Aerial view of Ocean City, New Jersey.

7 Top-Ranked Towns in the Mid-Atlantic for Retirees

Retirement is one of the most exciting moments in life. After years of hard work, it's finally time to relax and enjoy what the world offers. The Mid-Atlantic offers some unique scenery and four seasons of weather that look like they're out of a Hallmark movie. There are also beaches connected to each state, allowing retirees to enjoy the summer warmth in style. The Mid-Atlantic region of the United States includes Delaware, New York, Washington D.C., Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Virginia. This region has amazing towns that also come with easy access to major cities, airports, and hospitals. Getting to be in peace while also knowing these are right around the corner should put a lot of ease on the minds of retirees. These are the seven top-ranked towns for retirees to go in the Mid-Atlantic. 

Ithaca, New York

The cityscape of Ithaca, New York.
The cityscape of Ithaca, New York.

The Ithaca Farmers Market is a great place to meet other retirees while getting fresh food to cook with. Ithaca is also home to beautiful outdoor activities to help retirees stay in shape for a long time. Taughannock Falls State Park and Buttermilk Falls State Park provide easy access for seniors to bike, hike, and picnic. Retirees should also look into Sunrise Senior Living and Atria Senior Living for assisted living needs. The Cayuga Medical Center is right around the corner for any medical situations that might arise. Ithaca offers a hot and humid summer to spend outdoors, while the winters consist of snow and peacefulness. 

Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania

Downtown Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania.
Downtown Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania.

Any retiree who's looking for a small town in the Poconos to settle down in should add Stroudsburg to the top of the list. The town of only 6,000 people is home to housing that only costs $300,000, considerably lower than many other parts of the country. St. Luke's University Health Network is a nearby hospital anyone can feel comfortable and confident going to for their health needs that pop up. The Sherman Theater is a great way to keep motivated to go out and about to see performances. Stroudsburg is another place where the summers are hot, and the winters are cool, letting retirees sail off into the sunset in calm. 

Ocean City, New Jersey

Evening on the beach and boardwalk of Ocean City, New Jersey.
Evening on the beach and boardwalk of Ocean City, New Jersey.

Retirees who want to wake up and head to the ocean should focus on going to Ocean City for their glory years. This New Jersey beach town has beautiful beaches surrounded by the amazing Ocean City Boardwalk. Taking romantic walks along here to watch the sunrise is a great way to stay active and be out in nature. During the winter months, the Ocean City Community Center is a perfect way to meet new people, take fitness classes, and stay in shape. Because it's a popular ocean town for families to visit, the Shore Medical Center is close by, ready and willing to help with any medical issues that come up. The small town is easy to walk and bike around, especially during the warmer times of the year. 

Bethany Beach, Delaware

The beautiful beach at Bethany Beach, Delaware.
The beautiful beach at Bethany Beach, Delaware.

Another beautiful beach town touching the Atlantic Ocean is Bethany Beach. Having access to the wonderful waters of the Atlantic is only going to cost retirees 3% more than the average house in America. Given the natural beauty and Bethany Beach Boardwalk access with dozens of cute shops, that extra price is worth it. Bethany Beach isn't the only close beach. Fenwick Island and Dewey Beach are just some of the other beaches retirees will have easy access to. The Bethany Beach Nature Center is a great way to spend the day with any grandkids who might come and visit. Like the other towns on this list, Bethany Beach has beautiful summers and cool winters. 

Dunkirk, New York

The Dunkirk Lighthouse in Dunkirk, New York.
The Dunkirk Lighthouse in Dunkirk, New York.

Any retiree who's okay with living near Lake Erie should add Dunkirk to the top of their list. This quaint New York town is perfect for seniors who want to stay in the cooler part of the United States. This doesn't mean there's nothing to do, though. The Dunkirk Pier provides a unique view of the Great Lakes and is a dream spot to walk around and explore during the summer. Dunkirk is home to an artsy lighthouse that once helped ships dock and be safe while traveling through these lakes. The Brooks-TLC Hospital System will give retirees peace of mind, knowing all of their medical care is going to be safe. There's easy access on I-90 to get to the rest of New York if there's ever a spark to visit New York City for the weekend. 

Easton, Maryland

The intersection of Dover and Washington Streets, in Easton, Mar
The intersection of Dover and Washington Streets, in Easton, Maryland.

There aren't many towns that compare to Easton when it comes to retiring. For starters, Brookletts Place is a great way to meet new people while also doing various activities. The Avalon Theater is perfect for watching local productions and supporting the Maryland arts. Every November, the Waterfowl Festival is where everyone in Easton goes for local food, drinks, crafts, music, and a fun time. The University of Maryland Shore Medical Center is in Easton, so any medical or healthcare needs a retiree has will be taken care of. The cost of living is higher in Easton than in a lot of places, but all of the activities and access to medical care make it worth living in. 

Smyrna, Delaware

Canada geese in migration at Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge, Delaware
Canada geese in migration at Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge, Delaware.

Smyrna is another quiet town that has an amazing history. The Henry Levin Center is a perfect place for visitors to learn about the fascinating history of Delaware. Lake Como Park is where locals like to go hiking, biking, fishing, birdwatching, and picnicking. The Delaware summers provide the best time and weather for outdoor activities. Another place to birdwatch in Smyrna is the Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge. The average home in Smyrna costs $400,000, yet retirees still have easy access to the Bayhealth Medical Group for all health needs. 

Retirement should be celebrated by living somewhere safe and with tons of activities to do. Retirement could be on the beaches of Ocean City or Bethany Beach. It also could look like spending time in upstate New York towns like Ithaca and Dunkirk. No matter who you are, these Mid-Atlantic towns are ideal for retiring for your glory days. 

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