At HGTV we've researched some of the best and most affordable beach towns in the U.S. There are currently more than 74 million boomersof which 10,000 per day are hitting age 65, according to the Pew Research Center. For an elegant retirement, you can't do much better than life on Kiawah Island. By the numbers: Population . SmartAsset Advisors, LLC ("SmartAsset"), a wholly owned subsidiary of Financial Insight Technology, is registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission as an investment adviser. It is also close to both Philadelphia and Baltimore, so both cities amenities and recreational opportunities are within easy reach. Flickr Evangelio Gonzalez. 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. Over 22 miles in fact. 11 . The median monthly housing expenses come to $853. Springfield residents benefit from plenty of high-quality health care options within driving . And as they shift into retirement mode,many are migrating toward the beach. How much do we know? It is home to Floridas number one state park, Honeymoon Island, which boasts emerald green waters and pristine white beaches. For many, the ultimate retirement goal involves uncomplicated days when the toughest decision involves when to visit the beach. Planned developments known as "plantations" dot the area. Deerfield Beach, Florida. Check out these affordable beach towns. Ask our Retirement expert. Pronounced "Bowfort" (not "Bewfert" like its South Carolina namesake), this colonial-era village embraces its pirate history. Outdoor living that keeps the bugs out can be a great addition to your home, but it may cost more than you think. Nestled between Pensacola and Panama City, Fort Walton Beach includes some of the best deep sea fishing charters in the nation. Many of them seek out single-story homes with attached garages right around the golf course, marina, and beaches. Best French Beach Towns. 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! Portland, Maine. The best places to retire for real estate, homes for sale, cost of living, climate, recreation, senior services and more . Get personalized advice from a financial advisor that understands your needs. It has 10 birding sites on the Great Texas Birding Trail and the planets sole migrating flock of over 265 whooping cranes, which passes through the Aransas Wildlife Refuge every winter. Homes start in the $200,000 range, and its possible to snap up a townhome with an onsite dock such as this sprawling three-bedroom for $274,000 or this $350,000 three-bedroomwith water views. With its bustling main street, John F. Kennedy Hyannis Museum, and world-renowned Cape Cod Hospital, Hyannis is basically the hub of the Cape. According to United Van Lines National Movers Study, in 2018, 39% of the retirees they moved had their GPS systems locked on to Florida. And its not just pretty to look at Hobe Sounds median home value is just $206,300. Stacker looks at the 50 best places to retire on the East Coast, analyzing data including population, age, income, household values, and rent. Ithaca is a small picturesque town in the upstate New York Finger Lakes region. The median home value in the city is $122,300 and youll pay around $1,069 in annual property taxes. If youre wondering whether you should pick Hawaii or Florida, our guide should help you decide. How Can You Tell If A Sea Urchin Is Edible. 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. Bel Air contains one of Marylands Arts and Entertainment districts, where concerts are frequently held. Use these cleaning tips to get rid of dust buildup and improve the air quality in your home. Obviously, just like anywhere, the closer to the water you are, the more expensive the property.. Beaufort, North Carolina. At $217,100, Port Angeles median home value is less than half of the pricey state median and the median annual property tax stretches just over $2,000. 10 of the Best Small Towns on the East Coast. Here are 25 gorgeous beach towns in the U.S. where you can retire on a budget. Cocoa Beach is located just south of the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, and is a favorite surfing destination. All investing involves risk, including loss of principal. Overlooking the shores of Lake Michigan, Saugatuck is home to several serene beaches that feature soft sand, rolling dunes and peaceful atmospheres. 2) Key Biscayne Florida. Eugene, Oregon. Consider Hobe Sounds gorgeous sandy beaches, green parks and abundant golf courses if youre settling down in the Sunshine State for your retirement. The tax burden in Cumming is on the high side, though, at 18%. And explore the scenic trails at the Clam Bayou Nature Park. They can help identify fixes which may help your sales price. 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. And it turns out, they share some common features that are particularly attractive for folks who are no longer congregating by the water cooler. Plus, there's almost seven rooms per house on average, so you'll have lots of space. Thats towards the bottom of this list, but its still a decent portion of older people if you thats important to you. 1. Average Annual Salary: $52,970. Here are the top 10 budget-friendly spots that offer access to the ocean: 1. St. Marys, St Marys, GA 31558, USA. This quaint coastal town lies east of Bay St. Louis and it is known\ for its arts and festivals. Where is the best place on the East Coast to retire? 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 . 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. This Gulf Coast tourist haven has clean beaches, great fishing, and fantastic fowl. 3 . Buying rental units can be pretty simple. Cocoa Beach. You may find yourself wondering, though, where exactly you want to spend your golden years. Most folks probably dont imagine spending their beachy retirement huddled up under layers of sweaters and blankets, but theyre missing out. Plus, theres almost seven rooms per house on average, so youll have lots of space. . This Gulf Coast city features some glorious nature trails and lagoons and wetlands. For the purposes of this book's third edition, a small art town has a full-time population of 65,000 or fewer. State's tax rating for retirees: Most Tax Friendly. In addition to its proximity to Naples, Pelican Bay is less than an hour from Fort Myers and only two hours away from Miami. 86 / 100. The Most Affordable Places to Live on the East Coast. Metro Population: 698,537. 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. . Curb appeal is important, but it's also about safety. Its home to lots of shopping, plenty of restaurants, nice golf courses, a great sailing scene, and beautiful beaches. In minutes, you can connect with a local or remote advisor and get a free initial consultation. U.S. News also named Melbourne its tenth best city to retire in and one of the safest places to live and ranked it highly for quality of life. (opens in new tab) Popular Local Beaches: Beaches at Goose Lake Park, Jewell Lake, Little Campbell . Vietnam offers one of the lowest costs of living in the world. Leisure World, a gated retirement community located just 12 minutes from the sands of Seal Beach, offers some serious deals. Get advice on your investment portfolio from a certified professional through Datalign. Average Annual Salary: $55,710. The 25 Best Beaches in America, According to You! As a retirement town, Lewes has lots of draws, including no sales tax and the third lowest real estate tax area in the country. No wonder its a favored destination for older Americans eyeing the golden expanse of work-free years ahead of them. Cannon Beach is the safest beach in Oregon. The final city on our list of the best places to retire on the East Coast is another Delaware locale, New Castle. The median home price listing is $255k, and the median income for a family in Fort Pierce is $35,198, and as a port city, the harbor sees a high volume of commerce. The last price GOBankingRates measured was monthly healthcare cost, which averaged $415. 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. Often named one the best coastal towns in Maine, Kennebunkport has it all. 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. We do not manage client funds or hold custody of assets, we help users connect with relevant financial advisors. And the town you choose to make your home has to suit you and your family. In the downtown area, youll discover some lovely early-1900 buildings and exhibits at the Historical Museum. 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. The national average commute is 26.9 minutes. 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. It does have the third highest tax burden at 18.4%, though. Healthcare is obviously very important to seniors, so we considered the number of medical centers per 1,000 residents in each city. Stroll along white sand beaches, browse the boutiques and galleries in Old Town and cast a line for speckled trout or red snappers at one of the numerous fishing piers. Sara Ventiera is a journalist based in New York City and Los Angeles. You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings, which can also be found in the footer of the site. Bel Air is also clearly popular among older people. Doing laundry is already a chore, and it's worse if your laundry room is a mess. 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 citys tax rate comes in at just 11%, so you wont have to worry about sending too much of your cash to Uncle Sam. The city is home to the Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park, where residents can view a lighthouse built in 1825. 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. Kick off your flip flops and you can walk for miles along the wide sand beach. Photo Credit: Julie McCool. We are compensated for referring traffic and business to Amazon and other companies linked to on this site. National parks, preserves and wildlife refuges are all plentiful . 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. A good idea to find remoter, less expensive properties is to look in the areas surrounding these towns and find your own hidden East Coast gems. 10. One-Time Checkup with a Financial Advisor, 7 Mistakes You'll Make When Hiring a Financial Advisor, Take This Free Quiz to Get Matched With Qualified Financial Advisors, Compare Up to 3 Financial Advisors Near You. It has got a population of over 13,000 people, a third of whom are above the age of 65. With characteristics that appeal to both your lively and laid-back sides, there's a place to call home on this list for any and every beach-bound retiree. Median home price: $221,917. Spending your retirement on the beach can be a dream come true. 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. The existence of a fiduciary duty does not prevent the rise of potential conflicts of interest. 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. Population: 1,864,138 Share of population age 60+: 18% Median Monthly mortgage cost: $1,819 Median Monthly Rent: $1,008 The homes in Nashville tend to be more affordable than many of the other cities across the U.S. and as a result, Nashville is becoming more appealing for those retirees that want to experience the wealth of activities that are available in addition to the obvious tax benefits. So many beaches. 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. Are you confident in your retirement savings? At extreme high tides or after winter storms, the water pushes up to to 50 feet in the air. The citys Memorial Hospital, which offers senior services, is within easy reach. Stacker compiled a list of the best places to live on the East Coast using 2022 data from Niche's. . There are many long white beaches, some quite hidden and far from the crowds of the boardwalks and the main beaches. Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina boast beachfront towns with well-priced properties and a high livability score. The median house price listing is $235k, but there are small gems to be found in this delightful town. 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. The former fishing village is bordered by a beautiful marsh shoreline and dotted with wooded areas. 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. If you're looking for one of the prettiest beaches on the East Coast, you'll love vacationing on Fernandina Beach, located on Amelia Island off the eastern coast of Florida. Live everyday like youre on vacation in Dunedin. 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. Looking to buy a home in Virginia? It only takes 3 minutes to connect with an advisor who puts you first. New Hyde Park is another Long Island town, meaning residents will have access to New York City. Narberth, Pennsylvania . This coastal city includes over seven miles of white sandy beaches and offers plenty of leisure activities and facilities for seniors. The town also leads this list with 1.79 recreation centers and 8.59 retirement communities per 1,000 residents. 25. Keep a lookout for ospreys, eagles and great horned owls flying overhead. The median household income in Swansboro is $48,922. Fort Pierces unspoiled shores and palm tree lined sidewalks also make it one of Americas most picturesque (and affordable) beach towns. If you want a town with people of diverse ages, though, New Hyde Park might fit the bill. Working with an adviser may come with potential downsides such as payment of fees (which will reduce returns). Seaford is tied for the lowest tax burden of any city on this list. The laid-back city boasts a restaurant- and shop-lined Main Street, which spills out to a nice pier and beach. 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. Just south of Sarasota, quiet and charming Venice is the ideal retirement spot for those looking for a slower pace of life. 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. Seaford is home to a number of parks where you can experience the great outdoors. A financial advisor can help you create a financial plan to pay for your East Coast retirement dream. Due to its attraction as a tourism center, much of the economy relies on tourism. LindaZ74 / Shutterstock. 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. You can go fishing for speckled trout and flounder at Sabine Lake and keep a look out for warblers and thrushes at Sabine Woods. If you're wondering where to retire along Florida's east coast, consider cities like Jacksonville, Daytona Beach, Port St. Lucie, or Boynton Beach. Its a popular gay retirement community, says Russell Stucki, real estate associate at Re/Max Realty Group. The median rent is $998. Placencia is a haven for beach connoisseurs. They include this three-bedroom on the water for $275,000 and this two-bedroom cottage for $219,000. Just 15 minutes south of the bustling tourist shops, boardwalks, and mini-golf courses of Myrtle Beach, Murrells Inlet offers retirees a quiet respite from that popular vacation town. Youll find plenty of recreational activities to do outside in Port Angeles. Visited by Captain John Smith in the early 1600s, he wrote that the land was the "Gem of the Eastern Shore". You can explore lovely museums, historic homes and linger on the 2.2 miles of beautiful beach. Springfield, Massachusetts. Ocean Springs, Mississippi. They were ranked according to their median home value, average number of rooms per house, median monthly property taxes paid and monthly housing costs. The median income for a family in Atlantic City is $29,232, with a median house listing price of $179.9k. We make no representation or warranty of any kind, either express or implied, with respect to the data provided, the timeliness thereof, the results to be obtained by the use thereof or any other matter. 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. Times have changed drastically in 2020 and 2021, but it neednt all be bad. Unlike it's nearby but totally separate . 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 . Next: 10. If you can telecommute or work remotely, you can easily access towns and cities that might have seemed impossible dreams. Thousands benefit from our email every week. If youre considering a retirement in any of these places, you should start planning now. Canva. Foodies can dine at some fantastic seafood and steak spots and outdoor activities range from bird watching to ziplining. 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. The median home value is $382,900 in Chapel Hill and $229,900 in Durham. Hendersonville comes in sixth on this list with 7.8 medical centers per 1,000 residents. Part of YaleNew Haven Health, Lawrence + Memorial Hospital is home to the regions only inpatient rehab unit and a nationally recognized cardiac rehabilitation program. 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? The median household income in Swansboro is $48,922. Fairfax is close to Washington, D.C. and the myriad cultural options that our nations capital has to offer, including the Kennedy Center, the Smithsonian museums and the National Mall. Tax, investment and all other decisions should be made, as appropriate, only with guidance from a qualified professional. You, too, can be the Prince of Bel Air the one closer to the Atlantic than the Pacific, that is. A bonus: The average morning commute for Springfield residents is just 23.3 minutes, allowing locals to spend more time at home. Ithaca, New York. 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. This Delaware town is tied for the lowest tax burden on this list at 11%. Mississippis widely considered one of the cheapest cities to live in the U.S., but isnt always recommended for a retiree. In Essex, the median home value is just $191,400 compared to the states median home value of $370,300, according to Zillow. However, this small seaside town has recreational opportunities and scenic views that far surpass what youd expect from a location that requires such a small budget to live in. Best Beach Town in Florida for Families with School-age Children- Students in this beach town have test scores far higher than the national or Florida average.. The tax burden in Exeter is low at just 11.3%. The town itself has a tax burden of 18.90%, the second highest on this list. Best East Coast beach towns. Flickr JR P. Darien is one of the premier coastal towns in Georgia. 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 stunning Olympic National Park, with its lush green forests, hot springs and glacier-capped mountains, lies nearby as well. 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. 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. There are 5.42 medical centers per 1,000 residents. Monthly grocery costs also show a wide range. Housing costs for retirees in Knoxville are the biggest factor bringing down costs, at nearly 30% below the national average. Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. Maine is one of the East Coast's best beach towns. 7. Credit. Cape Coral, Fla. Cape Coral, Florida is a relaxed town just north of Fort Myers along the Caloosahatchee River and the Gulf of Mexico. Oak Island is a nice quiet area to retire in. Theres a reason you always walk out with a receipt the length of your arm. Median Home Price: $333,741. Queens and Brooklyn especially are easy drives from New Hyde Park.