The 8 Best Places to Retire on the Atlantic Coast
For those looking to retire in a peaceful and beautiful coastal town, the Atlantic Coast has exactly what you are looking for. Places like Chincoteague, Virginia, and Southport, North Carolina, offer stunning natural surroundings and a tranquil atmosphere, perfect for nature lovers. Bar Harbor, Maine, and Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, combine breathtaking landscapes with excellent healthcare and low crime rates, making them ideal choices for retirees. Meanwhile, Ocean City, Maryland, and Edisto Beach, South Carolina, provide affordable coastal living with vibrant senior populations and outdoor activities. Whether you are drawn to the charm of small towns like Flagler Beach, Florida, or the scenic beauty of Acadia National Park in Bar Harbor, these towns give an ideal blend of safety, nature, and community for those seeking an idyllic retirement setting. All housing prices were obtained from Realtor.com, all crime statistics were taken from CrimeGrade.org and the FBI Crime Data Explorer, and population data was sourced from CensusReporter.org.
Chincoteague, Virginia
Chincoteague, Virginia, serves as the gateway to Assateague Island and the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge. The island offers a serene atmosphere with untouched natural beauty, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers.
The Chincoteague Island Community Health Center is conveniently nearby, providing reliable care for medical emergencies. With a median home price of $370,000, the cost of living is relatively affordable, especially given its prime location by the ocean.The town’s median age is 57, fostering a friendly and welcoming senior population. Safety is also a notable feature, with just one homicide reported in the last decade and no robberies since 2019, making it a tranquil and secure place to retire.
Southport, North Carolina
Southport, North Carolina, is a charming coastal town allowing easy access to nearby beaches like Oak Island and Caswell Beach. A day trip to Caswell Beach allows visitors to explore the Oak Island Lighthouse, the newest lighthouse built in North Carolina, standing at 153 feet tall with a light visible for 25 nautical miles.
The town also boasts Dosher Memorial Hospital, which is known for its excellent care and is highly recommended by locals. With a median home price of $410,000, Southport offers reasonable living compared to other coastal towns. The town’s median age of 63 reflects its popularity among seniors who enjoy the peaceful surroundings. Safety is a priority, as no robberies have been reported in the last decade, according to the FBI Crime Data Explorer, making it a secure and welcoming place to call home for retirement.
Rehoboth Beach, Delaware
Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, offers both natural beauty and a peaceful coastal lifestyle. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy the Junction & Breakwater Trail, a scenic five-mile path that winds through forests, farmlands, and historic railroads, perfect for walkers, joggers, and cyclists. For a shorter, tranquil nature walk, the Thompson Island Nature Preserve Trail provides a serene mile-long journey through a maritime forest and salt marshes, with breathtaking views of Rehoboth Bay. Beebe Medical Center, recognized among America's 100 Best Hospitals for Coronary Intervention in 2025, ensures top-quality healthcare for residents.
While the median home price is $800,000, the stunning location and natural surroundings make it well worth the investment. With a median age of 63, seniors will be surrounded by a like-minded community. Additionally, the FBI reports no homicides in the last decade, making Rehoboth Beach a safe and desirable place to live.
Ocean City, Maryland
Ocean City, Maryland, is known for its exceptional golf courses, with Eagle's Landing Golf Course standing out as a seaside paradise. The course includes breathtaking views of Sinepuxent Bay and the unspoiled beauty of Assateague Island National Seashore, making it a top destination for golf enthusiasts.
With a median home price of $450,000, Ocean City offers more affordable coastal living compared to many other beach towns. Atlantic General Hospital in nearby Berlin has been providing quality healthcare to the region since 1993, ensuring residents have access to reliable medical services. The town boasts a vibrant senior population, with 33% of its residents over the age of 65. Additionally, FBI crime statistics show that there has been no homicide in the last nine years, emphasizing Ocean City's safe and welcoming atmosphere.
Bar Harbor, Maine
Bar Harbor, Maine, is a picturesque town renowned for its natural beauty, home to Acadia National Park, one of the top ten most visited parks in the United States. Early risers can explore Acadia’s stunning rocky shoreline along Ocean Drive, whether by car, bike or on foot, to catch a spectacular sunrise.
The town is served by Mount Desert Island Hospital, a 25-bed critical access facility that provides excellent healthcare to the island and surrounding communities. With a median home price of $700,000, residents enjoy both top-tier healthcare and the unmatched beauty of the area. Crime statistics reveal only one reported robbery in the last decade, and CrimeGrade.org ranks Bar Harbor safer than the average city when it comes to violent crime, making it a peaceful area to retire.
Edisto Beach, South Carolina
Edisto Beach, South Carolina, offers a serene and natural environment, highlighted by the Scott Creek Trail section at Edisto Beach State Park, which features over 4 miles of ADA-accessible trails. These trails take visitors through the maritime forest, leading to hammock islands and the Environmental Learning Center.
The town also benefits from Bon Secours St. Francis Hospital, a highly accredited facility that received the Outstanding Patient Experience Award in 2024, ensuring excellent healthcare for residents. While the median home price of $725,000 is slightly higher than average, it is well worth the investment for the security, quality of life, and beautiful surroundings on Edisto Beach. With a median age of 65, the area is home to a welcoming senior community. Additionally, there have been no reported robberies or homicides in the last decade, making Edisto Beach especially safe.
Flagler Beach, Florida
Flagler Beach, Florida, is known for its safety, with CrimeGrade.org giving the town an A+ across all crime categories, making it one of the safest places in America. The median home price of $440,000 is exceptionally reasonable, considering the town’s prime location and secure environment.
Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy the Bulow Woods Trail, a peaceful 6.8-mile hiking path that runs from the Fairchild Oak to Bulow Plantation Ruins Historic State Park, giving an extended hike away from the city’s hustle and bustle. Advent Health Palm Coast Hospital is ranked among America's 250 Best Hospitals in 2025 and provides top-quality healthcare to the community. With a median age of 59, Flagler Beach is already a favorite among seniors who appreciate the tranquil setting and vibrant lifestyle the town harbors.
Portsmouth, New Hampshire
Portsmouth, New Hampshire, is a picturesque coastal town along the Piscataqua River, which forms part of the boundary between New Hampshire and Maine. This 12-mile-long tidal estuary empties into the Atlantic Ocean, with Portsmouth Harbor being one of the finest in the northeastern United States. The town is home to Portsmouth Regional Hospital, ranked among the nation's top 250 hospitals, ensuring high-quality healthcare.
While the median home price is $800,000, the location’s prime waterfront views and the town's safety make it a worthwhile investment. In fact, according to the FBI Crime Data Explorer, Portsmouth has not reported any homicides in the last decade, emphasizing the town’s secure environment. Additionally, CrimeGrade.org gives Portsmouth a B+ rating in the violent crime category, further underscoring the town's safety. This combination of natural beauty, excellent healthcare, and security makes Portsmouth an attractive place to retire.
Why These Atlantic Coast Towns Stand Out for Retirement
The Atlantic Coast offers a diverse range of coastal towns ideal for retirement. From the natural beauty of Chincoteague, Virginia, and Southport, North Carolina, to the scenic landscapes of Bar Harbor, Maine, and Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, these towns harbor a secure environment perfect for relaxation and outdoor activities. With affordable housing options, excellent healthcare facilities, and a strong sense of community, towns like Ocean City, Maryland, and Edisto Beach, South Carolina, are also attractive for those seeking a fulfilling retirement. With low crime rates and a welcoming atmosphere, these towns make for a safe and secure place to call home in your golden years.
