7 Towns Perfect for Retirement on the Atlantic Coast
The Atlantic Coast boasts stunning outdoor scenery with pristine beaches and picturesque views of the water. Along its white-sand shorelines, several small towns provide seniors with ideal communities to start a new life after calling time on their careers. These Atlantic coastal havens combine natural beauty and outdoor access with a laid-back yet active lifestyle suited to retirement.
From the New England states to the Carolinas, pensioners have a range of options for retirement on the Atlantic Coast, with the opportunity to indulge in the ocean way of life. Whether you favor the charisma of fishing villages or the appeal of historic yachting centers, the following coastal enclaves make the most of shoreline settings through charming ambiance and remarkable outdoor adventures.
Chincoteague, Virginia
This tight-knit island community on Virginia's Eastern Shore has all the hallmarks of an ideal retirement destination. Known for its pristine beaches and cute wild ponies, the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge invites retirees to spend their days exploring a magical nature space with a combination of marsh, dunes, and beach habitats. Meanwhile, the Veteran's Memorial Park is perfect for lazy beachside strolls with fishing opportunities along its picturesque pier. Those who fancy getting on the water can also access a boat ramp and go on a laidback boating excursion.
By joining the Chincoteague Cultural Alliance, retirees can find a sense of purpose amidst a volunteer organization that plans different art and culture-based programs for the benefit of the local community. Chincoteague demonstrates its care for the senior population at assisted living communities like the Chincoteague Senior Services Center, with meaningful socialization, recreation, and health education. Finally, pensioners require around $492,500 (the current median listing price) to buy a home in Chincoteague.
Corolla, North Carolina
Corolla is home to miles of scenic shorelines, a bustling restaurant scene, and a wealth of outdoor recreation. It is precisely what pensioners should settle for, offering a relaxing atmosphere without the crowds. The town's sunny weather encourages residents to make the most of toasty Atlantic waters whenever they can at areas like Currituck Beach. This beautiful slice of coastal real estate houses one of Corolla's most prominent historical landmarks, Currituck Beach Lighthouse. Climbing a flight of 220 steps to the top of the structure rewards visitors with unprecedented views of the town.
Retirees will also find multiple outdoor spaces that are fantastic for easygoing exploration, including the Historic Corolla Park. Elsewhere, nature-loving seniors can escape to Currituck Banks Preserve for exciting activities like wildlife watching and hiking. While housing prices may be expensive, with the median at $1.2M (according to realtor.com), those who can afford Corolla enjoy a peaceful community and secluded moments in the open spaces.
Nantucket, Massachusetts
If you have no expenses to spare in the search for the perfect retirement community, Nantucket should be on your list of priorities. This charming beach town combines safety, historical heritage, cozy scenery, and a bustling social atmosphere to guarantee seniors a high quality of life. Nantucket's colorful history is evidenced by the many historical markers it hosts, including the Whaling Museum, which documents the town's role as a 19th-century whaling hub. Furthermore, several historic lighthouses offer a hint of the town's maritime heritage, and retirees have a chance to further explore this history at Brant Point Lighthouse.
Walking along the cobblestoned streets of Nantucket's downtown reveals a vibrant corridor with a mix of restaurants, shopping outlets, and art galleries. This neighborhood is great for those seeking social interactions, with notable stops like Bartlett's Farm boasting a remarkable shopping experience. Retirees who fall ill can find reliable healthcare at Nantucket Cottage Hospital, which has been recognized among the country's best rural and community hospitals. Finally, real estate prices are quite steep in Nantucket, with a median price of $4.5M.
York, Maine
This quintessential New England village near the southern end of Maine offers gorgeous beaches, picturesque hiking trails, and laidback golfing opportunities in an extremely safe setting. Beachgoers will be spoilt for choice in York, with options like Long Sands Beach and Short Sands Beach providing the ideal atmosphere to relax and meditate. Seniors can also keep active by stretching their legs along Fisherman's Walk while taking in beautiful views of the water. Alternatively, relaxed golfing at Ledges Golf Club is another great way to spend time outdoors.
The York community has a deep appreciation for the arts and supports local and regional creatives by displaying their works at the George Marshall Store Gallery. It also demonstrates care for its aging population with facilities like the York Center for Active Living, where retirees benefit from being around a friendly group of peers and access to a range of programs curated for their well-being. Lastly, those planning to invest in a home in York should know that the median housing value is $997,000.
Southport, North Carolina
Southport was featured on Coastal Living Magazine's list of "America's Happiest Seaside Towns," a promise to fresh retirees that their sunset years will be filled with good times and positive energy. The town's tiny population has access to diverse attractions for resident's amusement, and historically inclined seniors can visit the North Carolina Maritime Museum of Southport to explore local seafaring heritage. There is no shortage of outdoor recreation, and these range from angling at the Southport Fishing Pier to strolling and picnicking at the Southport Waterfront Park.
Local residents enjoy harmonious relations, fostered by constant interactions at popular gathering spots like Franklin Square Gallery, which invites art enthusiasts to support local creatives. Meanwhile, multiple and reliable ferry services in Southport result in ease of movement to neighboring towns for those seeking additional recreational opportunities. Lastly, the median real estate price in the town is $518,800.
Portsmouth, Rhode Island
One of the most historic towns you can consider for retirement on the Atlantic Coast, Portsmouth's rich history dates back to 1638. It not only harbors a treasure trove of historical sites, but also golf courses, marinas, and antique shops to guarantee retirees a raft of exciting experiences. The Newport Car Museum is a popular point of interest in the community, and draws car enthusiasts with its vast collection of antique automobiles, documenting the evolution of car designs. For outdoor recreations, pensioners can partake in a fun polo game at Newport Polo or head to one of the four islands that form part of Portsmouth, including Prudence Island.
Also, sipping tasty wines while soaking in the stunning surroundings of Greenvale Vineyards is an excellent way to spend your retirement years. Several healthcare providers are always on hand to offer ailing seniors reliable and quality medical service, including Southcoast Health System. Finally, buying a home in Portsmouth will cost pensioners around $807,000.
Boothbay Harbor, Maine
An impressive combination of small-town charm and relaxed coastal atmosphere proves irresistible for retirees looking for a forever home along the Atlantic Coast. Boothbay Harbor hosts a small, close-knit community of about 2,000 but delivers a slew of entertaining attractions. Multiple performance art venues, including the Opera House at Boothbay Harbor and the Carousel Music Theater, make for exciting social engagements among townsfolk while supporting the local art scene. Retirees can make use of ample opportunities to get on the water for a laidback sail, courtesy of local outfitters like Cabbage Island Clambakes.
Elsewhere, those who fancy secluded moments in the open for meditation will find the ideal atmosphere at Penny Lake Preserve, with a chance to stake out cute local wildlife. Boothbay Harbor offers several retirement communities to guarantee pensioners a sense of security in the later years, including St. Andrews Village Retirement Community. Finally, homes in town have an average cost of $657,500.
From quaint fishing villages to bustling beach resorts, these charming and safe Atlantic coastal towns make ideal locations to embark on active retirements surrounded by stunning ocean vistas. With ample recreation opportunities, a strong sense of community, and supportive healthcare nearby, pensioners can anticipate some of the best moments of their lives in their golden years. Whether you crave scenic isolation on sandy shores or lively interactions with friendly townsfolk, these likable locations set the stage for delightful retirement on the Atlantic Coast.
