Often cited as one of the best small towns to visit in the U.S., it also makes for some pretty good permanent living. Several barrier islands separate the Sarasota Bay from the Gulf of Mexico.

Located along the Gulf Coast and the Tampa Bay, Tampa has the powdery sand and swaying palm trees of a beach destination as well as the skyscrapers and high rises of a major metro area. Learn how to season this Southern kitchen staple in five easy steps. This northern Florida city near the Georgia state line is bisected by the St. Johns River, which provides additional opportunities for boating and fishing. When looking for a beach town in South Carolina to relocate to, set your sights on Folly Beach. Cost of living: Its hard to beat Myrtle Beachs affordability, where finding a condo steps from the beach and with a view is possible for about $200,000. Many people dream about retirement in a beach town. Climate: Central Florida temperatures vary between 50 and 90 degrees, with hurricane season running from June through November. The town is filled with restaurants, coffee shops, bars and cultural offerings. Get your action fix at Center,

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. Health care: Three hospital systems Grand Strand Regional Medical Center, Georgetown Hospital System and McLeod Health serve the area, covering comprehensive needs. It's also great for retirees, with lots of recreation areas and a high ratio of doctors' offices to people. You can enjoy white sand beaches and water sports all year.

Whether you rent or buy a place, you will probably have a smile on your face, especially if youre coming from the east or west coasts. At Torrey Pines Gliderport, you can soar out over the beach cliffs on a hang glider or just chill and watch the action above.

If youre looking for a cheap place to retire near the beach, consider Daytona Beach. Sarasotas picturesque beaches, including Lido Key and Siesta Key, draw many visitors and retirees to the area. Update 02/22/22: This story was published at an earlier date and has been updated with new information. 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." Beaches: Hilo offers a small number of beach parks; some are good for swimming while others have nice picnic areas.Retirement taxes: Like Oregon, Hawaii doesnt tax Social Security, but it does tax income from an IRA and 401(k). Transplants relish the island's quiet beaches, which are bounded by rolling dunes and sapphire waves.

If you run yourself ragged with errands, volunteering, or whatever brings you joy, no worries; you can sleep in the next day and the next. The low cost of living makes it easy to relocate to Fort Myers. Health care: Youll find Naples Community Hospital, part of the Mayo Clinic Care Network, along with many specialists throughout the area. This Mississippi Gulf coast town is a haven for retirees because it has a relatively low cost of living paired with a laid-back atmosphere. The reasonable housing costs make it easy to retire near the water. Quality of life: Fort Myers is another retirement haven, with plentiful opportunities for golfing, fishing, dining and an active cultural scene. Nearby via causeway are the Sanibel and Captiva islands, renowned for their beauty (pictured).Retirement taxes: No Florida state income tax means that Social Security, pensions and retirement funds like IRAs or 401(k)s cant be taxed. It's also great for retirees, with lots of recreation areas and a high ratio of doctors' offices to people.

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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." Property taxes are lower than other states. Beaches: The beaches along Floridas Space Coast are ideal for fishing, snorkeling or just enjoying the long golden sands.Retirement taxes: No Florida state income tax means that Social Security, pensions and retirement funds like IRAs or 401(k)s cant be taxed.

Hiking, biking, birding, leaf peeping, and cross-country skiing is readily available. La Jolla is also home to Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institute of Oceanography and plenty of cultural attractions including the La Jolla Playhouse. At least property taxes are low, and the state sales tax is 6%. 4 Easy Ways to Tell if an Egg Has Gone Bad. Health care: Youll find urgent care and medical practices in West Maui, but residents will need to travel to nearby Kahului for a hospital.

However, earthquakes and tsunamis are a risk factor. The overall cost of living is below the national average. Its not all in the senses, but they sure can help. Naples is more expensive than many other parts of Florida. If youre looking for where to go to fill the pages, heres a little something to get your research started. Then too, there are more than 7 miles of beautiful, walkable beach stretching from Roads End to Siletz Bay. PCR showcases seven master-planned retirement communities in Naples, with a wide-range of home prices, amenities, and activities to suit the needs of every active adult retiree. Were here to kick-start your Sunshine State research with a few of the best Florida beach towns with retirement communities. The community is quite walkable. Beaches: White sandy beaches define this stretch of the Gulf Coast. Wow the grandkids when they come to visit with water fun with a dolphin cruise as well as the Coastal Discovery Museum. However, theres no state sales tax. Residents can also enjoy a Japanese botanical garden, golf courses, farmers market and the annual week-long Merrie Monarch Festival. These beach towns are prime spots for living out your golden years by the sea. At HGTV weve researched some of the best and most affordable beach towns in the U.S. Then theres the fact that youre seated on Great Lake Superior and if you need a big city fix, Minneapolis-St. Paul is 2 hours away.

Hawaiis health-care costs are below the national average. Not only is Sarasota, FL, one of the best beach towns for retirement, but according to US News, its one of the Top 20 Most Desirable Places to Live, period. The welcoming atmosphere and colorful boutique-lined downtown are draws for seniors, who make up more than a quarter of the town's population. This laid back, historic coastal town is the kind of place you might like to call home. Beaches: With 70 miles of destination-worthy beaches, the hardest decision will be choosing which beach community to live in. These spots are livable, picturesque, and inviting. From new wintry takes on classic dark nail colors to unique pops of color that'll have you feeling the opposite of boring, these are the best nail colors to try this January and tick off all the way into spring. You can do a Sunday gospel brunch at the House of Blues, browse the brilliant work at the Art Museum of Myrtle Beach, or take mini excursions like the Brookgreen Gardens at Murrells Inlet, about an hour south of Myrtle Beach. Rehoboth and Lewes are known for their chill vibe and restaurants. But a remote beach area isnt always the right. Copyright 1996 - 2022. Myrtle Beach has a wide variety of golf courses, including designs by Robert Trent Jones and Jack Nicklaus. Not sure what to write in a thank you card? The welcoming atmosphere and colorful boutique-lined downtown are draws for seniors, who make up more than a quarter of the town's population.

, A short drive from Charleston, Folly Beach is a barrier island both near to city life and millions of miles away. Social Security is the only account thats exempt in California; additionally, state sales tax is higher at 7.25%. It costs a median of $1,466 per month to own a home with a mortgage in Port St. Lucie, and a median of $1,162 monthly to rent. Cost of living: A median home price of just $129,000 means that you can afford beachfront living for under $300,000. Here are the haircuts you'll be seeing everywhere this year. Myrtle Beach attracts plenty of tourists with its SkyWheel, boardwalk and Atlantic Ocean beaches. Buzzy restaurants include Bramble and Brine at the Buttery, Heirloom, and Harvest Tide Steakhouse all in Lewes and Blue Moon and La Fable in Rehoboth Beach. Then theres that ever-special experience of migrating whales off the coast as they travel to and from Baja California. Golf courses and hiking trails are other draws. You might be surprised by the vibrant arts and culture scene. Retirement taxes: Higher taxes are the tradeoff for idyllic beach life. There are lots of great golf courses too, and plenty of fresh seafood to enjoy in area restaurants. Cost of living: While not the cheapest place to retire in Florida, with the median home averaging about $330,000, its possible to find condos for less than $200,000. 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. You can do as little or as much as you like and not feel guilty. Cost of living: Yes, the cost of living in Hawaii is 87% higher than the national average, but its still cheaper than Honolulu, or even New York. The median rent is $1,209 per month. There are several local breweries and spots like Vikre Distillery, a hip industrial cocktail lounge known for its nationally-acclaimed gin, vodka, aquavit, and whiskey. Need help accessing the FCC Public File due to a disability? Climate: Temperatures range between the 50s and 90s, while the area is prone to hurricanes between June and November. Several active adult retirement communities pepper the coast line, with a variety of homes ranging from condos and townhomes, to single family homes and custom estates. Keep in mind: Price and stock could change after publish date, and we may make money from these affiliate links.

The mild winter weather makes Fort Myers a popular beach retirement destination, and Thomas Edison and Henry Ford both built winter estates in the area. The Indian River Lagoon separates the mainland from a barrier island, which is a popular spot to catch glimpses of passing dolphins and sea turtles. Beaches: About 60 miles of compact sand compose Myrtle Beach, also known as the Grand Strand. There are a variety of waterfront Vero Beach communities you can research through PCReach with their own unique features and amenitiesbut they all share a common bond: some of the best beach vibes youll find anywhere. The unusual quartz sand at Siesta Beach is soft, white and powdery and stays cool to the touch, even on sunny days. You can comfort, too, in knowing that the crime rate on Hilton Head Island is 40 percent below the national average. But many people find the high quality of life in Naples to be worth the cost. Overall living costs are about 20% below the national average. Quality of life: Naples ranks as a top spot for retirement thanks to its mix of quality health care, low state taxes, location, large percentage of retirees and more. florida Here, you'll find a mix of lively and quieter beaches.Retirement taxes: South Carolina doesnt tax Social Security, but it does partially tax other retirement income. 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.

, Huntington Beach State Park in South Carolina,

Over on the Sunshine State's Atlantic coast, Vero Beach is a nature lover's paradise with miles of hiking and biking trails, plus wildlife refuges along the coast. Homeowners pay a median of $1,458 per month to live in Tampa, including mortgage payments, and the median rent is $1,115 monthly. It's one of the best places in the country to retire because it has plenty of medical care, social opportunities, retirement centers, and recreation activities nearby.

, Southern Living is part of the Meredith Home Group. But theres a beach for everyone, whether its surfing, horseback riding, sport fishing or dog walking. Health care: The large metro area is home to numerous hospitals and health-care services. If You Keep Finding Ladybugs in Your House, Here's What You Need to Know, Plus a few strategies for keeping them out-of-doors, Coast of Gulf of Mexico from Venice Public Pier in Venice, Florida, Shops in Mason Avenue in Cape Charles, VA,

It probably won't come as a surprise to hear that Florida does exceptionally well in the retirement rankings across the board. Go ahead, indulge a little. Though youll have plenty of time to cook at home, when youre ready to dine out, there are many options like Dewey Destins Seafood Restaurant, Lulus, and Jackacudas Seafood + Sushi. You may have more wiggle room to spend as Delaware has one of the lowest property taxes in the nation and no sales taxes. two-bedroom beachfront condos can be had for a little more than $200,000. You know there will be many beach days, but theres a lot else going on. Residents of Melbourne enjoy a beach retirement along the Atlantic Ocean at reasonable prices. In retirement, time is a luxury you finally have. 2022 Warner Bros. 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. Located along the Gulf of Mexico, the Naples and Marco Island area is an ideal spot to enjoy golf, sunshine and white-sand beaches. Located on the Pensacola Bay near the Gulf of Mexico, this popular beach retirement spot is an ideal place to enjoy Perdido Key, Pensacola Beach and the Gulf Islands National Seashore. Ocean Springs is known for its arts and festivals. Quality of life: Myrtle Beach is a tourist destination, but with that also comes a variety of entertainment options. Theres also the Walter Anderson Museum of Art to get your art fix.

But its not all sleepy; Island View Casino touts the largest casino floor in the state.

The Fort Myers metro area is located along the Caloosahatchee River near Floridas Gulf Coast. At Cascade Head UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, take in the rare and diverse ecosystem, including the Salmon River, densely forested uplands, and a marine reserve stretching west into the waters of the Pacific. Naples scores high marks for desirability, with many people age 45 and older expressing an interest in moving to the area, according to a U.S. News survey. Social Security is the only account thats exempt in California, health-care facilities providing quality care, South Carolina doesnt tax Social Security, Live Beachfront for a Bargain in These 10 Beach Towns, 10 Amazing Beach Home Rentals the Whole Family Will Want to Book ASAP, The Great Giveback With Melissa McCarthy and Jenna Perusich, HGTV Ultimate House Hunt + $10K Sweepstakes. Heres a look at the highest-rated coastal towns to retire. This should be among your top choices if youre into fishing. The area is also known for its golf courses, seafood, local sports and a 1.2-mile-long boardwalk.

Even better, this stretch of beaches lack the Florida-level crowds.Retirement taxes: Social Security, pensions and retirement funds like IRAs or 401(k)s are tax exempt in Mississippi, and property taxes are low. Where you live helps set the tone. With over 200 independent shops, galleries, restaurants, and nightlife, you wont be bored. Theres something to be said about going South. Consider our list of affordable United States retirement beach towns where quality of life and health-care services are tops. The beginning of a new year often has us all feeling like starting off fresh by taking on better habits, getting rid of old ones, andmost commonlychanging up our look. The cost of living in Florida is more affordable than many other states in the U.S. Youll benefit from having to pay no state income taxes and real estate prices wont send you to the emergency room with heart palpitations. Health care: Samaritan North Lincoln Hospital is the towns main option, but its a small hospital. The high demand among retirees looking for ideal waterfront retirement communities has earned Naples the distinction of being one of the more affluent Florida cities. Sheryl Nance-Nash is a freelance writer specializing in travel. The beaches are hard to beat, ideal for swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking, and surfing. Fish, boat, surf, windsurf, and soak up the sun more than 220 days a year. This Youre likely to find plenty of other retirees for company, since a third of the population is 60 or older. Please contact Susan Rushkowski at publicfiledc@hubbardradio.com or (202) 895-5027. Beaches: Lincoln City contains 7 miles of sandy beaches, and while the climate isnt geared toward year-round sunbathing, the beach is a popular backdrop for fireworks, kite festivals and more.Retirement taxes: Its a mixed bag: Oregon doesnt tax Social Security, but it does tax income from an IRA and 401(k). Here, interior designers from around the South share their predictions for what's trending in kitchen design for 2022 and beyond. 10 Beach Towns Where You'll Want to Retire, Melbourne is cheaper than the national average, cost of living in Hawaii is 87% higher than the national average. The Coziest Winter Nail Colors for January 2022. There are more than 20 championship golf courses, fishing, and if you so desire gated communities or retirement communities The Seabrook, which was awarded five-stars from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. 70 Cute and Funny Nicknames For Your Best Friends. That said, small condos (as in under 500 square feet) near the beach cost around $300,000. Hurricanes have damaged the region in the past and remain a threat. As a retirement town, Lewes has lots of draws, including no sales tax and the third lowest real estate tax area in the country. An influx of entrepreneurs cultivated a renaissance that elevated the citys food and craft beverage scene, from high-end establishments to casual, everyday hangouts.