Despite its small size, this quaint town boasts many small businesses and eateries and offers plenty of water sports from the Intracoastal Waterway and the Atlantic Ocean. There are plenty of spas, salons, restaurants and live entertainment to enjoy, and you can grab fresh produce and seafood at the Fresh Market on Tuesdays. A financial advisor can help you create a financial plan to pay for your East Coast retirement dream. Average Annual Salary: $55,710. Settling down in this small coastal town wont blow your budget either. Next: 25. Residents (nearly 60 percent of whom are seniors) can stroll through the Old Florida downtown, hunt for shells on the pearly white beaches, or take their furry friends to the city's local dog-friendly beach. Average Annual Salary: $52,970. When considering a place to retire, you should take a look atdifferent financial factors, including tax burden, healthcare facilities and other costs. 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. #11. Looking to buy a home in Florida? Youll find plenty of recreational activities to do outside in Port Angeles. The port town offers great boating, fishing, and nearly every type of water sport imaginable in both the sound and the Atlantic. Many of the retired residents of Hyannis move into their former summer homes, but there are still plenty of boomers relocating to the area. New Smyrna Beach was the center of intense real estate speculation during the 1920 . The final city on our list of the best places to retire on the East Coast is another Delaware locale, New Castle. Springfield residents benefit from plenty of high-quality health care options within driving . Metro Population: 6,129,858. While the town of Osage Beach has only 5,000 residents, there is a variety of restaurants, bars, and parks that attract visitors every summer. Though Morehead City is on the mainland, protected from storms by a barrier island, the city proper isnt known for its beaches. Tucked between Vero Beach and Palm Beach, this quaint Intracoastal town is a hidden gem along the coast, with Old Florida vibes and a reputation as the "Sailfish Capital of the World." The welcoming area boasts many gay bars and restaurants, a thriving Pride parade (in years past), and an LGBTQ centerall on the shores of tax-friendly Delaware. Datalign matches you with vetted registered advisors that can help you improve your investment portfolio and grow your retirement savings safely. This scenic hamlet in the Beaver State offers many outdoor recreational activities for a retiree, as well as museums, full-service libraries, restaurants and shops, athletic clubs and cultural events. It has a little bit of everything.. And Pensacola in particular is affordable with a significantly lower than average cost of living, home prices that hover around $140,000, and reasonable property taxes. 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. The 25 Best Beaches in America, According to You! Whether you prefer white sand beaches or majestic mountain ranges, read on to discover the best places to retire on the east coast. Pensacola is Floridas most affordable beach city and its a beautiful place to retire, with idyllic white sand beaches, rivers, bayous and bays. 2. Youll also gain access to another untouched island by boat Caladesi Island, where you can kayak between the shady mangroves and stroll along the shore. About 27% of the citys 10,000 residents are aged 65 and up. Talk to a financial adviser for even more help with stretching those retirement dollars. The beaches are long strands of white sand, offering perfect coastal views. Middle River is also home to aerospace giant Lockheed Martin. The New Castle Historic District has a number of historic buildings, including an arsenal built in 1809 in preparation for the War of 1812. The artsy, quintessentially Southern Mississippi Gulf Coast leads the nation in affordable coastal cities, with four places landing in . 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. 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. Metro Population: 698,537. Consider Hobe Sounds gorgeous sandy beaches, green parks and abundant golf courses if youre settling down in the Sunshine State for your retirement. The median home value is $382,900 in Chapel Hill and $229,900 in Durham. Here's how to diversify your portfolio with one of the most popular precious metals. With delicious food and growing wine culture, a remnant of French occupancy, world-class beaches, and some of the friendliest and most peace-loving locals you will meet. The median monthly housing expenses come to $853. Outdoor living that keeps the bugs out can be a great addition to your home, but it may cost more than you think. The Maya mountains provide a gorgeous backdrop for the tranquil lagoon. 6 Best East Coast Road Trips for Fascinating History, Beautiful Beaches, and . Historic Lewes has a more natural, small-town feel and (slightly) lower home prices. Sarasota, with its pristine Gulf beaches, cracked its way into the top towns thanks to its high number of doctors' offices (12.4) and recreation centers (3) per 1,000 people. SmartAsset does not review the ongoing performance of any Adviser, participate in the management of any users account by an Adviser or provide advice regarding specific investments. Depending on your line of work whether you can work remotely or switch jobs will also factor into your options when looking at the best, most affordable East Coast town for you. Check out the 21 nicest small towns to visit in . 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. These spots are livable, picturesque, and inviting. Living out your golden years in this city wont cost you much, when the median monthly housing cost is only $981. How Much Do I Need to Save for Retirement? The town was historically a bustling port town, with steamboats traveling . Despite the Crisis, Homeowners Remodel to Ride Out Pandemic in Comfort, How the Coronavirus Is Changing Some Boomers' Real Estate Plans for the Better. Buying rental units can be pretty simple. Stroll down the boardwalk for more entertainment options and shopping. Hendersonville comes in sixth on this list with 7.8 medical centers per 1,000 residents. Because Cumming is close to Atlanta, you can take advantage of all of the arts and entertainment options the city offers, including professional sports games and museums. Bethany Beach, Delaware. Due to its small size, Swansboro will best suit those working remotely or in the tourism industry. Big Shell Beach - Great for seashell picking and photo ops, not for sunbathing. Overlooking the shores of Lake Michigan, Saugatuck is home to several serene beaches that feature soft sand, rolling dunes and peaceful atmospheres. Foodies can dine at some fantastic seafood and steak spots and outdoor activities range from bird watching to ziplining. Aside from the lovely beaches, you can visit the local falls and hiking trails. 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. With pent-up demand, labor shortages and surging prices, summer travel wont be a bargain this year. 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. Keep a lookout for ospreys, eagles and great horned owls flying overhead. 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. 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. Over 22 miles in fact. Florida would appeal to anyone looking for a great place to live that offers easy access to Orlando and Florida's east coast beaches. Wise up with top stories and timely tips Tuesdays and Thursdays. However, unemployment is high, so this may be a better bet for those who can work remotely. Activities are also important to a happy retirement, so we looked at the number of recreation centers per 1,000 residents. . Whitecap Beach - Scenic beach in Texas with sizable waves. 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. The ranking was based on the population of residents aged 55 and over per capita (the higher the better, we say), affordability based on median list price, access to hospitals and other health care facilities, the number of amenities like golf courses (for low-impact exercise) and country clubs (for the social scene), as well as marinas and water-recreation businesses like boating and fishing, for that all-around beach town experience. If youre worried about weather-related damages the city has suffered from some pretty intense storms in the past make sure to compare home insurance policies online for a good rate that gets you the right coverage. Use these cleaning tips to get rid of dust buildup and improve the air quality in your home. Located just north of Naples, its sandy beaches and tropical climate provide a natural allure. 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. It probably won't come as a surprise to hear that Florida does exceptionally well in the retirement rankings across the board. Johnson // Shutterstock #100. 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. Consider cost of living and your love of the outdoors if you're thinking about a move to Seattle. Long Beach, NY. With some of the best beaches, lively downtowns, wildlife, and natural scenery, one will get the long-craved escape at one of these less-crowded gems. Placencia: An Irresistible Beach Community. The median home value sits at $169,000 and annual property taxes will cost you around $1,300. To learn where the best cities to retire or live in Florida to be the safest from hurricanes, . And the relative affordability of homes in these towns means more of a fixed income is left over for fun, which probably makes the case for sticking around.. Work in that sector is constantly rising with the influx of more than 20 million visitors each year. Spending your retirement on the beach can be a dream come true. This story was published at an earlier date and has been updated with new information. Canton, Georgia. Theres still a lot of areas in Hyannis that are very affordable, says Jeanette Neeven, a Realtor with Century 21 Cobb Real Estate. 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. 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. Round Island Park is one of the famous public beaches to spot the manatees in Indian River County. Pensacola, Florida. 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. Or perhaps youre planning a big move and want to relocate permanently. The median house price listing is $235k, but there are small gems to be found in this delightful town. Redeem your points for cash or gift cards. Leisure World, a gated retirement community located just 12 minutes from the sands of Seal Beach, offers some serious deals. And its not just pretty to look at Hobe Sounds median home value is just $206,300. And the town you choose to make your home has to suit you and your family. 3 . Dont forget to compare health insurance rates to find an affordable policy that gives you great coverage as part of your retirement plan. From the peaceful dunes of Cape Cod and the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico to the wild cliffs of the Pacific Northwest, these are the top 10 affordable beach towns and cities across the United States where retirees can kick back. So, are, Read More Are Coastal Cities Warmer?Continue. St. Marys, St Marys, GA 31558, USA. There are currently more than 74 million boomersof which 10,000 per day are hitting age 65, according to the Pew Research Center. While low for this list, thats not a bad number overall. - Population: 40,000. 86 / 100. 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. The Bay Area Hospital treats patients of all ages, including geriatric medicine and services for the elderly and disabled. Best places to retire in America. Thanks to the rise of work from home systems and software like Zoom, more people are finding they can work remotely. Consumer and homebuilder sentiment in the Boise region appears to be less than optimistic, but the labor market is strong and home prices are starting to trend downward. The mild weather, coastal scenery, good airport, and myriad amenities have made Murrells Inlet a desirable retirement destination for Northeasterners seeking a break from high tax rates and harsh winters. If you want a town with people of diverse ages, though, New Hyde Park might fit the bill. No wonder its a favored destination for older Americans eyeing the golden expanse of work-free years ahead of them. Vietnam offers one of the lowest costs of living in the world. To hit the soft sand of beautiful Atlantic Beach, locals have to drive about seven minutes across the bridge. Myrtle Beach is a popular vacation destination but its also pretty affordable to live in on a permanent basis. Fernandina Beach, Florida. The median home value is $168,600, property taxes will cost you around $1,567 each year and housing expenses come to about $870 a month. 2 . Looking to buy a home in Virginia? Maui island is easily one of the most beautiful islands in the world. The peninsula is 16 miles long, with the Caribbean Sea to the east, and the Placencia lagoon to the west. Doing laundry is already a chore, and it's worse if your laundry room is a mess. Im going to run through several options of affordable East Coast towns. The 10 Best Beach Towns on the East Coast. Population 8,252. By the numbers: Population . South Carolina's low country is a popular place to retire, thanks to its low cost of . And youll pay around $1,009 in annual property taxes and $455 in monthly housing costs. 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. The small towns on this list are some of the greatest beach towns on the East Coast. 7. With nearly 6,000 miles of coastline, ranging from the rough waters of the Pacific Ocean to the tranquil turquoise seas of the Caribbean, Mexico has more than enough beaches to keep everyone happy. Our next dilemma: Is Seaside or Cannon Beach better? Many of them seek out single-story homes with attached garages right around the golf course, marina, and beaches. Beaufort, North Carolina. We adhere to strict standards of editorial integrity to help you make decisions with confidence. The tax burden in Exeter is low at just 11.3%. The town also leads this list with 1.79 recreation centers and 8.59 retirement communities per 1,000 residents. Whether you're looking for a spot to relocate to during the next few years or you are dreaming about places to put down roots decades from now, it's always the right time to explore retirement destinations, especially when those places come with surf, sand, and sea breezes. The national average commute is 26.9 minutes. Cast a line at the International Fishing Pier, explore the trails around the Deerfield Island Park and taste fresh salmon and scallops at one of the high-end oceanfront restaurants. Next: 10. Centrally located on the Chesapeake Bay side of the Eastern Shore, Onancock is an inviting small town that was founded in 1680. Dont worry this article compares them in detail. Join here. These firms could be great to partner with. Thats towards the bottom of this list, but its still a decent portion of older people if you thats important to you. You can explore lovely museums, historic homes and linger on the 2.2 miles of beautiful beach. The laid-back city boasts a restaurant- and shop-lined Main Street, which spills out to a nice pier and beach. It's one of the most affordable cities on the East Coast with a high livability rating. Best alternative to Kiawah Island. 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. There are many long white beaches, some quite hidden and far from the crowds of the boardwalks and the main beaches. 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. Monthly grocery costs also show a wide range. Canva. The former fishing village is bordered by a beautiful marsh shoreline and dotted with wooded areas. Fairfax lands in third with 2.91 retirement communities per 1,000 residents. Many tourists visit this island but are its resources up to standard? A lifetime of coastal living has taught me that the weather can often have all four seasons in a single day. This two-bedroom condo is listed at just under $200,000 in a high-rise with bay and ocean views. The town itself has a tax burden of 18.90%, the second highest on this list. Are your retirement savings on track? Plus, there's almost seven rooms per house on average, so you'll have lots of space. 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. It is also close to both Philadelphia and Baltimore, so both cities amenities and recreational opportunities are within easy reach. Get personalized advice from a financial advisor that understands your needs. Bel Air contains one of Marylands Arts and Entertainment districts, where concerts are frequently held. Some towns may appear a better option on paper, but things like safety, commute, and job scarcity may influence you to choose a city with a higher cost of living or more expensive properties. Vero Beach. Transplants relish the island's quiet beaches, which are bounded by rolling dunes and sapphire waves. Total monthly expenditures: $2,073.51. These are the top 25 cities for . The Gulf Coast city has a median home value of $161,700, which is the ninth-lowest value for this metric in the study. . If you know you want to settle somewhere near the Atlantic but arent quite sure where, this guide will walk you through the best places to retire on the East Coast. The median rent is $998. Fernandina Beach- Distance to the coast 0 miles. Melbourne is situated just southeast of Orlandos massive, family-friendly theme parks, but it could be better suited to an older homeowner. 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. Here, we've collected 15 of the cheapest beach towns to live in throughout the U.S., based on median home values under $300K. Americas East Coast can be expensive; however, there are still cities where the property prices are lower. This quaint coastal town lies east of Bay St. Louis and it is known\ for its arts and festivals. . It only takes 3 minutes to connect with an advisor who puts you first. Best Places 2022-2023 Rank: 117 Metro Population: 698,537 Median Home Price: $333,741 Average Annual Salary: $55,710. https://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-search/, https://www.census.gov/data/developers/data-sets/acs-5year.html. This gorgeous little Gulf Coast town with Mediterranean-inspired architecture is a total dream, so much so that it ranks highly in multiple surveys on happiness and well-being. Laidback New Smyrna Beach is a peaceful beach community of 23,000 located in the northern portion of Florida's east coast. The 20 top coastal towns in the UK for Brits to relocate to have been revealed in a new study and Margate in Kent has taken the top spot, famed for its glorious blue flag-certified beaches, affordable property prices and average hours of sunshine.. Check out these laundry room organization ideas and make washing clothes easier. Situated about an hours drive north of West Palm Beach, Fort Pierce is a small city with 13 neighborhoods. The city features two state parks Tomoka and Bulow Creek which cover thousands of acres and protect various wildlife habitats and species. 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. Flickr JR P. Darien is one of the premier coastal towns in Georgia. - National rank: 56th best place to retire. Stacker looks at the 50 best places to retire on the East Coast, analyzing data including population, age, income, household values, and rent. J.A. The average of the cities on our list is $1,066 per month. Placencia is a haven for beach connoisseurs. How much do we know? It also has the fourth-fewest medical centers per 1,000 residents, though 7.27 medical centers per 1,000 residents is still not a bad number overall. Most folks probably dont imagine spending their beachy retirement huddled up under layers of sweaters and blankets, but theyre missing out. Dominated by the Biloxi bay Bridge, Ocean Springs stunning Front Beach stretches to Ocean Springs Harbor and provides extended areas of white sands, fishing piers, and gorgeous views of the gulf. Times have changed drastically in 2020 and 2021, but it neednt all be bad. Thousands benefit from our email every week. It's also great for retirees, with lots of recreation areas and a high ratio of doctors' offices to people. The best places to retire for real estate, homes for sale, cost of living, climate, recreation, senior services and more . This coastal city includes over seven miles of white sandy beaches and offers plenty of leisure activities and facilities for seniors. The median household income in Swansboro is $48,922. Due to its small size, Swansboro will best suit those working remotely or in the tourism industry. Average income for population 65+: $70,291. Living in a tiny house may sound like a great way to save, but some details require a hefty investment. 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. Thats not all. Ithaca, New York. Finding a qualified financial advisor doesnt have to be hard. However, it does have the fewest medical centers per 1,000 residents at just 3.54. It is also home to a number of museums, including the Mineral and Lapidary Museum, which has a Tyrannosaurus Rex skull that will surely be impressive to any visiting grandchildren. 2022 1-bedroom rent: $1,266.29. Sarasota, with its pristine Gulf beaches, cracked its way into the top towns thanks to its high number of doctors' offices (12.4) and recreation centers (3) per 1,000 people.