Retirement is synonymous with getting creative because choosing where you want to reside or visit during your golden years can feel like digging for a needle in a haystack. Typically, “coast” is an antonym of “affordable,” but these beach towns on the Atlantic have more than enough room for you (and at a decent price). Not only are towns like this wallet-friendly, but they are as pretty as a postcard.
Edisto Beach, South Carolina
A lovely town packed into the tip of the familiarly named Edisto Island, Edisto Beach is a personable treasure on South Carolina’s southeastern coast. For a single person, the cost of living is around 16.1% less expensive than the national average, which is impressive considering how unattainable other beach towns of similar beauty can be. A quiet golf course weaves through the suburbs, which exemplifies the town’s healthy use of space due to its land limitations between Big Bay Creek and the South Edisto River. Besides an endless public beach that promises year-long warmth, Edisto Beach hosts a handful of eateries like Whaley’s and SeaCow that are popular and well-priced at $10-$20 per meal.
Swansboro, North Carolina
Thanks to its small size and absence of high-end tourist infrastructure, Swansboro is a financially ideal town to consider settling down in. Yet, just because it is not designed to cater to the ridiculously affluent does not mean that there are few comforts. Waterfront access, an 18th-century historic district, and a thriving art scene are guarantees that your calendar does not have to remain empty on a beautiful summer’s day. If your elbows and knees are up for it, Pogies Fishing and Kayaking Center is ready to help you plot countless casual evenings in and around islands like Hammocks Beach State Park. However, should you fail to bring home a single catch, the Saltwater Grill and several other establishments are prepared to treat you like a king without draining your bank.
Ocean View, Delaware
Because Ocean View is about a mile more inland than its neighbor, Bethany Beach, you will find that its housing prices are substantially more welcoming while not necessarily cutting you off from coastal access. On top of that, Ocean View is surrounded by bays, wildlife areas, and towns rich in museums and parks. Ocean View itself is home to the Bear Trap Dunes Golf Club, which can be a leisurely day for ten dollars per person if you bring a few friends with you. All in all, while Ocean View may only have a population of about 2,000, its access to adjacent communities means that your world has the potential to grow bigger than ever.
Atlantic Beach, North Carolina
The sands are warm, the pier is long, and the ocean is warm. These traits usually make for a tourist trap, but Atlantic Beach is a fiscally responsible destination because there is no high-density development driving prices up. For those planning to live in Atlantic Beach, a minimum income of $28,000 is recommended, which is over 50% less than the national average. Numbers aside, this southern-facing sandbar is squeezed between the Bogue Sound and the Atlantic Ocean. Thus, islands like Sugarloaf or Macon State Park are ripe for a serene visit if you need to take a break from tanning. For short-term stays, motels like Sandpiper have low-cost rooms available, which comes in handy for senior residents expecting large family visits.
Flagler Beach, Florida
Flagler Beach is focused on people. Visitors to its pier will see messages rich with love and remembrance to family members and friends. Regarding budget, the state also cares about its people, which is why there is no state income tax, and Flagler Beach has relatively low property taxes compared to larger Florida cities. Next, there are wallet-saving activities and options such as the Peps Art Walk, trails, and bike-friendly paths throughout Flagler Beach. If you buy locally from vendors at Peps Art Walk or the Flagler Beach Farmers Market at Wickline Park, you can expect further savings on items that are likely more expensive at larger shopping centers. To chew any remaining time away, Flagler Beach Historical Museum is a well-organized and interesting stop to learn more about the town.
Beaufort, South Carolina
Tucked into Port Royal Island, Beaufort is a gorgeous reminder of South Carolina’s antebellum past. Thankfully, you do not have to own a mansion to live here: the median sale price of homes is only slightly over the United States average, which is exceptional for a coastal community. If you invest in a kayak, canoe, or boat, you will then have endless opportunities for affordable recreation throughout the islands and preserves adjacent to the town. However, if you prefer a land commute, Beaufort’s carefully designed walkways are shaded from the Sun thanks to the town’s curation of its greenery. On its main thoroughfare, stores like Talbots for clothes or Boxdrop Beaufort for furniture are pleasantly priced with specials that cater to the thrifty. Last, at the heart of town, there is a lovely cemetery that is perfect for a meditative stroll.
Chincoteague, Virginia
Chincoteague is an island protected by another island, and it can only be reached through a bridge that makes use of a chain of islands in between itself and the mainland. Predictably, the town’s culture revolves around aquatic themes, and it has lighthouses, beaches, and seafood galore to offer. Unpredictably, the town also has gorgeous wild ponies roaming the area. Because the town is isolated, it has a high focus on locally-owned shops, such as Don’s Seafood, which has been around since 1973 and serves up meals for roughly $20 a plate. So, between swimming, fishing, and countless trails amongst wild islands, guests and residents of Chincoteague have no shortage of affordable fun.
St. Marys, Georgia
House prices in St. Marys are below 300 thousand, which is quite a feat for a town that carries itself with as much pride as St. Marys does. Fountains and historical ruins intersect beautifully with plantation homes and church steeples that occupy well-trimmed lawns. Yachts park along the St Mary’s River, which rolls six miles into the Atlantic coast, home to aquatic preserves and beaches like Dungeness or Stafford. On top of affordable housing, Georgia also exempts Social Security income from state taxes, along with a high-income retirement income tax deduction, so seniors have no reason not to flock here. For food, a number of low-cost restaurants and grills are on Osborne Rd, which cuts through the center of town.
Final Thoughts
A theme that anchors each of these towns together is a joy in all that is marine. Purchasing a small vessel or a fishing rod is a guarantee of time well spent for years to come if you choose to retire in these sanctuaries. Some are wetlands, some are islands, and many are both, but all have great options for seniors looking to spend their later years somewhere pleasant, doing something pleasant, and all without having to break the bank.
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