by Robert Borges on March 7, 2025
Your peers have spoken! According to a recent PCR survey, most active adults looking for a home in a lifestyle community share similar preferences. Nearly half prefer a 55+ retirement community, with budgets ranging from $250,000 to $500,000. And when it comes to location, the top priority is clear: they want to be near the beach.
If you're among those seeking affordable homes near the beach with quick access to sun, sand, and surf, we’ve compiled a list of communities that offer the perfect blend of affordability, coastal proximity, and resort-style living.
Top Communities with Affordable Homes Near the Beach
Heritage Shores – Bridgeville, DE
Homes from the $400,000s
Named one of the “Best 55+ Active Adult Communities” and a repeat winner of “Best Retirement Community” by Metropolitan Magazine, Heritage Shores is ideally situated between the Atlantic Ocean and the Chesapeake Bay. Just minutes from the Delaware Shore, this active adult community features an award-winning clubhouse, a health and wellness center, swimming pools, tennis courts, and three on-site restaurants. Golf enthusiasts will appreciate the Arthur Hills championship golf course. With homes starting in the $400s, Heritage Shores provides the perfect balance of affordability and an active coastal lifestyle.
Latitude Margaritaville Daytona Beach – Daytona Beach, FL
Homes from the $300,000s
This award-winning 55+ community delivers affordable coastal living inspired by the music and laid-back lifestyle of Jimmy Buffett. Residents enjoy a vibrant social scene, resort-style amenities, and a private Beach Club with free shuttle service. The community boasts a fitness center, Paradise Pool, live entertainment, pickleball, and dining options like the Latitude Bar & Chill. Homes, including single-family residences and low-maintenance villas, start in the $300s—perfect for active adults looking to retire near the beach without breaking the bank.
Indian River Colony Club – Melbourne, FL
Homes from the $200,000s
Located along Florida’s scenic Space Coast, Indian River Colony Club is a military retirement community with affordable homes and a robust lineup of amenities. Residents enjoy maintenance-free living, 24-hour gated security, and a country club lifestyle with an 18-hole championship golf course. With home prices ranging from $200,000 to $400,000, this debt-free, resident-owned community is an excellent choice for those seeking an affordable beachside retirement.
Sea Trail Plantation – Sunset Beach, NC
Homes from the low $200,000s
Just minutes from the stunning Ocean Isle Beaches, this North Carolina community is perfect for those who love golf, outdoor recreation, and coastal living. Featuring three golf courses, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, fitness facilities, and pickleball courts, Sea Trail Plantation offers an active and affordable beachside lifestyle. Sunset Beach has been recognized by National Geographic as one of the “21 Best Beaches in the World” and by ConsumerTrack as one of the “10 Best U.S. Suburbs for Retirement.” With homes starting in the low $200s, this community is a hidden gem for retirees.
K. Hovnanian’s® Four Seasons at Carolina Oaks – Bluffton, SC
Homes from the $400,000s
Just 20 miles from Hilton Head Island’s pristine beaches, this South Carolina 55+ community offers resort-style living in the heart of the Lowcountry. The community clubhouse is a hub of activity, featuring yoga, Zumba, arts & crafts, and billiards. Residents also enjoy a sparkling pool, walking trails, bocce ball courts, and pickleball facilities—perfect for those searching for pickleball retirement communities. Starting in the mid-$300s, homes at Carolina Oaks offer luxury coastal living at an affordable price.
Find Your Affordable Beachside Home with PCR
If you’re searching for retirement communities with indoor pools, world-class amenities, or the best places where is pickleball most popular, PCR makes it easy to find your dream home. As the go-to online search tool for discovering affordable communities near the beach, PCR features hundreds of active adult, 55+, and all-age lifestyle communities from coast to coast. Search by location, amenities, lifestyle, home type, and price to learn more and connect directly with community representatives. Start your search today and make your beachside retirement dream a reality!
About the Author
With over 20 years of experience as a seasoned content creator, Robert Borges is the senior writer for Private Communities Registry (PCR), specializing in real estate trends and master-planned communities. He works closely with builders, developers, and real estate pros to create helpful content that guides homebuyers in finding the perfect community, ensuring they have the information needed to make confident, informed decisions.
