If I had to pick one thing I love about living in Newark, it would be shopping.

Delaware is one of the few places in the U.S. without state and local sales tax.

Whether you're buying clothes or electronics, there's no additional sales tax at the register for regular retail purchases.

The Delaware state government clearly states that there is no state or local sales tax.

Instead, businesses are subject to a separate tax called the Gross Receipts Tax.

This might not seem like a big deal when you're buying something for a few dollars. But think about it when you're purchasing a laptop, an iPhone, or even a new TV.

For a $2,000 item, a 6% sales tax would be $120. That's not just the price of a few cups of coffee; it's enough to cover a grocery run.

So, it's no wonder people from Pennsylvania or New Jersey come to Delaware to shop.

When it comes to shopping in Newark, you can't overlook Christiana Mall. It's located in Newark and is conveniently near I-95 Exit 4. The official store list includes major brands like Apple, Macy's, Nordstrom, H&M, Uniqlo, Target, and JCPenney.

If I need to buy electronics, I start here. Especially for items like Apple products, which don't have significant discounts, the absence of sales tax feels like a big deal. When the total starts to exceed $1,000 or $2,000, I can't help but feel good when I look at the last line of the receipt.

And shopping for Koreans isn't just about clothes. Weekly grocery shopping is also part of it. Newark has ShopRite of Four Seasons Plaza, and if you need some unique ingredients, there's also Trader Joe's. For those who buy in bulk, Costco Wholesale is available, making everyday shopping quite convenient.

If you want to find clothes or household items at a lower price, there's also the fun of browsing places like T.J. Maxx. Once Korean moms step into these stores, they often can't resist buying something. They might go in saying, "I'm just going to look," but come out with a pot, workout clothes, and even a cushion they didn't need. It makes you wonder if saving on tax is worth it when you end up buying things you didn't plan on.

The atmosphere around Newark's Main Street is different. Being a college town with the University of Delaware, it offers a charm that's distinct from large shopping malls, allowing you to stroll and explore small shops and restaurants. With many young students around, the neighborhood doesn't feel like it's aging too quietly.

However, it's important not to assume that "since it's Delaware, there's no tax on online orders." The tax treatment for online purchases can vary based on shipping address and transaction conditions, so it's best to check the final amount on the payment screen.

Still, one of the clear advantages of living in Newark is definitely feeling the impact of No Sales Tax.

Especially on days when you're spending a lot.

When I walk out of the register with a new laptop, I can't help but glance at the receipt.

"Wow, there really was no tax."

It's funny how we can forget about spending $1,500 on an item and feel so good about saving a few dozen dollars on tax.