Do you often dream of quitting your day job or retiring early and moving to abeach town that's so cheap you canlive for next to nothing in a tropical paradise? Offering mountains, beaches, and a much cheaper cost of living than the USA or Europe, Panama is arguably a great country to retire. The company 401(k) is just one option available for building wealth. Coos Bay is no exception when it comes to dramatic views. The shoreline of Biloxi is flanked with massive oceanfront casinos, which are the major draw to this coastal community. Many of them seek out single-story homes with attached garages right around the golf course, marina, and beaches. Durham-Chapel Hill, North Carolina The Durham-Chapel Hill area is the third-highest-ranked large metro area for successful aging, according to the Milken Institute. Where to stay: The Lodge at Gulf State Park. entities, such as banks, credit card issuers or travel companies. These offers do not represent all available deposit, investment, loan or credit products. If youre wondering what attracts people to the seaside on a more permanent basis, here are a few reasons. It's home to the Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse, one of the oldest in the U.S., one of the world's most famous beaches, and close proximity to Orlando for Disney fanatics as well as the Kennedy Space Center for space aficionados. The city hails itself as The Shark Tooth Capital of the World due to the thick fossil beds that lie right under its gently lapping shores. The unusual quartz sand at Siesta Beach is soft, white and powdery, and stays cool to the touch, even on sunny days. If you decide to make this 121km 2 island your home, you won't just have beaches on your doorstep, but rainforests to trek, temples to discover, and lots of food . Pensacola sits on a sandy stretch of the Pensacola Bay. Also, the winter months tend to be very sleepy around here. Tucked between Vero Beach and Port St. Lucie, Fort Pierce is located on the bay behind the Atlantic-facing Hutchinson Island. Retiring to a quiet place by the beach is a dream for many Americans and others around the world. Unless otherwise noted, all data was sourced from Redfin and the U.S. Census Bureau. Transformative Travel: I look at how travel can change lives. It's not in Seattle proper, but just a short ferry ride away, which helps bring housing costs down. Indonesia offers not only many small islands to explore, with a tropical climate and breath-taking beaches, but also a retirement visa that makes moving there a real possibility. Offshore charter boat services are available to cruise up and down the Brazos River or off the coast of Bryan Beach. "We have a pretty typical life for a family with young kids, says Kent. 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. It is barely above sea level, so most expats that live here tend to be very resilient and/or build very sturdy well-engineered homes on tall pillars, says Haskins. Hawaii is certainly known for its beach towns, but it is not known for any of them being affordable. Some of the best beach cities, Read More Best Beach Cities In The World To Live And WorkContinue, There is nothing like escaping the frigid inland weather and going to the coast to wake up early to stand with your feet in the sand, peering into the sunrise, smelling the fresh ocean breeze, waiting for the first warm rays to hit your face. The median home sale price was $340,000, as of February 2023, allowing you to live by the beach for less than the national average. While insurance may be a bit dicier, that's likely to be a temporary issue, says Larry Snider, vice president of operations at Casago Property Management and Vacation Rentals. Retirees have their pick of beachfront locations in Thailand, including a number of tropical islands. Instead of Hilton Head, Try: Myrtle Beach, S.C. Located in the Mediterranean, with vineyards, dramatic cliffs, old forts, and charming fishing villages, the island as a whole has a lot to offer. These towns may not have the international reputation as other beach towns in the country, but thats why they are so coveted they fly below the radar and keep the cost of living low. You're likely to find plenty of other retirees for company, since over a third of the population is age 60 or older. The overall cost of living is around 38% lower than in the United States, and rent is about 64% lower. They are similar but also have several differences that make them distinct. Get advice on achieving your financial goals and stay up to date on the day's top financial stories. This article examines the similarities and differences between these two lovely towns on the Amalfi Coast. It may also be a little more lively. The majority of beaches in Essex are off Rocky Point Beach and Park, which is open year-round for fishing, boating and picnicking. According to the Census Bureau, the average over-65 household in America requires $49,000 a year to cover everything from housing to food. Of course, when there aren't festivals or events, the town is relatively quiet. - Total score: 55.1. For a comfortable, well-appointed lifestyle, budget US$1,223 a month. Here are seven of the nation's best 55+ communities near a beach. Instead, the 55-plus crowd has been seeking out budget-conscious, beach alternatives with plenty of outdoor activities and (often) a temperate climate in which to settle down for good. The best part is that, thanks to its limited tourism and small expat community, Chitr is also one of Panama's most affordable places to live. You kind of have the best of both worlds [in Murrells Inlet] if youre looking for a nice, affordable area to retire to, says Jeremy Jenks, vice president of sales at Keller Williams The Trembley Group. Located in Central America, Nicaragua is nicknamed "The Land of Lakes and Volcanoes." Median list price: $249,950. 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. Becoming a resident is relatively easy. Myrtle Beach is another great option for retirees, with warm weather, affordable cost of living and many amenities such as golf courses and shopping centers. It's one of the most affordable places to live in the Caribbean: According to International Living, a couple could live well starting at $2,000 a month. But it turns out, your beach-town dream may not be as far out of reach as you think. Visitors to this town, perched between the Gunpowder River and the Black River, are impressed by the many outdoor things to do, from the Gunpowder Falls State Park to Miami Beach Park. Theres still a lot of areas in Hyannis that are very affordable, says Jeanette Neeven, a Realtor with Century 21 Cobb Real Estate. I have been drawn to the ocean and the coastal lifestyle my whole life. Add to this the sentimental nostalgia that many people have of summer family vacations to the beach, and its easy to see why there are sunny recollections of happy times, making such destinations ever more attractive. But when you think of Americas great beach towns, like the Hamptons, Miami, Malibu, Hilton Head, among many others, we get snapped right back into reality rather quickly the cost of living in these spectacular beach towns is pretty darn high! Where to stay: Waterfront Manette Beach House. Temperatures don't usually dip below the 50s in the winter. Mazatlan, in particular, offers city living with sandy beaches on the Pacific coast. Here's a look at the highest-rated coastal towns to retire. The city has seen much European influence over the centuries. It's a suburban environment with a lot of bars, restaurants and parks. 2 . We are compensated for referring traffic and business to Amazon and other companies linked to on this site. Myrtle Beach scores high marks for desirability, according to a U.S. News survey about where people age 45 and older most want to live in retirement. But upon closer look, visitors will also notice the historic downtown district and the sunsets that set the sky on fire. Oregon's coast is a treasure trove of beaches and coastal vistas. I'm a Self-Made Millionaire: These Are the 6 Investments Gen X women are now between the ages of 43 and 58, which means retirement is on the not-too-distant horizon for some of them. Since you dont currently live in a coastal community, this means youre going to need to pack up and move. Heading to the beach to relax in sunshine and sand once youve finished putting in desk time is the dream for many people. How Can You Tell If A Sea Urchin Is Edible. https://www.wearejust.co.uk/news/5-reasons-to-retire-to-the-seaside, https://www.liveandinvestoverseas.com/best-places-to-retire/, https://www.thrillist.com/travel/nation/cheapest-beach-cities-to-live-in-world, https://internationalliving.com/the-best-places-to-retire/, https://www.forbes.com/sites/williampbarrett/2019/11/27/the-best-places-to-retire-abroad-in-2020/. But while it may be one of America's more affordable beach towns, rising costs are starting to become a deterrent. You may also like: 50 best beach towns to live in. Port Arthur was founded in the late 19th century and, at one time, was the center of the largest oil refinery in the world. That said, if you want ocean views, Eureka has those in spades. But the 26 miles of beaches, mild climate, palmetto groves and wildlife-filled marshlands make this beach town a really lovely place to be. It's a smaller, quiet community with a much more affordable cost of living than some big retirement destinations like Sarasota or Melbourne, says Snider. The panhandle town is not far from the Gulf towns of Mobile and Gulfport. There are hardly any cars. The Best Places to Retire Overseas. Picture a stunning village green, historic homes and plenty of artsy culture. For temporary residence, monthly income of about $2,100 is required, and for permanent residence, the minimum income is $2,700. Tiny Holbox (pronounced ol-bosh) is set at the northern tip of the Yucatn Peninsula. In February, the median home listing price in the U.S. was $386,721, according to Redfin. Its proximity to Mrida makes it extra appealing. (Getty . 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. Take Our Poll: As a Retired Person, Are You Comfortable With Your Monthly Income? Best Parent Student Loans: Parent PLUS and Private, Halifax Health Medical Center of Daytona Beach. Movie nights and musical events are frequently hosted at the Seawalk Pavilion in Jacksonville Beach during the spring and summer months. The Atlantic Ocean coastline is rocky, and waves crash into the rocks sometimes dramatically. According to United Van Lines National Movers Study, in 2018, 39% of the retirees they moved had their GPS systems locked on to Florida. Brunswick is one of the best places to live in the state. The cost of living in Port Angeles is more expensive than the national average but is less expensive than other places in the state of Washington. No Matter Your Age, Do Not Claim Benefits Until You Reach This Milestone, Financial Insight in Your Inbox: Sign Up for GBR's Daily Newsletter, 3 Ways to Recession Proof Your Retirement, 8 Purchases Everyone Approaching Retirement Should Make, 25 Things To Sell When You're Ready To Retire. Or you can take a small plane from Cancn, which arrives on the islands simple little airstrip. The city is so retiree-friendly, its even home to Latitude Margaritaville, a Jimmy Buffet-inspired 55-plus community. In Loja, you'll . Sixty miles of beaches, water activities, theme parks, restaurants and golf courses that is how vacationers and residents do Myrtle Beach. And, of course, the international airport offers convenient, low-cost fares to get to the States and Canada. According to International Living, expat Geoff Kent moved to Chelem with his wife and two young kids in 2018, and they are considering opening a small coffee shop or donut store. How Many Beaches Are There In Massachusetts? Ecuador has acquired a reputation as one of the best options in the world for retirees on a budget, but little Loja is still off the world's radar. Fresh air, seafood, warm water, fishing, or other water sports, as well as beach walks, are available on your doorstep; you need to find the right place to settle. The cost of living and crime, Read More Is It Good To Live In Miami Beach?Continue. Haskins hails from the Midwest, where she spent nearly 25 years working in corporate advertising and marketing. Options are abundant, and depending on your chosen career path, you will likely find work in any of them. Pedas, Panama If you're going to move to a beach town in the U.S., you might as well move to one in a state that doesn't charge any income tax. Just an hour from Seattle, Bremerton is a harbor side, beachfront town that provides a quieter escape from the busy city nearby. Or if you love the west coast more, you can, Read More Why Are Coastal Towns Warmer In The Winter?Continue, Suppose youre looking for a place with beautiful beaches, stunning architecture, and a rich cultural landscape. The town is popular because of its beach location and plenty of outdoor activities, but it lacks arts and culture and is fairly isolated when it comes to having other things to do. Five hundred miles of shoreline, quaint fishing villages, and moderate weather are good starting points for retirement in this South American country. Brace yourself for cold, fog and damp conditions the majority of the year. 1. The Cost:In Chelem, a four-bedroom, two-bathroom home with a pool one block from the ocean rents for about $600 a month. Affordable lodging and an energetic nightlife make Biloxi a major vacation destination for the surrounding area. And while the island itself is surrounded by waterways, it's not directly on the beach, which is what keeps the cost of living lower than other beach towns. Its home to lots of shopping, plenty of restaurants, nice golf courses, a great sailing scene, and beautiful beaches. Sunset Beach is one of the cheapest beachside towns for renters, particularly when compared with the median list price of its homes. 10 Best Places to Retire Around the World, Jumping Rocks/Universal Images Group via Getty Images, 8 of the Cheapest Countries to Retire Around the World, The 12 Best Islands for Retirement, From the Caribbean to the Mediterranean, 10 Best Countries for Americans Who Want to Live Abroad, 25 Best Summer Vacations Everyone Should Consider in 2023, How to Move to Another Country 15 Key Steps, 12 Best Lake Michigan Beaches With White Sand, Rolling Dunes, and Stunning Views, The 10 Best Small Towns in the U.S. for Retirees, 16 Affordable Family Vacations to Take This Summer. Water sports and historic sites are the main attractions here. The cost of living is reasonable, and there are many retirement communities and senior-friendly neighborhoods to choose from, says Latenko. In total, a family of four can live on about $1,800 a month. The community is also a suburb of Baltimore. The cliff-edged and chilly shoreline of Bastendorff Beach, just a short trip over the bridge from Coos Bay, is gorgeous, a wholly relaxing place to collect shells, pitch a tent, or ride a horse. 1. Is It Better To Stay In Capri Or Anacapri? To hit the soft sand of beautiful Atlantic Beach, locals have to drive about seven minutes across the bridge. Where to stay: Baltimore Marriott Waterfront. Pensacola scores high marks for desirability, with many people age 45 and older expressing an interest in moving to the area. Most folks probably dont imagine spending their beachy retirement huddled up under layers of sweaters and blankets, but theyre missing out. The median housing expense is $1,488 per month among homeowners with a mortgage, and it costs a median of $1,113 per month to rent an apartment near the beach in Jax, as the locals call it. Its an app that people can use just like a regular wallet to store their card details and information. With a growing body of research showing that spending time near the ocean is beneficial for physical and mental health, retiring in a beach town with a slower pace of life and lots of sunshine is a popular choice, with many options worldwide. Travel + Leisure magazine may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. This site is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. But when you think of America's great beach towns, like the Hamptons, Miami, Malibu, Hilton Head, among many others, we get snapped right back into reality rather quickly the cost of living in these spectacular beach towns is pretty darn high! Just 15 minutes south of the bustling tourist shops, boardwalks, and mini-golf courses of Myrtle Beach, Murrells Inlet offers retirees a quiet respite from that popular vacation town. As of 2023, the median home sale price was $461,400. Its a popular gay retirement community, says Russell Stucki, real estate associate at Re/Max Realty Group. Therefore, its not surprising that the city was named the top destination for snowbirds in 2021-22 by StorageCafe. Wilmington Island's position between Savannah and the beach-facing islands is what makes it such a great place to live. However, expenses are often kept low because it's not the prettiest of towns. Retirees can get into affordable homes starting at just under $200,000, including this $196,919 two-bedroom in a 55-plus community or this three-bedroom with a whirlpool hot tuband no age restrictionsfor $249,900.