Experts Say These 10 Retirement Waterfront Towns Are Still Undiscovered

If you're dreaming of a waterfront retirement, the top-of-mind destinations might not be where you want to enjoy your golden years. Although the usual coastal retirement spots are popular for a reason, they often come with steep price tags and tough competition for ideal properties.

As you plan for retirement, seeking out a hidden gem might be the right choice. We spoke with experts firsthand to find out which undiscovered waterfront towns could offer the perfect place to land after leaving the working world behind.

Editor's note: All housing data comes from Zillow, unless otherwise stated.

Average home value: $527,117

If you're looking for lakefront living, Cornelius' position on North Carolina's Lake Norman offers exactly that. Just outside of Charlotte, Cornelius residents can enjoy the serene setting of lakeside living, all within a short drive of the amenities of a major city, including a busy international airport and several hospitals.

"Buyers are drawn here for luxury living paired with the convenience to Charlotte," says Tiffany Sears, Lead Broker at The Sears Group.

Average home value: $482,315

Also situated on the shores of Lake Norman, Mooresville offers affordable waterfront living opportunities. "You'll find a wide range of options, from large waterfront estates to moderately priced new construction communities," says Sears.

Beyond water sports, like fishing and boating, Mooresville boasts an active senior center. You'll find everything from exercise classes and craft clubs to field trips.

Average home value: $611,048

If you're looking for lakeside living with resort-style amenities, Tega Cay might be a good fit. Many of the homeowners in the area have direct access to the water, thanks to the layout of the town. "The peninsula layout gives many homes water views or close proximity to the lake," says Sears.

Tega Cay could present an opportunity to buy your own slice of heaven. Even though you may feel secluded, nearby Rock Hill and Charlotte offer several highly-rated hospitals within 20 miles.

Average home value: $313,596

Cedar Key offers waterfront living in spades. After a series of damaging hurricanes in recent years, the town's character has changed quite a bit during the rebuilding process. But for some, it's a great opportunity to find a waterfront place to call home.

"Cedar Key in Levy County is old Florida without the quotes around it," says Alexei Morgado, Realtor and founder of Lexawise. "It remains one of the more interesting under-the-radar waterfront markets left on the Gulf side."

Average home value: $774,269

Along the shores of the Grand Traverse Bay, Northport offers a beacon of civilization in this relatively remote area. The waterfront town has a limited number of properties. But for those who find a place to call home, the beautiful lakeside setting is undeniably peaceful.

According to Sander Scott, Northern Michigan real estate broker, "Zoning rules keep development density low, and Northport is more remote from commercial activity than what you'll see further south."

Average home value: $474,605

If you're looking for a hidden gem on the West Coast, Astoria might fit the bill. This charming coastal town offers a little something for everyone. "This is a vibrant area with waterfront, walkability, and a view from the top of the city," says Ryann Brier, real estate agent at City Lights Home Buyers in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

You'll find approximately 10,000 residents in a mix of charming cottages and Victorian-style homes nestled into the stunning natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest. For new retirees coming to town, the active senior center with almost daily classes and activities could make it easy to find new friends.

Average home value: $725,456

Anacortes offers seemingly endless waterfront views to the island's residents. While island life isn't for everyone, this is "a great retirement town for those looking for incredible views, easy access to nature, boating and island hopping, but still want access to excellent healthcare," says Sean McConnell, owner of the McConnell Group real estate team in Seattle, Washington.

Average home value: $450,576

As another option on the West Coast, Port Angeles offers views of the Strait of Juan de Fuca. According to John Gluch, real estate agent at Gluch Group, it's "a fraction of the cost of Seattle's surrounding areas and genuinely stunning."

The local senior center offers affordable hot lunches on most days, doubling as an opportunity to make new friends.

Average home value: $277,925

Nestled on the East Coast, Fort Pierce is a growing part of the Sunshine State. "There are parts in Florida that still exist that haven't been picked over, Fort Pierce being one of them," says Brier.

With no state income tax for Florida residents, retirees looking to save on taxes might find this an added bonus to their waterfront retreat.

Average home value: $270,588

"Ocean Springs is a great under-the-radar pick for a waterfront lifestyle without the pricing pressure of Florida," says Brier. For retirees looking for a relaxing spot on the Gulf, Ocean Springs is truly one of the most affordable options.

In nearby Biloxi, several highly-rated hospitals should make finding health care easy. And a busy senior center might make it easy to plug into the community.

Waterfront living might be a key ingredient in your recipe for a stress-free retirement. But seeking out an undiscovered beauty could make more sense than trying to stretch your budget in a more established retirement mecca.

Before jumping into a move, consider renting a place for more than a weekend to confirm you truly enjoy the place and could envision living there for years to come.