Retirement often brings dreams of scenic coastal views, tranquil beaches, and a slower pace of life. However, finding an affordable coastal town to retire to can seem daunting. Fear not!
We’ve compiled a list of 15 budget-friendly coastal towns that offer the perfect blend of affordability, natural beauty, and community charm for your golden years.
Port St. Joe, Florida
Nestled along Florida’s Forgotten Coast, Port St. Joe offers retirees pristine beaches, charming downtown streets, and a lower living cost than nearby coastal cities like Destin or Sarasota. Enjoy strolls along the Gulf Coast, fresh seafood dinners, and a tight-knit community atmosphere.
Rockport, Texas
Situated on the Gulf Coast, Rockport boasts affordable waterfront homes, a vibrant arts scene, and abundant opportunities for fishing and birdwatching in its scenic bays and estuaries. With its laid-back vibe and friendly locals, Rockport provides retirees with a peaceful retreat away from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Beaufort, South Carolina
With its historic charm, waterfront parks, and antebellum architecture, Beaufort offers retirees a quaint coastal lifestyle at a fraction of the cost of more touristy destinations like Charleston or Hilton Head Island. Take leisurely boat rides along the Beaufort River, explore the town’s rich history, and savor the Lowcountry cuisine in cozy local eateries.
Machias, Maine
Located in Down East Maine, Machias is known for its rugged coastline, lobstering heritage, and affordability. It is an ideal retreat for retirees seeking tranquility and natural beauty. Spend your days exploring Acadia National Park, indulging in fresh lobster rolls, and enjoying the slower pace of life in this picturesque coastal town.
Port Townsend, Washington
Tucked away in the Pacific Northwest, Port Townsend boasts Victorian-era architecture, panoramic views of Puget Sound, and a thriving arts community—all without the steep price tag of nearby Seattle or Portland. Immerse yourself in the town’s vibrant arts scene, hike through the nearby Olympic National Park, and relax with stunning sunset views over the water.
Gulfport, Mississippi
With its white sand beaches, vibrant culinary scene, and low cost of living, Gulfport offers retirees a laid-back coastal lifestyle with plenty of Southern charm. Enjoy fresh Gulf seafood, explore the city’s historic neighborhoods, and soak up the sun on miles of pristine shoreline along the Mississippi Gulf Coast.
Cedar Key, Florida
Escape the crowds and high prices of Florida’s popular tourist destinations by retiring to Cedar Key, a quaint island community known for its small-town atmosphere, abundant wildlife, and stunning sunsets over the Gulf of Mexico. Indulge in kayaking adventures, explore the town’s quirky art galleries, and savor fresh seafood from the Gulf in this hidden gem of a coastal town.
New Bern, North Carolina
Nestled along the Neuse and Trent Rivers, New Bern boasts a rich history, waterfront parks, and affordable housing options, making it an attractive destination for retirees seeking a coastal retreat. Dive into the town’s colonial past, enjoy boating on the rivers, and experience the Southern hospitality that New Bern is known for.
Coos Bay, Oregon
Surrounded by lush forests and pristine beaches, Coos Bay offers retirees outdoor recreational opportunities, a mild climate, and a lower cost of living compared to Oregon’s more populous coastal cities. Explore the nearby Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area, go crabbing in the bay, and enjoy stunning coastal views along the scenic Cape Arago Highway.
Bay St. Louis, Mississippi
Known for its friendly atmosphere, artsy vibe, and beautiful beaches, Bay St. Louis provides retirees with an affordable coastal haven along the scenic Gulf Coast. Spend your days browsing local art galleries, sampling fresh Gulf seafood, and relaxing on the town’s sandy shores.
Eureka, California
Embrace the rugged beauty of California’s North Coast in Eureka, where retirees can enjoy Victorian architecture, redwood forests, and panoramic ocean views without breaking the bank. Explore the nearby Avenue of the Giants, drive along the Pacific Coast Highway, and immerse yourself in the town’s vibrant arts and culture scene.
Brunswick, Georgia
Situated on the Golden Isles, Brunswick offers retirees access to pristine barrier islands, historic downtown squares, and affordable coastal living along Georgia’s scenic coast. Explore the picturesque landscapes of nearby Jekyll Island, indulge in fresh seafood at local restaurants, and enjoy the mild climate that makes Brunswick an ideal destination year-round.
Astoria, Oregon
With its maritime history, stunning river views, and thriving arts scene, Astoria provides retirees with a picturesque coastal retreat in the heart of the Pacific Northwest at a reasonable cost. Wander through the town’s historic neighborhoods, visit the iconic Astoria Column, and soak in the natural beauty of the Columbia River Estuary.
Bandon, Oregon
Escape to the charming coastal town of Bandon, known for its dramatic sea stacks, artisanal shops, and affordable real estate options along Oregon’s rugged southern coast. Spend your days exploring tide pools, playing golf on world-renowned courses, and watching the sunset over the Pacific Ocean in this quaint seaside town.
Pascagoula, Mississippi
Enjoy the relaxed pace of life in Pascagoula, where retirees can explore scenic nature trails, historic sites, and waterfront parks along Mississippi’s Gulf Coast without draining their retirement savings.
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Victoria Cornell helps women adopt a positive mindset even when the struggles of motherhood feel overwhelming. Victoria writes for multiple media outlets where she writes about, saving money, retirement, ways to reduce stress with mindset, manifesting, goal planning, productivity, and more.