10 reasons why buying land in Delaware makes sense in 2026

Delaware packs a lot into a small footprint: beach towns on the Atlantic, working farmland, forested acreage, and easy access to major East Coast cities. It’s a state where you can buy land for recreation, agriculture, a primary home, or a long-term investment—often without the big-city price tag or headaches.

Below are 10 reasons Delaware continues to stand out for land buyers today, along with a few current data points that show what’s happening on the ground right now.

Reasons to Buy Land in Delaware

1. A Beautiful Coastline Built for Real Life (and Real Recreation)

Delaware’s Atlantic coastline gives land buyers options—from building a beach getaway to owning property close to boating, fishing, and year-round outdoor activities. Communities near Rehoboth, Dewey, Bethany, and Lewes blend coastal living with dining, events, and trails, which keeps demand strong for well-located parcels.

2. Low Property Taxes and Retirement-Friendly Tax Policy

Delaware remains a favorite for buyers who prioritize long-term affordability. The state’s average effective property tax rate is often cited around 0.45%, which compares favorably to the 1%+ rates common in nearby states. Delaware also does not tax Social Security benefits and does not tax many forms of retirement income—making land ownership and homebuilding especially appealing for retirees and buyers planning ahead.

3. Close to Major Metro Areas Without Feeling Like the Suburbs

Delaware makes it easy to balance space and access. You can enjoy rural acreage or a quieter coastal lifestyle while staying within reach of Philadelphia, Baltimore, Washington, D.C., and New Jersey’s shore communities. For many buyers, that means you can own land that feels private without losing access to airports, healthcare systems, and major employers.

4. A Business-Friendly Reputation That Supports Development

Delaware’s long-standing pro-business environment helps land buyers who think beyond personal use. From small LLCs to major corporations, the state’s legal and regulatory framework has helped Delaware become a go-to place to form and operate businesses. If you’re buying commercial land—or buying land as part of a broader investment strategy—this reputation matters.

5. Agriculture That’s Active, Visible, and Still Growing in New Ways

Delaware agriculture isn’t just history—it’s current commerce. The state continues to support production farming and local food systems, and recent numbers highlight that momentum. In 2024, Delaware farmers markets reached $4.5 million in sales, a record-breaking year, according to the Delaware Department of Agriculture. That record sits on a clear growth trend: farmers market sales increased from $3.72 million in 2021 to $4.46 million in 2024, also reported by the Delaware Department of Agriculture.

For land buyers, those figures signal consistent demand for locally grown products—good news if you’re considering market gardening, small-scale livestock, agritourism, or value-added products.

6. Productive Farmland and Clear Signals on What’s Being Planted

If you’re buying land for row crops or mixed-use farming, Delaware’s planted acreage offers a practical snapshot of what producers are investing in right now. In 2025, corn planted acreage reached 175,000 acres, according to USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS). That same 2025 overview shows 20,000 acres of barley planted and 11,000 acres of hay planted, per USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS).

These acreage totals underscore Delaware’s ongoing agricultural footprint and can help buyers think through land suitability, local equipment and service availability, and how nearby farming operations may influence property use and value.

7. A Changing Dairy Landscape Creating Niche Opportunities

Delaware’s dairy sector has shifted dramatically in recent years—something land buyers should understand if they’re evaluating agricultural operations or looking for specialty income streams. Delaware had 13 dairy farms operating in 2024, down 83% from 77 farms in 2014, according to The Bullvine.

At the same time, niche models can command premium pricing. In 2025, Delaware’s 13 remaining dairy farms captured $16–$20 per gallon premiums for raw milk, according to The Bullvine. For buyers considering farmland, this highlights a key reality: Delaware can reward specialization—especially when a property supports direct-to-consumer demand and compliance requirements.

8. Woodlands, Wetlands, and Open Space for Privacy and Recreation

Beyond farmland, Delaware’s woodlands and wetlands create real options for hunting properties, cabins, conservation-minded ownership, and private homesites tucked away from traffic. Many buyers value Delaware because you can find seclusion without feeling isolated—state parks, wildlife areas, and preserved lands are often a short drive from towns and beaches.

9. A Lower Overall Cost of Living (Especially With No Sales Tax)

Delaware’s lack of state sales tax and generally manageable housing costs—outside premium beach markets—help land buyers stretch their budgets further. That can translate into larger acreage, a better location, or more capital left over for improvements like wells, septic, driveways, clearing, and building.

10. Small Town Character and Community Traditions That Actually Last

Delaware’s historic towns and local institutions give the state a lived-in feel that many buyers prefer over newer, uniform development. Even the farmers market scene reflects that staying power. Delaware’s Riverwalk Farmers Market reached its 30th year in 2025—the longest running in the state—according to the Delaware Department of Agriculture. Lewes Farmers Market celebrated 20 years in 2025, also reported by the Delaware Department of Agriculture.

For land buyers, this matters because strong community anchors—events, markets, local farms, and small businesses—tend to support livability and long-term demand in the surrounding area.

Final Thoughts

Delaware offers a rare mix: coastal beauty, productive agricultural land, wooded open space, and proximity to major metro areas—all in a state known for relatively low taxes and a business-friendly climate. Whether your goal is to build a home, start a farm, create a recreational retreat, or invest for the future, Delaware gives you multiple paths to make land ownership work on your terms.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are property taxes like in Delaware?

Delaware is widely known for low property taxes, with an often-cited average effective rate around 0.45%. The state also does not tax Social Security benefits and does not tax many forms of retirement income, which can reduce long-term ownership costs.

Is agriculture still economically active in Delaware?

Yes. Local food demand continues to grow: in 2024, Delaware farmers markets reached $4.5 million in sales, according to the Delaware Department of Agriculture. The same source reports market sales rose from $3.72 million in 2021 to $4.46 million in 2024, indicating sustained momentum.

What crops are being planted most in Delaware right now?

In 2025, Delaware reported 175,000 acres of corn planted, 20,000 acres of barley planted, and 11,000 acres of hay planted, according to USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS).

What’s happening with dairy farming in Delaware?

Delaware had 13 dairy farms operating in 2024, down 83% from 77 farms in 2014, according to The Bullvine. However, niche strategies can generate strong pricing: in 2025, Delaware’s 13 remaining dairy farms captured $16–$20 per gallon premiums for raw milk, per The Bullvine.

Do Delaware communities support local markets and small producers?

Yes—there’s clear longevity. Delaware’s Riverwalk Farmers Market reached its 30th year in 2025, the longest running in the state, and Lewes Farmers Market celebrated 20 years in 2025, according to the Delaware Department of Agriculture.