8 Most Affordable Towns to Retire in Atlantic Coast
Singing waves, the rolling, endless blue, and the saltwater smell of the ocean — are attributes many retirees would appreciate. Plus, retiring on the Atlantic Coast comes with the opportunity to be a heartbeat away from powder-soft, sugar-white sand, where one can spend a lazy afternoon swinging on a hammock while inhaling tasty views and enjoying the breeze — until the sun bows out in a mesmerizing symphony of hues: soft pinks, warm oranges, sweet purples. Unfortunately, everyone is looking for this kind of experience, which makes beachside retirement expensive. Still, it is not out of reach. Discover below 8 of the most affordable towns to retire on the Atlantic Coast.
Atlantic City, New Jersey
According to the latest realtor data — February 2024 — the median listing home price in Atlantic City is $237,000. In the same period, the median home listing price in the Garden State was $536,875. Besides its lively array of casinos, the gaming and resort capital of the East Coast boasts numerous amenities. AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center, Atlantic City Campus, which has been serving the area’s residents for well over a century, is a three-time recipient of America’s 100 Best Hospitals for Coronary Intervention Award. Atlantic City is also incredibly diverse, with Blacks and Hispanics comprising 30% and 33% of the town’s population, respectively.
The town’s median age is 39.5, and residents aged 60 and above comprise 24% of the population. For some fun and adventure, a retiree will be looking forward to a pleasant sunset walk on the beach every evening, especially along the storied wooden boardwalk — or to an afternoon of world-class golf at Atlantic City's premier miniature golf course amid lush landscapes and breathtaking views. Gambling enthusiasts, however, will be spoilt for choice. Atlantic City hosts big names in the gambling world, including Borgata Casino, Harrah's Atlantic City Casino, and Caesars Atlantic City, which is right on the boardwalk.
New London, Connecticut
Even if Connecticut is not the cheapest state in the U.S., a retiree can own property close to the beach for just about $250,000, the median home listing price in New London as of February 2024. New London reclines at the mouth of the Thames River on Long Island Sound and is home to four universities, including Connecticut College, whose stunning campus overlooks the Thames River. The Lyman Allyn Art Museum, which opened its doors in 1932, houses a fascinating collection of more than 17,000 objects, including artworks from Africa, Asia, the Americas, and Europe. Plus, Fort Trumbull State Park is not only a scenic place for an afternoon walk but also provides interesting insights into the military history of the United States, from the Revolutionary War to the Cold War.
For those interested in local flora, the Connecticut College Arboretum is so peaceful, rich, and informative. In a medical emergency, Lawrence and Memorial Hospital, a two-time recipient of the Outpatient Joint Replacement Excellence Award, is right in town. Also, while the town’s median age is 35, residents aged 60 and above comprise 21% of its population.
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
A golfer’s paradise, Myrtle Beach is home to almost 90 superb courses, including Tidewater Golf Club, previously ranked among the nation’s top 100 public golf courses — and the Dunes Golf and Beach Club, designed by legendary golf course architect Robert Trent Jones. Of course, Myrtle Beach is known for its gorgeous beaches, from Cherry Grove on the north side to Litchfield Beach and Pawleys Island in the south. The median listing home price in Myrtle Beach is $299,900, making it among the most affordable towns to retire on the Atlantic Coast. Grand Strand Medical Center is right in town and has been recognized for the America's 250 Best Hospitals Award. The town’s median age is a sweet and calm 47. In a similar vein, residents aged 60 and above comprise 32% of the town’s population.
Brunswick, Georgia
The median listing home price in Brunswick was $330,000 in February 2024. But it is not just Brunswick. Georgia is relatively cheap as it does not tax Social Security. Plus, for those 65 or older, Georgia provides a maximum deduction of $65,000 per person on all types of retirement income. A retiree here can spend every Sunday morning at Heritage Oaks Golf Club, a nice course whose greens and tee boxes are particularly awesome.
For retirees who want to learn horse riding, Pine Haven Stables & Riding Academy will come in handy. Also, the Historic Ritz Theatre, built at the turn of the 20th century, serves as an excellent venue for a mood-lifting show. Brunswick’s median age is 36, meaning the social scene is anything but dull. In case of a medical emergency, one can access Southeast Georgia Health System in a heartbeat — or the highly-rated Baptist Medical Center Nassau in Fernandina Beach.
Fort Pierce, Florida
Fort Pierce is on the pristine Indian River Lagoon and boasts one of the best all-weather inlets in the Sunshine State. It earns a spot among the most affordable towns on the Atlantic Coast to retire because its median home listing price is just $334,500. This sounds like a steal, especially considering this is Florida — and not just anywhere in Florida but on the much-sought-after Florida coastline. A retiree will enjoy kayaking down the Indian River, mingling with dolphins on a tour boat, or relaxing on an unspoiled beach on a slow evening. Fort Pierce is also an angler’s paradise. A retiree here will have access to the HCA Florida Lawnwood Hospital, which is right in town. Alternatively, HCA Florida St. Lucie Hospital is right next door in Port Saint Lucie. The town's median age is 36, and residents aged 60 and above comprise 26% of its population.
North Beach, Maryland
The median listing home price in North Beach was $399,000 in February 2024. This comes with being just about 35 miles from Washington D.C., and 30 miles from Annapolis. A retiree here will enjoy excellent access to big-city amenities, whether hospitals, shopping venues, or cultural attractions. One will enjoy an evening stroll on the scenic boardwalk, fishing at the pier, or just sitting and enjoying the sounds of crashing waves. An empty nester will also enjoy spending time at the Wetlands Overlook Park, a wildlife refuge in tidal marshlands — or The Bayside History Museum — for a glimpse into the area's history and culture. Concerning health care access, Calverthealth Medical Center is right next door in Prince Frederick. With a median age of 32, North Beach offers opportunities to mingle with a young crowd. Still, residents aged 60 and above comprise 20% of the town's population.
Belfast, Maine
Home to about 7,100 residents, Belfast sits on Penobscot Bay at the mouth of the Passagassawakeag River, about 45 miles east of Augusta, the state’s capital. Retirees looking to own property will love the fact homes in Belfast fetch a median listing price of just $384,500. Empty nesters who want to keep fit and look young will enjoy brisk walks at the Belfast Rail Trail or the Belfast City Park. The latter is the oldest park in town (it was established in 1904) and spans slightly more than 17 lush acres. Moreover, empty nesters will enjoy listening to the chirping of birds on Sears Island — or inhaling tasty waterfront views at Sandy Point Beach in nearby Stockton Springs.
Senior College, a non-profit educational organization dedicated to life-long learning, provides fun and helpful classes to residents aged 50 and above, including “Staying Balanced in an Unbalanced World.” And with hospitals such as the highly-rated Waldo County General Hospital right in town, there is never a need to make an out-of-town trip in case of a medical emergency. But this could be the most exciting part: Belfast’s median age is 60, and two in every ten residents are seniors aged 60 and above. Even if one is not a social butterfly, making friends with folks in the same age bracket can be easy peasy.
Ellsworth, Maine
Ellsworth, where homes are listed for a median price of just $395,000, rounds off this list. It lies at the falls of the Union River just south of Graham Lake, about 100 miles from Augusta. While the Black House Museum, a registered national historic landmark constructed in the 1820s, opens in summer, the woody trails here are open for use year-round, from dawn to dusk. Plus, residents here often enjoy frequent rides on the Downeast Scenic Railroad.
In lovingly restored one-hundred-year-old passenger coaches, one travels through lush forests, where sunlight sparkles through the treetops — as the mind travels back to a period now blurred by the mist of time. Also, Branch Lake, which is minutes from town, boasts a sandy beach and water that is clear through to the bottom. But if one wants to camp right next to the ocean, Lamoine State Park is less than 20 minutes away. Then again, with the Northern Light Maine Coast Hospital right in town, a retiree does not have to worry about healthcare access. Finally, Ellsworth’s median age is 43, and residents aged 60 and above comprise 31% of its population.
Retiring next to the water is a dream many Americans harbor. The prospect of opening the bedroom windows to the crash of waves — and to gorgeous waterfront views — can ravish the heart and often works like a charm on the soul. And that is without mentioning the outdoor activities one can indulge in on a whim, including taking a refreshing dip, especially when it is hot and balmy. But beach venues are often expensive, putting many people off. Still, for those wishing to retire on the Atlantic Coast, options such as Atlantic City, New Jersey; New London, Connecticut; Myrtle Beach, South Carolina; and Belfast, Maine — are some of the most affordable towns to retire on the Atlantic Coast.
