
How Can the Average Person Build Wealth in Real Estate?
Product Review of Carelton Sheets No Money Down Course
Real Estate News
Types of Listings with Agents
The New First Impression in Home Selling
Buying a House in Scotland
Fixing Houses for Resale: Three Beginning Steps to Increase Profits and Have Fun
Basic Tips for First Time Home Buyers
Homebuyer Heaven Can't Possibly Last
Selling Your Property Without An Estate Agent
Avoid The Traps Of Finance
Big Discounts With Property Investment Clubs?
New or Old House?
How Not To Blow Your Build Budget
Is a Vacation Home Right for You?
Should You Buy Real Estate Now
Staging Homes for Top-Dollar Sales
Real Estate Bankruptcy
How To Negotiate A Higher Price For Your House
Maintaining Small Town Charm In An Ever-Changing World
OPM - The Art of Leveraging
A Difference Between Appraisal, Assessment, Home Inspection
Investing in Real Estate Like a Stock
Getting Raw Land, Not a Raw Deal!
Investing in Real Estate Vehicle for Wealth Building
A Possible Bargain: Foreclosed Properties
How Can I Stop Foreclosure on My House?
Buying New Construction...How Do I Begin?
Dont Sell Your House--Ever!
A Singles Game of Real Estate
Investment Real Estate Done Right -- Your Quickest and Safest Path to Wealth
Atlanta Georgia Real Estate - Marietta - East Cobb, Roswell, and Alpharetta
How to Attract Clients in Residential Real Estate
How to Build Your Dream Home
Property in Bulgaria - Huge Investment Potential
Unravelling The Real Estate Buying Process in Canada
Why Canadian Real Estate is Such Good Value
How To Find Your Dream Home In Belize
Negotiating the Real Estate Contract
Be A Realtor With Curb Appeal
Investment Real Estate -- A New Twist: Be the Bank, Not the Landlord, and Get Rich Without the Work!
Build Your Retirement By Investing In Real Estate
Appraisal vs. Market Value: How to Avoid Pitfalls in the Sale of Your Home
Utah Real Estate
Purchasing Land: What To Look For
If You Cant Afford to Retire...Move
Moldy Homes are a Great Investment
NAR® Broker Will Swear It - Real Pro' Agents Share It - FSBO Truth
How to Get the Best Price for Your House
Flat Fee MLS Listings - Is This The Future Of Real Estate
10 "No Money Down" Ways to Buy Real Estate
Look Past the Bottom Line for a Propertys Potential
10 Tips for Investing in Distressed or Foreclosed Properties
How to Research and Purchase a Good Investment Property
Termite and Moisture Damage Not Reported
Free Tips That Will Dramatically Increase the Selling Value Of Your House (Part 1)
Dont Overpay for a House, Even in Todays Market
What Homeowners Should Know to Stop Foreclosure- Speaking Your Lenders Language
Finding A Capable Agent To Meet Your Real Estate Needs
How to Prepare Yourself for Owning a Dual Purpose Second Home
Conditions Are Right For Buying The Higher Priced Home You'Ve Always Wanted
What To Expect In Closing Costs On A Home Purchase
Avoiding A Bad Investment Is Easier Than You Might Think
Working With Your Real Estate Attorney
What's Your Style? A Guide to America's Most Common Home Styles
XML error: XML_ERR_NAME_REQUIRED at line 1 |
