11 Best Places To Retire In Gulf Coast
Congratulations! You are retiring (or planning to), and the beach is calling your name. Don’t let the dust on your fishing pole dissuade you from living the salt life. With this list of the 11 best places to retire on the Gulf Coast, your long-awaited goals can become a reality. If you want affordable living, a vibrant cultural scene, or an area with low crime and even lower taxes, this list has something for everyone. Let’s dive in.
Punta Gorda, Florida
Picture yourself cycling down the white sand beaches of Florida’s Gulf Coast, the cool ocean breeze ruffling your hair. Punta Gorda offers 18 miles of bicycle and pedestrian trails to connect residents to neighborhoods, parks, and commercial areas. The city’s laid-back culture is a boater’s paradise, equipped with full-service marinas, boat launches, and piers that complement 109 miles of seawalls along its waterfront canals.
More than 80% of the city’s residents own their homes, according to the 2023 census. BestPlaces.net reported that homes in Punta Gorda appreciated by more than 20% over the last year, which could make it an ideal investment opportunity for retiring home buyers.
According to FBI crime data, Punta Gorda’s crime rate is lower than average compared to other communities of similar size. Its safety and stunning locale make it an ideal retirement town.
Dunedin, Florida
Dunedin is as affordable as it is beautiful, with median property values hovering around $375,000. Residents enjoy cultural experiences at the Dunedin Fine Art Center, but there are great attractions for sports fans, too. The city is the spring training grounds for the Dunedin Blue Jays and the Toronto Blue Jays.
If your retirement dreams feature lots of sunshine, Dunedin boasts 242 sunny days a year. Retirees can stroll the sun-soaked beaches with few safety concerns since the city’s crime rate is lower than 58% of Florida communities.
Venice, Florida
Art lovers will appreciate the vibrant culture of downtown Venice. It’s alive with galleries, museums, and frequent art fairs. Property tax rates here are also lower than most other places in Florida, which may help stretch your dollars with Venice’s slightly higher-than-average cost of living.
You will have little time for boredom while living in Venice. Outdoor activities are abundant, whether you are casting a line at the Venice Fishing Pier or taking the pups for a stroll at Brohard Paw Park. The Venice Community Center is another great option for affordable entertainment, with activities ranging from concerts to yoga to society meetings.
Bay St. Louis, Mississippi
Bay St. Louis is ideal for those operating on a slimmer retirement budget. The Economic Research Institute estimates the cost of living in Bay St. Louis is 13% lower than the national average. Plus, retirees can enjoy peace of mind while sunning on the beach since violent crime is far less frequent in this area than the national average.
When you tire of biking through Bay St. Louis’ historical landmarks, check out one of the area’s many museums. The Alice Moseley Folk Art Museum is very popular, or let the good times roll at the Mardi Gras Museum. Swing by the Bay St. Louis Municipal Harbor to rent a pontoon boat or enjoy a chartered fishing experience.
Fairhope, Alabama
Alabama is a great state for tax exemptions. According to the Alabama Department of Revenue, residents over 65 do not pay state property taxes. Federal Social Security benefits and disability retirement payments are also tax-exempt. Plus, your benefits won’t be taxed if you are a retired civil servant or served in the military.
Retirees can anticipate a lower cost of living and lower health care costs than the national average. Plus, Fairhope residents enjoy a much lower average crime rate than the rest of the country.
If you need more reasons to retire to the friendly town of Fairhope, consider all the leisure activities at your fingertips. You can fish from the Municipal Pier, familiarize yourself with local lore at the Museum of History, or stroll through downtown for an array of boutique shops and tasty eateries.
Gulf Shores, Alabama
You are already familiar with Alabama’s many tax incentives for retirees, but Gulf Shores has even more to love. In addition to its white-sand beaches, Gulf Shores offers activities like Coastal Segway Adventures or alligator watching at Alligator Alley.
Naval enthusiasts will appreciate exploring Battleship Memorial Park, where the USS Alabama and the USS Drum are open for tours. The National Naval Aviation Museum is another must-see stop, and admission is free. The Economic Research Institute reported that the cost of living is 4% less than the national average in Gulf Shores, but saving a few dollars with free activities is always smart.
Pass Christian, Mississippi
Friendly and laid-back are nearly synonymous with the welcoming town of Pass Christian. Its historic homes and towering oak trees create a picturesque getaway, perfect for building the retirement you have always imagined.
Charter a fishing boat for a morning of fun before you head to the Cat Island Coffeehouse for a pick-me-up with an incredible view. The Oaks Golf Club is another great option for spending the day in Mississippi’s gorgeous outdoors.
Pass Christian is incredibly safe. CrimeGrade.org ranks it in the 93rd percentile of safety. Not sold? Maybe the lower-than-average cost of living will change your mind (16% less than the rest of America).
Port Aransas, Texas
Escape to the warm shores of Port Aransas, where the annual average temperature is 71.5 degrees. Grab your grandkids and visit Mustang Island State Park for biking, wildlife watching, or kayaking. Love to fish? Participate in one of the area’s many fishing tournaments during the summer to earn bragging rights that will last all year.
This small town has excellent medical care options for its size, with six hospitals in the greater Port Aransas area. Best of all, Texas has no state income tax, so your Social Security retirement benefits and all other types of retirement income are tax-free.
Rockport, Texas
If the low taxes in Texas excite you, you will love the lower-than-average cost of living in Rockport. Residents also enjoy a vibrant arts scene thanks to Rockport’s abundant population of artists. The Rockport Center for the Arts offers monthly changing exhibits and art classes.
When the kids visit, spend the afternoon at nearby Goose Island State Park for fishing, camping, sightseeing, and seasonal birding tours. Too sunburned from the beach? Go indoors at the Texas Maritime Museum or the Fulton Mansion & Education History Center.
Cedar Key, Florida
Cedar Key’s 800 residents love its natural beauty, historic streets, and excellent seafood. Retirees will also appreciate a cost-of-living that is 16% lower than the national average. When you are not watching birds at one of the area’s protected sanctuaries or strolling down miles of scenic nature trails, charter a boat for fishing or snorkeling.
Do you need more reasons to consider the Sunshine State? Consider the fact that Florida does not have a personal income tax. Distributions from pensions, 401(k)s, 403(b)s, and IRAs are not taxed at the state or local level. That means more spending money for your golden years.
Biloxi, Mississippi
Thrillseekers might want to bump Biloxi up on their list of potential retirement communities. This coastal town is home to several casinos, including the Beau Rivage Resort & Casino, Harrah’s Gulf Coast, and the Palace Casino Resort. Anglers can take advantage of the area’s several charter fishing boats or enjoy easy access points for launching their own vessels.
You can look forward to extra spending cash thanks to Biloxi’s low cost of living, which the Economic Research Institute estimates is 15% lower than the national average. Biloxi is also a relatively low-crime place to live, with CrimeGrade.org ranking it safer than 82% of U.S. cities.
If you want world-class fishing and boating or a laid-back lifestyle full of cycling and long walks on the beach, these 11 retirement communities on the Gulf Coast could make your dreams a reality. Take in a slower pace of life, enjoy museums and birdwatching, and finally live the life you’ve been waiting for in a coastal paradise.
