Newark also has the third-lowest number of recreation centers per 1,000 residents with 0.12. Kick off your flip flops and you can walk for miles along the wide sand beach. Atlantic City, New Jersey. The Kennebunk River adds even more waterline charm to the small shops, elegant ship captains' homes, and fishing ports of this vibrant Southern Maine town of 3,474. Biloxi, which sits right next to Gulfport, is Americas most affordable beach city, according to SmartAsset. There are 5.42 medical centers per 1,000 residents. In addition to its proximity to Naples, Pelican Bay is less than an hour from Fort Myers and only two hours away from Miami. If youve ever wished you could just pack up and head to the beach instead of staring out at the same dreary cityscape, perhaps that dream could become a reality. Visits to the town's bookstore, ice cream shop, bakery, and cafes make it easy to meet your neighbors and feel like a local. A financial advisor can help you create a financial plan to pay for your East Coast retirement dream. Fairfax lands in third with 2.91 retirement communities per 1,000 residents. Daytona also made it to 15th place on U.S. News ranking for the best places to retire. . Best Places 2022-2023 Rank: 137. This coastal city has some of the best fishing in Texas you can choose between charter boat services, surf fishing at Bryan Beach or the Brazos River. Not only are there East Coast cities where living is affordable, but the new move toward working from home also makes changing cities while keeping your job more accessible than ever before. Shocker, right? Here's how to diversify your portfolio with one of the most popular precious metals. For more content like this follow. Portland, Maine. Jacksonville, FL. Get personalized advice from a financial advisor that understands your needs. Learn how to handle home improvement projects in a way that protects both your home and your bottom line. Okaloosa Island, with its fine white sand beaches and glittering green waters, is mere minutes away. Population 8,252. However, what really makes this port town ideal for the 55-plus crowd is the easy access to quality health care. Aside from the lovely beaches, you can visit the local falls and hiking trails. Youll find plenty of recreational activities to do outside in Port Angeles. For many, the ultimate retirement goal involves uncomplicated days when the toughest decision involves when to visit the beach. The Most Affordable Places to Live on the East Coast. Tarpon Springs, along the shore of the Gulf of Mexico, has been dubbed the sponge capital of the world for its history of Greek immigrants, who made a big business out of selling the natural sponges found in the water. If you're interested in retiring near the ocean without the humidity of a tropical . Located on Virginia's eastern shore, Cape Charles is an inviting small town with picturesque piers and sidewalks for strolling and biking. Queens and Brooklyn especially are easy drives from New Hyde Park. In Canton, not only do you have a high livability score, but monthly grocery cost is only $407.30 and $399.92 for healthcare, lower than the national averages. Big Shell Beach - Great for seashell picking and photo ops, not for sunbathing. Seaside, Read More Is Seaside Or Cannon Beach Better?Continue, Coastal cities often paint a picture of beautiful people, sunshine, and great food. 2) Key Biscayne Florida. Orlando Is America's Top Travel DestinationHow Hard Has Its Real Estate Market Been Hit? 1. 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. 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.. Myrtle Beach, SC. Retire Comfortably. Dolphins, birds, and beaches are just some reasons retirees flock to Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. According to United Van Lines National Movers Study, in 2018, 39% of the retirees they moved had their GPS systems locked on to Florida. Planned developments known as "plantations" dot the area. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. The city's median home value is just $173,900 versus $262,900 in . Valletta is the tiny capital city of Malta, a country composed of three islands in the Mediterranean Sea about 60 miles south of Sicily. Median Home Price: $333,741. This Gulf Coast tourist haven has clean beaches, great fishing, and fantastic fowl. The median home value in the city is $153,000 and youll pay about $1,220 in property taxes each year and $723 in housing costs every month. LindaZ74 / Shutterstock. The town, formed in 1889, has about 1,400 residents; the number swells, like most beach towns, in the summer, with local hotspots Donovan's Reef, the Rumrunner and Tommy's Tavern & Tap among the . The median annual property tax sits at $2,573 and youll pay around $1,216 in housing costs each month. Talk to a financial adviser for even more help with stretching those retirement dollars. 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. Round Island Park is one of the famous public beaches to spot the manatees in Indian River County. Have a question? Jim Barnash is a Certified Financial Planner with more than four decades of experience. Oak Island is a nice quiet area to retire in. However, it does have the fewest medical centers per 1,000 residents at just 3.54. 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.. Melbourne is situated just southeast of Orlandos massive, family-friendly theme parks, but it could be better suited to an older homeowner. This two-bedroom condo is listed at just under $200,000 in a high-rise with bay and ocean views. These are the top 25 cities for . Which Is Nicer, Huntington Beach Or Newport Beach? 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. Get matched with a financial advisor today at Datalign and get on the path to financial success. 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. SmartAssets services are limited to referring users to third party advisers registered or chartered as fiduciaries ("Adviser(s)") with a regulatory body in the United States that have elected to participate in our matching platform based on information gathered from users through our online questionnaire. Median home list price: $145,050. Part of Mississippi's "Secret Coast," Ocean Springs is a beach town that features white, soft sand and a vibrant downtown, packed with boutiques, music and great restaurants. The cost of living is lower than the national average, and there's easy access to great medical care, international airports, and active adult housing. Ithaca, New York. You can save on auto insurance as part of your retirement plan as well by comparing rates online. Lynn Haven, situated just north of Panama City, is a half hour away from some gorgeous beaches and St. Andrews State Park. 10. 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 it's also the second-best place to retire in the country. The median home value in the area is $216,100 and youll pay around $848 in yearly property taxes and $912 in monthly housing costs. The Sunrise City houses one of the oldest communities in Floridas east coast and its best known for its world-class fishing. The best places to retire for real estate, homes for sale, cost of living, climate, recreation, senior services and more . The small towns on this list are some of the greatest beach towns on the East Coast. This Gulf Coast city features some glorious nature trails and lagoons and wetlands. 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. Many of them seek out single-story homes with attached garages right around the golf course, marina, and beaches. 1. Just an hour away from the bustling Big Apple lies Long Beach, New York. Due to its small size, Swansboro will best suit those working remotely or in the tourism industry. Seal Beach is quaint and cute to walk around, says Melinda Elmer, a Realtor with Century 21 Masters. The median home value in Gulfport is $185,600 and the annual property taxes will cost you around $1,448, while monthly housing expenses amount to about $877. New Jerseyand its infamous shoregets a lot of flak, but its called the Garden State for good reason: Its friggin beautiful when you exit the turnpike. 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. Live everyday like youre on vacation in these American coastal towns with spectacular views and bargain prices. The median home value in Freeport is a mere $81,100 and youll pay just around $479 in monthly housing costs. Jacksonvilles booming city will suit those who want access to some beautiful stretches of coastal areas but need to have an urban playground and a travel hub on their doorstep. They were ranked according to their median home value, average number of rooms per house, median monthly property taxes paid and monthly housing costs. 1. 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. If youre wondering whether you should pick Hawaii or Florida, our guide should help you decide. 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. Read on for the 25 Best Places to Live on the East Coast. 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. Making your dream retirement a reality takes money, though, and saving enough money takes planning. 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. If hunting for shark teeth wont keep the grandkids occupied, chances are nothing willbut you could always try taking them to the arboretum or Historic Venice Train Depot, or take them for a boat ride. Whether seeking history, solitude, or a vibrant nightlife, the East Coast has got it all in the unique little towns speckling its pristine shorelines. Leisure World, a gated retirement community located just 12 minutes from the sands of Seal Beach, offers some serious deals. Lets hit the beach. It's also great for retirees, with lots of recreation areas and a high ratio of doctors' offices to people. The final city on our list of the best places to retire on the East Coast is another Delaware locale, New Castle. Here's a list of real estate firms worth checking out. 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. 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. 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. Activities are also important to a happy retirement, so we looked at the number of recreation centers per 1,000 residents. Vero Beach. The tax burden in Cumming is on the high side, though, at 18%. 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. Chances are you already know the country's most famous beach destinations . Kiawah Island, South Carolina. Lewes and nearby Rehoboth Beach have become one of the hottest LGBTQ retirement destinations on the East Coast. Gulfport is one of Mississippis biggest cities, so you wont lack for amenities. So, are, Read More Are Coastal Cities Warmer?Continue. Buckroe Beach and Park, which offers jet ski, kayak and paddle board rentals, also presents sparkling views of the Chesapeake Bay. Dont worry this article compares them in detail. To hit the soft sand of beautiful Atlantic Beach, locals have to drive about seven minutes across the bridge. And while the appeal of sand between your toes and an ocean breeze may be enough to sell you on moving to Jacksonville, this coastal city has so much more to offer than the beautiful scenery. You wont need to splurge on your new digs, however. Bel Air contains one of Marylands Arts and Entertainment districts, where concerts are frequently held. It does have the third highest tax burden at 18.4%, though. Home security experts say simple fixes can up your safety quotient. There's a lot to love about metal roofs, but they're not for everyone. New Hyde Park is another Long Island town, meaning residents will have access to New York City. The beaches are long strands of white sand, offering perfect coastal views. Myrtle Beach is a popular vacation destination but its also pretty affordable to live in on a permanent basis. Keep a lookout for ospreys, eagles and great horned owls flying overhead. And its not just pretty to look at Hobe Sounds median home value is just $206,300. Seniors age 65 and over make up 21% of the towns population. Tax burden is also important, especially for older people living on a fixed income or off of retirement savings, so we looked at the overall tax burden in 2018. Buyers can get into the market at a wide price range, from a three-bedroom manufactured home for $159,900 to this three-bedroom with water views and a private pool for $350,000. Check out these laundry room organization ideas and make washing clothes easier. Its also near Lake Lanier, a reservoir where you can boat, swim and enjoy the beach. The towns top spot is the sandy Rocky Point Beach and Park, which spans 375 acres on the Back and Middle Rivers and boasts a beautiful view of the Chesapeake Bay. Fort Pierces unspoiled shores and palm tree lined sidewalks also make it one of Americas most picturesque (and affordable) beach towns. Wise up with top stories and timely tips Tuesdays and Thursdays. Whether youre looking for a quaint seaside town tucked away with hidden, unspoiled beaches or a booming coastal city with access to all your cultural, travel, and entertainment needs, theres a place waiting for you. One of the best parts of vacation is feeling like you're getting away - from your work, regular life -and slowing down for some days of relaxation. In the downtown area, youll find several historic sites, tasty eateries and live arts performances, and you can go fishing, paddling, surfing and sailing on the blue-green waters that sweep the beach. The scenic views blow everyone away, and it's filled with waterfront parks, historical monuments, and entertainment for all ages. With a presale inspection, a home inspector will visit your property before you put it on the market. Finding a qualified financial advisor doesnt have to be hard. 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. Credit. Hoi An has mountainous surrounds on one side and some of the most beautiful, undisturbed pieces . We do not manage client funds or hold custody of assets, we help users connect with relevant financial advisors. 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. On the plus side, Bel Air has a respectable 11.33 medical centers per 1,000 residents, placing it fifth in that metric. Bel Air is also clearly popular among older people. The towns senior population (age 65 and over) 32% of the population. 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. Upload a picture of your shopping receipts to the free Fetch app, and start earning points today. Florida would appeal to anyone looking for a great place to live that offers easy access to Orlando and Florida's east coast beaches. Fort Pierce, located on the Indian River Lagoon, is known for its excellent fishing and beautiful beaches. Deerfield Beach, Florida. It has a little bit of everything.. This Delaware town is tied for the lowest tax burden on this list at 11%. On the shores of Lake Cayuga, the area has waterfalls and gorges galore. Few towns are as charming as Fairhope, and its relaxed, welcoming atmosphere makes retirees feel right at home. By the numbers: Population . Stacker looks at the 50 best places to retire on the East Coast, analyzing data including population, age, income, household values, and rent. If small and quaint is not your style, Jacksonville, with its vast area and large population, might be more your pace. Narberth, Pennsylvania . Metro Population: 6,129,858. Though Morehead City is on the mainland, protected from storms by a barrier island, the city proper isnt known for its beaches. Ocean Springs has several arts festivals, many restaurants, and artists studios such as Shearwater Pottery tucked away. 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. At HGTV we've researched some of the best and most affordable beach towns in the U.S. Just 14% of Newarks population is made up of senior citizens aged 65 and over. [ x] Then . Pensacola is Floridas most affordable beach city and its a beautiful place to retire, with idyllic white sand beaches, rivers, bayous and bays. 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. Finally, knowing that the ability to form a community with likeminded people is important to many retirees, we looked at both the number of retirement communities per 1,000 residents and the percentage of a towns total population made up of seniors. This places Exeter second to last on the list in that metric but is still a fairly good number in the grand scheme of things. 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. Miami. Americas East Coast can be expensive; however, there are still cities where the property prices are lower. If you bought Google stock when it was cheap, Key Biscayne, just a few miles out in the water from Miami may be the ultimate town for beach lovers in Florida. 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. Venices shoreline is located halfway between Sarasota and Port Charlotte, on the eastern edge of the Gulf of Mexico. J.A. Thousands benefit from our email every week. Or go swimming at Sunset Beach and Fred Howard Park. Just bear in mind that as a resident you will have to contend with crowds of tourists, especially in the summer. Ithaca is a small picturesque town in the upstate New York Finger Lakes region. 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. 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. We list the top 25, ranked from least to most affordable. State's tax rating for retirees: Most Tax Friendly. Known for its boardwalks, casinos, and beaches, Atlantic City is the place to choose if you want the high life within a short distance of some of the most beautiful stretches of coastline along the Jersey Shore. This is not an offer to buy or sell any security or interest. The welcoming atmosphere and colorful boutique-lined downtown are draws for seniors, who make up more than a quarter of the town's population. There are many long white beaches, some quite hidden and far from the crowds of the boardwalks and the main beaches. Homes are on the pricier end the median home value is $243,100, the most expensive on this list but youll only pay around $799 in annual property taxes and $901 in monthly housing costs. 2. 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. New Castle is tied with the other Delaware cities on this list for the lowest tax burden at 11%. It overtook 2020's winner Gulfport, a Magnolia State neighbor located approximately 13 miles west. This affordable beach town just south of Myrtle Beach has a laid-back feelit began as a fishing villagecomplete with a wooden boardwalk along the estuary and a state park great for bird-watching. casual place with mountains on its east side and seven miles of often empty beach on its west side, Rockaway Beach is a world unto itself. The current median house listing price is $210k. It has 22.99 medical centers per 1,000 residents, the third highest number of medical centers of any city on this list. Overlooking the shores of Lake Michigan, Saugatuck is home to several serene beaches that feature soft sand, rolling dunes and peaceful atmospheres. Williamstown, Massachusetts . Cocoa Beach. All investing involves risk, including loss of principal. This hamlet on Long Island is tied for the second highest tax burden on this list but it also has the second-highest number of medical centers per 1,000 residents. While low for this list, thats not a bad number overall. 11 . The median house price listing is $235k, but there are small gems to be found in this delightful town. Springfield, Massachusetts. The average is $399.14, while Las Vegas and Reno, Nevada, lead the way at $421.31. 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. Youll cough up around $1,925 in property taxes each year and $739 in monthly housing costs. Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. Several wonderful beaches spring to mind, with Seaside and Cannon Beach foremost for me. Live everyday like youre on vacation in Dunedin. Myrtle Beach, SC, is one of the nation's most affordable beach towns. 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. It has a load of live oaks across the Island, yet walking distance to the beach or intracoastal waterway. The East Coast is diverse, so you'll have plenty of choices among seaside locales, bustling urban centers, places that provide Southern charm and towns known for their fall colors. Johnson // Shutterstock #100. The content provided on Moneywise is information to help users become financially literate. For bird watching opportunities, head to the Freeport Wetlands Trail & Bird Observatory, and go hit the links at the Freeport Golf Course. The 10 Best Beach Towns on the East Coast. Best Places 2022-2023 Rank: 117 Metro Population: 698,537 Median Home Price: $333,741 Average Annual Salary: $55,710. Retirees can take the grandkids on whale watching tours or picnic at one of the many parks or the beach. 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.