Lewes, Delaware

Lewes (pronounced "Lewis") is a quaint, historic beach town (population 3,200) along the southern shore of Delaware, where the Atlantic Ocean and Delaware Bay meet at Cape Henlopen. Founded by the Dutch in 1631, it is Delaware's oldest town ("the first town in the first state") and one of several communities that make up the state's beach resort area. Originally a whaling village, today this cozy spot attracts not just beachgoers but families and retirees.  Dilapidated old Victorian homes are being restored, some for private living and others as elegant B&Bs, and the town is growing (3% in the last 10 years). The cost of living, though, is not cheap at roughly 30% above the national average. The median home price is $410,000.