In this article, we will take a look at the 15 best beach towns for retirement. If you wish to skip our detailed analysis on retiree relocation trends and the best beach towns for retirement, you may go to 5 Best Beach Towns for Retirement.
Relocation Trends
Every year, the US experiences almost 3 million people moving interstate. 8.4% of Americans moved from their current locations in 2021 alone, representing an estimated $19 billion spent on moving services. High inflation and volatile stock market pressures are a major cause behind such relocations, driving retirees to leave expensive places such as those in the North. Instead, retirees are considering the best places to retire in the South, an ideal mix of both warm climate and affordable costs of living.
The most popular place prospective retirees consider retiring to in the South is Florida. The major reason behind choosing the sunshine state as a retirement destination is, undoubtedly, the beach life. Living close to the beach allows retirees to relax, unwind, and get a big load of Vitamin D under the sun. Offering both budget-friendly places for retirement and otherwise, Florida has plenty of places that retirees can choose from when relocating. For those interested in the white sandy beaches, some of the most affordable beach towns to retire in Florida include Daytona Beach, Vero Beach, and Fort Walton Beach, to name a few.
The beach is also a wonderful way for socializing for retirees. Insider Monkey has published an entire list of affordable beachfront retirement communities that prospective retirees can check out, such as Del Webb at Grande Dunes Myrtle Beach, Latitude Margaritaville at Daytona Beach, Island Walk in Naples, and Southshore Falls at Apollo Beach, to name a few. Sonida Senior Living, Inc. (NYSE:SNDA), Brookdale Senior Living Inc. (NYSE:BKD), and Del Webb Corporation are a few companies that offer such amazing retirement communities for seniors. Not only are these beach retirement communities affordable, but are also a good chance for retirees to remain active and social throughout their golden years.
Some retirees have broader horizons and wish to explore the beach and retirement life outside of the US. After all, retirement is the perfect time to discover beach towns worldwide. If you are one of those people, Bright Swirl notes that the most affordable beach towns to retire in the world are Playa Tamarindo and Manuel Antonio in Costa Rica, Bocas del Toro in Panama, and Santa Marta in Colombia.
Best Beach Towns for Retirement
Of the 3 million interstate moves annually, 60% tend to move during the summers. The real estate housing market tends to be the busiest during this season, with both buyers and sellers out in droves due to the warm weather and the end of the school year. According to Redfin Corporation (NASDAQ:RDFN), home prices in the United States have been down by 3.4% as compared to last year. The median home price in 2023 is $418,387, with the number of homes sold, down by 16.2%.
Those looking to buy a home in an affordable beach city can do so this time of the year. Some of the cheapest US beach cities for retirement include Biloxi and Gulfport in Mississippi, Port Arthur in Texas, and Myrtle Beach in South Carolina. These places can offer retirees affordable living costs and provide them with the beach luxury life in the many retirement communities.
The US News & World Report has crafted its unique list in this regard. According to their list, some of the best places to retire near water bodies include Bismarck, North Dakota; Cape Coral, Florida; Dover, Delaware; Dubuque, Iowa; and Fairhope, Alabama. Residents enjoy the jubilees in early summer mornings in Mobile Bay, a phenomenon that occurs sporadically and causes bottom-type fish and crustaceans to come ashore. Retirees also enjoy volunteering at the river museum in Dubuque and relish the lifetime pass at the Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge in Dover, amongst other activities.
However, if big towns aren't your thing, there are plenty of small ones to consider. According to Far & Wide and Southern Living, the best small beach towns to retire in the US are Folly Beach in South Carolina, Saint Michaels in Maryland, and Cape Charles in Virginia. Many other small beach towns also exist, but retirees should choose them based on their retirement incomes and cost of living.
Speaking of beaches, there are numerous water bodies on the West Coast, too. Not only does the West Coast offer diverse beaches within driving distance, but also beautiful climates and plentiful outdoor opportunities. The best beach towns to retire on the west coast are Port Angeles in Washington, Newport Beach in California, and Florence in Oregon. While these states may be the worst for retirees for cost of living and taxes, those with fat nest eggs will enjoy living here in their golden period.
15 Best Beach Towns for Retirement
GagliardiImages/Shutterstock.com
Methodology
To compile the list of best beach towns for retirement, we collected the best beach towns recommended by Southern Living, US News & World Report, and CNBC. Next, we ranked them individually based on cost of living, livability, and median home prices.
Cost of living and livability scores were sourced from Best Places, while median home prices were taken from Redfin Corporation (NASDAQ:RDFN). The scores from individual rankings were summed up to come up with our unique Insider Monkey Scores. The places were ranked in an ascending order from the lowest to the highest scoring places.
Here are the best beach towns for retirement in the US:
15. Tampa, Florida
Insider Monkey Score: 23
Retirees who love the beach can choose to retire in Tampa, Florida. The cost of living is slightly over the national average, but the plentiful amenities and attractions offset it. Water sports, boating, and other beach activities allow seniors to enjoy an active lifestyle in Tampa. Moreover, theaters, museums, and cultural centers offer plenty of entertainment too. There are several major hospitals in the area and a trauma center as well. Median house price in Tampa is $425,000, as of 2023.
14. Corpus Christi, Texas
Insider Monkey Score: 23
Those who enjoy seaside living can choose to retire in Corpus Christi, Texas. Boaters and wildlife enthusiasts enjoy the town just as much, thanks to its stunning beaches and affordable living. The weather remains sunny and warm all year round, and there are plenty of attractions and activities to enjoy for the residents. The medical care is great too, and the cost of living is 13% lower than the national average. Many senior living communities exist in the town, such as those by Sonida Senior Living, Inc. (NYSE:SNDA) and Brookdale Senior Living Inc. (NYSE:BKD).
13. Stuart, Florida
Insider Monkey Score: 25
Stuart, Florida, offers beautiful weather, great outdoors, and some cool Floridian vibes. The downtown itself is welcoming and lively, and there are many restaurants and shops to explore. The bays and ocean give this beach town plenty of coastline, and residents enjoy plentiful water-based activities. The cost of living is 0.5% lower than the national average, whereas median home price is around $455,000.
12. Cape Charles, Virginia
Insider Monkey Score: 28
Cape Charles, Virginia, is one of the best beach towns for retirement. The small yet inviting town is bustling with picturesque piers and plentiful sidewalks for biking and strolling. Residents enjoy sunbathing on the beach, fishing off the pier, and also the unique maritime attractions. Senior housing corporations such as Sonida Senior Living, Inc. (NYSE:SNDA) have retirement communities in the state. The cost of living is 17% lower than the national average, and retirees have fun spending their golden period here.
11. Fort Myers, Florida
Insider Monkey Score: 28
Great beaches, first-rate golf courses, and some exciting deep sea-fishing are some of top attractions retirees enjoy in Fort Myers, Florida. The bike paths and walking trails among mature oak trees are a treat, and the Orange River offers a breathtaking view in itself. Plenty of the 55+ communities in the state are located in Fort Myers, such as those offered by Brookdale Senior Living Inc. (NYSE:BKD). The cost of living is 3% lower than the national average. According to Redfin Corporation (NASDAQ:RDFN), median home price in Fort Myers is $429,000.
10. Port St. Lucie, Florida
Insider Monkey Score: 29
A truly golden place to live in Florida, Port St. Lucie has much to offer to retirees. The weather remains warm throughout the year, and retirees can enjoy the shore whenever they like. Residents may kayak through the nature preserves, parasail across the waves, and go on a deep sea charter. The cost of living is almost equal to the national average, while median home price hovers around $395,000.
9. Murrells Inlet, South Carolina
Insider Monkey Score: 33
Murrells Inlet, South Carolina, is one of the top beach towns for retirement in the US. The Seafood Capital of South Carolina was once a famous pirate hideout. Today, it is known for its fishing and boating culture, and also for its leisurely climate. The cost of living is 7% lower than the national average, while median home price is $420,000 as of May 2023. There are more than 30 restaurants that offer seafood, community hospitals and outpatient clinics offer good medical services, and there are plenty of activities to enjoy around town.
8. Fairhope, Alabama
Insider Monkey Score: 34
The charming beach town of Fairhope, Alabama, makes retirement feel like a vacation. The atmosphere is welcoming and peaceful in the beach town, and the downtown is bustling with restaurants and boutiques too. The draw of the water called jubilee is definitely a major attraction on Mobile Bay, and many homes also offer a view of the water as well. The cost of living is 3% over the national average here, which is not bad considering the amenities it offers. Median home price is $260,000 as of May 2023.
7. Melbourne, Florida
Insider Monkey Score: 35
Melbourne, Florida, makes it to our list of best beach towns to retire in for numerous reasons. For starters, the cost of living is 5.6% lower than the national average. Median home price is $351,000 as of May 2023, lower than the median price in the US overall. Retirees can bike along the beachfront paths, enjoy afternoons dining or shopping, and explore other outdoor activities. Fishing, surfing, and hanging on the shores are other fun things in Melbourne.
6. Jacksonville, Florida
Insider Monkey Score: 38
Gorgeous beaches, warm climates, and beautiful attractions are the top reasons retirees choose Jacksonville, Florida. From retail and restaurants to sports and beaches, residents have loads to do in this beach town. The cost of living is 6% lower than the national average. Moreover, median home price is $300,000. Jacksonville also boasts abundant parks, a high number of physicians per capita, as well as good air quality. There are numerous museums, theaters, and countless recreational opportunities.
