Have You Been Dreaming Of Living In A Beach Town?
Many people dream about retiring in a beach town. These types of cities or towns are prime spots for living out your golden years by the water.
Whether you’re looking for a location to relocate to during the next few years or dreaming about places to put down some new roots decades from now, it’s always the right time to explore some unique destinations.
Especially when those places come with surf, sand, and sea breezes. However, remote beach areas aren’t always the right fit for retirees because they need access to different services, including health care and transportation options.
That’s why we’ve looked at a recent analysis that compared the 150 largest metropolitan areas in our country as potential retirement spots, including data on housing affordability, happiness, desirability, retiree taxes, job markets, and access to quality health care.
We’ve picked out the 10 most livable, picturesque, and inviting spots. With features that appeal to both the lively and laid-back within us, there’s a place to call home on this list for any and every beach-bound retiree!
…Click “Next” and see all the beautiful beach towns we came across!
Hyannis, Massachusetts
With its buzzing main street, John F. Kennedy Hyannis Museum, and world-famous Cape Cod Hospital, this beach town is pretty much the hub of the Cape.
It’s home to lots of shopping, neverending restaurants, excellent golf courses, an amazing sailing scene, and many beautiful beaches. It even includes an airport and ferry terminal connecting the mainland to Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket.
Many of Hyannis’ retired residents move into their former summer homes, but plenty of boomers have been relocating to the area. Year-round homes start at about $350,000 and go up to nearly $4 million.
And even though a four bedroom house on the beach will set you back $1,650,000, a two-bedroom next to the downtown area can be purchased for just $249,900.
Sarasota, Florida
You can find this beautiful beach town about an hour south of Tampa. Sarasota is a popular tourist and retirement destination thanks to the white, powdery sand beaches like the ones we’ve seen on Siesta Key.
So much so that around 2.7 million people visited Sarasota County between October 2017 and September 2018, according to the latest statistics from the area’s tourism bureau.
Approximately 26.50 percent of the population is aged 65 and older, a recent GoBankingRates analysis found. The average home price for those who are aged 60 and older is $204,000, while the average monthly rent is $1,060.
Rockport, Texas
Most people wouldn’t think of Texas when talking about beach towns. But this Gulf Coast tourist dream has immaculate beaches, excellent fishing, and fantastic fowl.
It has ten birding sites on the Great Texas Birding Trail and the planet’s sole migrating flock of over 265 whooping cranes, passing through the Aransas Wildlife Refuge every winter. About 27 percent of the city’s 10,000 residents are aged 65 and older.
Many of which look for single-story houses that have attached garages right around the golf course, marina, and beaches. You can get a three-bedroom on the water for $275,000 and a two-bedroom cottage for about $219,000.
Charleston, South Carolina
Ocean breezes, beautiful year-round weather, and senior tax breaks are just a few reasons why you’ll love the opportunity to spend your golden years in the South Carolina Lowcountry.
This gorgeous beach town offers the historical charm with an extra dose of Southern hospitality. The waterfront boasts restaurants, as well as boating and water sports. It’s also just a short drive to Kiawah Island and Isle of Palms.
While some areas of Charleston are pricey, the average home price among those aged 60 and older is about $204,800.
…Psst, did you know that Science has proven that living by the ocean is beneficial for your overall health and well-being?
Lewes, Delaware
People seem to really enjoy this beach town community. Lewes and the nearby Rehoboth Beach have become one of the most sought-after LGBTQ retirement destinations on the East Coast.
The welcoming area has many gay bars and restaurants, a booming Pride parade, and an LGBTQ center, all on the shores of this tax-friendly state. Historical Lewes has a more genuinely small-town vibe and slightly lower house prices.
Seniors can get into active adult communities like Bay Crossing in a $239,000 two-bedroom condo all the way up to a fantastic four-bedroom for around $620,000.
…If you like small town vibes, I also recommend reading: I’ve Visited 7 of the Most Bizarre Small Towns in America…And They’re a Best Kept Secret!
Portland, Maine
Why should you move to Portland, Maine? Well, for one, this “beach town” was ranked number two among the healthiest cities for women! It was also deemed the second safest and fourth healthiest state in America.
Constructed in a Victorian style, the architecture of Portland has been praised as the most beautifully preserved historical city than any other on the Eastern coast. Head north to get a four-season climate in Portland, Maine.
There you can savor lobster, visit the region’s lighthouses and take in the rocky coastline along the Atlantic Ocean. The average home price for those aged 60 and older is $249,200, while the average rent is at about $783 per month.
Toms River, New Jersey
New Jersey, and its infamous shore, get a lot of flak. But there’s a good reason why it’s called the Garden State: It’s beautiful when you get off the turnpike!
That includes Toms River, a beach town that’s snuggled along the Atlantic Ocean, and Barnegat Bay, a rich delta that’s long been a destination for fishing, crabbing, and boating excursions.
The historical city boasts a lively downtown with shops, restaurants, and 15 recreational parks, including a golf course. And fantastic waterfront views from both the mainland and the peninsula that’s across the water.
People looking for a deal can get into a one-bedroom home starting at about $125,000 or even a four-bedroom next to the water for around $349,000.
Seal Beach, California
This is not an error: Southern California really does boast affordable retirement homes right off the coast. Leisure World, a gated retirement community, which is located just 12 minutes away from the sands of Seal Beach, offers some seriously great deals.
For example, a renovated one-bedroom cottage goes for about $199,999, and we even found a two-bedroom at $225,000. The big community has various purchase restrictions, including a minimum age. And in some cases, it requires all-cash transactions.
But buying in other parts of the desirable beach town would set you back at least $700,000. And apparently, locals are willing to fork over that kind of money for a good reason. Seals actually do lurk around on the shore of this beautiful beach town.
The laid-back area boasts a restaurant and shop-lined Main Street, which spills out to a lovely pier and beach.
…Now this is my kind of beach town!
Coos Bay, Oregon
Most people probably aren’t imagining spending their “beach town” retirement huddled up under lots of layers of sweaters and blankets. But in this case, they’re missing out. The chilly shoreline of Bastendorff Beach is just a short trip over the bridge from Coos Bay.
It’s a stunning and wholly relaxing place to collect seashells, pitch a tent, or even ride horses.
Many locals also take whale watching adventures by boat, view masterpieces at Coos Art Museum, play some golf, or watch the pros do it at the Bandon Dunes Resort, home to the Curtis Cup.
Retirees can look at the bay from their two-bedroom bungalow for a mere $169,000 or smell the salty air in a grand four-bedroom Dutch Colonial in the heart of town for a cool $649,000.
New London, Connecticut
Right near the mouth of the Thames River, this beach town, the second-largest whaling port in the world back in the “Moby Dick” days, boasts a historical waterfront district that has become a creative hub of the city with art, music, unique boutiques, and more than 30 restaurants.
Retirees can take their grandchildren on a whale watching tour or picnic at one of the many parks or the beach. But, what makes this port town REALLY perfect for the 65-plus crowd is the easy access to its quality health care.
A part of Lawrence Memorial Hospital is home to the region’s only inpatient rehab unit and a nationally recognized cardiac rehab program.
You can own a two-bedroom condo in this beach town near the hospital, and within walking distance of Ocean Beach for just $99,000. And $209,900 can get you a three-bedroom Cape Codder just blocks from the water.
Hopefully, this beach town list has helped you plan for your future living experience. But if you’re a fan of the “peace and quiet” kind of life, grab your camera and consider: 10 Underrated US Places to Avoid Crowds
