Experts Say These 10 Retirement Beach Towns Are Still Undiscovered

Beach retirement is the dream for many, but when you start researching the usual destinations, the property prices and cost of living can quickly bring you down to earth. If you're planning for retirement, it may make more sense to look past the obvious names.

We spoke to real estate professionals to find undiscovered beach towns perfect for retirees. Lower housing prices, less competition, and lower everyday costs, as well as good access to services and amenities, make these towns smart options to consider if you're thinking about retiring to the coast.

Editor's note: Unless otherwise noted, all median home price data below comes from Redfin.

Bay St. Louis, Mississippi

Thomas O'Shaughnessy of Clever Offers says Bay St. Lois "should be considered more seriously". He continues, "While Bay St. Louis is affordable, it is also home to a thriving arts community and has easy

access to larger medical centers within nearby Gulf Coast cities."

The town gives retirees Gulf access without the eye-wateringly high prices of more well-known destinations. Median house prices in Bay St. Lois are $376,000, and Mississippi doesn't tax Social Security benefits or most retirement income, so fixed incomes go further here.

North Hutchinson Island, Florida

Adriana Montes, founder and broker at Florida Dreams Realty Group, says North Hutchinson Island offers many of the same coastal perks retirees want in South Florida, but "at a much more attainable price point."

She says, "Property values along the Treasure Coast remain significantly lower than nearby Palm Beach County", even though the typical home costs $400,000 here.

Montes also goes on to say, "North Hutchinson Island is known for its uncrowded beaches, world-class fishing, kayaking, paddleboarding, and protected nature preserves." North Hutchinson Island gives you the very best of Florida beachfront living without the price or business of the more popular destinations.

Rockport, Texas

Ben Mizes, a licensed real estate agent and co-founder of Clever Offers, says Rockport offers "affordable coastal living and a lower cost of living."

The median home price is $307,000, and the state has 0% state income tax. For retirees who want boating, fishing, and a strong local arts scene, Rockport is a solid beach-town to consider.

Port St. Joe, Florida

Florida realtor and founder of Lexawise, Alexei Morgado, says Port St. Joe works for retirees who want "quiet, nature, and more buying leverage." Housing is pretty affordable, compared to the national average, at $346,000.

The town also offers beach and bay living. Retirees can enjoy paddling, fishing, scalloping, and local hospital access without the prices and crowding of bigger Florida destinations.

Brunswick, Georgia

Mize says that while St. Simons gets more attention, Brunswick "can be appealing for retirees. Barrier islands, bordering islands, … a rich downtown [and] great weather" make this town a great place to retire.

For retirees on a budget, this town is an attractive choice. The average house price is just $334,500, and in Georgia, Social Security is exempt from state income tax. Plus, residents age 62 or over may qualify for a retirement income exclusion.

Gulf Shores, Alabama

Chief Housing Analyst at RLTYco, Ricky Carruth, says that people "consistently overlook" Gulf Shores, but that Alabama's "32-mile stretch of sugar-white sand" is a premier destination for retirees looking to move to a quiet beach town.

House prices here are a bit higher, at $450,000, than most on this list. But that's still affordable compared to better-known waterfront spots. Also, in Alabama, Social Security benefits, military retirement pay, and some other retirement income are exempt from state income tax.

Crystal River, Florida

Crystal River is another O'Shaughnessy pick. He says the town "is not flashy, and this is part of its appeal." He adds that it offers affordability, a strong retiree population, and a relaxed atmosphere with an emphasis on nature.

The average sale price is incredibly affordable, at just $163,000. Crystal River's springs, boating, kayaking, and wildlife give it a very different feel from the pricier and crowded resort towns.

Englewood, Florida

O'Shaughnessy says Englewood is "one of the most underrated beach towns for retirees in Florida" because it is still "a peaceful coastal town and not really a tourist town at all." It's perfect for people who want beach access without living in a year-round visitor zone.

The median sale price is $313,500, which is affordable for Florida, and there's also strong health care and services access.

Lewes, Delaware

Lewes is proof that under the radar does not always mean cheap, with typical home prices of $1.25 million. Marco Smith, a licensed real estate agent with eXp Realty, said Lewes is ideal for retirees who want "a beach town without the high cost of living that comes with a tourist town," and one that stays active instead of "turning into a ghost town when tourist season ends."

So even though property prices are pretty high, daily living costs are right around the national average.

Delaware also has no sales tax and does not tax Social Security, which helps soften the blow of Lewes' higher home prices. Lewes also offers retirement communities, trails, and year-round dining that make it feel livable rather than seasonal.

Navarre, Florida

Holly Lovett, broker-owner at Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Main Street Properties, says Navarre Beach is "a masterful balance of stunning beachfront and affordability" with a "vibrant yet relaxed social scene" and a more laid-back feel than Pensacola Beach.

The median property price is around $404,900, which is a little costly, but far more affordable than other Florida beachfront hot spots. For retirees who want Emerald Coast scenery with a more affordable cost of living, Navarre is a great option.

Bottom Line

The best retirement beach town is not always the one with the biggest name. In plenty of cases, the smarter move is the place that still gives you the water, the climate, and the slower pace, but with better tax math and lower housing costs.

Before moving, compare more than the listing price. Insurance, healthcare access, HOA costs, and your senior benefits can all change what coastal retirement really costs.