by Robert Borges on October 18, 2024
If you are looking for the perfect spot to spend your golden years, there are several Northern Virginia retirement communities that may meet your requirements, as well as options for retiring in Savannah, Georgia and enjoying a relaxed, coastal lifestyle.
Much may depend on the types of climate, landscapes, and hobbies you most enjoy, with high-demand locations across Florida, California, Arizona, and Texas, to name a few. Many places offer affordable living costs and quality homes close to beaches and coastlines.
In this guide, we've summarized some of the inexpensive, desirable beach towns that might be perfect for you, with a glimpse into the amenities, backdrops, and lifestyles that could present the ideal location for your dream retirement home.
Retiring in Calabash, North Carolina
Calabash is a charming, peaceful fishing town famous for its fresh, locally caught seafood. Its property and living prices are low, and the climate is comfortable and warm all year round.
While the pace of life in Calabash is easygoing, it also provides the convenience of accessible healthcare services, great transport links, and proximity to two nearby airports. It blends the serenity of a coastal town with championship-quality golf courses, dining, and entertainment within easy reach.
Ocean Isle Beach in North Carolina is one of the nearest exclusive retirement communities to Calabash. It is within ten minutes of the local eateries, retail outlets, and facilities in the town, as well as neighboring Shallotte, Sunset Beach, and Ocean Isle Beach.
Affordable Retirement Options in Punta Gorda, Florida
Our next recommendation is to consider the historic coastal town of Punta Gorda. It benefits from the warmth the Sunshine State is known for and low taxation burdens, including no state income tax, making it appealing to retirees looking for a low-cost retirement destination with a near-perfect climate.
One aspect that sets Punta Gorda apart from other larger cities in Florida is that it feels like a safe, quiet town with a population of just 20,000 people but with no lack of activities, festivals, and entertainment to suit every taste. The beaches are superb, with the opportunity to spot dolphins, sea birds, turtles, and other marine life. Living costs fall under the state average, and quiet bays throughout Punta Gorda and Englewood are perfect for retirees looking for leisure and tranquility.
Buying a Retirement Property in Asheville, North Carolina
Asheville, as a retirement destination, isn't so much a beach town but has a similar outdoor mood, close to the spectacular Looking Glass Falls and the Blue Ridge Mountains with beautiful beaches such as Folly Beach, accessible within a few hours for weekend breaks by the shoreline.
Other swimming, boating, and fishing spots include Lake Powhatan Beach, with hiking trails and camping sites; Lake James Beach, for those who love canoeing and kayaking; and Lake Glenville Beach, with fantastic mountain scenery, a dedicated swimming area, and a fishing pier.
Retirees can select between several mountain golf communities close to Asheville, with a mixture of seclusion and luxury, as well as an affordable cost of living that is considerably lower than the national average.
Inexpensive Retirement Communities in Sunset Beach
Finally, we’d suggest Sunset Beach in North Carolina as a great destination for retirees looking for the coastal life and accessible beaches that many perceive as an idyllic retirement, but without relocating as far south. The gorgeous coastal properties, the low tax burdens on social security benefits and retirement incomes, and the many golfing and country clubs–along with theaters, museums, and ample shopping–make small-town living in this beach town highly attractive.
There are a number of incredible master-planned retirement communities within Sunset Beach, including those with resort-style facilities, outdoor grilling and lounge areas, well-maintained pools and clubhouses, and stunning homes in a coastal, affordable setting that feels like home.
