New Castle County, DE Relocation Guide Introducing New Castle County

ew Castle County off ers great diversity of neighborhoods, ranging N from the mansions of Greenville to the high-rise condos and brownstones in Wilmington. Newark is home to the University of and a popular location for families due to its walkable, vibrant downtown lined with quaint stores and restaurants. Popular growing residential areas include Townsend and Middletown, which are located south of the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal. The City of Wilmington is New Castle County’s metropolitan center. With a population of 72,000, Wilmington offers a great variety of entertainment, dining and urban amenities. In the last 15 years, the city has developed its Riverfront district into a popular destination that includes residences, restaurants, museums, shopping, conference center, a riverwalk and Frawley Stadium, the home of the Wilmington Blue Rocks minor league baseball team. There is no shortage of activities to partake in and sights to see in New Castle County. From the charm and beauty of Colonial New Castle to the Civil War-era Fort Delaware found on Pea Patch Island in the Delaware Museum of Natural History, and visitors love tax-free shopping at middle of the Delaware River to the Delaware Art Museum and Rockwood the Christiana Mall, which has more early 20th-century townhomes of Museum. than 130 stores. Wilmington’s Ships Tavern District, There are many great events, New Castle County is a great area New Castle County is steeped in festivals and attractions that shouldn’t for outdoor enthusiasts. There are historic sites for your enjoyment. be missed, including the week- more than 16,000 acres of beautiful New Castle County is also home to long Clifford Brown Jazz Festival, park land available for hiking, playing a number of world-class attractions concerts at the Queen Theatre, the sports, swimming, fishing, camping, and museums, including Winterthur, Wilmington Grand Prix and sports at biking and picnicking with friends Nemours Mansion and Garden, the . Residents and family.  A Quick Look at New Castle County

Delaware, located on the eastern seaboard of the United States, is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean and the Delaware Bay, as well as by the states of New Jersey, Pennsylvania and . With a land area of 1,982 square miles, Delaware ranks 49th in area among the 50 states. New Castle, the northern-most county, aff ords easy access to the major metropolitan areas of the Northeast, with both New York City and Washington, D.C., just an hour and a half away by rail.

POPULATION: • Census 2010: 538,479 Source: U.S. Census, 2010

INCOME: • Median Household: $64,158 • Per capita income: $31,988 Source: U.S. Census, 2010

CLIMATE: • Mean annual temperature: 56 degrees F • Mean daily temperature: From 38 degrees F in the winter to 76 degrees F in the summer • Widener University • 2nd for economic freedom, • Median annual precipitation: (Delaware Campus) Economic Freedom of North 49 inches • Wilmington University America 2012, Fraser Institute Source: NOAA • 1st for legal systems for the eighth NATIONAL RECOGNITION consecutive year, COLLEGES AND FOR DELAWARE: 2012 State Liability Systems Ranks, • 1st in economic output per job, UNIVERSITIES: U.S. Chamber of Commerce • Delaware College of Art and U.S. Chamber of Commerce, • 5th in business incubation, Design Enterprising States 2012 Beacon Hill Institute of Public Policy • Delaware Technical and • In the top 10 for high-tech share of Community College all business, high-speed broadband Research, 2013 • Drexel University – Wilmington availability, median family income, • 14th for the state business climate, • Goldey-Beacom College export intensity growth, export Th e 2012 Tax Foundation’s Index • University of Delaware growth, STEM job concentration, • 16th for the best states for • Wesley College Enterprising States 2012 business cost, Forbes 2012 Business

All Sizes of Businesses Th rive, Grow in New Castle

ew Castle County is invested in creating a successful environment for Nbusinesses to thrive. Our economic development professionals and partner organizations are able to assist with the growth of businesses of all sizes in New Castle County. Our strategic location, skilled workforce, low taxes and cost of living make New Castle County a great place to establish and grow a business. Th e county is the corporate home to more than 60 percent of the nation’s Fortune 500 companies and industry

giants. At the same time, many smaller businesses have relocated to the area while home-grown businesses continue to thrive. Companies see great value in New Castle County’s quality of life. Due to its small size, Delaware residents benefi t from exceptional access to state and local offi cials who are invested in the success of local businesses. New Castle County features a business- friendly tax environment, with no sales tax and low property and income taxes. Th is means that the cost of doing business is substantially lower than in surrounding states and counties. We assist local and national companies with the permitting process along with other government regulations. In coordination with the Delaware Economic Development Offi ce and other partnerships, we work to attract new businesses and existing ones through marketing and outreach.  Keeping Taxes Low Benefi ts Homeowners and Businesses Alike New Castle County and the State of Delaware maintain a business-friendly environment by keeping taxes low. New Castle County off ers its residents a great quality of life with a considerably lower cost of living when compared with surrounding counties. Sales Tax portion of property taxes is $503 collecting and distributing income Th ere is no sales tax in the State of per year. from such investments or from Delaware. tangible property outside Delaware, Corporate Taxes are exempt from State corporate Property Tax Th e corporate income tax rate income tax. Partnerships, sole Real property taxes in New Castle is 8.7%. Taxes are not paid on proprietorships and shareholders dividends of foreign corporations of S Corporations are not subject County are among the lowest in that qualify for, and claim, foreign to State corporate income taxes. the nation. Th ere is no state wide tax credit on federal returns. Businesses should note that property tax. Property taxes are Investment and holding companies Delaware has no tax on inventories assessed by local governments and maintaining and managing and no tax on process machinery or school districts. Th e average county intangible investments, and equipment. 

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Business Assistance

he New Castle County Offi ce unincorporated areas of the county are capital expenditures. DEDO administers of Economic Development eligible for a three-year partial prop- the program in collaboration with the provides new, developing erty tax exemption for the incremental Department of Natural Resources and T and existing businesses increase in property assessment due Environmental Control. with the resources they need to grow, to the new development in excess of remain successful and contribute $50,000. Th e tax exemption is applicable Delaware Access Program to our vibrant local economy. Our to only the New Castle County portion of Th e Delaware Access Program is economic development professionals real estate taxes. a private-public match program that assist local and national companies provides access to bank fi nancing for with government regulations and the New Jobs Infrastructure Program qualifying Delaware businesses that may permitting process. In coordination with Th e New Jobs Infrastructure Fund have diffi culty obtaining conventional the Delaware Economic Development provides fl exible funding for public fi nancing. Offi ce and other partnerships, New Castle infrastructure projects that are critical County works to attract new businesses and immediate for large businesses Delaware Technical and off er existing ones several innovative locating or expanding in Delaware. Th is Innovation Program (DTIP) programs to invest in the success of your $55 million fund can be used for projects DTIP supports business research business and help you grow. relating to transportation, sewer, water, through funding transition grants that energy, land stabilization and other will bring innovative new products, Bond Financing infrastructure. Applications are reviewed jobs and revenue to Delaware. SBIR/ New Castle County Government on a rolling basis and require a public STTR transition grants provide funds off ers tax-exempt bond fi nancing for sector co-sponsor. New Castle County to businesses located in the State of projects relating to infrastructure, energy, Government seeks to co-sponsor projects Delaware that have been awarded community development and other within the county. economic development purposes. assistance from the federal program. Brownfi eld Assistance Program Partial Property Tax Exemption Th e Brownfi eld Assistance Program Wilmington Tax Exemption for Businesses that invest at least encourages the redevelopment of envi- New or Renovated Commercial $50,000 in new construction of com- ronmentally distressed sites within or Manufacturing Projects mercial or manufacturing facilities in the state by helping to reduce related New or renovated commercial or manufacturing projects located within the corporate limits of the City of Wilmington are eligible to receive a partial tax exemption on the increase in the New Castle County portion of property tax attributable to the new construction. Th e cost of new construction and/or the cost of site acquisition and construction must exceed $50,000. Th e tax exemption is applicable to all new or renovated commercial or manufacturing projects fi rst assessed on the property tax records after August 22, 1978. Residential structures are exempt.  Recreation

Enjoy the Great Outdoors with Great Parks and Activities

ew Castle County is a great 150-year-old estate and museum with off ers a rock-climbing wall, although place for people who love wonderful rural Gothic architecture rock-climbing enthusiasts will fi rst to enjoy the outdoors. Th ere and a six-acre garden. Th e Bellevue need a permit before starting on their Nare more than 16,000 acres State park includes the historic Bellevue adventure. of parkland. With parks ranging from mansion, as well as equestrian stables. New Castle County parks and the 3,300-acre White Clay Creek State Th e Port Penn Interpretive Center Delaware State parks regularly Park to numerous neighborhood parks, off ers tours and programs devoted off er events, ranging from concerts, residents can stay fi t and enjoy the to the traditions of the wetland children’s summer camp programs, hay outdoors. community. On the trails of Alapocas rides and the like. More than 12,000 Th e parks off er many unique and Run, visitors can learn about the historic individuals and 740 teams participate historical attractions. Rockwood Park mills that used to operate along the in New Castle County’s many sports is a 72-acre property that includes a Brandywine River. Alapocas Run also leagues. Th ese include programs for all Recreation

Special Events County Executive Gordon has brought back the popular Sleep Under the Stars event at New Castle County-owned parks. These events are designed as free, fun opportunities for families and friends to enjoy the outdoors in our wonderful County parks. Planned activities for the Sleep Under the Stars events include: camping, bonfires, hay rides, food, games and crafts, as well as other activities for all ages. The evenings are then capped off by a safe area for overnight family tenting. ages and skills, competitive leagues and Th ere are also special biking events, The Old Fashioned Ice informal drop-in events ranging from such as the Wilmington Grand Prix Cream Festival at Rockwood fl ag football and soccer to senior golf and the Bike to the Bay event, in which Park hosts more than 15,000 clinics and softball tournaments. participants can choose from six course visitors annually at New Castle New Castle County is also a options ranging from 17 miles to a County’s Rockwood Park and bike-friendly community for both two-day 175-mile ride. Museum. The event kicks off recreation and transportation. Th e Whether looking to spend some the summer in June with local Northern Delaware Greenway project leisure time outside with family, join vendors, live music, local has helped to connect a 30-mile-long a sports league or participate in a restaurants, craft beers and, series of bike paths through parks and marathon or bike race, there are plenty of course, local creameries designated roads stretching from the of ways to keep active in New Castle serving the region’s best ice borders of Pennsylvania to Maryland. County. creams and desserts.  Education

Extensive Programs Meet the Needs of Every Student

ew Castle County are bound to meet the specifi c needs Academy, Cab Calloway School businesses benefi t of every child and adult learner. In of the Arts and Charter School of from the strength of addition, New Castle County has four Wilmington, a nationally recognized Nhigh-quality public and vocational technical high schools. high school focusing on math and private educational systems and a Th ese schools aff ord the unique science education. highly skilled workforce. opportunity to blend high-level Because of the state’s dedication New Castle County public and academic concepts with technical to students and educational reforms, private schools and colleges and skills through an integrated, applied Delaware was showcased as the fi rst universities are recognized for curriculum. recipient of the federal Race to the Top excellence, which is best refl ected in Under the Charter School Program, grant award, totaling $119 million. the many educational programs made students may apply for entrance available to students. to these public schools, which are Initiatives include developing strong Th e School Choice Program allows governed by an independent board partnerships between local schools, students to attend any public school of directors. In Delaware, 6% of the communities and businesses; a in New Castle County, provided there student population attends a public focus on STEM (science, technology, is capacity. Our six public school charter school, including the Newark engineering and mathematics) districts have extensive programs that Charter School, Delaware Military education; and teacher eff ectiveness. Higher Education translational research is conducted EDUCATION SNAPSHOT Delaware off ers broad opportunities at its 60 research centers, including • Public school districts, 2011-2012: for post-secondary education through Th e Center for Composite Materials, 6 (115 schools) fi ve colleges and three universities. Institute of Energy Conversion, and • Charter schools, 2011-2012: 14 More than 90 Associate and 140 Center for Neutron Science. • Total public/non-public and Bachelor Degree programs are Th e State of Delaware SEED charter enrollment, 2011-2012: available in many fi elds, including (Student Excellence Equals Degree) 96,971 agriculture, allied health, business, Program off ers students graduating •Educational Attainment of computer science, criminal justice, from Delaware high schools with a Population Age 25+ education, engineering, liberal arts GPA of 2.5 or higher free tuition for • High School Graduate and and nursing. Delaware institutions two-year Associate’s programs at higher: 88.9% off er more than 90 programs leading to Delaware Technical & Community • Bachelor’s Degree and higher: a master’s degree, as well as doctoral College and the University of 32.7% degrees in a number of fi elds. Delaware. Today, more than 1,300 Source: Census, 2010 Th e University of Delaware, which Delaware high school graduates are is ranked #75 by U.S. News and attending college as a result of this World Report among “Best National program, which has opened doors Universities,” is home to more to many students and made higher than 19,000 students. Cutting-edge education more aff ordable. 

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By Road, Rail or Air – Your Ride is Here

ew Castle County’s Delaware Turnpike (I-95). Th e highway County. DART First State provides strategic location in the provides easy access to the beach daily commuter buses. Residents can allows resort towns of Rehoboth and Bethany also enjoy a great network of walking Neasy access to the nation’s Beach from New Castle County in and biking trails. centers of fi nance, government and less than two hours, and to the state Th e New Castle Airport is one of the leisure. capital, Dover, in less than an hour. largest and most complete general Several major highways lead directly Th e Wilmington Train Station, aviation service airports on the East to and through New Castle County, which recently completed a $38 Coast. Earlier this year, Frontier including I-95, I-495, I-295 and the million restoration project, is ’s Airlines began services from New New Jersey Turnpike. Th ese roadways 12th-busiest station, off ering 70 station Castle using 168-seat airplanes, with permit travel to Philadelphia and stops daily to points north and south. service to Chicago-Midway, Houston, in less than an hour and to Amtrak Acela high-speed trains off er Denver and Orlando and Tampa, New York City or Washington, D.C., in a 20-minute ride to Philadelphia and Fla. Th e airport has 72 T-hangers, 30 less than two hours. Delaware Route an 80-minute ride to Washington, aircraft tie-down spaces, three major 1 is a 103-mile-long, four- to six-lane D.C. Th e Southeast Pennsylvania runways and 10 taxiways. It also has limited access highway running from Transportation Authority (SEPTA) four full-service fi xed-base operators, the Maryland-Delaware line on the provides regular commuter service and off ers corporate fl ight operations, eastern Atlantic shoreline to the between Philadelphia and New Castle aircraft maintenance and aerotaxi. Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) is just 15 miles from New Castle County. In 2010, PHL accommodated 30.8 million passengers, including 4.2 million international passengers, and handled 460,779 aircraft takeoff s and landings. Twenty-nine airlines off er nearly 620 daily departures to 123 cities, including 36 international destinations. Th e Port of Wilmington is a full-service deep-water port and marine terminal located at the confl uence of the Christina and Delaware Rivers. It handles more than 400 vessels and four million tons of cargo annually, and is the number one port in North America for imports of fresh fruit, bananas and juice content. It has the nation’s largest dockside cold storage facility, with six temperature-controlled freezer units comprising more than 800,000 square feet. Th e port also contains 50 acres of open storage space and 250,000 square feet of dry warehouse space. Two railroads – the CSX and Norfolk Southern – provide cargo services throughout New Castle County for easy and effi cient transport of goods. 

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NC000013 Housing

Incentives Help Th ose Buying or Repairing a Home

f you’re looking to purchase with various green technology accruing and optional payments, a home, or if you have an improvements to provide new owners while the next fi ve years require existing home that you’d like to with long-term aff ordability. monthly payments and accrued Irehabilitate or make more energy Th e First Time Homebuyer interest. Buyers earning less than 80% effi cient, many great incentives and Program provides loans between of median income (determined by fi nancing programs are available in $1,000 and $5,000 at a low rate of 3% HUD guidelines) qualify for the loan. New Castle County. for the purchase of any home under Eligible homebuyers may qualify Th e Neighborhood Stabilization $202,900. Th is eight-year loan, which for a 0% interest, deferred loan of 6% Program off ers aff ordable homes serves to assist with closing and of sale price (up to $10,000) for down for sale throughout New Castle settlement costs, is segmented into payment and settlement assistance County. Each home has been two periods: Th e fi rst three years are through the Vacant Homebuyers extensively rehabilitated and updated a deferral period, with simple interest Assistance Program (VHAP). Th e Tuck's proud of the

Meet Tuck… McKee Builders' quality homes his Chief Morale Offi cer. family builds.

VHAP loan has been created to stimulate sales of long-term As innovators in 55+ living for over 60 years, The vacant properties in communities McKee family prides itself in the quality homes throughout Bear, Newark, New it builds and the integrity that is the foundation Castle and Claymont. VHAP of its 3rd generation business. applicants are not required to be fi rst-time homebuyers, and Stop in and see for yourself. no payback is required while Tell them Tuck sent you! remaining in the home as a primary residence. Several other programs help Champions’ Spring The Courtyards rehabilitate homes and make Club Arbor at Brandywine them handicap accessible. Th e Magnolia, DE Middletown, DE Wilmington, DE Homeowner Rehabilitation Direct Loan (HRDL) program assists From $219,900 From $221,900 From $349,900 homeowners throughout the county 302-698-5601 302-376-5577 302-475-8670 with general repairs that bring For hours and directions, please call or visit our website. their homes up to current housing code standards. Owner-occupied Broker co-op appreciated. Prices www.McKeeBuilders.com subject to change without notice. residents can borrow up to $55,000 in home repairs, and loan payments can be spread over 20 years with a 0% interest rate. Homeowners in HIP communities have a special Executive Amenities: Gracious Living Staffed Gatehouse HRDL program that provides loans Lighted Tennis Courts @ Affordable Prices Swimming Pool Features: of up to $20,000 to make repairs and Carwash Area Low Prices: Fitness Center Renovated units available! One BR, $1005-1050 improvements, with the same loan with Personal Trainer Spacious apartments Two BR, $1180-1230 Jacuzzi and Sauna Modern appliances Short-term from $1280 Boat and RVV Storage terms as the HRDL. Luxurious grounds Furnished from $2395 Th e Emergency Home Repair Visit Us: Monday, Wednesday, and Friday: 9-5 Program allows homeowners to Tuesday and Thursday: 9-6:30 | Saturday: 10-4 Take I-95 to Delaware Route 273 east, 2 miles to Route 7-S, 2 blocks on the left. borrow up to $5,000 to fi x housing 302.322.6161 issues that are dangerous to their Value p Excellence p Style health or safety, such as a broken heating system or roof damage. anagement Th ese loans are at a 0% interest rate and can be spread over 36 to 60 months. Th e Architectural Accessibility Program provides grants of up to $5,000 to install accessibility ramps, grab bars or other modifi cations to make residences handicap accessible. Th e Senior Minor Home Repair Program provides grants of up to $2,500 to address projects that focus Since 1923. Protecting clients, community and property values. on the health, safety and security conditions of the home.  3615 Miller Road • Wilmington, DE 19802 • 302.762.4800 www.nccbor.com City Life

Wilmington’s Rebirth Provides Livable City for Both Businesses and Residents

ilmington is often Brandywine Zoo, jogging trails and restored Victorian townhouse , a sleek, referred to as the wooded picnic and recreation areas. high-rise condominium community “corporate capital of Wilmington is home to the Playhouse or a handsome single-family W the world.” More than Th eatre and the Grand Opera House, dwelling in a friendly neighborhood. half of the Fortune 500 companies call preeminent centers for the performing Extraordinary communities nestled Wilmington their corporate home. Th e arts, where one can enjoy performances in lush, verdant hills off er the comfort unique synergism that exists between by world-renowned entertainers and of country living but are only minutes government, business and labor has Broadway theatrical productions. from the business pulse of the city. successfully addressed the issue of Th e Delaware Th eater Company, Housing is abundant and aff ordable infrastructure rebuilding, leading the State’s fi rst professional theater in Wilmington, and profi table resale the City to its position as fi nancial, group, occupies a newly constructed values refl ect the healthy progress of governmental and corporate hub of the facility along the City’s Christina the City. From kindergarten to college, State and region. River. Performances of fully staged Wilmington off ers quality education, Effi cient mass transportation, ample professional opera may be enjoyed with curricula focused on employment parking and a dynamic environment at the Grand Opera House. Th e rich opportunities. A pedestrian concourse for more than 40,000 workers who historic legacy of the DuPont Family leads to cosmopolitan shops, quaint live, work and play downtown, are can be experienced by visiting the area’s sidewalk cafes, artisans’ boutiques evidence of the City’s rebirth. A number internationally acclaimed Nemours and charming galleries. Rebirth of the of public/private partnerships have Mansion and Gardens, Winterthur, City’s Waterfront as evidenced by the contributed to an outstanding growth Hagley Museum and Longwood comprehensive, mixed-use Christina record. Gardens. Gateway development is a refl ection Outdoor enthusiasts appreciate Wilmington welcomes a diversity of the City’s past, present and future. A Wilmington’s 552 acres of picturesque of lifestyles. An exclusive downtown city rich in history – Wilmington off ers a parklands, which include the address may be an impeccably unique blend of the old and new.