Rehoboth ranked No. 2 for Happiest Seaside Town
Jim McVey-Back is like a lot of people who call Rehoboth Beach home: he moved here from somewhere else.
McVey-Back and his husband were in the last phase of remodeling their home in Scranton, Pennsylvania when they began asking themselves why they were bothering. They knew that they wanted to be at the beach. They had friends in Rehoboth. They came down for a visit. They found a house, made an offer and moved in two months later.
That was about four years ago.
McVey-Back has never regretted the move.
“I loved the mountains of Pennsylvania,” he said. “I can honestly say, I don’t miss living there.”
Rehoboth has it all: the beach, gourmet food, diversity, a laid-back vibe and a small-town feel.
Perhaps that is why Rehoboth was ranked the No. 2 “Happiest Seaside Towns in America,” by “Coastal Living” magazine and Rehoboth is in the running for USA TODAY’s “Best Coastal Small Town” contest. Readers can cast their vote here up until Monday, April 25. The No. 1 “Happiest Seaside Town in America” is Stuart, Florida.
“If you are not in the best of spirits, take a walk on the boardwalk,” McVey-Back said. “How can you not be happy?”
John Eckenrode, who was getting ready on Monday to ride his bike with several other cyclists next to the park, said he is selling his house in Bethany Beach and moving to Rehoboth because it is more of a year-round community.
Dan Slagle, the manager of The Spice & Tea Exchange, works less than a block away from the boardwalk. He pondered the question of why Rehoboth is such a happy place. For him, it really is simple.
“We’re a diverse community,” he said. “We’re a foodie town. Our beaches are clean. Our community is polite. That’s a big part. It’s very welcoming.”
That may be what attracts transplants from New Jersey, New York, Baltimore and Washington D.C. For those who just moved here from New Jersey, the beaches in Delaware are free. Residents do not have to pay for a beach badge.
Slagle suspects the free beaches along with some other cost savings may also add to Rehoboth’s reputation as being one of the “Happiest Seaside Towns in America.” Property taxes are low, the state has no residential tax and no sales tax. The Delaware coast is a real bargain compared to the Jersey Shore or the Maryland coast.
“People are retiring here,” Slagle said.
Despite the influx of tourists and retirees, the town maintains its small seaside charm, Slagle said.
“A lot of people take pride in this town,” he said.