9 Best Coastal Towns in the U.S. for Retirees

When it comes to places to retire, coastal destinations, with their ocean views, salt air, and laid-back lifestyle, tend to top many wish lists. Scientific studies have also shown that proximity to the ocean promotes health, and some research even suggests that coastal living increases longevity. While this location appeal often comes with a sizable price tag, there are options at a range of costs—and there’s a coastal city or town to meet every retiree’s needs.

With advice from local real estate experts paired with my own on-the-ground travel experience, I’ve rounded up a few ideas for the best places to retire near the ocean.

Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida

A golf course on the water in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida.

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This Florida city is located on the Atlantic Coast, about 32 miles from Jacksonville International Airport (JAX). Retirees will enjoy mild weather, beaches, golf courses, restaurants, nightlife, nature reserves, and cultural opportunities. Ponte Vedra Concert Hall features a variety of entertainment genres with more than 140 concerts and events each year. Nearby St. Augustine, the nation’s oldest city, offers history, art, and festivals. 

Outdoor activities include kayaking, biking, bird watching, fishing, and hiking. Ethan Loosen, a resident and realtor with Dream Finders Homes, tells Travel + Leisure, “The northern part of Florida experiences seasonal changes during fall and winter while staying warm most of the year, ideal for being outdoors.” Home values average around $800,000 according to Zillow, and living in Florida, where there’s no state income tax, has its financial advantages. Healthcare is also accessible, with several hospitals—like the Mayo Clinic and Baptist Health—nearby.

St. Simons Island, Georgia

Avenue of the Oaks in St Simons Island, Georgia.

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The largest barrier island in Georgia’s Golden Isles, St. Simons Island has a small-town atmosphere, walkable shopping areas, and abundant outdoor activities. “With nature trails, miles of sidewalks, and beaches, St. Simons Island has something for everyone,” Chandra Kendall, associate broker at DeLoach Sotheby’s International Realty, tells T+L. “Our extensive list of things to do includes kayaking, boating, fishing, golf, and pickleball.” It’s an excellent choice if it’s in your budget; according to Zillow, the average home price on St. Simons Island is north of $686,000.

Virginia Beach, Virginia

Aerial view of Virginia Beach.

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More than 30 miles of coastline, scenic walking trails, and a mild climate make Virginia Beach an attractive city for retirees. “There are a lot of reasons why retirees choose to come to Virginia Beach,” says Jacki Paolella, realtor with Keller Williams Coastal Virginia. “In short, we are a welcoming, diverse beach city with relative affordability that experiences all four seasons. Some of my clients who have retired here from the West Coast, Florida, or the Northeast have mentioned the affordability of home prices and the ease of travel to other major East Coast cities as deciding factors, along with mild winters, cleanliness, and greenery.”

Niche gives Virginia Beach an overall grade of A, and according to Zillow, the average home price is just below $415,000. The state of Virginia does not tax Social Security, a plus for retirees.

Fort Myers, Florida

A retro arcade in downtown Fort Myers.

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Located on the Gulf Coast, Fort Myers is surrounded by beautiful barrier islands and beaches, making it both a popular tourist destination and retirement community. “The bustling retirement community in Fort Myers has a genuine interest in wildlife, and retirement villages often coordinate outings and field trips, including chartered boat tours through mangroves and other ecosystems,” says certified naturalist and local wildlife expert Captain Brian Holaway, who hosts private eco-tours by boat. 

“The beauty of wildlife in the Fort Myers area is that there are so many ways to experience it. For example, the Six Mile Slough, a boardwalk through 3,500 acres of intermingled wetland and upland ecosystems, is fun for all ages and entirely ADA accessible,” he adds. “You will encounter Atlantic bottlenose dolphins and manatees year-round, and in winter, we see migratory species, including white pelicans.” 

Niche gives Fort Myers an overall B+ for livability, with a median home price of $351,600. If you love the outdoors and this aligns with your budget, start the hunt for your dream retirement home now. 

Ogunquit, Maine

Autumn colors in Ogunquit, Maine.

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Ogunquit boasts miles of sandy beaches, a seaside cliff walk, and a quaint walkable village with shops, restaurants, and art galleries. It’s also known for summer theater, art exhibitions, museums, and galleries. While winters are cold, the months of May through October are divine; go on scenic cruises, explore historic lighthouses, and see the migrating whales. 

“Ogunquit has a way of slowing life down in the best possible way,” according to Gilbert Baeriswill, general manager at Anchorage by the Sea, a beloved four-decade-old oceanfront resort. “Retirees love the sense of community here—whether it’s strolling the Marginal Way, catching a play at the Ogunquit Playhouse, or enjoying the small-town feel where neighbors know one another. You have access to fine dining, arts, and culture, but it’s all wrapped in a relaxed, coastal place that makes every day feel like a vacation.

WalletHub rates the state of Maine highly for its healthcare system, and Niche gives Ogunquit a livability grade of A-. This type of living doesn’t necessarily come cheap, though. Zillow estimates the average home value in Ogunquit to be north of $900,000.

Freeport, Maine

A person walking their dogs on a nature path in Freeport, Maine.

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About 50 miles north of Ogunquit on the Atlantic Coast, Freeport has been called one of the best suburbs to live in Maine by Niche, with an overall grade of A. “Freeport strikes that perfect balance between small-town Maine charm and everyday convenience,” Bridget Conley, general manager at the Harraseeket Inn, tells T+L. “Retirees appreciate being steps from the working waterfront and nature trails, while also having boutiques, outlets, and restaurants right in town. There’s a strong sense of connection—people look out for each other—and the lifestyle is both vibrant and easygoing, which makes it a wonderful place to call home.”

Freeport is popular for visitors who travel there for the L.L.Bean flagship store, open 24/7, as well as for designer outlets, boutiques, and local shops. The walkable town offers excellent healthcare as well as convenient transportation, just two hours from Boston.

Ventura, California

People walking in downtown Ventura, California.

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About an hour and a half north of Los Angeles, Ventura is known as the gateway to Channel Islands National Park. Its vibrant community, beaches, historic downtown, and harbor make it a great place to live (and visit).  Ventura offers convenient access to healthcare and community services through the county and private hospitals. A walkable city with a downtown pedestrian mall, art galleries, historic buildings, and live music, Ventura is an appealing place to call home, but be prepared to spend a pretty penny; Zillow notes that the average home value is around $885,000. 

Astoria, Oregon

Colorful houses on the water in Astoria, Oregon.

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This coastal town just south of Washington is on the south shore of the Columbia River, where it flows into the Pacific Ocean. The first permanent settlement west of the Rockies, Astoria features a historic downtown, forests, and a picturesque waterfront trail. My husband and I fell in love with Astoria during a visit a couple of years ago, and we were charmed by the vintage buildings, friendly people, restaurants, and views of the churning river as it meets the Pacific. We loved the Columbia River Maritime Museum and its stories of the challenges of fishing and boating there.

About a fifth of Astoria’s population is over 65, so there are many social activities for retirees; there’s an active senior center as well as retirement living facilities. Niche gives Astoria a livability grade of B- and notes a median home value of $422,400. There’s also one more plus for retirees: Oregon does not tax Social Security income.

Carlsbad, California

Flower fields in Carlsbad, California.

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Located on the Pacific in north San Diego County, Carlsbad enjoys mild weather year-round. Nicknamed “the Village by the Sea” for its small-town atmosphere, Carlsbad has a walkable downtown, parks, restaurants, and locally-owned shops. Travel is convenient, with San Diego International Airport (SAN) about 35 miles away and Los Angeles about 90 miles north. Farmers markets, the blooming Flower Fields, you-pick strawberry fields, the Taste of Carlsbad food festival, the Spring Kaleidoscope art fair, nearby Legoland, and Disneyland (one hour away) offer plenty to do for residents and visiting family members. 

For retirees whose means make California coastal living possible, Carlsbad is an excellent choice. While Social Security benefits are not taxed, California does have a state income tax, and Zillow states the average home value as over $1.2 million.