Best Cities to Retire In on the East Coast: Finding the Perfect Place to Enjoy Your Retirement
The East Coast is home to some of the best cities in the country to retire in. Unlike some other locations in the continental United States, the East Coast boasts the best of all worlds.
This list of the best cities to retire in on the East Coast will highlight the top options and will help you find the perfect city to retire in. This list is perfect for those approaching retirement and who want to live on the East Coast after finishing their professional careers.
Looking to get your move started? Make sure to take advantage of our lists of the best real estate websites and the best moving companies. Both of these lists will help you get settled in one of these top East Coast destinations.
Top 15 Cities to Retire In on the East Coast:
1. Siesta Key, Florida
Highlights: Excellent beaches, mild weather, and no income or property taxes.
About City: When it comes to choosing the perfect place to retire, there are a lot of factors to consider. But if a world-famous beach is high on your list of priorities, you’ll definitely want to check out Siesta Key in Sarasota, Florida.
With its stunning Crescent Beach and 99% pure quartz sand, it’s no wonder this little slice of paradise is one of the most popular retirement destinations on the East Coast. But that’s not all that Siesta Key has to offer. The mild weather is perfect for those who want to enjoy the beach all year round, and there are no income or property taxes to worry about.
Plus, there are plenty of activities and amenities nearby for when you want to take a break from relaxation.
2. Jacksonville, Florida
Highlights: 22 miles of beautiful beaches, plenty of parks and historical landmarks, and a central location in the southeast.
About City: If you’re looking for a centrally located retirement destination in the Southeast, Jacksonville, Florida, is the ideal place for you. With 22 miles of beautiful beaches, plenty of parks, and historical landmarks, Jacksonville has everything you need to enjoy your retirement.
And if you have friends or family out of state, Jacksonville is a much easier place to visit to than many of the other popular retirement destinations in Florida. Jacksonville is one of the best cities to retire in; you won’t be disappointed.
3. Charleston, South Carolina
Highlights: A rich history dating back to 1670, a beautiful harborfront setting, and historic buildings.
About City: With its rich history dating back to 1670, and a beautiful harborfront setting, Charleston has everything you need for a comfortable retirement. The city’s historic buildings are a sight to see, and there’s always something going on downtown, with plenty of shopping, dining, and entertainment options.
4. Ocean City, Maryland
Highlights: Resort-style living, boardwalks and ocean views, and a median home value of $298,500.
About City: Ocean City, Maryland, is an amazing place to retire if you’re looking for beautiful scenery and resort-style living. With its boardwalks and ocean views, you’ll feel like you’re on vacation all year round. And with its warm summer sun and quiet of winter, Ocean City is a lovely place.
5. Fairfax, Virginia
Highlights: Abundance of medical centers and retirement communities, a moderate tax burden, and close proximity to Washington, D.C.
About City: If you’re looking for a retirement destination that offers close proximity to Washington, D.C., and all the cultural options that our nation’s capital has to offer, Fairfax, Virginia, might be the ideal place for you. With an abundance of medical centers and retirement communities, Fairfax is a city that has plenty to offer retirees.
And with a moderate tax burden, you can rest assured that your finances will be in good shape in Fairfax. So if you’re looking for a retirement spot that has it all, consider making your way to Fairfax, Virginia.
6. New Hyde Park, New York
Highlights: Restaurants, sports, and concert events, and it is close to New York City.
About City: New Hyde Park is one of the best places to retire in New York. The town has a great location – it’s close to New York City, Queens, and Brooklyn. There are plenty of things to do nearby, from exploring different neighborhoods and restaurants to going to sports and concert events at the Barclays Center.
7. Carolina Shores, North Carolina
Highlights: Seafood restaurants, barrier islands, Myrtle beach, and a population of 46% age 65+.
About City: With an older population percentage than most places, it’s a great place to be surrounded by people your own age. Plus, with an excellent median household income and median home value, you’ll be able to live comfortably without breaking the bank.
And if you’re looking for things to do, there’s plenty to keep you busy in Carolina Shores. Outdoor enthusiasts will love being able to access seafood restaurants, barrier islands, and Myrtle Beach, which is one of the best beaches on the East Coast.
8. Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Highlights: Stunning beaches and lush vegetation, beautiful weather, and popular activities like Fishing and yachting.
About City: If you’re looking for a place to retire that has everything you need, Fort Lauderdale should be at the top of your list. With plenty of activities to keep you busy and beautiful weather year-round, it’s no wonder this city is a popular choice for retirees.
If you love being on the water, Fort Lauderdale is a great place for you. Fishing and yachting are both popular activities here, so you’ll never be bored. And when it comes to scenic beauty, Fort Lauderdale definitely doesn’t disappoint. With its stunning beaches and lush vegetation, it’s easy to see why this city is such a popular retirement destination.
9. New Castle, Delaware
Highlights: Historic charm, low taxes, and the New Castle Historic District.
About City: New Castle, Delaware, is the ideal place to retire if you’re looking for low taxes and plenty of historic charm. With a tax burden of just 11%, New Castle is tied with the other Delaware cities on this list for the lowest taxes.
The New Castle Historic District is especially charming, with a number of historic buildings dating back to the early 19th century. The arsenal built-in 1809 is particularly noteworthy and a reminder of the city’s rich history.
10. Great Neck, New York
Highlights: An active and vibrant lifestyle, a number of medical centers and retirement communities, and arts, culture, and entertainment options.
About City: This charming hamlet on Long Island is ideal for seniors looking for an active and vibrant lifestyle. Great Neck is home to a number of medical centers and retirement communities, making it a great choice for those who want access to quality healthcare.
And with 18% of the population made up of seniors, you’ll always have plenty of company. Great Neck is also just down the road from New York City, so you’ll never be bored with all the arts, culture, and entertainment options available.
11. Bethany Beach, Delaware
Highlights: Plenty of activities, lots of restaurants, and a small beach and resort town.
About City: Delaware is a great place to retire, and Bethany Beach is one of the best cities to retire in. Located between Ocean City and Rehoboth Beach, Bethany Beach is a small, affluent beach and resort town.
Along with a small boardwalk, Bethany Beach has lots of restaurants. Delaware Seashore State Park is just to the north of Bethany Beach, making it a great place for retirees who want to stay active and enjoy the outdoors.
12. Savannah, Georgia
Highlights: Century-old oak trees, the beaches of Tybee Island, and southern charm and hospitality.
About City: Savannah, Georgia, is one of the best places to retire. With its natural beauty, from century-old oak trees to the beaches of Tybee Island, it’s no wonder retirees are flocking here. The city is also known for its Southern charm and hospitality, making it a great place to settle down in retirement.
If you’re looking for a place to call home in your golden years, Savannah should be at the top of your list.
13. Seaford, Delaware
Highlights: A low tax burden, an abundance of parks, and plenty of medical centers.
About City: Seaford, Delaware, is one of the best cities to retire in, thanks to its low tax burden and abundance of parks and medical centers. You also won’t have to worry about finding a retirement community, as there are plenty of those as well.
And with a number of medical centers in the surrounding area, you’ll be well taken care of in Seaford. In addition to its great amenities, Seaford is also home to the biggest Christmas parade on the Delmarva Peninsula.
14. Exeter, New Hampshire
Highlights: A number of historic churches, many recreational and medical facilities, and the American Independence Museum.
About City: Exeter, New Hampshire, is a beautiful town located just minutes from the Atlantic Coast. With a rich history dating back centuries, Exeter is home to a number of historic churches and the American Independence Museum.
The town offers a low tax burden and a number of recreation and medical facilities. This retirement destination has all the amenities you need, making it an ideal place to retire.
15. Cumming, Georgia
Highlights: Excellent healthcare, close to Atlanta, and plenty of activities for seniors.
About City: One of the things that makes Cumming such a great place to retire is its medical centers. No matter what your health needs are, you’ll always be able to find top-quality care in Cumming. Because Cumming is close to Atlanta, you can take advantage of all of the arts and entertainment options the city offers, including its world-class museums and symphony orchestra.
Best Cities to Retire In on the East Coast Conclusion
When it comes to retiring on the East Coast, there really is something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for history and culture, bustling city life, or beautiful natural landscapes, there are plenty of amazing cities to choose from.
With all of this variation, you can find exactly what you are looking for. So take your time exploring all that these great cities have to offer, and enjoy all the hidden gems of the East Coast in your golden years!
Do you have a favorite retirement destination? If you do, please feel free to share that below in the comments.
