Windstone, Sussex County

In the beach area, where prices can seem outrageous—still—the subdivision of Windstone in Milton offers uncommon value. Starting at $230,000, the neighborhood, on Cave Neck Road (Sussex 88), is only a mile west of Del. 1 and a mile north of Five Points, so it is conveniently located near the beaches, but priced well below beach-town homes, Fowler points out. Factor in energy savings realized from top-notch construction, insulation and windows—a hallmark of designs by Bridgeville-based Insight Homes—and the value becomes even greater. (Fowler estimates monthly electric bills at $70 to $80.) Plus, with grounds maintenance included, you’ll live a life of relative ease, leaving time to enjoy the neighborhood pool. Skirt summertime traffic to Cape Henlopen State Park or to Lewes by scooting down New Road. The Kitchen at neighboring Paynter’s Mill keeps you off the highway altogether, as does charming Milton, where you can dine at Miltonian Pizza, Po’ Boys Creole or Irish Eyes Pub. Get your nature fix at Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge or The Nature Conservancy’s neighboring Ponder’s Tract preserve. See also Hunters Mill Estates, also in Milton, where current prices were as low as $159,000 in January