10 Beach Towns Realtors Swear Are About To Be Retirement Hot Spots

There are obvious perks to living in a beach town; they’re often walkable, there are ample outdoor activities, and of course, the beach is right there. Buying property in one that’s poised to surge in popularity is a great way to maximize your retirement savings and build equity, too.

Even better is the prospect of moving to a beach town with like-minded people the same age as you, which can foster a strong sense of community and belonging. Need some inspo? Our experts have you covered.

Real estate broker Kellie Bowling of Compass in Indialantic, Florida calls this town a hidden gem.

“The beaches are uncrowded, and the lifestyle is laid back,” she says. “A narrow strip on the barrier island of Brevard County provides access to both the Atlantic beaches and the shores of the Indian River Lagoon.”

In addition to the many things to do, healthcare is extremely accessible here. “Melbourne Beach is just minutes from our area's only tertiary referral hospital, making it a great choice for those with healthcare needs,” Bowling continues.

Dreaming of the good life on a gorgeous island? Try this expat favorite where English is spoken and the dollar is welcome, according to real estate broker Barry Richards of Exit Realty.

“San Pedro is a beautiful and exciting town facing the world's second-largest barrier reef,” he says.

There are financial incentives for retirees who enroll in Belize’s Qualified Retirement Program (QRP), which allows U.S. citizens to live in the country in a manner similar to a green card.

“Applicants need to be 40 years or older who can show $24,000 per year in retirement income,” Richards continues. “Benefits include duty and tax exemptions to make the move easier.”

You must renew annually to retain residency. After five years, you can apply for citizenship in Belize if you like, but it’s not necessary to enjoy the perks of retirement there.

Not everyone wants to move south when they retire, as is evidenced by the growing popularity of this New England beach town, according to real estate accounting expert Adam Hamilton, CEO of REI Hub in Richmond, Virginia.

“This is a great option for those who want to retire in the Cape Cod area,” he says. “That area can be a bit more expensive, and Dennis Port definitely has some expensive homes, but there are also good options for more affordable properties.”

In fact, the median age of Dennis Port is 58, so the retiree community is thriving.

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If spending your golden years on a small, remote island is your retirement dream, Richards suggests looking into this super walkable spot.

“Caye Caulker has a more laid-back and tight-knit vibe than nearby Ambergris Caye,” he says. “The island is only five miles long and is divided in two by a narrow waterway.”

Golf carts and bikes are the main mode of transportation in this car-free paradise. “This island is accessible by ferry or air from the mainland,” Richards continues. Talk about dreamy.

Other cities may get all the attention in Southwest Florida, but this under-the-radar spot is poised for growth, notes real estate agent Omer Reiner, president of FL Cash Home Buyers in Ft. Lauderdale

“Port Charlotte has a variety of housing options, including the lush and popular Kings Gate gated community that is exclusively for residents age 55 and older,” he says.

In addition to housing, there’s plenty of fun water activities. “The city is centered near hundreds of miles of shorelines and is world-renowned for its sailing opportunities,” Reiner adds.

According to Hamilton, Freeport is a hidden gem with few tourists and abundant activities, as well as low-risk living.

“While Florida has long been the top state retirees flock to, circumstances like all of the recent hurricanes have led to it beginning to decrease in popularity — with many choosing to go to other states like Texas instead,” he says.

In addition, Freeport has real perks including affordability. “The cost of living is far below the national average,” Hamilton continues. “Housing costs alone are somewhere around 58% lower than the national average.”

This Southwest Florida city is already hot, says real estate developer Patty Campbell, president of the Florida West Coast Division at GL Homes in Naples.

“Naples has long been a popular beach town for retirees, and we’re seeing that demand continue to grow,” she says.

You won’t run out of things to do in this beach town, either. “Naples is an ideal place for active adult living, with year-round sunshine that makes popular activities like pickleball, tennis, golf, and boating all the more appealing,” Campbell adds.

70 miles south of the capital of Belize you’ll find this idyllic fishing village turned vacation spot, according to Richards.

“It can be reached by car or air and is often visited by Norwegian Cruise Line passengers who ferry from nearby Harvest Caye,” he says.

Housing is affordable and varied in Placencia. “Retirees who choose Placencia will find options up and down both sides of the peninsula including private residences ranging from tiny casitas to canal-front homes in gated estates and resort-style condo developments,” Richards adds.

“Similar to Texas, a lot of retirees are increasingly choosing to move to states with Florida-like settings that aren't Florida,” says Hamilton. “Myrtle Beach is a popular spot that still isn’t too tourist-heavy in comparison to bigger cities in the area.”

Hamilton also points out the fiscal advantages of retiring in the Grand Strand. “Living and housing costs are below the national average, and even slightly lower than the state average,” he adds.

Everyone has heard of Miami, but if you head north on Florida’s Atlantic coast, you’ll find this idyllic beach town, according to real estate investor Holden Andrews, Founder of Helpful Home Group.

“I think Port St Lucie in Florida is quickly becoming a retirement hotspot,” he says. “Its year-round good weather, great golf courses, and smaller town feel make it ideal for someone who wants a coastal experience without the hustle and bustle of living in a tourist-heavy area.”

Settling down in a retirement hotspot before it explodes in growth can lower your financial stress for two reasons: You can buy a home before prices soar and build equity that brings peace of mind with it. Whether stateside or abroad, these beach towns have amenities for every retiree.

Think about what kind of lifestyle you desire before making a final decision, as you may prefer living in a retirement community to solo or require assisted living. That can impact where exactly you choose to spend your golden years.