Top 10 Coastal Retirement Spots Ranked for Taxes, Health Care, and Safety

If you love the sea, dreams of a retirement along the coast likely fill your imagination. But which city is best for spending your golden years near the ocean?

Recently, New Second Homes ranked the top coastal retirement spots based on 12 factors, including taxes, health care, and safety. Their analysis highlights how different regions excel in different areas, Delaware for taxes and safety, North Carolina for climate and culture, Florida for health care, etc.

Here are 10 beach towns you may want to consider when planning for retirement, especially when it comes to your safety, access to health care, and taxes.

Lewes is known for its historic district and golf courses. Delaware has a well-earned reputation as a low-tax haven. If you settle in Lewes, you won't have to pay any sales taxes.

In addition, there is no tax on Social Security benefits, and the first $12,500 of retirement income is sheltered from taxes if you are at least 60.

Beebe Medical Center has a national reputation for its heart-related treatments. Hurricane risk is also very low, making this a safe coastal spot to retire.

Beaufort is considered to be one of the best beach towns in North Carolina. Residents of Beaufort have access to ECU Health Beaufort Hospital, which is associated with East Carolina University.

North Carolina has a flat tax rate of 4.25%, and there are no taxes on Social Security income, nor are there any inheritance or estate taxes.

Crime rates in Beaufort are higher than average, but the northwest part of the city is considered to be safer than the rest. As far as hurricane risk, it's rated moderate and manageable.

Southport is home to the Fort Fisher State Historic Site. Residents find medical care at Dosher Memorial Hospital. Next door, you will also find Southport Health and Rehabilitation Center.

Crime rates are lower in the city's west side, and if you live in Southport, you can enjoy a charming coastal town with a rich history and natural beauty. The median home price here is around $370K, according to Redfin, which is considerably lower than the national average, and North Carolina offers property tax relief programs to those 65 and older.

Sarasota has great beaches and a renowned cultural scene. It gets high marks for its health care, especially the Sarasota Memorial Health Care System and HCA Florida Sarasota Doctors Hospital.

Florida is one of the best states for taxes, with no taxes on income at all. Crime rates are much lower than in the average U.S. city, with Sarasota earning an A+ score from CrimeGrade.org. Plus, traveling is more accessible than you may think. The Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport is nearby, with 50+ nonstop destinations and 11 airlines to choose from.

Cape Charles is a planned community with origins in the Victorian era. Residents will have to travel about 40 minutes to get to Riverside Shore Memorial Hospital in Onancock.

Virginia has a progressive income tax that tops out at 5.75%. Sales taxes are among the lowest in the country, and property taxes are also relatively low, with tax relief programs for retirees age 65 and older. The small town is peaceful, with the population remaining relatively stable at around 1,000 year-round residents, though it increases during the peak tourist season.

Emerald Isle is a quiet community located on the Bogue Banks barrier island, known for its pristine beaches, natural beauty, and relaxed atmosphere. With its scenic coastline, marshlands, and nearby Fort Macon State Park, Emerald Isle offers a peaceful, picturesque lifestyle.

It has a center, Med First, that offers both urgent care and primary care services. Taxes are low, hurricane risk is moderate with Atlantic exposure, and infrastructure is strong.

Rehoboth Beach is known for its boardwalk and nightlife. Residents enjoy Delaware's famously low taxes. Both Beebe Medical Center and Bayhealth Hospital are in the region.

The crime rate for violent crimes is low, but property theft is higher than the national average, mostly during tourist season. The southwest part of the city is known to be the safest.

Virginia Beach is a military town that is home to both Sentara Virginia Beach General Hospital and Sentara Princess Anne Hospital. Virginia's lower tax rates also make this an attractive place to retire.

The median home price here is below $400K, and if you're worried about hurricane season damaging your home, the Chesapeake Bay tends to protect the city from hurricanes, making the risk low to moderate.

Kiawah Island has some of the best golf courses in South Carolina. It is home to MUSC Health Kiawah Partners Pavilion, which offers primary care and a free-standing emergency room. Additional hospital services are available in Charleston, just 20 miles away.

South Carolina has some of the lowest property taxes in the nation, and no estate or inheritance taxes. The northern part of the city is considered safer, and the hurricane risk is moderate.

Myrtle Beach is a favorite among tourists and also offers robust health care options, including Conway Medical Center, Grand Strand Health, and McLeod Health. Taxes tend to be low in South Carolina, especially property taxes.

In the southeast part of the city, there is little crime, and although hurricane risk is moderate to high, the median home price here is a low investment at around $274K, according to Redfin.

A retirement by the coast can be a relaxing and fulfilling way to spend a stress-free retirement. The cities on this list offer a great combination of lifestyle factors that can help your golden years gleam. 

If you are nearing retirement, consider visiting two or three places on this list so you can discover if one of them is the perfect place to settle into your forever home.