Little Falls Village, New Castle County

Patrick points out that with few age-qualified communities in New Castle County, many of those who are ready to make the move to 55-plus living are looking in the near parts of Pennsylvania. But that doesn’t rule out staying local. Pettit sees many Wilmington residents staying in the city by moving to established condos like The Devon and 1401 Pennsylvania Avenue in highly walkable Trolley Square. He also notes that Coffee Run Condominiums in Hockessin remains popular after 40 years for its range of unit sizes, prices and suburban convenience. “I’m still waiting for a developer to come in and do some nice high-end, smaller homes,” Pettit says. The one community that wins high praise is Little Falls Village on Centerville Road in Wilmington. With prices maxing out in the mid $300s, it’s eminently affordable, Patrick says. Units are designed around single-story living, with open floor plans and soaring 9-foot ceilings. Surrounded by Delaware National Golf Course, it offers a feeling of seclusion, yet is 15 minutes from downtown Wilmington. And low monthly fees relieve residents of all maintenance hassles. See also Milltown Village, a community of European-inspired detached homes and carriage houses that overlooks the hills of Pike Creek Valley