There’s lots to like about living in Delaware, including its stunning beaches, proximity to big Northeastern cities, and renowned business-friendly environment. That said, not all is rosy in the First State—vulnerability to severe weather, a higher-than-average cost of living, and a lack of primary care physicians are some of the major drawbacks.

If you’re thinking of moving to Delaware, it's important to be aware of both the pros and cons of calling this area home. For some, this tiny state is the perfect balance of big-city access and outdoor relaxation, but for others, it's just not the place to put down roots.

If you’re not sure which camp you’re in, read on to learn the positives and negatives of calling Delaware home.

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Pro: Very business-friendly

If you’re a mover and a shaker, the idea of living and doing business in Delaware can be very enticing. CNBC’s Top State for Business Survey ranked Delaware as the #1 place to do business in the country due to its location, professional opportunities, and limited taxation.

Delaware’s pro-business climate has attracted behemoths such as Google, Bank of America, Coca-Cola, and others to incorporate in Delaware. Plus, large employers such as AstraZeneca, Dupont De Nemours, United Acquisitions, and Dover Air Force Base employ thousands in the state.

If you’re looking for a place to start a business and live close by, Delaware is known to offer favorable conditions to do so. The state has made the incorporation process quick and easy, liability is easier to avoid than in other states, and it is easier to maintain privacy when incorporating in Delaware.

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Pro: Tax benefits

In light of Delaware’s business-friendly bent, there are a slew of tax benefits for individuals living in the First State, whether you’re still working or are retired. First off, there’s no sales tax in Delaware, meaning you’ll save significantly on essential goods and services, entertainment, and bigger-ticket items.

And Delaware is just one of four states in the U.S. without a state income tax. There’s also no state property tax in Delaware.

For retirees, Delaware is particularly welcoming due to Social Security earnings not being taxable in the state. As well, there is the Retirement Income Tax Exemption, which allows those 60 and older to exclude up to $12,500 of pension income yearly.

Delaware also does not have a death tax, an estate tax, or an inheritance tax (but Federal estate taxes still apply and tax-free gifting limitations as set by the Federal Government must still be followed).

Con: Cost of living is higher in Delaware

In a state that attracts lots of business bigwigs, it shouldn’t be much of a surprise that the cost of living in Delaware is higher than the U.S. average. Delaware has a cost of living index of 103.5; the national average is 100.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the median home cost in Delaware is $269,700, which is higher than the national average of $217,600. Delaware’s median household income is just a smidge higher than the national average too at $69,110. The national average is $69,021.

One place to save on costs in Delaware is fuel prices. According to AAA, the average gas price in Delaware is $3.279 per gallon, compared to the national average of $3.329 per gallon.

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Pro: Diverse education options

If you can afford to live in Delaware, you’ll have a bevy of solid education options for yourself or your kids. The University of Delaware is a highly regarded research institution and is home to many highly rated business programs. Fortune 500 companies are known to heavily recruit from the U’s yearly class of business grads.

As well, Delaware is home to Delaware State University, one of the country’s renowned historically Black colleges and universities.

For younger students, Delaware’s public schools are decently rated, too. U.S. News rated Delaware’s public school system #22 in the country.

Where Delaware’s education really shines, though, is in the private sphere. There are several top-ranked private schools in the state, though they are pricey. Tower Hill School (pre-K to grade 12) in Wilmington is highly regarded for its U.S.-centered but internationally-minded curriculum. Other top-notch private schools include Wilmington Friends School, The Tatnall School, and St. Andrews School.

Pro: Proximity to big cities

Nothing against

Wilmington

and

Dover

, but there are major cities within driving distance of Delaware for business, entertainment, and more.

Philadelphia

and all its history, culture, and shouts of “Adriaaaan!” echoing throughout town, is just a 40-minute drive from Wilmington and 90 minutes from Dover.

The

Baltimore

and

Washington, D.C.

areas are both a roughly two-hour drive from either of Delaware’s two biggest cities.

New York City

is a bit further away—a two-hour and 20-minute ride from Wilmington and a three-hour drive from Dover. If you need some New York pizza, neither Delaware burg is far.

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Con: Lack of international travel connections

Even as Delaware is such a business hub and surrounded by so much urbanity, you might have a tough time getting an international connection to or from a Delaware airport. Neither Wilmington nor Dover offer many international flights.

Instead, you’ll have to plan on some extra traveling, likely to either the Philadelphia International Airport or the Baltimore-Washington Thurgood Marshall International Airport.

If you travel often for work or frequently seek overseas adventures, planning an international flight out of Delaware isn’t much fun.

Pro: Access to the ocean and nature

Even if flying out of Delaware isn’t so easy, who says you have to leave? The First State offers a plethora of natural wonders, including some of the most beautiful beaches on the East Coast (even if Delaware’s coastline stretches a mere 30 miles).

If you’re looking for a quiet beach getaway, Fenwick Island is the perfect spot for a quiet day (or week) in the sun, with its stunning white sand beaches and beautiful Bayside homes.

If a more vibrant atmosphere is what you’re looking for, you’ll have to check out Rehoboth Beach, often referred to as the “Nation’s Summer Capital” due to the many D.C. power-brokers and staffers who hightail it here every summer. Rehoboth Beach features a vibrant LGBTQ community; lots of nightlife, bars, and restaurants; access to quaint seaside towns; and a lively boardwalk that dates back to the 1870s.

Delaware is also just a hop, skip, and jump to nearby beaches in other states, such as Ocean City in

Maryland

and the barrier islands in

Virginia

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Con: Severe weather

Unfortunately, Hurricane Season is a yearly constant in Delaware, even if the state has not had a direct hit from a hurricane in more than a century. That said, spillover effects from hurricanes that hit nearby (like recent storms Florence and Sandy) can definitely affect the state.

Strong winds, tornadoes, flooding, and property damage are common. Also, more than 330 square miles in Delaware are within a 100-year floodplain.

Pro: Standout healthcare system

According to a U.S. News study, Delaware’s healthcare system is one to be proud of. The state ranked #1 in the country for hospital quality, which was measured in terms of facilities’ ability to treat multiple conditions.

The First State ranked #6 in healthcare quality, which measures Medicare offerings, preventable hospital admissions, and overall hospital and nursing home quality. Out of 50 states, Delaware ranked #15 for the best states in healthcare.

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Con: Lack of doctors

Delaware’s healthcare system is highly rated, but the state suffers from a lack of primary care physicians. If you’re admitted to a hospital or require emergency services, you’ll likely receive excellent care in Delaware. But when it comes to annual physicals, check-ups, and other matters you might have to travel to a nearby state to see a general practitioner in a timely manner.

The National Institute of Health cites several factors contributing to Delaware’s doctor shortage, including that it’s mostly a rural state, there is a lack of medical schools here, and there is an overall “lack of enthusiasm” toward primary care doctors.

A University of Delaware study noted a 6% decline in the number of primary care doctors in the state. This could easily pose a problem considering Delaware is home to many retirees who need regular preventative care.

The study also noted several reasons for physicians over 60 years of age or older either leaving the state or retiring due to burnout and lower Medicare remuneration rates (between 65% to 85% of billing).

The bottom line on life in Delaware

Deciding whether to live in Delaware is, of course, a subjective question. That said, there are both good and not-so-good reasons for choosing the First State as a place to plant roots.

Its business-friendly climate, proximity to major cities, good schools, and bustling summer season can be enticing. That said, Delaware's vulnerability to extreme weather, lack of international transport hubs, and significant doctor shortage could turn you off.

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