It even has an airport and ferry terminal that connects the mainland to Marthas Vineyard and Nantucket. Retirees look for affordable communities where they can fill their time with purposeful activities and social connections, keys to a long, healthy life, says Hale. Ithaca is a small picturesque town in the upstate New York Finger Lakes region. In minutes, you can connect with a local or remote advisor and get a free initial consultation. About 27% of the citys 10,000 residents are aged 65 and up. Chances are you already know the country's most famous beach destinations . These areas are active, scenic, and rich . Siesta Key, Florida - Population: 5,573 (16% age 55-64 and 54% age 65+) Next: 25. Best alternative to Kiawah Island. 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. 86 / 100. This coastal city has some of the best fishing in Texas you can choose between charter boat services, surf fishing at Bryan Beach or the Brazos River. If you want a town with people of diverse ages, though, New Hyde Park might fit the bill. Here are 25 gorgeous beach towns in the U.S. where you can retire on a budget. The tax burden in Exeter is low at just 11.3%. Best beaches in North Padre Island: Malaquite Beach - Lovely beach with changing facilities, outdoor shower, and covered picnic areas. Pelican Bay is a beautiful town on Florida's Gulf Coast. So, are, Read More Are Coastal Cities Warmer?Continue. Average Annual Salary: $52,970. Great Neck is just down the road from New York City, so all of the culture that the city offers from Broadway to the Knicks are all readily available. 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. Doing laundry is already a chore, and it's worse if your laundry room is a mess. Youll cough up around $1,925 in property taxes each year and $739 in monthly housing costs. Population 8,252. Monthly grocery costs also show a wide range. The shallow and sedimentary conditions of the beach expose thousands of ancient shark teeth every day. . There's a lot to love about metal roofs, but they're not for everyone. So many beaches. 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. Tax, investment and all other decisions should be made, as appropriate, only with guidance from a qualified professional. In any case, let us discuss some of the best beach towns for retirement in Florida. Cannon Beach is the safest beach in Oregon. 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 its also the second-best place to retire in the country. . Visiting your beach house a few times a year may give you a different experience to coastal city residents. This two-bedroom condo is listed at just under $200,000 in a high-rise with bay and ocean views. Fernandina Beach- Distance to the coast 0 miles. 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. 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. 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. We list the top 25, ranked from least to most affordable. Our next dilemma: Is Seaside or Cannon Beach better? Consider digging deeper into one state to find where you want to retire. 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. The large community has various purchase restrictions, including a minimum age, and in some cases requires all-cash transactions; but to buy in another part of the desirable beach town would cost at least $700,000. - National rank: 56th best place to retire. 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. It might be time to review that far-away dream of life on the coast and waking up to the sound of waves and gulls and having a look at the affordability of East Coast beach houses. Located on Virginia's eastern shore, Cape Charles is an inviting small town with picturesque piers and sidewalks for strolling and biking. Round Island Park is one of the famous public beaches to spot the manatees in Indian River County. Leisure World, a gated retirement community located just 12 minutes from the sands of Seal Beach, offers some serious deals. 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. Placencia: An Irresistible Beach Community. It is built on high ground between two harbors overlooking . Dont miss the massive limestone rock formations at Blowing Rocks Preserve, which is also home to loggerhead, green and leatherback sea turtles. Its a popular gay retirement community, says Russell Stucki, real estate associate at Re/Max Realty Group. And as they shift into retirement mode,many are migrating toward the beach. Its white sandy beaches and crystal blue water combined with the Island's historic charm make it one of the top small beach towns in . Deerfield Beach sits on the southeastern Florida coast and boasts an award . Canton, Georgia. The town also leads this list with 1.79 recreation centers and 8.59 retirement communities per 1,000 residents. You might even catch a glimpse of a dolphin or sea turtle, or catch some Spanish mackerel along the fishing pier. One of the best parts of vacation is feeling like you're getting away - from your work, regular life -and slowing down for some days of relaxation. The median home value in the city is $153,000 and youll pay about $1,220 in property taxes each year and $723 in housing costs every month. Ask our Retirement expert. Over 22 miles in fact. Known for its boardwalks, casinos, and beaches, Atlantic City is the place to choose if you want the high life within a short distance of some of the most beautiful stretches of coastline along the Jersey Shore. Here are the top 10 budget-friendly spots that offer access to the ocean: 1. Youll spend around $1,800 in property taxes each year and $958 a month on housing costs, while the median home value sits at $181,200. Check out the 21 nicest small towns to visit in . Though a four-bedroom on the beach will set you back $1,650,000, a two-bedroom right next to downtown can be purchased for just $249,900. Dolphins, birds, and beaches are just some reasons retirees flock to Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. 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. Pensacola is Floridas most affordable beach city and its a beautiful place to retire, with idyllic white sand beaches, rivers, bayous and bays. The median home value sits at $169,000 and annual property taxes will cost you around $1,300. This Gulf Coast city features some glorious nature trails and lagoons and wetlands. Okaloosa Island, with its fine white sand beaches and glittering green waters, is mere minutes away. Little Shell Beach - Calm beach with smaller shells. Its also near Lake Lanier, a reservoir where you can boat, swim and enjoy the beach. Living out your golden years in this city wont cost you much, when the median monthly housing cost is only $981. 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. The towns top spot is the sandy Rocky Point Beach and Park, which spans 375 acres on the Back and Middle Rivers and boasts a beautiful view of the Chesapeake Bay. This charming Old Florida town features brick-paved streets, colorful cottages and old oaks, with independently-owned shops and boutiques. With a presale inspection, a home inspector will visit your property before you put it on the market. The town itself has a tax burden of 18.90%, the second highest on this list. Retire Comfortably. From coast to coast, these 17 best beach towns in the U.S. offer stunning coastal views, laid-back vibes, and more. #25 Best Places to Retire in North Carolina. While low for this list, thats not a bad number overall. The average single-family home here costs less than $200,000, one reason Liveability.com ranked Bismarck among its top 10 places to retire in 2017. Check out the local parks, like Wilson Point and Kingston Point, and eateries such as Vinces Crab House and Carsons Creekside. And now that the coronavirus pandemic makes it unwise to socialize except at a distance, its more important than ever to be able to settle into a forever home where youre free to enjoy the fresh air, long walks on the beach, and the soothing sound of crashing waves. This is not a typo: Southern California does, in fact, boast affordable retirement homes right near the coast. Myrtle Beach, SC. The Sunrise City houses one of the oldest communities in Floridas east coast and its best known for its world-class fishing. Hendersonville comes in sixth on this list with 7.8 medical centers per 1,000 residents. 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. It has a little bit of everything.. For an elegant retirement, you can't do much better than life on Kiawah Island. Visits to the town's bookstore, ice cream shop, bakery, and cafes make it easy to meet your neighbors and feel like a local. Best Places 2022-2023 Rank: 117. "It's a popular gay retirement . Housing costs for retirees in Knoxville are the biggest factor bringing down costs, at nearly 30% below the national average. The average of the cities on our list is $1,066 per month. Buckroe Beach and Park, which offers jet ski, kayak and paddle board rentals, also presents sparkling views of the Chesapeake Bay. Maui island is easily one of the most beautiful islands in the world. Melbourne is situated just southeast of Orlandos massive, family-friendly theme parks, but it could be better suited to an older homeowner. Seaside, Read More Is Seaside Or Cannon Beach Better?Continue, Coastal cities often paint a picture of beautiful people, sunshine, and great food. Situated on the eastern shore of Biloxi Bay, Ocean Springs has a reputation as a historic town with a vibrant and eclectic arts community. In Alabamas Gulf Shores, you can indulge and relax and even partake in an adventure or two. Hendersonvilles 1.34 recreation centers per 1,000 residents earns it second place on this list, so there will be plenty to do. And it turns out, they share some common features that are particularly attractive for folks who are no longer congregating by the water cooler. These are the top 25 cities for . 1. Just south of Sarasota, quiet and charming Venice is the ideal retirement spot for those looking for a slower pace of life. The median home value is $382,900 in Chapel Hill and $229,900 in Durham. This suburban beach town is best known for its . Looking to buy a home in Florida? Spending your retirement on the beach can be a dream come true. Activities are also important to a happy retirement, so we looked at the number of recreation centers per 1,000 residents. 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. Eugene, Oregon. The current median house listing price is $210k. Retirees can get into affordable homes starting at just under $200,000, including this $196,919 two-bedroom in a 55-plus community or this three-bedroom with a whirlpool hot tuband no age restrictionsfor $249,900. Live everyday like youre on vacation in these American coastal towns with spectacular views and bargain prices. Dont forget to compare health insurance rates to find an affordable policy that gives you great coverage as part of your retirement plan. Morehead City has enough nautical attractions to make die-hard boaters keel over. Hoi An has mountainous surrounds on one side and some of the most beautiful, undisturbed pieces . Hawaii and Florida offer stretches of awe-inspiring coastline, with beaches, It can be tough to pick one with so many lovely places to choose from the miles of pristine beaches in California. Gulfport is one of Mississippis biggest cities, so you wont lack for amenities. Population: 18,406 Medium home value: $349,691 Perfect for: Retirees, and middle age Vero Beach is one of the safest beach towns in Florida that nested between the Atlantic and the Indian River.This hidden gem in Florida had 26 miles of gorgeous public beaches. Get matched with a financial advisor today at Datalign and get on the path to financial success. 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. They include this three-bedroom on the water for $275,000 and this two-bedroom cottage for $219,000. The last price GOBankingRates measured was monthly healthcare cost, which averaged $415. SmartAssets services are limited to referring users to third party advisers registered or chartered as fiduciaries ("Adviser(s)") with a regulatory body in the United States that have elected to participate in our matching platform based on information gathered from users through our online questionnaire. 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. You should factor in the average cost of living in that state or area and how that fits your lifestyle and budget. #46. You can go fishing for speckled trout and flounder at Sabine Lake and keep a look out for warblers and thrushes at Sabine Woods. However, it does have the fewest medical centers per 1,000 residents at just 3.54. Finding the most affordable city or town for a beach home on the East Coast is down to more than just property prices, so its impossible to pick a single One-Size-Fits-All Town. Venices shoreline is located halfway between Sarasota and Port Charlotte, on the eastern edge of the Gulf of Mexico. Whether you prefer white sand beaches or majestic mountain ranges, read on to discover the best places to retire on the east coast. It is also close to both Philadelphia and Baltimore, so both cities amenities and recreational opportunities are within easy reach. The peninsula is 16 miles long, with the Caribbean Sea to the east, and the Placencia lagoon to the west. With its bustling main street, John F. Kennedy Hyannis Museum, and world-renowned Cape Cod Hospital, Hyannis is basically the hub of the Cape. They were ranked according to their median home value, average number of rooms per house, median monthly property taxes paid and monthly housing costs. 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. Stacker looks at the 50 best places to retire on the East Coast, analyzing data including population, age, income, household values, and rent. Cocoa Beach. From the various multicultural neighborhoods and their attendant restaurants to the Barclays Center in Brooklyn for sports and concerts, entertainment is not far from New Hyde Park. A median house price for those age 60 and older is $160,200. Best French Beach Towns. But while many beach communities are cost-prohibitive, a surprising number are within reach for those who aren't millionaires. The former fishing village is bordered by a beautiful marsh shoreline and dotted with wooded areas. South Carolina's low country is a popular place to retire, thanks to its low cost of . 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. Miami. 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. If you have never been to this area it truly is beautiful. Part of Mississippi's "Secret Coast," Ocean Springs is a beach town that features white, soft sand and a vibrant downtown, packed with boutiques, music and great restaurants. As a leading port, the headquarters of four Fortune 500 companies, and a banking industry legacy, Jacksonvilles median household income is $54,701. Hampton, which the town website describes as a city with an old soul and a youthful enthusiasm, features some lovely historic attractions and museums, golfing and boating opportunities and fantastic dining options. 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. . You may find yourself wondering, though, where exactly you want to spend your golden years. Ogunquit is said to have the prettiest . Boasting 10+ miles of pristine beaches with temperate weather year . Jim has run his own advisory firm and taught courses on financial planning at DePaul University and William Rainey Harper Community College. The scenic views blow everyone away, and it's filled with waterfront parks, historical monuments, and entertainment for all ages. Tax burden is also important, especially for older people living on a fixed income or off of retirement savings, so we looked at the overall tax burden in 2018. The book includes university towns like Lawrence, Iowa City and Athens, Georgia, which have part-time student populations approaching 30,000. Seniors age 65 and over make up 18% of the population. Bel Air contains one of Marylands Arts and Entertainment districts, where concerts are frequently held. [ x] Then . and We've ordered each town from most to least populous to help you find your perfect slice of paradise. Are your retirement savings on track? For many, the ultimate retirement goal involves uncomplicated days when the toughest decision involves when to visit the beach. You, too, can be the Prince of Bel Air the one closer to the Atlantic than the Pacific, that is. Seaford is home to a number of parks where you can experience the great outdoors. Oak Island is a nice quiet area to retire in. 3 . 2. Livability score: 78. 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. Jacksonville, FL. It's a hidden gem located along the Atlantic Ocean coast. 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. I have been drawn to the ocean and the coastal lifestyle my whole life. Thousands benefit from our email every week. For a retiree, the city also offers some great dining experiences and outdoor activities like hiking and golfing, and it doesnt cost that much to reside there. Beach cities in the U.S. can't be mentioned without a nod to Miami. 1. Metro Population: 6,129,858. 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. Big Shell Beach - Great for seashell picking and photo ops, not for sunbathing. 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. A lifetime of coastal living has taught me that the weather can often have all four seasons in a single day. 4 ways to earn big returns outside the stock market, 10 tactics to keep your summer vacation on budget, Costco shoppers: Beware these tricks the warehouse giant uses to make you spend more. Often named one the best coastal towns in Maine, Kennebunkport has it all. In the downtown area, youll discover some lovely early-1900 buildings and exhibits at the Historical Museum. Theres a reason you always walk out with a receipt the length of your arm. Springfield residents benefit from plenty of high-quality health care options within driving . Seniors age 65 and over make up 21% of the towns population. 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. These firms could be great to partner with. Shimmering shorelines, renowned golf courses, impeccable dining that's what awaits you on Kiawah Island. With the draw of the water (Fairhope is on Mobile Bay) and a downtown with unique restaurants and boutiques, it's one of the best places in the state, maybe even in the whole country, to retire. Obviously, just like anywhere, the closer to the water you are, the more expensive the property.. Median Home Price: $247,112. You can stroll around the downtown center and the Historic District and check out the art galleries, antique shops and Greek eateries around the area. Vietnam offers one of the lowest costs of living in the world. You wont need to splurge on your new digs, however. If you want to visit one of the many beaches in Oregon, you may be wondering which of their many beaches is considered the safest! Maui water is, Read More Is Maui Water Safe To Drink?Continue, Are you dreaming of a mid-winter vacation to somewhere warm, wishing you could go exploring or surfing? That includes Toms River, a seaside town thats nestled along the Atlantic Ocean and Barnegat Bay, a rich estuary thats long been a destination for fishing, crabbing, and boating. Metro Population: 698,537. And explore the scenic trails at the Clam Bayou Nature Park. We are compensated for referring traffic and business to Amazon and other companies linked to on this site. Head to the local restaurants for some fresh gulf seafood or book a charter and reel in some fish yourself. In Essex, the median home value is just $191,400 compared to the states median home value of $370,300, according to Zillow. Median Home Price: $333,741. (opens in new tab) Popular Local Beaches: Beaches at Goose Lake Park, Jewell Lake, Little Campbell . - Population: 40,000. The median home value in Gulfport is $185,600 and the annual property taxes will cost you around $1,448, while monthly housing expenses amount to about $877. If you're wondering where to retire along Florida's east coast, consider cities like Jacksonville, Daytona Beach, Port St. Lucie, or Boynton Beach. Photo credit: iStock.com/FatCamera, iStock.com/monkeybusinessimages, iStock.com/FatCamera. This is not an offer to buy or sell any security or interest. And while the appeal of sand between your toes and an ocean breeze may be enough to sell you on moving to Jacksonville, this coastal city has so much more to offer than the beautiful scenery. There are no guarantees that working with an adviser will yield positive returns. If youre wondering whether you should pick Hawaii or Florida, our guide should help you decide. At HGTV we've researched some of the best and most affordable beach towns in the U.S. With fewer than 100 residents, Round Top is the tiniest of the small art towns. This quaint coastal town lies east of Bay St. Louis and it is known\ for its arts and festivals.