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Realtors Predict House Prices Will Skyrocket In These 9 Popular Retirement Towns

Housing prices have soared in recent years, but in some places they could rise even further, real estate agents say.

By Cat Lafuente

Edited by Chris Kissell

Updated Dec. 17, 2024

Retirement is a prime time to make smart homeowner moves, such as relocating to places with amenities and services you might need as you age.

Retirees and younger buyers both desire the same key perks when looking for a new home, says Stephanie Pascal, a real estate agent in the San Francisco area who works for Nova Real Estate.

"The most common scenario I see in this category is the desire to remain active and live in walkable neighborhoods with access to recreation, restaurants, and the arts,” she says. “So, they are competing with young starter-home buyers wanting the same."

Bearing that in mind, here are some real estate markets where prices might be primed to skyrocket.

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Sarasota, Florida

Many retirees who live in colder parts of the U.S. and Canada want to settle in a warmer, sunnier locale. Sarasota is an artsy Florida city that is an especially desirable destination for retirees, says Canadian real estate agent Kyle Bazylo, CEO of Selling South Winnipeg in Manitoba.

"Places like Sarasota, Florida, are in high demand, not just for the weather but also for the active lifestyle options and accessible health care," he says.

Gulf Coast cities such as Naples and Fort Myers fall into the same category, says real estate agent Justin Tanos, founder of We Buy Houses In OC in Orange County, California.

“With a continued trend of low inventory and high demand, these towns are poised to see considerable growth in property prices,” Tanos says.

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Vero Beach, Florida

Vero Beach has become increasingly attractive to retirees for its laid-back lifestyle, beautiful beaches, and robust arts and cultural scene, says real estate agent Zev Freidus, president of ZFC Real Estate in Boca Raton, Florida.

"While Vero Beach has flown a bit under the radar, that’s likely to change," Freidus says.

Freidus already sees evidence of growth. "Many retirees are cashing out on properties in high-cost areas and moving to places like Vero Beach, where their money can go further," he says.

Vero Beach has ample homes that cater to multi-generational living, which is attractive to some retirees, Freidus says.

Coeur d'Alene, Idaho

A city need not be in the Sunbelt to appeal to retirees, Bazylo says. "Smaller but equally desirable spots like Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, are also worth watching,” he says.

Coeur d’Alene saw a spike in home prices in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, but its amenities still have a strong pull.

“This town offers retirees a relaxed pace, scenic surroundings, and — until recently — relatively affordable real estate,” Bazylo says. “However, with increasing retiree interest, I expect double-digit growth in prices as inventory tightens."

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Scottsdale, Arizona

Some Arizona cities are becoming even more attractive to retirees than they were in the past, says Tanos.

He notes that Scottsdale is famous for its desert beauty, luxury amenities, and sunny weather. “Active retirees love the golf courses, resorts, and lifestyle options here,” he says.

Tanos adds that these perks have made inventory scarce. “Limited supply in the face of growing demand means Scottsdale’s property values are likely to rise even more," he says.

Santa Fe, New Mexico

Santa Fe is another gem in the Southwest that draws U.S. and Canadian retirees, says real estate agent Adam Chahl, founder of Vancouver Home Search.

Known for its arts scene, historic architecture, and mild climate, the city offers a unique lifestyle that appeals to many retirees, he says.

"Prices in Santa Fe have already been on the rise, but I think the trend will continue, especially as more retirees are drawn to its rich cultural life and serene landscapes," Chahl says.

Newport Beach, California

For retirees who want to settle on the California coast, Newport Beach is a hotspot that continues to lure people in, says real estate agent Rachel Stringer of Raleigh Realty in North Carolina.

"The appeal is obvious,” she says. “People with a bit more money to spend are drawn here because of the high quality of life and scenic beach views."

Because of its perennial appeal, Newport Beach continues to soar in popularity and price.

"It’s one of those places where once you get a foothold, you’re rarely looking to leave," Stringer says. "The demand pushes prices higher as more retirees look for that kind of coastal lifestyle."

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Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

Chahl says retirees should keep this South Carolina city on their radar.

"In my view, Myrtle Beach is on a trajectory for price increases," he says. "Its relatively affordable real estate, paired with beautiful coastlines and a welcoming community, makes it a magnet for retirees."

There are also financial incentives for folks looking to move to "the golf capital of the world," Chahl says.

"With the added bonus of a lower cost of living and South Carolina’s tax benefits for retirees, Myrtle Beach offers great value that I think will continue to push demand," he says.

Corpus Christi, Texas

You might think that recent news about hurricanes in Florida would scare retirees away from the coast. But that’s not true, according to licensed public adjuster Scott Friedson, CEO of large loss public adjusting firm ICRS in Austin, Texas.

"Coastal retirement areas like Corpus Christi are attractive due to their resilience against weather-related incidents,” he says.

While Gulf Coast cities are vulnerable to hurricanes, that doesn’t mean values will drop across the board.

“In this city, I've seen property values not just stabilize but sometimes increase post-recovery due to rebuilt infrastructure and improved community features," Friedson says.

Austin, Texas

”Keep Austin weird” is an oft-repeated adage in the city. But the outskirts of the Texas capital strike a balance that is more appealing to some retirees.

"The suburbs around Austin — like Georgetown and Round Rock — offer a quieter lifestyle while keeping Austin’s cultural and entertainment perks close by,” Tanos says. “As retirees and young families move here, the demand has outpaced supply, leading to price increases across the board."

Friedson agrees with that assessment. “I've observed that these areas consistently see increased investment and interest from retiring individuals seeking a peaceful yet convenient living environment,” he says.

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Bottom line

It’s not surprising that real estate markets that appeal to retirees may continue to get pricier, Bazylo says.

"In my experience, retirees today are more willing to invest in areas that offer a high quality of life, even if it means paying a premium," he explains.

If you want to get ahead financially in retirement, it’s important to make smart real estate choices. So, make sure you are settling in an area that helps you live within your means so you can achieve fiscal goals.

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Sarasota, Florida

Vero Beach, Florida

Coeur d'Alene, Idaho

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