Overview
Townsend is a small, close-knit community located in New Castle County, Delaware. The town has a rich history dating back to 1885 when it was first incorporated. Its agricultural atmosphere means residents can easily shop local produce and enjoy the quiet, rural culture.
Climate and Geography
The climate in Townsend is classified as humid continental, which means summers are hot and humid, while winters can be cold to mild.
Situated in Northern Delaware, the town is near Brandywine Creek, Christina River, the Delaware River, and the Delaware Bay. The Chesapeake and Delaware Canal are also located in the New Castle County. The Delaware-Maryland state border is about six miles west of Townsend.
Recreation, Culture, & Entertainment
Residents who enjoy outdoor recreation can visit Blackbird State Forest, Wiggins Mill Pond Lake, Blackbird Pond Lake, and Blackbird Creek Reserve. Golfers can also tee off at the Links at St. Anne's and Odessa Golf Club nearby.
Townsend's downtown area is small and quaint, but is still home to a selection of local restaurants and shops to choose from. Willey Farms is a roadside farm market in Townsend that covers six acres and offers a wide variety of goods and fresh produce. For other necessities and conveniences, the neighboring town of Middletown is less than ten minutes away and provides a wider variety of shopping, dining, and entertainment options.
Philadelphia and Baltimore are both about an hour and a half away, making for short road trips to enjoy everything these cities have to offer.
Cost of Living & Taxes
The cost of living in Townsend is higher than the state and national average with the primary factor being the cost of homes and housing, though all other indexes—groceries, health care, utilities, and transportation—are above the national average as well.
Delaware is considered quite tax friendly to retirees. Social Security benefits are fully exempt from state income tax, and although all other forms of retirement income are taxed, residents who are 60+ are eligible for a $12,500 deduction. Property taxes are also quite low and the state has no sales tax.
Health Care
There are several health care facilities that serve the Townsend community including high performing Bayhealth Kent General Hospital and nationally ranked Christiana Care Hospital. Other health centers include Union Hospital-Elkton, Memorial Hospital of Salem County, MeadowWood Behavioral Health System-New Castle, Dover Behavioral Hospital, and Rockford Center to name a few.