Finally! You are retired. And what now? For many people, retirement is the best time to relax and unwind after a life of working and raising a family. This is also one of the greatest moments if you decide to relocate.
A new location may often better suit your new life and, in certain cases, provide a lower cost of living, particularly if you’re transitioning to a fixed-income lifestyle.
There are many locations that are good for new retirees, but the East Coast is renowned for its scenic views and friendly communities.
There are plenty of excellent options. From all-weather towns with stunning fall foliage to coastal cities with bright skies nearly every day, there is a lovely and affordable retirement destination on the East Coast to fit all desires and preferences.
Here are some of our best picks based on cost, people, climate, taxes, activities, and geographic location.
Bel Air (Maryland)
Bel Air is a small, historic city located about 45 minutes from Baltimore and 1.5 hours from Philadelphia. Its proximity to the Chesapeake Bay is a huge attraction for folks who enjoy being near water and having easy access to one of the country’s most valued waterways.
Bel Air’s downtown has recently been renovated, with various art and culture sites as well as an aquarium! The Ma & Pa Heritage Trail, one of Maryland’s most scenic trails, is also located here.
Another great thing is that 39.1% of Bel Air’s residents are seniors. This represents a sizable proportion of the population, comparable only to one other municipality in the United States. Because of the town’s significant number of elders, much of the economy revolves around catering to the elderly.
Despite its tiny size, Bel Air features one of Maryland’s top cultural districts. Downtown hosts regular theater, classical music, and jazz performances. In the warmer months, open-air performances are common, and galleries host interesting events almost daily.
Fairfax (Virginia)
Fairfax is a historical town located about a half-hour outside of Washington, D.C., and two hours north of Richmond, the state capital. It is conveniently located close to several wonderful parks, including the Meadowlark Botanical Gardens, Great Falls Park, and Scott’s Run Nature Preserve. So, if you enjoy outdoor activities, this would be a great place for you.
Another thing about this town is that it is located in Fairfax County, where 13% of the population is 65 or older. The average rent is $1,881 per month, with a median property value of $563,100.
Virginia’s retirement system is one of the world’s 50 largest private or public pension plans. Furthermore, since Virginia is a tax-friendly state for seniors, you might consider investing in tax-advantaged savings structures such as a 401(k) or individual retirement account (IRA). These can support a full retirement plan, particularly if you receive a pension.
If you are an art enthusiast, Fairfax might be a fantastic option for you, as George Mason University’s EagleBank Arena presents numerous live acts, and the area is incredibly close to Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts, the only wildlife reserve dedicated to performing arts.
Wilmington (Vermont)
Vermont is perhaps one of the most beautiful states, with mountains, lakes, and forests wherever you turn. It is a great place to retire because of its friendly community and small-town charm.
Wilmington has a small-town feel, with historical sites dating back to the nineteenth century. It is a wonderful place to retire in Vermont because of its inexpensive cost of living, access to excellent healthcare, and a lot of activities.
House prices in Wilmington are now more than 20% lower than in all of Vermont. Despite its small population of just over 2,000 people, Wilmington provides a wide range of entertainment and activities for residents, including live music venues, outdoor sports (golf, skiing, hiking, and much more), lovely boutiques, good restaurants, and the opportunity to view the fall foliage.
Cumming (Georgia)
This once-rural community is now a picturesque outlying Atlanta suburb on Lake Lanier’s shores. Cumming, the largest town in Forsyth County, is roughly 45 minutes northeast of Atlanta. The little city, just a few minutes west of Lake Lanier, is a popular tourist destination for water sports lovers.
Cumming has a rich history due to its gold mining background. Folks from Atlanta who wish to get away from the metropolis go to the area. There are numerous retail districts and great medical facilities. There are also a lot of newly renovated parks and recreation facilities.
If you prefer the mountains, head to Sawnee Mountain Park, just outside of town. You can spend the day kicking without making a long and tedious journey. Cumming’s downtown offers a charming Southern vibe with restaurants, bakeries, and even a distillery.
Cumming also has several well-known performing arts venues, such as the Forsyth Academy of the Performing Arts, School Street Playhouse, and Sawnee Ballet Theatre.
Rehoboth Beach (Delaware)
Unsurprisingly, Rehoboth Beach is well-known for its beaches. It is the nation’s biggest beach resort and the “Nation’s Summer Capital” due to its appeal among D.C. politicians, ambassadors, and government employees.
This classic beach town has a rich and extensive history, which is reflected in the Victorian influences of downtown Rehoboth Beach. Aside from its pristine beaches, this town is home to other amazing attractions such as lakes, ponds, and marinas.
Much like the rest of the state, Southern Delaware has a modest tax burden and no sales tax. The same cannot be said for nearby Pennsylvania and Maryland, both of which are far more expensive than living in Delaware’s southernmost regions.
Retiring in southern and coastal Delaware puts retirees within easy commuting distance of large cities while also providing them with the pleasure of beachside activities, a slow pace of life, and extremely reasonable real estate.
Ridge Wood Heights (Florida)
Ridge Wood Heights is a small community in Sarasota County, Florida, just a few steps from the Gulf Coast’s brilliant blue ocean and smooth white beach. It’s about an hour’s drive from Tampa.
This charming town combines the appeal of a small town with the convenience of having access to a multitude of exciting activities. Sarasota County is not only a golf and tennis paradise, but it also has a lot of arts and cultural areas to explore as well as excellent restaurants to try.
Because you are close to Tampa, you can go to the Florida Aquarium, a zoo, various museums, and the Busch Gardens amusement park without too much effort.
Cape Cod (Massachusetts)
Those wishing to escape a large city and relocate someplace quiet, and a little more affordable, will find it all and then some on Cape Cod, Massachusetts.
While this region is primarily recognized as a summer getaway, many retirees and individuals of all ages choose Cape Cod as their home all year. While the winters in this area may appear to be harsh, they are actually milder than in other parts of New England.
This is an amazing area to bring your grandchildren, learn more about the culture at the various sites and museums, and take long walks all along the beach, while also becoming part of the local community.
Cape Cod’s charms are appealing not only to retirees but also to out-of-town tourists. If you’re thinking about relocating and are worried about losing touch with friends and relatives after such a big change, Cape Cod is a perfect area to visit. People will most likely like to visit you, so you don’t have to worry.
You should also check out: 7 Oasis Retreats Where You Forget All Your Problems
