Are you dreaming of a seaside retirement filled with sunshine, sandy beaches, and a welcoming community? The Southeast coast of the United States offers a treasure trove of beach towns that are perfect for retirees seeking both relaxation and adventure. From the historic shores of Florida to the charming islands of Georgia and the Carolinas, there’s a coastal haven waiting to become your new home. Let’s count down the 20 best beach towns in the Southeast that are ideal for retirees looking to embrace the coastal lifestyle.
20. Orange Beach, Alabama: Coastal Comfort and Community
Nestled along Alabama’s Gulf Coast, Orange Beach offers retirees a warm and inviting community with pristine coastlines. Known for its stunning sunsets and friendly locals, this town provides a relaxed lifestyle without the hefty price tag of more commercialized beach destinations. Explore the hidden gem of the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail, a network of scenic paths perfect for biking and bird-watching. With a host of local festivals and a tight-knit community vibe, Orange Beach is a coastal sanctuary where comfort meets community. A comfortable 3-4 bedroom home here typically ranges from $650,000 to $850,000, making it an accessible choice for those seeking coastal living.
19. Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina: Active Beach Town with Southern Charm
For retirees who crave an active lifestyle, Wrightsville Beach is a paradise of sailing, surfing, and waterfront strolls. This North Carolina gem combines Southern charm with coastal living, offering easy access to the vibrant city of Wilmington. Don’t miss the Airlie Gardens, a local treasure featuring over 67 acres of blooming gardens and oak trees draped with Spanish moss. Whether you’re paddling through the marshes or enjoying fresh seafood at a dockside restaurant, Wrightsville Beach is brimming with opportunities to stay engaged and energized. Homes with 3-4 bedrooms here generally range from $800,000 to $1,000,000, reflecting the area’s premium lifestyle.
18. Kiawah Island, South Carolina: Luxury Golf and Beach Resort Living
If luxury and leisure top your retirement wishlist, Kiawah Island beckons with its exclusive amenities and natural beauty. Home to world-class golf courses like the renowned Ocean Course, this island paradise is a golfer’s dream. Beyond the greens, explore the Kiawah Island Nature Center to discover the island’s rich biodiversity, including loggerhead sea turtles and a variety of bird species. With its pristine beaches and upscale dining options, Kiawah Island offers a resort-style retirement that’s both indulgent and serene. Expect to invest between $1,900,000 to $2,200,000 for a 3-4 bedroom home in this elite community.
17. Pensacola, Florida: History and White Sand Beaches
Pensacola combines the allure of white sand beaches with a rich historical tapestry. As one of the oldest settlements in America, the city is dotted with historical sites like the Historic Pensacola Village, where you can step back in time through preserved buildings and museums. The vibrant downtown area offers a mix of shops, galleries, and eateries, while the nearby Pensacola Beach Pier is a perfect spot for fishing or simply soaking in panoramic Gulf views. Retirees will find a blend of culture and coastal relaxation in this charming city. A 3-4 bedroom home here is attractively priced between $275,000 to $375,000, offering incredible value for beachside living.
16. St. Simons Island, Georgia: Coastal Beauty and Community Spirit
St. Simons Island captivates with its scenic beauty and strong sense of community. This Georgia island is adorned with sandy beaches, marshlands, and the iconic St. Simons Lighthouse Museum. Join local residents for the Music and Art in the Park series, a hidden gem of community events showcasing local talent. The island’s network of bike trails and boutique shops add to its quaint charm, making it an inviting destination for retirees seeking both peace and engagement. The price of a 3-4 bedroom home typically ranges from $450,000 to $600,000, balancing affordability with coastal allure.
15. Vero Beach, Florida: Arts, Culture, and Relaxation
Vero Beach offers a harmonious blend of cultural enrichment and seaside tranquility. Known for the Vero Beach Museum of Art and a thriving performing arts scene, this coastal town caters to retirees with a penchant for the arts. The serene beaches are ideal for leisurely walks, and the McKee Botanical Garden provides a lush retreat filled with tropical plants and water lilies. With its upscale yet unpretentious atmosphere, Vero Beach invites you to indulge in both relaxation and cultural pursuits. Here, 3-4 bedroom homes are priced between $350,000 to $650,000, appealing to a wide range of budgets.
14. Pawleys Island, South Carolina: The Original Seaside Retreat
One of the oldest resort areas on the East Coast, Pawleys Island is synonymous with laid-back living. This small South Carolina town is famous for its unspoiled beaches and the handcrafted Pawleys Island hammocks. Explore the Hobcaw Barony, a lesser-known preserve offering insights into the area’s natural and cultural history. With its slow pace and tight-knit community, Pawleys Island provides a tranquil backdrop for a fulfilling retirement. Expect to find 3-4 bedroom homes here priced between $450,000 to $629,000, perfect for those seeking serene living.
13. Panama City Beach, Florida: Active Retirement on the Gulf Coast
Panama City Beach is a haven for retirees who refuse to slow down. With over 27 miles of white-sand beaches, it’s a playground for water sports enthusiasts. Dive into local events like the annual Seafood and Music Festival, a celebration that combines local flavors with live entertainment. Beyond the beach, the Conservation Park offers hiking and biking trails through wetlands and forests, revealing the area’s natural beauty away from the shore. A 3-4 bedroom home typically costs between $450,000 to $750,000, offering versatility for active retirees.
12. Fernandina Beach, Florida: Victorian Charm and Beachside Bliss
Nestled on Amelia Island, Fernandina Beach exudes Victorian-era charm with its historic downtown and elegant architecture. Stroll along Centre Street, where you’ll find an array of antique shops, cafes, and art galleries. The Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival is a beloved local event celebrating the town’s rich shrimping history. Combine this with 13 miles of beautiful beaches, and you have a coastal town that offers both historical intrigue and seaside relaxation. Homes with 3-4 bedrooms typically range from $500,000 to $800,000, blending charm with modern comforts.
11. Outer Banks, North Carolina: Unspoiled Beach Living
The Outer Banks is a string of barrier islands offering unspoiled beaches and a tranquil lifestyle. Known for the Wright Brothers National Memorial and historic lighthouses like Cape Hatteras, the area is steeped in history and natural beauty. Fishing, bird-watching, and exploring the dunes of Jockey’s Ridge State Park are just a few activities that make life here endlessly rewarding. It’s an ideal spot for retirees seeking solitude and a close connection with nature. A 3-4 bedroom home typically costs between $400,000 to $700,000, making it an appealing option for serene coastal living.
10. Destin, Florida: The Emerald Coast’s Finest
Destin shines with its emerald-green waters and sugar-white sand beaches. Once a sleepy fishing village, it’s now known as the “World’s Luckiest Fishing Village,” offering abundant opportunities for boating and angling. Visit the bustling HarborWalk Village for local seafood, live music, and festivals like the Destin Seafood Festival. For retirees, Destin offers a vibrant social scene combined with the relaxation of coastal living. A 3-4 bedroom home here typically costs between $500,000 to $700,000, reflecting its appeal as a premier destination on the Emerald Coast.
9. Beaufort, South Carolina: A Historic Gem on the Coast
Beaufort charms with its antebellum architecture and picturesque waterfront. Take a leisurely walk through the historic district under the shade of centuries-old live oaks draped with Spanish moss. The Beaufort Water Festival is a local highlight, featuring boat tours, arts and crafts, and live entertainment. With its rich history and peaceful atmosphere, Beaufort invites retirees to savor a slower, more reflective pace of life. Home prices for a 3-4 bedroom property range from $435,000 to $542,900, making this coastal town a compelling choice for history enthusiasts.
8. Amelia Island, Florida: Natural Beauty and Southern Hospitality
Amelia Island captivates with its 13 miles of pristine beaches and lush maritime forests. Beyond the sun and surf, the island is home to the Amelia Island Historic District, where you can explore charming Victorian homes and the historic Fort Clinch State Park. The annual Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance is a hidden gem for car enthusiasts, showcasing rare and vintage automobiles. With its blend of natural beauty and warm hospitality, it’s a haven for retirees. A 3-4 bedroom home on the island generally ranges from $650,000 to $725,000, offering both charm and comfort.
7. Gulf Shores, Alabama: Affordable Beach Living
Gulf Shores offers the quintessential beach experience without the high costs often associated with coastal living. Its white-sand beaches are perfect for relaxation, while the Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge provides a sanctuary for wildlife and a peaceful retreat for nature lovers. The town’s Annual National Shrimp Festival draws visitors and locals alike for a celebration of seafood and music. Retirees will find a cost-effective paradise with a friendly, small-town feel. With 3-4 bedroom homes priced between $410,000 to $530,000, Gulf Shores offers an attractive option for affordable coastal living.
6. Tybee Island, Georgia: Laid-Back Island Lifestyle
Just a short drive from Savannah, Tybee Island is a barrier island known for its relaxed atmosphere and natural beauty. Visit the historic Tybee Island Light Station, Georgia’s oldest and tallest lighthouse, or explore the island’s unique ecosystem at the Tybee Marine Science Center. With its uncrowded beaches and slow pace, Tybee Island offers retirees a peaceful retreat where every day feels like a vacation. Home prices for 3-4 bedroom properties range from $745,000 to $1,000,000, reflecting its desirability as a laid-back island escape.
5. Naples, Florida: Paradise for Golf Lovers
Naples is synonymous with luxury and is particularly renowned for its plethora of golf courses—over 90 in the area! Beyond golf, the city boasts high-end shopping and dining along Fifth Avenue South. For a hidden gem, visit the Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary to stroll along a boardwalk through ancient forests. Naples offers retirees a sophisticated lifestyle set against the backdrop of the stunning Gulf Coast. A 3-4 bedroom home here is priced between $650,000 to $829,000, catering to those seeking a refined yet vibrant retirement destination.
4. Wilmington, North Carolina: A Coastal City with Small-Town Feel
Wilmington combines the amenities of a city with the charm of a small town. Its historic downtown is lined with restaurants, shops, and the scenic Riverwalk along the Cape Fear River. Film buffs might appreciate that Wilmington is known as “Hollywood East,” with a number of movies and TV shows filmed locally. The nearby Wrightsville Beach offers surfing and sailing opportunities, making Wilmington ideal for active retirees who enjoy both culture and the outdoors. Home prices for a 3-4 bedroom property range from $350,000 to $550,000, offering great value for coastal living with a cultural edge.
3. St. Augustine, Florida: Historic Charm Meets Coastal Living
St. Augustine, the nation’s oldest city, offers a rich tapestry of history and coastal beauty. Wander through the cobblestone streets of the historic district, explore the landmark Castillo de San Marcos, or enjoy a scenic cruise from the marina. The city’s Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park is a lesser-known attraction where you can delve into the area’s fascinating past. Retirees will find a vibrant community where history and beach life blend seamlessly. A 3-4 bedroom home here generally costs between $350,000 to $575,000, combining affordability with timeless charm.
2. Hilton Head Island, South Carolina: Luxury Living by the Sea
Hilton Head Island is a sanctuary of upscale living and natural beauty. The island is interlaced with pristine beaches, world-class golf courses, and over 60 miles of multi-use trails perfect for biking and walking. Explore the Coastal Discovery Museum to learn about the local environment and history. With its gourmet restaurants, high-end shopping, and scenic harbors like Harbour Town, Hilton Head offers a luxurious yet laid-back retirement setting. Homes with 3-4 bedrooms range from $800,000 to $1,000,000, appealing to those seeking an elite coastal lifestyle.
1. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina: The Ultimate Retirement Haven
At the top of our list is Myrtle Beach, renowned for its affordability, entertainment, and welcoming community. With 60 miles of sandy beaches, it’s a playground for relaxation and recreation. Golf enthusiasts will revel in over 80 championship courses, while the Broadway at the Beach complex offers dining, shopping, and live shows. For a unique experience, visit the Brookgreen Gardens, a stunning sculpture garden and wildlife preserve. Myrtle Beach truly encapsulates the ultimate coastal retirement experience. A 3-4 bedroom home here is attractively priced between $300,000 to $500,000, making it a top pick for budget-conscious retirees seeking coastal comfort.
