We’d always dreamt of owning a beach home for family vacations and weekend getaways, but our budget and the kids’ constantly packed schedules never made it possible.

Then, many years later, as we edged toward retirement and the kids were out of the house, we put the idea back on the table and bought a lovely home in Delaware just a 10 to 20-minute drive from a string of pristine beaches.

The house is in a newly built development dotted with duck-filled ponds and a quick drive to the heart of a quaint historic village filled with restaurants, live music venues, and a sprinkling of art galleries.

My husband spends hours casting off the coastline for striped bass and bluefish, and our neighbors, many newly retired like us, are welcoming and down-to-earth.

Moving here is one of the best decisions we’ve ever made, but three years in, we’re planning our exit.

We moved from New Jersey

Before Delaware, we’d lived in the same house in the same suburban New Jersey town for more than 15 years.

However, during that time, we’d always felt on the periphery of the social scene, rarely got dinner invites, and found it difficult to make friends.

We both had good jobs and lived a middle-class life, but our roots were blue-collar. My husband was the only person we knew in the area who had not graduated from college.

We longed for a change, a fuller calendar, and a respite from nagging loneliness.

We weren’t the beach lovers we thought we were

Delaware’s dramatically lower property taxes and more affordable real estate meant less strain on our budget.

We also purchased a newer home, which meant spending less time and money on the endless repairs our 94-year-old colonial in NJ demanded.

Despite the benefits, homesickness has been impossible to shake.

We miss living a short 20 to 30-minute drive from our family who are still in Jersey. And while the small village we live near is nice, it’s just that — small.

We prefer being closer to the hustle and bustle of New York City with its diverse neighborhoods, major museums, and vibrant theater and music scenes, all of which we frequented often while in New Jersey.

We’ve also realized we weren’t the beach lovers we thought we were. Going to the beach had once been a treat. Now, we easily take it for granted, which makes it less special.

Plus, traffic jams and packed beaches in season make getting there a headache and a sweaty nailbiter, with parking lots at capacity by 8:30 a.m.

The noise, the grind of cars, and the lines snaking out of seemingly every coffee bar and lunch spot conspire to make a summer day about as relaxing as a full-throttle city commute.

We also miss our hikes through the small mountain range that was minutes away from our NJ house. The flat, bleached terrain without a hill in sight just isn’t the same.

To get that outdoorsy experience now, we must drive 90 minutes north, on a dismal, nerve-jangling highway.

We feel like part of a community here, which has been the greatest gift

Welcome mats for pickleball teams, girls’ nights, potlucks, and a dizzying number of groups and clubs have made it easy to build friendships both casual and close.

Unfortunately, we are too homesick for the area we left to feel truly relaxed. It is as if we are at a terrific party — great to be invited, but not to stay indefinitely.

The gift of these friendships has given us a sense of belonging that had always been just out of reach in our old neighborhood, and, importantly, a social confidence and insight that will help us choose our next community wisely.

Our turnabout has surprised us, but aging has brought into focus how we want to spend our time, and where. And that’s nearer to the convenience and culture of a major city, steeped in a diverse community, surrounded by varied terrain, and closer to family.

We have learned that retirement decisions can’t always be about money. Sometimes they need to be driven by what enriches the soul.

Delaware homeowners are feeling the pinch of soaring energy bills, with the state’s electricity costs ranking among the highest in the country.

After a winter of steep price hikes sparked heated debates over the causes, residents are seeking solutions to curb their expenses. Google Trends data reveals a 366% surge in nationwide searches for “how to lower electric bills” — a clear sign energy-saving strategies are top of mind.

Energy experts at Delmarva Power and the U.S. Department of Energy have shared practical, effective tips to help Delawareans cut costs and keep their homes comfortable, even as temperatures rise.

8 energy-saving tips to lower your home’s electric bills

If you’re looking to save money on your electric bills, here are some key strategies from energy experts to help you manage rising costs:

1. Run appliances at night: Using heat-generating appliances, such as dishwashers, dryers, and ovens, during the hottest part of the day makes your AC work harder. Instead, run these appliances at night or during off-peak hours when electricity rates are lower.

2. Add houseplants for natural cooling: Indoor plants do more than brighten up a space — they also help reduce humidity. By absorbing excess moisture, houseplants can naturally lower the temperature, decreasing the need for AC use.

3. Install blackout curtains: Blocking out sunlight with blackout curtains is a simple yet effective way to keep indoor temperatures down. Keeping them closed during the day prevents heat from entering your home, reducing your cooling needs.

More: Drone roof inspections can’t trigger insurance cancellation, Delaware commissioner rules

4. Use a dehumidifier: Humid air makes it harder for your body to cool down, forcing your AC to work overtime. Running a dehumidifier can reduce humidity levels and lower your home’s temperature, making it feel cooler with less energy usage.

5. Seal drafts and insulate properly: Small gaps around windows and doors allow hot air to seep in. Use weather stripping and caulk to seal leaks, and make sure your attic is well-insulated and ventilated. This helps keep your home cooler in summer and warmer in winter.

6. Monitor energy use with a power meter: A power-consumption meter can reveal which appliances are draining the most energy. By identifying and unplugging energy hogs, you can reduce waste and trim your electric bill.

7. Lower water heater temperature: Water heaters account for a significant portion of household energy costs. Lowering the temperature from 140°F to 130°F can save money without sacrificing comfort.

8. Upgrade to smart lighting: Automated or motion-sensor lighting can reduce unnecessary energy use. Smart lighting systems adjust brightness based on natural light levels and turn off when rooms are unoccupied, leading to long-term savings.

How to get a free home energy checkup

In a move to support energy conservation, Energize Delaware has expanded its Home Energy Checkup and Counseling program to all Delaware residents, removing previous income restrictions.

The program provides:

• Free one-hour home energy assessments
• Installation of energy-saving products
• Expert guidance on reducing energy consumption

In addition to the consultation, residents can receive assistance with installing LED lighting, efficient showerheads, door sweeps, furnace filters, smart power strips and other energy-saving devices.

For more information or to schedule a free Home Energy Checkup, visit Energize Delaware’s website.

You can contact staff reporter Anitra Johnson at ajohnson@delawareonline.com.

In Delaware, you don’t need to travel far to find a place with a name that raises an eyebrow or piques curiosity.

While some states boast straightforward town or city names like Springfield or Washington, Delaware’s map reads more like an eclectic short story collection. According to WorldAtlas.com, these seven uniquely named communities in Delaware, spread across the state’s three counties, often catch visitors by surprise and spark curiosity about their origins.

From Slaughter Beach to Pot-Nets, Delaware’s quirky town names tell tales of the First State’s rich history, each one a window into the region’s colonial past, maritime heritage and rural traditions.

Slaughter Beach, a coastal sanctuary

Perhaps the most striking example of an unusual name on the map is Slaughter Beach, a tiny coastal community of about 220 residents, along the Delaware Bay. Founded in 1681, the town’s name origins remain unclear; however, there are several theories on the town’s website.

The most straightforward theory speculates the name is connected to “Slaughter Neck,” an area located just southwest of the town. In colonial Delaware, “neck” commonly referred to elevated terrain between two boundaries. Another explanation points to a former postmaster named Slaughter. A more dramatic account suggests that the name refers to the springtime spawning of horseshoe crabs. When these crabs are stranded upside down and dying in the sun, they are said to resemble a ”slaughter” of crabs. A darker local legend tells of settlers ambushing Native American leaders during peace talks by asking them to gather around a cannon they claimed was their “god.”

Today, the town offers a peaceful retreat along the Delaware Bay. Known for its environmental conservation efforts, it serves as a sanctuary for horseshoe crabs.

Broadkill Beach’s Dutch roots and natural beauty

Just north of Slaughter Beach lies Broadkill Beach, whose name nods to its Dutch origins. Nestled along the Delaware Bay, the town offers picturesque waterfront views and easy access to the Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge, a popular spot for birdwatching and kayaking. The town comes alive during its Fourth of July festivities, drawing locals and visitors alike with fireworks and family-friendly events.

More: What is the deadliest day for driving in Delaware? Here’s what a study finds

Corner Ketch is still a mystery

Tucked near the Pennsylvania-Delaware border, how Corner Ketch got its name is still a mystery. According to World Atlas, some believe the name comes from the French word cache, meaning “hiding place,” while others trace it to an old English term for a tavern. An unincorporated area of New Castle County, Corner Ketch offers few commercial attractions providing visitors a glimpse into the county’s quieter side.

Gumboro, formerly known for gum trees

Located near the Maryland border, Gumboro stays true to its agricultural roots. The town’s name may stem from the white gum trees once common in the area. History buffs can explore the West Woods Methodist Episcopal Church, which dates back to the 1800s and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Gumboro Community Center, housed in a former school, serves as a hub for local events and gatherings.

Bacons: A slice of railroad history

Bacons, a small outpost in Sussex County, earned its name not from breakfast meat but from its founding family. The town, also known as Bacons Switch, honors the Bacon family, early settlers who built a sawmill and basket-making business. Its railroad heritage lives on through its name, referencing the “switch point” where trains once connected nearby towns Laurel and Delmar.

Wyoming: East not west

Despite its Western-sounding name, Wyoming is firmly rooted in the Mid-Atlantic. In 1856, “Camden Station” or “West Camden” was renamed Wyoming to honor the Rev. John J. Pierce, a pastor who helped plan and later led a church in the town. Pierce was originally from the Wyoming Valley in Pennsylvania.

Wyoming later grew into an agricultural center, notably for cultivating apples and peaches. Today, the town hosts an annual Peach Festival, held downtown on the aptly named Railroad Avenue.

Shhhhh! Keep it down: WorldAtlas names the 8 quietest towns in Delaware

Pot-Nets: A nod to coastal traditions

Rounding out Delaware’s collection of distinctive place names is Pot-Nets. The unusual moniker comes from the pots and nets used to catch crabs and other shellfish in Indian River Bay. Today, the area is a waterfront community offering scenic views of the bay and the Atlantic Ocean beyond. Visitors can enjoy boating, crabbing, and scenic strolls along Pot-Nets Point, a popular local spot also known as Lingos Point.

You can contact Anitra Johnson at ajohnson@delawareonline.com.