The 20 Best Beach Towns For Retirement

Aerial view of historic St. Augustine, Florida — Photo: Michael Warren/Getty Images

Retiring in a beach town can make life feel like a vacation every day. That just one reason why coastal towns and communities are some of the most popular places in the South for retirees.

Whether you're looking for a spot to relocate to during the next few years, or you're dreaming about places to put down roots decades from now, it's always the right time to explore retirement destinations, especially when those places come with surf, sand, and sea breezes.

These spots, which are located throughout the South, not only offer a good quality of life, they have lots of things to see and do, abundant natural beauty, and plenty of reasons for the kids and grandkids to come With characteristics that appeal to both your lively and laid-back sides, there's a place to call home on this list for any beach-bound retiree.

01 of 20

Delray Beach, Florida

Delray Beach combines the energy of of big city with the beauty of a beach town. Walkable Atlantic Avenue is filled with restaurants and shops, Pineapple Grove Arts District has colorful galleries, and the Cornell Art Museum offers cultural events and exhibits.

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02 of 20

Virginia Beach, Virginia

A couple walking along Virginia Beach — Virginia Beach, Virginia. Courtesy of the Virginia Beach Convention & Visitors Bureau

If you're looking for a beach town that's not in Florida, Virginia Beach is a solid option for retirees that's often overlooked. The city has 28 miles of public shoreline on both the Chesapeake Bay and the open ocean. And when you're tired of the beach, there are parks, gardens, and trails for biking and hiking. Retirees who like to stay busy will also appreciate the city's year-round events and festivals and its exciting food scene.

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03 of 20

Beaufort, North Carolina

This coastal gem is one of our readers' favorite places and consistently ranks in our annual South's Best survey. The combination of historic homes, independently owned shops and restaurants, beautiful waterfront, and laid-back, friendly locals makes Beaufort hard to resist.

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04 of 20

Lewes, Delaware

Beach at Cape Henlopen State Park — mdgmorris/Getty Images

Looking for a quiet and quaint town by the sea? Lewes offers that and more. Called "first town in the first state," this Delaware town has lots of draws, including a walkable historic district, golf courses, medical facilities, beaches, and state parks. If you're an outdoorsy type, there are also plenty of places to fish, kayak, and hike.

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05 of 20

St. Augustine, Florida

Beautiful beaches, a lively dining scene, golf courses, and plenty of museums and attractions make St. Augustine a popular vacation destination, but these factors make the Ancient City a great retirement option too. No matter your interests, there's just so much to do here, and much of downtown is walkable.

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06 of 20

Cape Charles, Virginia

Shops in Mason Avenue in Cape Charles, VA — Robbie Caponetto

Located on Virginia's eastern shore, Cape Charles is an inviting small town with picturesque piers and sidewalks for strolling and biking. Visits to the town's bookstore, ice cream shop, bakery, and cafes make it easy to meet your neighbors and feel like a local.

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07 of 20

Sarasota, Florida

It probably won't come as a surprise to hear that Florida does exceptionally well in the retirement rankings across the board. Sarasota, with its pristine Gulf beaches, consistently ranks on national lists of best retirement towns thanks to its highly rated medical care, thriving cultural scene, no state income tax, and access to nature.

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08 of 20

Palm Bay, Florida

Palm Bay doesn't technically have its own beach, but Melbourne Beach is about 15 minutes away, so you're never far from the sand. And in town, you can go fishing at Stick Marsh or explore Turkey Creek Sanctuary, a nature preserve. And when the grandkids visit, Walt Disney World is about an hour away.

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09 of 20

Venice, Florida

Just south of Sarasota, quiet and charming Venice is the ideal retirement spot for those looking for a slower pace of life. Residents can stroll through the Old Florida-style downtown, hunt for shells on the pearly white beaches, or take their furry friends to the city's local dog-friendly beach. Golf clubs abound here, as well as dining options ranging from casual to high-end.

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10 of 20

Ocean Springs, Mississippi

Ocean Springs, MS beachfront — The Ocean Springs beachfront invites you to relax and leave your footprints.
Cedric Angeles

This small seaside town on the gulf coast has a thriving arts community, with museums, galleries, and a cultural center with a calendar full of concerts, plays, and other performances. There are plenty of opportunities to spend time in nature too. Obviously, the beach is a draw—the Gulf Island National Seashore is gorgeous year-round and a popular spot for fishing, hiking, and biking.

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11 of 20

Murrells Inlet, South Carolina

Huntington Beach State Park in South Carolina — Getty Images

This affordable beach town just south of Myrtle Beach has a laid-back feel—it began as a fishing village—complete with a wooden boardwalk along the estuary and a state park that is popular for bird-watching. Another plus: plenty of fresh seafood to enjoy in area restaurants.

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12 of 20

Vero Beach, Florida

Over on the Sunshine State's Atlantic coast, Vero Beach offers the best of both retirement worlds: Shops and restaurants ranging from funky to fancy, plus with miles of hiking and biking trails, sandy shores, and wildlife refuges for exploring. Lots of recreation areas and a high ratio of doctors' offices to people make this place a haven for retirees.

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13 of 20

Bay St. Louis, Mississippi

This Mississippi Gulf coast town has a relatively low cost of living paired with a laid-back atmosphere, making it a smart retirement destination. Bay St. Louis lures visitors and new residents with its inviting downtown and easy access to community gathering spots, like local art galleries and restaurants.

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14 of 20

Stuart, Florida

Tucked between Vero Beach and Palm Beach, this quaint Intracoastal town is a hidden gem along the coast, with Old Florida vibes and a reputation as the "Sailfish Capital of the World." The welcoming atmosphere and colorful boutique-lined downtown are draws for seniors, who make up more than a quarter of the town's population. It often ranks as one of the best places to visit in Florida, so why not just live there?

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15 of 20

Folly Beach, South Carolina

A short drive from Charleston, Folly Beach is a barrier island both near to city life and millions of miles away. Funky, free-spirited, and full of surfers, sun-seekers, and quirky souls, this is beach life in all its glory. Get your action fix at Center — Daniela Duncan/Getty Images

When looking for a beach community in South Carolina to relocate to, set your sights on Folly Beach. It's home to one of the most relaxed stretches of shore in the area, with a laid back surf town feel and a welcoming community, but it also offers access to the city splendors of Charleston, just a 20-minute drive north.

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16 of 20

Naples, Florida

This gorgeous little Gulf Coast town with Mediterranean-inspired architecture is a total dream, so much so that it ranks highly in multiple surveys on happiness and well-being. It's one of the best places in the country to retire because it has plenty of medical care, social opportunities, retirement centers, and recreation activities nearby.

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17 of 20

Tybee Island, Georgia

If you want to retire to coastal Georgia, Tybee Island is an ideal spot. Transplants adore the island's quiet beaches, which are bounded by rolling dunes and sapphire waves. There's also a long fishing pier for casting a line, and historic spots like the town's iconic lighthouse.

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18 of 20

Kiawah Island, South Carolina

Welcome to the Lowcountry — Laurey W. Glenn

For an elegant retirement, you can't do much better than life on Kiawah Island. You'll find some of the area's best seafood and golf courses, and the opportunities for fun are endless. Set out on a sailboat, book a tennis lesson, breeze along biking trails, explore the boutiques, or nab tickets for concerts and festivals to make the most of retirement in this South Carolina paradise.

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Fairhope, Alabama

Alabama: Fairhope — ROBBIE CAPONETTO; PROP STYLING: RACHAEL BURROW; HAIR AND MAKEUP: CELINE RUSSELL/ZENOBIA

Few towns are as charming as Fairhope, and its relaxed, welcoming atmosphere makes retirees feel right at home. With the draw of the water (Fairhope is on Mobile Bay) and a downtown with unique restaurants and boutiques, it's one of the best places in the state, maybe even in the whole country, to retire.

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Dunedin, Florida

The secret is out about charming Dunedin, a community-oriented town on Florida's west coast. Explore Honeymoon Island, enjoy the town's several breweries, and stroll the walkable downtown. Independently-owned restaurants, bars, and shops add to the area's friendly, welcoming vibe, whether you're visiting or decide to stay for awhile.

Explore Dunedin

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The 20 Best Beach Towns For Retirement

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