10 US Beach Towns Where You'll Want to Retire

Our retirement advice? Consider our list of affordable United States retirement beach towns where quality of life and health-care services are tops.

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By: Meredith Rosenberg

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Start Planning Your Beach Retirement Now

For many, the ultimate retirement goal involves uncomplicated days when the toughest decision involves when to visit the beach. But while many beach communities are cost-prohibitive, a surprising number are within reach for those who aren’t millionaires. At HGTV we’ve researched some of the best and most affordable beach towns in the U.S.

Melbourne, Florida

Beaches: The beaches along Florida’s Space Coast are ideal for fishing, snorkeling or just enjoying the long golden sands.
Retirement taxes: No Florida state income tax means that Social Security, pensions and retirement funds like IRAs or 401(k)s can’t be taxed. Property taxes are lower than other states.
Cost of living: Living in Melbourne is cheaper than the national average, and the median home price hovers around $198,425.
Health care: Melbourne Regional Medical Center provides comprehensive services for the community.
Quality of life: Come for the fishing and golf, stay for the historic downtown, museums, restaurants and shopping that are found in this city of fewer than 100,000 people.
Climate: Central Florida temperatures vary between 50 and 90 degrees, with hurricane season running from June through November.

Lincoln City, Oregon

Beaches: Lincoln City contains 7 miles of sandy beaches, and while the climate isn’t geared toward year-round sunbathing, the beach is a popular backdrop for fireworks, kite festivals and more.
Retirement taxes: It’s a mixed bag: Oregon doesn’t tax Social Security, but it does tax income from an IRA and 401(k). However, there’s no state sales tax.
Cost of living: Costs in Lincoln City are a bit higher than the national average, with median home values averaging $321,454. But a modest beachfront condo can be found for less than $200,000.
Health care: Samaritan North Lincoln Hospital is the town’s main option, but it’s a small hospital. More extensive health care options exist in the state’s capital of Salem, about an hour away.
Quality of life: Fewer than 10,000 live in Lincoln City, but it’s not devoid of activities. The town is filled with restaurants, coffee shops, bars and cultural offerings. Fishing options abound, along with numerous hiking trails. For more excitement, nearby Newport offers more dining and shopping options, along with a casino. Lincoln City is also a great place to watch whales migrating between March and May, and December and January.
Climate: Anyone who’s heat averse will appreciate Oregon’s mild climate, as it typically ranges from 45 to 80 degrees.

Hilo, Hawaii

Beaches: Hilo offers a small number of beach parks; some are good for swimming while others have nice picnic areas.
Retirement taxes: Like Oregon, Hawaii doesn’t tax Social Security, but it does tax income from an IRA and 401(k).
Cost of living: Yes, the cost of living in Hawaii is 87% higher than the national average, but it’s still cheaper than Honolulu, or even New York. It’s possible to find small waterfront condos for about $200,000. You’ll likely need a car.
Health care: Hilo Medical Center is both highly regarded and the largest in the Hawaii Health Systems Corporation. Hawaii’s health-care costs are below the national average.
Quality of life: Located on the Island of Hawaii, Hilo is a small city with fewer than 50,000 people and a slower way of life, but it contains a walkable downtown with excellent food options, cute boutiques, yoga studios and art galleries. Plus, Hilo doesn’t attract many tourists compared to other Hawaiian areas. Residents can also enjoy a Japanese botanical garden, golf courses, farmers market and the annual week-long Merrie Monarch Festival.
Climate: Hilo is one of the rainiest spots in the country, with most rain falling between November and March; in turn, the temperature stays between the 60s and 80s. However, earthquakes and tsunamis are a risk factor.

Fort Myers, Florida

Beaches: Fort Myers offers 7 miles worth of white-sand beaches along the southwest coast. Nearby via causeway are the Sanibel and Captiva islands, renowned for their beauty (pictured).
Retirement taxes: No Florida state income tax means that Social Security, pensions and retirement funds like IRAs or 401(k)s can’t be taxed. Property taxes are lower than other states.
Cost of living: Fort Myers benefits from a cost of living that’s below the national average; the median home cost is about $223,000, and two-bedroom beachfront condos can be had for a little more than $200,000.
Health care: The large metro area is home to numerous hospitals and health-care services.
Quality of life: Fort Myers is another retirement haven, with plentiful opportunities for golfing, fishing, dining and an active cultural scene. You’ll be in good company in the Cape Coral area, home to one of the largest percentages of people over 65.
Climate: Highs average between 75 and 92 degrees, and while summers are hot and humid, it’s not as hurricane-prone from June through November.

San Diego, California

Beaches: With 70 miles of destination-worthy beaches, the hardest decision will be choosing which beach community to live in. But there’s a beach for everyone, whether it’s surfing, horseback riding, sport fishing or dog walking.
Retirement taxes: Higher taxes are the tradeoff for idyllic beach life. Social Security is the only account that’s exempt in California; additionally, state sales tax is higher at 7.25%.
Cost of living: San Diego’s other challenge is finding affordable housing near the beach, but retirees with a budget of about $300,000 can try their luck in Oceanside, Chula Vista, Leucadia and Imperial Beach.
Health care: San Diego has a wealth of health-care facilities, including the highly rated UC San Diego Health.
Quality of life: You get all the benefits of a major city, like dining, entertainment, culture, parks and shopping, while connecting to a local community in your beach town of choice.
Climate: The weather is a big incentive to move here, with unvarying highs between the 60s and 70s year-round. Hurricanes and other weather threats aren’t an issue here. Instead earthquakes and wildfires are a bigger concern.

From: Willis Allen Real Estate

Sarasota, Florida

Beaches: Lido Key and Siesta Key are among the area’s top beaches, but you’ll also find a dog-friendly beach, plus surfing and fishing areas.
Retirement taxes: No Florida state income tax means that Social Security, pensions and retirement funds like IRAs or 401(k)s can’t be taxed. Property taxes are lower than other states.
Cost of living: The median home price is about $276,000, but two- and three-bedroom condos for less than $200,000 aren’t hard to find — they just won’t be on the beach.
Health care: Sarasota Memorial Health Care System and Doctors Hospital of Sarasota are among the health-care facilities providing quality care.
Quality of life: Sarasota is another retirement hotspot in Florida, with a thriving downtown that's known for its cultural scene, such as the Ringling Museum of Art. Golf courses and hiking trails are other draws.
Climate: Temperatures range between the 50s and 90s, while the area is prone to hurricanes between June and November.

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Gulfport, Mississippi

Beaches: White sandy beaches define this stretch of the Gulf Coast. Even better, this stretch of beaches lack the Florida-level crowds.
Retirement taxes: Social Security, pensions and retirement funds like IRAs or 401(k)s are tax exempt in Mississippi, and property taxes are low.
Cost of living: A median home price of just $129,000 means that you can afford beachfront living for under $300,000. Overall living costs are about 20% below the national average.
Health care: Memorial Hospital is the main option for the area and provides a wide array of specialized services.
Quality of life: Gulfport is ideal for those seeking a quiet lifestyle, with lazy days spent fishing, sailing, golfing or simply relaxing at the beach. But it’s not all sleepy; Island View Casino touts the largest casino floor in the state.
Climate: Expect winter highs in the 60s and hot muggy summers that easily hit 90. Hurricanes have damaged the region in the past and remain a threat.

Lahaina, Hawaii

Beaches: Part of West Maui, Lahaina contains miles of beautiful beaches, guaranteeing a beach for every type: surfers, swimmers, snorkelers and scuba divers will all be in heaven here. It’s also possible to spot sea turtles and whales at Ka'anapali Beach.
Retirement taxes: Hawaii doesn’t tax Social Security, but it does tax income from an IRA and 401(k).
Cost of living: Like the rest of Hawaii, Lahaina’s daily costs, from groceries to gas, are above the national average. That said, small condos (as in under 500 square feet) near the beach cost around $300,000.
Health care: You’ll find urgent care and medical practices in West Maui, but residents will need to travel to nearby Kahului for a hospital.
Quality of life: Almost 12,000 people call Lahaina home, and the area is beloved for its many beaches, historic downtown, food scene, art galleries, hiking trails and outdoor activities.
Climate: Lahaina experiences ideal weather most of the year, with temperatures rarely dipping below 60 or exceeding 90.

From: Hawaii Life Real Estate Brokers

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

Beaches: About 60 miles of compact sand compose Myrtle Beach, also known as the Grand Strand. Here, you'll find a mix of lively and quieter beaches.
Retirement taxes: South Carolina doesn’t tax Social Security, but it does partially tax other retirement income. At least property taxes are low, and the state sales tax is 6%.
Cost of living: It’s hard to beat Myrtle Beach’s affordability, where finding a condo steps from the beach — and with a view — is possible for about $200,000. The overall cost of living is below the national average.
Health care: Three hospital systems — Grand Strand Regional Medical Center, Georgetown Hospital System and McLeod Health — serve the area, covering comprehensive needs.
Quality of life: Myrtle Beach is a tourist destination, but with that also comes a variety of entertainment options. The area is also known for its golf courses, seafood, local sports and a 1.2-mile-long boardwalk.
Climate: Though winter highs might not climb above the 50s, it rarely gets cold enough to snow, while summers generally stay below 90 degrees. Myrtle Beach can be affected by hurricanes.

Naples Beach, Florida

Beaches: This part of Florida is also called the Paradise Coast, as evidenced by its white-sand beaches.
Retirement taxes: No Florida state income tax means that Social Security, pensions and retirement funds like IRAs or 401(k)s can’t be taxed. Property taxes are lower than other states.
Cost of living: While not the cheapest place to retire in Florida, with the median home averaging about $330,000, it’s possible to find condos for less than $200,000.
Health care: You’ll find Naples Community Hospital, part of the Mayo Clinic Care Network, along with many specialists throughout the area.
Quality of life: Naples ranks as a top spot for retirement thanks to its mix of quality health care, low state taxes, location, large percentage of retirees and more. It doesn’t hurt that there are also plentiful golf courses, shopping, restaurants and an attractive downtown.
Climate: Naples enjoys a balmy climate between 64 and 85 degrees, while hurricane season poses a small risk between June and November.

10 US Beach Towns Where You'll Want to Retire

Related To:

Shop This Look

Start Planning Your Beach Retirement Now

Melbourne, Florida

Lincoln City, Oregon

Hilo, Hawaii

Fort Myers, Florida

San Diego, California

Sarasota, Florida

Gulfport, Mississippi

Lahaina, Hawaii

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

Naples Beach, Florida

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