best east coast beach towns to retire best east coast beach towns to retire

Photo credit: iStock.com/FatCamera, iStock.com/monkeybusinessimages, iStock.com/FatCamera. Visits to the town's bookstore, ice cream shop, bakery, and cafes make it easy to meet your neighbors and feel like a local. Hilton Head Island, known for its beaches and golf courses, is a great place to retire. The Kennebunk River adds even more waterline charm to the small shops, elegant ship captains' homes, and fishing ports of this vibrant Southern Maine town of 3,474. While beachfront properties are premium, the median house price listing for Myrtle Beach is $250k, while the median household income is $43,200. Dominated by the Biloxi bay Bridge, Ocean Springs stunning Front Beach stretches to Ocean Springs Harbor and provides extended areas of white sands, fishing piers, and gorgeous views of the gulf. These are the top 25 cities for . Cocoa Beach. In Ocean Springs, the median home value is $174,000, the median annual property tax is $1,445 and the median monthly housing cost is $1,021. Beaufort, North Carolina. Making your dream retirement a reality takes money, though, and saving enough money takes planning. 1. If you want a town with people of diverse ages, though, New Hyde Park might fit the bill. Not every retiree wants to live in the heart of the big city but this lovely unincorporated community by the water offers the best of both worlds, lying just 20 minutes away from Baltimore. The median household income in Swansboro is $48,922. New Hyde Park is another Long Island town, meaning residents will have access to New York City. A two-bedroom condo right near the hospital and within walking distance to Ocean Beach can be had for just $99,000 and $209,900 can fetch a three-bedroom Cape Codder with a master bed and bath on the first floor, blocks from the water. A famous tourist destination that attracts millions to its beaches and golf courses, Myrtle Beach is one of the fastest-growing cities in the US. Metro Population: 6,129,858. Living out your golden years in this city wont cost you much, when the median monthly housing cost is only $981. Part of YaleNew Haven Health, Lawrence + Memorial Hospital is home to the regions only inpatient rehab unit and a nationally recognized cardiac rehabilitation program. Dust is a common household nuisance, causing respiratory problems and allergic reactions when inhaled. You can take a motorized kayak down the Indian River, go horseback riding on the beach or check out the historic waterfront downtown area for shopping, dining and more entertainment options. The stunning gulf coast area is well known for its beauty, and Coastal Living voted ocean Springs as one of the 10 Happiest Seaside Towns in 2015. The median house price listing is $235k, but there are small gems to be found in this delightful town. Key Biscayne, Florida. This gorgeous little Gulf Coast town with Mediterranean-inspired architecture is a total dream, so much so that it ranks highly in multiple surveys on happiness and well-being. You can also watch the annual Daytona 500 NASCAR race at the Daytona International Speedway. Sink your toes into sugar-white sand beaches that are reportedly composed out of fine quartz grains from the Appalachian Mountains. Beaufort, North Carolina, one of the Southeast's oldest and most charming beach towns, is at the southern tip of North Carolina's Crystal Coast. Deerfield Beach, Florida. Hendersonville comes in sixth on this list with 7.8 medical centers per 1,000 residents. Instead, the 55-plus crowd has been seeking out budget-conscious, beach alternatives with plenty of outdoor activities and (often) a temperate climate in which to settle down for good. The median home value is $168,600, property taxes will cost you around $1,567 each year and housing expenses come to about $870 a month. Atlantic Beach, Florida. It has a little bit of everything.. 3. To help you determine the place in this part of the country that's the best fit for you, we looked at the metro areas within 100 miles of the Atlantic coast that rank highest among the Best Places to Live, which considers factors including affordability, job market, desirability and morning commute, among others. If you can do this in one of the most beautiful French coastal towns, enjoying good food, wine, and long beach walks, then it's heaven. To come up with this list, our data experts looked at more than 1,300 towns on the water, pulled off the places that are located on lakes or riversthis list is all about tasting the salt in the ocean breezeand cut the selections to one place per state, for a wider variety of options. Living in a tiny house may sound like a great way to save, but some details require a hefty investment. 1. For more content like this follow. A financial advisor can help you create a financial plan for your retirement goals. What's harder is choosing the ideal tenants to occupy them. Sarasota, Florida. Hendersonville also topped our list of the best places to retire in North Carolina. Places to stay: Creek Watch Villa (6 guests): $125/night Updated Seabrook Villa (8 guests): $123/night Five Oaks Coastal Cottage (11 guests): $166/night There may not be any restaurants or shops on this quiet South Carolina getaway but what it lacks in amenities, it more than makes up for in secluded beauty. Tarpon Springs, along the shore of the Gulf of Mexico, has been dubbed the sponge capital of the world for its history of Greek immigrants, who made a big business out of selling the natural sponges found in the water. Here, we've collected 15 of the cheapest beach towns to live in throughout the U.S., based on median home values under $300K. New Castle is third in terms of retirement communities with 3.72 per 1,000 residents. How Much Do I Need to Save for Retirement? Located at the mouth of the Thames River, this seaport citythe second-largest whaling port in the world back in the Moby Dick daysboasts a historic waterfront district that has become the creative hub of the city with art, music, and design venues, unique boutiques, and more than 30 restaurants. America's gold stockpile has fueled curiosity and conspiracy theories. At HGTV we've researched some of the best and most affordable beach towns in the U.S. In Alabamas Gulf Shores, you can indulge and relax and even partake in an adventure or two. A number of factors went into determining the best places to retire on the East Coast. Seaford doesnt fare as well when it comes to retirement communities, though, as its 0.14 retirement communities per 1,000 residents puts it near the bottom of this list in that metric. 2) Key Biscayne Florida. Many tourists visit this island but are its resources up to standard? 1 / 100. The Harbor City features some delightful art galleries, golf courses, fishing piers, upscale dining, boutiques and beaches. Eugene, Oregon. Turning your retirementinto a reality takes money. 11 . 4. You could also be saving $1,000 a year or more by choosing the right home insurance policy online. You may find yourself wondering, though, where exactly you want to spend your golden years. Retirees can get into active adult communities like Bay Crossing in a $239,000 two-bedroom condo all the way up to a fully kitted-out four-bedroom for $620,000. If you're interested in retiring near the ocean without the humidity of a tropical . For the purposes of this book's third edition, a small art town has a full-time population of 65,000 or fewer. Ah, Florida: warm weather, beaches, and no state income tax. Buyers can get into the market at a wide price range, from a three-bedroom manufactured home for $159,900 to this three-bedroom with water views and a private pool for $350,000. When considering a place to retire, you should take a look atdifferent financial factors, including tax burden, healthcare facilities and other costs. All investing involves risk, including loss of principal. These areas are active, scenic, and rich . You can explore lovely museums, historic homes and linger on the 2.2 miles of beautiful beach. It is neither tax nor legal advice, is not intended to be relied upon as a forecast, research or investment advice, and is not a recommendation, offer or solicitation to buy or sell any securities or to adopt any investment strategy. The current median house listing price is $210k. Consider Hobe Sounds gorgeous sandy beaches, green parks and abundant golf courses if youre settling down in the Sunshine State for your retirement. As a retirement town, Lewes has lots of draws, including no sales tax and the third lowest real estate tax area in the country. This Gulf Coast city features some glorious nature trails and lagoons and wetlands. Kick off your flip flops and you can walk for miles along the wide sand beach. Whitecap Beach - Scenic beach in Texas with sizable waves. Where is the best place on the East Coast to retire? Placencia is a haven for beach connoisseurs. On the plus side, Bel Air has a respectable 11.33 medical centers per 1,000 residents, placing it fifth in that metric. Average income for population 65+: $70,291. Great Neck also comes in second in terms of retirement communities, with 3.76 per 1,000 residents. The welcoming area boasts many gay bars and restaurants, a thriving Pride parade (in years past), and an LGBTQ centerall on the shores of tax-friendly Delaware. In addition to its proximity to Naples, Pelican Bay is less than an hour from Fort Myers and only two hours away from Miami. Whether youre looking for a quaint seaside town tucked away with hidden, unspoiled beaches or a booming coastal city with access to all your cultural, travel, and entertainment needs, theres a place waiting for you. However, New Hyde Park does have the second lowest senior population percentage on this list at 14.4%. See which metro areas on the Eastern Seaboard offer the most for residents. A move to the East Coast may bring you closer to family, give you access to the right job or simply fit the vibe you're looking for. With a dedicated police department, Cannon, Read More What Is The Safest Beach In Oregon?Continue, The advent of Spring is a great time to plan a beach holiday somewhere, and if you havent already got plans, why not consider the magnificent coastline of our own Oregon? A median house price for those age 60 and older is $160,200. Cumming leads this list with 32.93 medical centers per 1,000 residents, so youll always be able to find top-quality care if you need it. With fewer than 100 residents, Round Top is the tiniest of the small art towns. Located about an hour north of Atlanta near the shores of Lake Lanier, Cumming is not just the best place to retire on the East Coast it's also the second-best place to retire in the country. 10. Single-family homes on the water start in the high $300,000s to low $400,000 range, such as this four-bedroom on 2.31 acres listed at $410,000 or this three-bedroom on the market for $399,000. This college town is home to the University of Oregon, which has the largest library in the . It is also home to a number of museums, including the Mineral and Lapidary Museum, which has a Tyrannosaurus Rex skull that will surely be impressive to any visiting grandchildren. Keep a lookout for ospreys, eagles and great horned owls flying overhead. Known as the The Friendly City by the Sea, Swansboro has a small population, and the historic town was the setting for Nicholas Sparks novelThe Guardian. . Spending your retirement on the beach can be a dream come true. So many beaches. Most folks probably dont imagine spending their beachy retirement huddled up under layers of sweaters and blankets, but theyre missing out. It only takes 3 minutes to connect with an advisor who puts you first. The median home value in the city is quite low just $113,600 and youll pay around $908 in annual property taxes and about $655 in monthly housing costs. With delicious food and growing wine culture, a remnant of French occupancy, world-class beaches, and some of the friendliest and most peace-loving locals you will meet. The median contract payment is $1,173 per month, while monthly costs for a mortgage-free home are $433. Many locals also take whale watching tours by boat, view masterpieces at Coos Art Museum, swing a 9-iron, or watch the pros play golf at the Bandon Dunes Resort, home to the Curtis Cup. There is the Ocean Springs Art Association, which represents over 300 local artists, and the largest fine arts festival in Mississippi, the Peter Anderson Arts & Crafts Festival. 2. Many of the retired residents of Hyannis move into their former summer homes, but there are still plenty of boomers relocating to the area. Because Cumming is close to Atlanta, you can take advantage of all of the arts and entertainment options the city offers, including professional sports games and museums. Theres an outlet shopping center and a casino. Visiting your beach house a few times a year may give you a different experience to coastal city residents. 04 of 13. Just bear in mind that as a resident you will have to contend with crowds of tourists, especially in the summer. There's also a long fishing pier for casting a line, and historic sights like the town's iconic lighthouse. Fort Pierce, located on the Indian River Lagoon, is known for its excellent fishing and beautiful beaches. Eugene, Oregon. Fernandina Beach. Smallbones // Wikimedia Commons #15. Maine is one of the East Coast's best beach towns. Average Annual Salary: $55,710. With its bustling main street, John F. Kennedy Hyannis Museum, and world-renowned Cape Cod Hospital, Hyannis is basically the hub of the Cape. Get matched with a financial advisor today at Datalign and get on the path to financial success. If you have never been to this area it truly is beautiful. It's a popular Michigan summer vacation spot . Each town has fewer than 20,000 full-time residents (according to the 2010 census), direct access to beaches and water, and notable family-friendly attractions. Homes are on the pricier end the median home value is $243,100, the most expensive on this list but youll only pay around $799 in annual property taxes and $901 in monthly housing costs. If you are looking for a place with below-average home prices to live in as a retiree, then Daytona Beach in the Sunshine State is a great solution for you. Use these cleaning tips to get rid of dust buildup and improve the air quality in your home. Theres a reason you always walk out with a receipt the length of your arm. This is not a typo: Southern California does, in fact, boast affordable retirement homes right near the coast. 1. Are you confident in your retirement savings? "It's a popular gay retirement . Located on Virginia's eastern shore, Cape Charles is an inviting small town with picturesque piers and sidewalks for strolling and biking. J.A. In any case, let us discuss some of the best beach towns for retirement in Florida. Bel Air is also clearly popular among older people. Amateur and pro surfers can experience decent waves along the Cocoa Beach Pier, especially at the end of hurricane season, which is generally September-December. Only about 1 square mile, the popular beach area has a small-town feel and was named as a best place to retire by the AARP. Healthcare is obviously very important to seniors, so we considered the number of medical centers per 1,000 residents in each city. It's one of the most affordable cities on the East Coast with a high livability rating. The median household income in Swansboro is $48,922. Despite the Crisis, Homeowners Remodel to Ride Out Pandemic in Comfort, How the Coronavirus Is Changing Some Boomers' Real Estate Plans for the Better. Elevation 25. The citys tax rate comes in at just 11%, so you wont have to worry about sending too much of your cash to Uncle Sam. Historic Lewes has a more natural, small-town feel and (slightly) lower home prices. Bel Air contains one of Marylands Arts and Entertainment districts, where concerts are frequently held. Please be aware that some (or all) products and services linked in this article are from our sponsors. The median rent is $998. Both beach towns are lovely,, Read More Which Is Nicer, Huntington Beach Or Newport Beach?Continue, From Rockaway Beach to Lincoln City Beach, there are plenty of popular, family-friendly beaches in Oregon. Over on the Sunshine State's Atlantic coast, Vero Beach is a nature lover's paradise with miles of hiking and biking trails, plus wildlife refuges along the coast. Visited by Captain John Smith in the early 1600s, he wrote that the land was the "Gem of the Eastern Shore". The median monthly housing costs amount to $811. As an extra perk, Seafords annual Christmas Parade is the biggest on the Delmarva Peninsula. Check out these affordable beach towns. The Falls Lake State Recreation Area is less than 30 minutes from Durham, and the coastal Atlantic Ocean beaches are about three to four hours away, making this one of the best places to retire in North Carolina near the beach. Just like many of you dreaming about a coastal dream life, we can make this a reality through information and inspiration! The former fishing village is bordered by a beautiful marsh shoreline and dotted with wooded areas. Few towns are as charming as Fairhope, and its relaxed, welcoming atmosphere makes retirees feel right at home. In order to uncover the research, the team at Showers To You ranked over 50 locations on a variety of factors including average house prices in . The town, formed in 1889, has about 1,400 residents; the number swells, like most beach towns, in the summer, with local hotspots Donovan's Reef, the Rumrunner and Tommy's Tavern & Tap among the . Head to the local restaurants for some fresh gulf seafood or book a charter and reel in some fish yourself. Pensacola is Floridas most affordable beach city and its a beautiful place to retire, with idyllic white sand beaches, rivers, bayous and bays. It also ranks first on our list of the best places to retire in Georgia. Kyle Valenta October 27, 2017. South Carolina's low country is a popular place to retire, thanks to its low cost of . 13. Shocker, right? You can save on auto insurance as part of your retirement plan as well by comparing rates online. If you bought Google stock when it was cheap, Key Biscayne, just a few miles out in the water from Miami may be the ultimate town for beach lovers in Florida. Finding a qualified financial advisor doesnt have to be hard. Seaford is home to a number of parks where you can experience the great outdoors. For an elegant retirement, you can't do much better than life on Kiawah Island. Ithaca, New York. Seals actually do galumph around on the shore. Credit. Youll find plenty of recreational activities to do outside in Port Angeles. Photograph: Shutterstock. The Best Secret Beach Towns in Mexico. Vero Beach. The content provided on MoneyWise is information to help users become financially literate. It takes 15 minutes to get to everything Myrtle Beach has to offer without having to worry about traffic and stuff.. Housing costs for retirees in Knoxville are the biggest factor bringing down costs, at nearly 30% below the national average. Its tax burden is towards the middle of this list at 16.7%, and it comes in fourth in terms of medical centers with 15.55 per 1,000 residents. How much do we know? ROBBIE CAPONETTO; PROP STYLING: RACHAEL BURROW; HAIR AND MAKEUP: CELINE RUSSELL/ZENOBIA, The Best Budget Getaways In The South For 2023, Venice Is the Laid-Back Florida Beach Town With Plenty of Personality, Best Lake Towns To Retire To in the South, The Best Beach Towns In The South To Visit This Winter, The Best Places for a Dreamy Retirement in the South. The median home value in Tarpon Springs is $209,400 and the median monthly housing cost adds up to $943 slightly pricier than Hobe Sound but youll pay around $1,847 in property taxes each year. LindaZ74 / Shutterstock. The historic city boasts a vibrant downtown with shops and restaurants, 15 recreational parks (including a golf course), and waterfront views from both the mainland and the peninsula across the water. The median home value in the city is $122,300 and youll pay around $1,069 in annual property taxes. Springfield, Massachusetts. This South Florida town lets you experience everything from cable skiing to swimming and its award-winning "Blue Wave" beach is recognized for its excellent water quality, beach conditions, safety services and habitat conservation. Pensacola is Florida's most affordable beach city and it's a beautiful place to retire, with idyllic white sand beaches, rivers, bayous and bays. While the town of Osage Beach has only 5,000 residents, there is a variety of restaurants, bars, and parks that attract visitors every summer. The median home value in Fort Walton is $185,900, while annual property taxes will cost you around $1,366 and monthly housing costs amount to about $1,049. Biloxi, Mississippi, ranks at the top of our list as the most affordable beach town in America. Jim Barnash is a Certified Financial Planner with more than four decades of experience. Located in western Massachusetts, Springfield is roughly 60 miles from the coast via Connecticut. You may be able to repair drywall yourself. The city hails itself as The Shark Tooth Capital of the World due to the thick fossil beds that lie right under its gently lapping shores. The county seat of Clallam is situated between Americas border with Canada the city of Victoria is just a ferry ride away by the gorgeous Salish Sea. Unlike it's nearby but totally separate . The tax burden in Cumming is on the high side, though, at 18%. Though Morehead City is on the mainland, protected from storms by a barrier island, the city proper isnt known for its beaches. This quaint coastal town lies east of Bay St. Louis and it is known\ for its arts and festivals. Located in western Massachusetts, Springfield is roughly 60 miles from the coast via Connecticut. Over 22 miles in fact. Pensacola, Florida. These firms could be great to partner with. Several wonderful beaches spring to mind, with Seaside and Cannon Beach foremost for me. Ocean Springs has several arts festivals, many restaurants, and artists studios such as Shearwater Pottery tucked away. Youll find several delicious eateries such as Simply Seafood Market & Oyster Bar for scallops and shrimps and PoFolks if youre in the mood for some homestyle American comfort food, as well as your regular fast food joints. However, what really makes this port town ideal for the 55-plus crowd is the easy access to quality health care. The cliff-edged and chilly shoreline of Bastendorff Beach, just a short trip over the bridge from Coos Bay, is gorgeous, a wholly relaxing place to collect shells, pitch a tent, or ride a horse. 10. If you can telecommute or work remotely, you can easily access towns and cities that might have seemed impossible dreams. The city's median home value is just $173,900 versus $262,900 in . Forbes compared nearly 800 locales in America, on everything from housing costs and taxes to healthcare, air quality and climate change and natural hazard risk. Ocean Springs, Mississippi. You might even catch a glimpse of a dolphin or sea turtle, or catch some Spanish mackerel along the fishing pier. Key Biscayne, an island off the coast of Miami, is a great place to explore the Atlantic Ocean. Its a popular gay retirement community, says Russell Stucki, real estate associate at Re/Max Realty Group. Melbourne is situated just southeast of Orlandos massive, family-friendly theme parks, but it could be better suited to an older homeowner. Or go swimming at Sunset Beach and Fred Howard Park. With a presale inspection, a home inspector will visit your property before you put it on the market. You should factor in the average cost of living in that state or area and how that fits your lifestyle and budget. To learn where the best cities to retire or live in Florida to be the safest from hurricanes, . Situated about an hours drive north of West Palm Beach, Fort Pierce is a small city with 13 neighborhoods. Ask our Retirement expert. - Population: 40,000. The median house price listing is $235k, but there are small gems to be found in this delightful town. This Mississippi Gulf coast town is a haven for retirees because it has a relatively low cost of living paired with a laid-back atmosphere. Here are 25 gorgeous beach towns in the U.S. where you can retire on a budget. Some towns may appear a better option on paper, but things like safety, commute, and job scarcity may influence you to choose a city with a higher cost of living or more expensive properties. Aside from the lovely beaches, you can visit the local falls and hiking trails. Jacksonville, Florida. #46. Live everyday like youre on vacation in these American coastal towns with spectacular views and bargain prices. Youll find plenty of activities to keep you occupied in and around the City of Discovery, from casinos and boat charters to beaches and trails. Get personalized advice from a financial advisor that understands your needs. If you love beach towns, then Jacksonville might be one of the better options for you. Outdoor living that keeps the bugs out can be a great addition to your home, but it may cost more than you think. Overlooking the shores of Lake Michigan, Saugatuck is home to several serene beaches that feature soft sand, rolling dunes and peaceful atmospheres. Chances are you already know the country's most famous beach destinations . The New Castle Historic District has a number of historic buildings, including an arsenal built in 1809 in preparation for the War of 1812. But while many beach communities are cost-prohibitive, a surprising number are within reach for those who aren't millionaires. A range of sand and surf that stretches from Maine to Florida. Theres a medical clinic within the city, but you can also make a quick drive to the Gulf Coast Regional Medical Center for more services. Thanks to the rise of work from home systems and software like Zoom, more people are finding they can work remotely. From coast to coast, these 17 best beach towns in the U.S. offer stunning coastal views, laid-back vibes, and more. (opens in new tab) Popular Local Beaches: Beaches at Goose Lake Park, Jewell Lake, Little Campbell . This suburban beach town is best known for its . Seal Beach is quaint and cute to walk around, says Melinda Elmer, a Realtor with Century 21 Masters. Retirees can get into active adult communities like Bay Crossing in a $239,000 two-bedroom condo all the way up to a fully kitted-out four-bedroom for $620,000. The median home value in the area is $216,100 and youll pay around $848 in yearly property taxes and $912 in monthly housing costs. Tuckpointing can give your brick walls or chimney a facelift while helping to ensure the structural integrity of your home. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. Metro Population: 698,537. The median home value is $382,900 in Chapel Hill and $229,900 in Durham. Hoi An, Vietnam. Retirees can take the grandkids on whale watching tours or picnic at one of the many parks or the beach. There are lots of great golf courses too, and plenty of fresh seafood to enjoy in area restaurants. To find the best places on the East Coast to retire on Social Security alone, GOBankingRates used SSA data to identify the average monthly benefit as $1,828.30 -- $3,656.60 for a couple. This two-bedroom condo is listed at just under $200,000 in a high-rise with bay and ocean views. Its also the medical center for the south coast region, according to the city website. Mid-Atlantic families love the relaxed boardwalk in the coastal town of Bethany Beach, which is located about 130 miles southeast of Washington, D.C., and less than 15 . The median home value sits at $169,000 and annual property taxes will cost you around $1,300. Our next dilemma: Is Seaside or Cannon Beach better? The median home value in the city is $182,800 and youll pay around $1,291 in property taxes each year and $940 in housing costs every month. Port Arthur houses the Texas Point National Wildlife Refuge, which covers 8,972 acres of saline to brackish marsh and is inhabited by a variety of fish and fowl. Join here. From the peaceful dunes of Cape Cod and the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico to the wild cliffs of the Pacific Northwest, these are the top 10 affordable beach towns and cities across the United States where retirees can kick back. More: 4 ways to earn big returns outside the stock market. New Smyrna Beach was the center of intense real estate speculation during the 1920 . As a leading port, the headquarters of four Fortune 500 companies, and a banking industry legacy, Jacksonvilles median household income is $54,701. The artsy, quintessentially Southern Mississippi Gulf Coast leads the nation in affordable coastal cities, with four places landing in . In Essex, the median home value is just $191,400 compared to the states median home value of $370,300, according to Zillow. Placencia: An Irresistible Beach Community. Set out on a sailboat, book a tennis lesson, breeze along biking trails, explore the boutiques, or nab tickets for concerts and festivals to make the most of retirement in this South Carolina paradise. Cast a line at the International Fishing Pier, explore the trails around the Deerfield Island Park and taste fresh salmon and scallops at one of the high-end oceanfront restaurants. Depending on your line of work whether you can work remotely or switch jobs will also factor into your options when looking at the best, most affordable East Coast town for you.