By ferry from the shore
From the Garden State Parkway, take the Cape May–Lewes Ferry: about 85 minutes across Delaware Bay, landing in Lewes near Cape Henlopen State Park. Several communities are 15 to 30 minutes from the terminal.
New Jersey to Delaware
Moving from New Jersey to coastal Delaware
Many of the buyers I work with come from New Jersey, often after years of summers at the Delaware beaches. They find new homes with lower taxes, a slower pace and the beach close by, without moving far from family. The ferry from Cape May lands right in Lewes.
- No sales tax on anything you buy in Delaware
- Low property taxes, among the lowest in the nation
- No inheritance or estate tax, and Social Security isn't taxed
- About 85 minutes across the bay on the Cape May–Lewes Ferry
- Energy-efficient new homes with owned solar included
Close to home
Getting here from New Jersey
Close enough for weekend visits in both directions. Times are typical, without summer beach traffic.
By car from South Jersey
From Cherry Hill, Gloucester County or the Philadelphia suburbs, cross the Delaware Memorial Bridge and take Route 1 south. Lewes is usually about two hours away.
From Central and North Jersey
Expect roughly two and a half to three and a half hours by the Turnpike and the Delaware Memorial Bridge, or take the Parkway to the ferry and enjoy the crossing.
Where NJ buyers land
Insight communities, closest to the Lewes ferry first
Lewes and Milton are closest to the ferry and the busiest beaches; Millsboro offers more home for the money; Frankford and Selbyville are near Bethany and Fenwick. Drive times are to Lewes Beach, about a mile from the ferry terminal.
- CarringtonLewes · 15 min to LewesFrom $749,900
- Anchors RunLewes · 17 min to LewesFrom $503,900
- Martins FarmMilton · 19 min to LewesFrom $679,900
- HawthorneGeorgetown · 21 min to LewesFrom $523,900
- Baywood GreensLong Neck · 23 min to LewesFrom $375,000
- 22901 MiltonMilton · 25 min to LewesFrom $646,700
- Baylis EstatesMillsboro · 26 min to LewesFrom $484,900
- The PeninsulaMillsboro · 29 min to LewesFrom $699,900
- Ingrams PointMillsboro · 38 min to LewesFrom $499,900
- Sycamore ChaseFrankford · 11 min to Bethany BeachFrom $569,900
- Maple CrestSelbyville · 25 min to Bethany BeachFrom $399,900
- Sadie's RunSelbyville · 20 min to Bethany BeachFrom $533,700
- Kew GardenSeaford · western SussexFrom $461,400
- Cattail CreekFrederica · Kent County, near Route 1From $448,300
- Coursey's PointFelton · Kent CountyFrom $494,900
Typical drive times without summer traffic (OpenStreetMap routing). Prices as shown on itsjustabetterhouse.com in October 2026 and subject to change. See every community on a map, with drive times to all four beaches.
Delaware's taxes for New Jersey buyers
Pull out your current property tax bill and compare. In Delaware:
- Property taxes are among the lowest in the country, especially in Sussex County. Your bill depends on the county, school district and town; I'll estimate it for any home you're considering.
- No sales tax, including on furniture, appliances and everything else for the new house.
- Retirees: Social Security isn't taxed, and up to $12,500 per person of pension and retirement income is excluded at age 60+.
- No inheritance tax and no estate tax.
- Realty transfer tax: 4% when a home is sold, customarily split between buyer and seller.
The full breakdown is on Delaware's tax advantages. General information, not tax advice; confirm your situation with a tax professional.
Selling your New Jersey home first
Most of my New Jersey buyers have a home to sell, and new construction works well with that. Your new home is built over several months, which gives you time to list and sell. We'll talk through timing, contingencies and how the rate lock works so the two closings line up. If you need to move sooner, move-in ready homes can close in weeks.
What NJ buyers tell me they love
- Lower monthly costs: lower taxes plus energy-efficient homes with owned solar. See what a HERS score saves.
- One-level living with room for visiting family. See single-story homes.
- Beach towns without the shore traffic most of the year.
- A builder that keeps them updated while they're still living in New Jersey.
Shopping from out of state
You don't need a dozen trips. I can video-tour homesites and models with you, send floor plans and pricing, and plan one visit that covers several communities. Many buyers come down for a weekend, take the ferry, and see three or four communities in a day. Watch my home tours on YouTube to get started.
More about the move: moving to Delaware: pros, cons and a checklist and retiring to the Delaware beaches.
Let's talk
Moving from New Jersey?
Tell me where in New Jersey you're coming from, your timeline and whether you have a home to sell. I'll plan a visit that covers the communities that fit, ferry ride optional.
