Retirement in a seaside community is a popular fantasy. However, retirees don’t necessarily thrive in a secluded coastal community since they require easy access to necessities like good medical care and public transportation. A recent investigation by U.S. News reviewed 150 major metropolitan regions of the United States as possible retirement sites, including statistics on home affordability, happiness, attractiveness, retiree taxes, the work market, and the availability of decent health care.
Take a look at the best seaside communities for retirement.
#1 Pensacola, Florida
Many people over 45 have expressed a desire to relocate to Pensacola because of its high attractiveness rating. Due to its low cost of living, Pensacola is a popular retirement destination for seniors on a budget. Mortgage payments for a single-family house in Pensacola are $1,328 per month, while rent for a similar dwelling is $1,046 per month. This popular retirement destination is situated on Pensacola Bay, not far from the Gulf of Mexico and the attractions of Perdido Key, Pensacola Beach, and Gulf Islands National Seashore.
#2 Tampa, Florida
Tampa, Florida, has both the pristine sand and swaying palm trees of a beach getaway and the skyscrapers and high rises of a big urban city, thanks to its location along the Gulf Coast and Tampa Bay. This mix might be ideal for seniors seeking a low-cost seaside location with all the conveniences and facilities of a major metropolis. Tampa’s cruise ship terminal, theme parks, and professional sports teams provide exciting day trips and evenings. The typical cost of housing in Tampa is $1,485, which includes mortgage payments, while the median cost of renting a one-bedroom apartment is $1,160 per month. Over 25% of the population is over 60 years old.
#3 Naples, Florida
Naples has a higher cost of living than most of Florida. Mortgage payments for a retirement home cost an average of $1,882 a month, while rent in the same age bracket runs a median of $1,374. Despite this, many individuals argue that Naples’s high cost of living is justified by the city’s exceptional standard of living. According to the study, Naples has a high level of attractiveness, and many people (especially those over the age of 45) are considering relocating there. The Gulf Coast region that includes Naples and Marco Island is a paradise for those who love the game of golf, the sun, and the beach.
#4 Daytona Beach, Florida
Daytona Beach is affordable if you’re seeking a beachfront retirement community. Rent is at a median of $1,127 per month, and mortgage payments for homeowners 60 and over are at a median of $1,324 per month. A third of Daytona Beach’s population is 60 or older, making it a prime retirement destination. Daytona is not a tranquil coastal town. Major auto racing events take place annually at NASCAR’s world headquarters, which is located in Beach city. Daytona Beach is home to the Halifax Health Medical Center and AdventHealth Daytona Beach, both of which are excellent options for anyone needing medical attention. There are some Atlantic Coast beaches in Florida that are hard enough for vehicles to drive on.
#5 Sarasota, Florida
Lido Key and Siesta Key are two of the most popular beaches in Sarasota, attracting tourists and retirees alike. Siesta Beach is famous for its smooth, white, powdery quartz sand that remains cool to the touch, even on bright days. With the low cost of living in this area, retiring by the lake is a realistic option. Mortgage costs for retirees average $1,563 per month, and the average monthly rental cost is $1,259. Sarasota Memorial Health Care System and Doctors Hospital of Sarasota are prominent healthcare providers for the community. Sarasota Bay is separated from the Gulf of Mexico by a chain of barrier islands.
#6 Melbourne, Florida
Retiring to Melbourne’s beach is a great deal. The average mortgage payment for a property is $1,426, while the average rent is $1,111. People often visit the barrier island separated from the mainland by the Indian River Lagoon to see dolphins and sea turtles. You may see and help conserve sea turtles at the Archie Carr National Wildlife Refuge, which runs for 20.5 miles between Melbourne Shore and Wabasso Beach and is located near the beach where Juan Ponce de León first arrived in North America in 1513. Residents of Melbourne may retire and can save some extra dollars in their wallets while enjoying the Atlantic coast.
#7 Port St. Lucie, Florida
Placed about in the middle of the distance between Miami and Orlando, Port St. Lucie is known for being a more relaxed and cheaper alternative to either of those major cities. According to the study, many people aged 45 and up are considering retiring to Port St. Lucie because of its high attractiveness score. Those sixty and up make up more than a third of the population. Monthly mortgage payments in Port St. Lucie average $1,521, while rent comes in at $1,194. Both saltwater and freshwater beaches in Port St. Lucie, Florida, are situated on the Atlantic coast.
#8 Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
The SkyWheel, the boardwalk, and the Atlantic Ocean come together at Myrtle Beach. The city draws in a lot of visitors every year. Retirement-age citizens may enjoy a constant beach lifestyle due to the low cost of living. Monthly mortgage payments in Myrtle Beach are $1,296, but rent is only $976. Since more than a third of the population is 60 or older, you will have many opportunities to socialize with other retirees. The U.S. News survey of respondents aged 45 and above about where they would like to retire found that Myrtle Beach ranked well in attractiveness. You may play golf on courses designed by Robert Trent Jones and Jack Nicklaus in this city.
#9 Jacksonville, Florida
The Atlantic coast in Jacksonville features 22 miles of pristine white sand beaches. The Seawalk Pavilion on Jacksonville Beach is popular for outdoor concerts and film screenings throughout the warmer months. The Jacksonville Beach Pier extends about a quarter mile into the sea, allowing anglers and beachgoers to enjoy deep-water fishing and leisurely strolls. Surfers typically head to Neptune Beach because it is less crowded. The St. Johns River runs right through the middle of this city in northern Florida, not far from the Georgia border. Renting an apartment near the beach in Jax, as the residents call it, costs a median of $1,113 a month, while mortgage payments for a single-family home are a monthly $1,488.
#10 Portland, Maine
Portland is a great option for retirees looking for a coastal location without the accompanying tropical heat and humidity. The largest city in Maine experiences all four seasons, from balmy summers to icy, snowy winters. The Atlantic Ocean’s crashing waves often provide a dramatic backdrop to the rocky shoreline. In Portland, visitors may choose from a wide range of restaurants serving a wide variety of cuisines, as well as fresh seafood and locally grown veggies. Homeowners in Portland spend a median of $1,694 per month in mortgage payments, while renters pay a median of $1,115 per month. The University of Southern Maine is also located in this town.
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