10 Most Affordable Beach Towns for Retirees — 6 Are in Florida

You could probably populate a continent with the number of people who have spent their working lives daydreaming about retiring at the beach. By the time they reach retirement age , however, many find that dreaming about a beach home and affording one are two different things.

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But there are exceptions. If you scout around, you can find affordable beach towns where median home prices are lower than the national average. If you scout around even harder, you’ll find affordable towns that are a good fit for retirees who need access to decent healthcare services and prefer low taxes and living costs.

A recent analysis from Realtor.com looked at U.S. Census Bureau data to find coastal areas where a large share of residents are 55 and older. It also analyzed listing data from May 2024 for the places where properties sell for a low price per square foot. From there, Realtor.com chose one city per metro area and focused on Zip codes with at least 20 listings.

Based on that research, these are the 10 most affordable beach towns for retirees .

Calabash, North Carolina

• Median list price: $367,100

This “quaint fishing village” with a year-round population of 2,000 is located just across the state line from the Myrtle Beach, South Carolina metro area and is best known for its many seafood restaurants.

“Retirees appreciate the affordable cost of living, a comfortable climate and easy access to medical facilities, major highways and two airports,” Lisa Ragland of the Ragland Real Estate Team at Epique Realty told Realtor.com.

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Lillian, Alabama

• Median list price: $349,500

Lillian is located on the Gulf Coast in Baldwin County, the seventh fastest-growing metro area in the U.S., according to the Baldwin County Economic Development Alliance.

You’ll find plenty of kayaking, fishing and boating in Perdido Bay, along with a small-town atmosphere.

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Punta Gorda, Florida

• Median list price: $429,000

Punta Gorda is an especially attractive destination for seniors because it offers a “small-town feel” with access to big-city perks such as an award-winning hospital and a convention center that hosts wine, jazz and art festivals, according to Realtor.com.

Sunset Beach, North Carolina

• Median list price: $339,900

Here’s another affordable coastal town in the Tar Heel state, which offers a couple of tax advantages for retirees. For one thing, North Carolina does not tax Social Security benefits . For another, all other retirement income is taxed at a modest 4.75%.

Grant-Valkyria, Florida

• Median list price: $497,500

This Brevard County coastal community is located along five miles of the scenic Indian River Lagoon, giving residents easy access to swimming, fishing and boating.

Englewood, Florida

• Median list price: $439,300

Englewood is located on the southwest coast of Florida, between Venice and Boca Grande, and is “bliss for boaters,” Realtor.com noted. Among its top features are the Englewood Beach Waterfest and Olde Englewood Village, a “one-stop shop” for everything from fine dining to art galleries to farmers markets.

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Crystal River, Florida

• Median list price: $369,900

Crystal River is known as the “Manatee Capital of the World” because it’s home to the country’s only national wildlife refuge that specifically caters to the endangered animal. You’ll find plenty of parks and wildlife here, along with easy access to golf courses — all within about an hour’s drive of larger cities like Orlando and Tampa.

Arapahoe, North Carolina

• Median list price: $342,000

With about 500 residents, Arapahoe is ideal for retirees who prefer a small-town atmosphere. Residents have access to the Minnesott Golf & Country Club as well as a sailing school and hospital.

The town is located on the Neuse River, about half an hour’s drive from New Bern.

Venice, Florida

• Median list price: $459,900

Venice is a Gulf Coast town located near Sarasota. It boasts a “vibrant downtown” with dozens of restaurants and shops, along with Venice Beach for the sand and surf crowd.

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Hudson, Florida

Median list price: $350,000

Here’s another Gulf Coast town that offers plenty of natural beauty and a laid-back vibe but also provides easy access to big-city attractions and amenities. If you’re in the mood for a short road trip, Hudson is only 125 miles northwest of Miami and 170 miles southeast of Orlando.

This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com : 10 Most Affordable Beach Towns for Retirees — 6 Are in Florida