There's something appealing about being near the sea, whether it's the beautiful views, the crisp air, or the childlike pleasure of splashing in the cool water. We almost instinctively choose lakes and oceans for our vacations, and scientists believe that proximity to water offers real benefits. benefits. It's no wonder so many people want to spend their retirement near the sea.
To compile a list of the best places to retire near the beach, we studied coastal cities across the United States and around the world.
Carlsbad, California
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Located on the Pacific Coast in San Diego County, Carlsbad enjoys a mild climate all year round. The town, nicknamed “the village by the sea,” combines a small-town atmosphere, a walkable downtown, parks, restaurants, cafes and local shops, all within a convenient distance of San Diego (less than an hour) and Los Angeles (about two hours). Niche notes that the median home price in Carlsbad is approximately $1,070,500. According to Zillow, the average price of a house is $1,558,692. There is an income tax, but Social Security retirement benefits are not taxed. And yes, living on the California coast is expensive, but retirees whose budget allows it appreciate the beaches, scenery, weather, local events and quality of life.
I visited Carlsbad's golf courses, beaches, restaurants and annual flower fields, where locals bring picnics and pick strawberries during the season. Residents and tourists shop at the Wednesday Farmers' Market and attend festivals like Oktoberfest, Taste of Carlsbad, and the Spring Kaleidoscope art fair. Plus, Legoland is nearby for family visits and Disneyland is about an hour away.
Beaufort, South Carolina
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“Beaufort is an idyllic place to live for people of all ages, but especially for retirees. Beaufort is known as the “Queen of the Sea Islands”, and there is a particular quality of life and a code of conduct that (the inhabitants) respect and that I cannot find anywhere else,” says the journalist from trip Michelle Gross, who has lived in Beaufort for several years. Travel + Leisure. “From salty air to scenic marshes to embracing a slower pace of life, I believe there is no more beautiful place to call home than here in Beaufort, Carolina from South.”
Beaufort offers history, cultural diversity, world-class restaurants, delicious seafood and a variety of entertainment. With year-round mild weather, outdoor activities abound, including golfing, hiking, biking, fishing and boating. Niche reports that the median home value in Beaufort is $312,900. There is no estate tax in South Carolina and residents age 65 and older can deduct $10,000 of income from most retirement plans for state income tax purposes.
Falmouth, Maine
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Not everyone who wants to live near the ocean is looking for a tropical climate. Some retirees enjoy sea views and distinct seasons: cold winters, hot summers, crisp autumns and the return of spring each year. Maine is home to many beautiful coastal townsincluding Falmouth, which Niche appeals “one of the best places to live in Maine.” According to Best placesFalmouth “offers a charming downtown with excellent shopping and dining options” as well as plenty of activities such as kayaking, fishing, and visiting national historic landmarks like the Wood Island Lighthouse.
Falmouth is located in southern Maine, bordering the Atlantic Ocean and Casco Bay, and, like many coastal communities, housing prices are high. red finFebruary 2024 data shows a median home price of $1,175,000. Retirement communities like Ocean View in Falmouth offer a range of living conditions, and the the city website describes annual community events such as summer concerts, a Memorial Day parade, and Very Merry Falmouth, featuring tree lighting, fireworks, and an Ugly Sweater 5K run.
Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida
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Located in northeast Florida, approximately 30 minutes from Jacksonville, Ponte Vedra Beach is a luxurious beach town with many places to live. “Ponte Vedra Beach is home to some of the The most beautiful beaches in Florida And golf courseminutes from high-end retail and restaurants,” says Ethan Loosen, who has been selling real estate throughout the area for eight years with Dream Search Homes. “The northern part of Florida remains warm most of the year, while still experiencing the fall and winter seasons.”
Retirees who plan to live an active lifestyle will enjoy the mild weather, golf courses, beaches and opportunities to explore the area. Nearby Jacksonville offers a major airport, restaurants and nightlife. Sainte-Augustine, America's oldest city, is less than an hour away, and Orlando is about a two-hour drive. Home costs average $853,855 according to Zillow, and although prices are high, many retirees appreciate the fact that Florida has no income tax. Healthcare is another plus, with a variety of hospitals nearby, including the Mayo Clinic.
Ambergris Caye, Belize
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Located in Central America, Belize includes more than 400 islands, nearly 9,000 square miles of mainland, rainforests, jungles, mountains and ancient Mayan ruins. Retirees looking for a beach destination with swimming, snorkeling, fishing, sailing and a tropical climate might enjoy doing Ambergris Caye, the largest of the coastal islands, their home. As a tourist destination, the island is home to restaurants, shops, and some of the country's most fascinating sights. Residents speak English and US dollars are accepted, as is Belizean currency.
Belize welcomes retirees and the Belize Tourism Board has created initiatives, such as the Qualified Retirees Program, to make it easier for new residents to obtain visas who meet income and other requirements. THE Cost of life is about 35 percent lower than in the United States and the rent is 77 percent lower. During a trip to Ambergris Caye, I met several retirees from the United States and European countries. There is a lively expat community here and, according to the couples I spoke with, they get together for dinners, beach parties, and excursions to the mainland and even the mainland. Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico.
Quepos, Costa Rica
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With shores on the Caribbean and the Pacific, Costa Rica offers many options for retirees who want to live near the beach. This Central American country offers several ways to become a resident, mainly based on a minimum monthly income. THE Cost of life is reasonable and health care is available in both public and private systems. According to International Living“Besides the Hospital Metropolitano clinic at the marina, there is a modern public hospital just outside the city.”
The port town of Quepos, known for sport fishing, has beaches, restaurants, a marina and shops. Approximately 60 miles from San Jose, the location is ideal for local and international travel. Quepos is also the gateway to the popular Manuel Antonio National Park, where visitors enjoy hiking, wildlife viewing, and secluded beaches.
On my own trip to Costa Rica, I was left in awe of its people – friendly, sincere and welcoming. With fishing, sandy shores, and plenty of natural beauty, Quepos is ideal for retirees looking for beach and Costa Rica living. pure life.
Mazatlan, Mexico
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Located on the Mexican mainland, where the Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Cortés meet, Mazatlán offers miles of beaches and a temperate climate. Restaurants, stores, parks, hotels, and entertainment venues offer plenty of activities, in addition to outdoor activities like boating, fishing, swimming, and hiking. The international airport is less than 30 minutes away and there is a ferry to La Paz in Baja. I recently spent some time in Mazatlán and was impressed with the restaurants and parks downtown. The beach my lessona six-kilometer boardwalk with monuments, food and souvenir vendors, and cliff divers, offers beautiful views as well as ocean breezes, making it a popular place for a day or evening stroll.
The low cost of living in Mexico is a big draw for retirees, and that of Mazatlán rent and food costs are much lower than those of most American cities. Mexico offers high-quality health care in low-cost private hospitals, and many retirees purchase private insurance or simply pay cash for their services. If they meet minimum income and savings requirements, retirees can also apply for temporary (up to four years) or permanent residency, with applications processed through the Mexican Consulate in their country of residence.
Nha Trang, Vietnam
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Located about 400 kilometers northeast of Ho Chi Minh City and almost 800 kilometers south of Hanoi, Nha Trang is a coastal city with a beautiful beach and a expatriate community of around 4,000 people. The average year-round temperature is around 81 degrees Fahrenheit and there are wet and dry seasons. The latter lasts from January to August, while the monsoon season lasts from September to December.
High-quality healthcare is available at several local hospitals, including Vinmec Nha Trang International Hospital, which has modern facilities and English-speaking staff. Most retirees take out private health insurance. Based on an article by Betsy Burlingame, founder and president of Expat exchange“Most international retirees in Nha Trang opt for apartments or condos in the city center, close to amenities and the beach. There are also options for homes located in quieter residential areas. Burlingame describes Nha Trang as a walkable city with reliable public transportation, vibrant nightlife, delicious cuisine, and plenty of recreational opportunities, from parks to hiking and boating.
