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Despite being the second smallest state after Rhode Island, Delaware is known as the "First State" due to the fact that, as one of the original 13 colonies, it was the first to ratify the United States Constitution.

Today, Delaware is home to one of the largest Air Force bases in the U.S., located in the state capital of Dover. Other major employers within the state include automotive manufacturers (General Motors, DaimlerChrysler) and pharmaceutical companies (E.I. du Pont de Nemours, AstraZeneca).

Banking is another important industry, and Delaware is noted for its favorable corporate tax structure that promotes the growth of small businesses. In addition, revenue generated by the many US businesses that register with the state translates to no property taxes levied at the state level, and no sales taxes charged to Delaware residents.

At present, there are still no major airports located within Delaware, and those flying in customarily land in Philadelphia to find overland transportation into the state.

Newark, located in northern Delaware, is the state's largest city and remains a major transport hub convenient to the Eastern seaboard's intercity train artery connecting Baltimore, Washington DC and Philadelphia.

Demographics : (Delaware Census Data)
Major cities: Dover (capital), Newark, Wilmington
Population : 853,476
White : 74.9%
Black, African American : 20.7%
Hispanic : 6.0%
High school graduates : 82.6%
Bachelor's degree or higher : 25.4%
Average household income: $49,545

Cost of Living: Delaware's cost of living is close to the national average, but considerably less than those in other urban northeast cities. No sales tax.

Property Taxes : Delaware's Tax Climate - Delaware is one of the 13 states that collect no state-level property taxes. Per capita property tax collections equaled $546 for all levels of government in FY 2004, ranking it 43rd nationally.

Personal Income Taxes: Delaware collects income tax on its residents in six tax brackets ranging from 2.2% – 6.95% depending on filing status and income. Delaware residents must file their personal income tax using the  Delaware Individual Resident Income Tax Form (200-01) or Delaware EZ Individual Resident Income Tax Form (200-03) by April 15.

Housing & Real Estate Overview : also see Zillow - Delaware Real Estate
Home ownership rate : 72.3%
Average home price: $204,000
Average travel time to work : 24 minutes

Schools : see Delaware school dropout rates, SAT scores | Delaware school rankings

Weather : Despite its small size, Delaware experiences variations in weather with more extreme conditions inland, and milder winters & summers near the coast. "Partly cloudy" is the usual forecast for many parts of Delaware especially in Wilmington, which ranks among the cloudiest cities in the U.S.

Crime : see Delaware crime rates

also see in Business -> Getting Your Business Incorporated

also see -> Delaware Beaches | Delaware Eviction Laws

Delaware Fall Foliage | Delaware Taxes | Delaware Travel

Delaware Wine Tours | Christmas in Delaware

Delaware Kids Party Locations

More about moving to Delaware around the Web:

Relocating to Delaware - Guide from the official state site, with links to information on tax rates & advantages, government jobs, schools, community profiles, voter registration, department of motor vehicles.

Move to Delaware.com - Resources to helpful information on Delaware property, taxes, state services, annual events, weather facts, maps & travel guides.

City Data Forum - Delaware - Active community message boards with questions and answers on quality of life, jobs, real estate, schools and more.

Delaware Real Estate, Apartments & Job Classifieds:

Dover : Dover Post
Newark : Post
Wilmington : News-Journal
Rehoboth Beach : Cape Gazette