When selecting their retirement locations, many individuals dream of living somewhere with breathtaking scenery and incredible views – however the associated costs could prove prohibitive for retirees on a limited budget.
Thankfully, there are plenty of enchanting waterfront towns where you can retire affordably with stunning views. GOBankingRates compiled some of the top options.
1. Fort Myers
Florida is an attractive retirement location due to its warm climate and low cost of living, and Fort Myers on Estero Island provides an exciting oceanside community where residents can spend their days fishing, snorkeling, sailing or simply relaxing on the beach. There are also a number of restaurants and parks within Fort Myers that residents can take advantage of during their time here.
Southwest Florida is well-renowned as an attractive retirement destination, and it’s easy to see why. Boasting a tropical climate that offers ample sunshine and rain, Floral farming (such as Chrysanthemums, Azaleas and Poinsettias ) as well as fishing and vegetable production are major industries here, along with tourism from its beautiful beaches and natural surroundings.
Fort Myers provides something for everyone, whether you want to live by the water or in a peaceful suburb. Median home prices in Fort Myers stand at approximately $390,000. Rental costs typically average approximately $243 monthly. In response to its shortage of affordable homes, Fort Myers is creating a trust fund which will allow residents to purchase their own home at affordable rates. A new development known as Towles Garden will feature 141 affordable townhomes and villas featuring desirable neighborhood amenities.
2. Myrtle Beach
Myrtle Beach is South Carolina’s Grand Strand–60 miles of wide beaches that boast an array of entertainment, nature and history–with arcades, souvenir shops and restaurants lining its beachfront boardwalk as well as an old-fashioned Family Kingdom amusement park and its 187-foot SkyWheel dominating its skyline.
Myrtle Beach offers more than meets the eye, including an oceanfront state park offering tranquil respite from its busy commercial center and plenty of top-tier courses such as Barefoot Resort & Golf and TPC of Myrtle Beach for golf enthusiasts to play on.
Traveling within this coastal city is made simple thanks to an efficient bus system that serves most of it. Parks, trails and an idyllic lagoon provide outdoor enthusiasts with plenty of recreation opportunities, while spring-fed San Marcos River invites watersport enthusiasts to kayak or paddle in its lush natural surroundings.
Myrtle Beach offers low living costs and home prices that make it an attractive retirement location, offering outdoors enthusiasts, beach lovers and university students alike all of the things they desire in a retirement community. As well as that, Myrtle Beach also serves as an internationally acclaimed convention and tourism hub which means there’s always something new happening here – this scenic city’s 67,553 residents count themselves lucky to call it home.
3. Sacramento
Sacramento, California, is a delightful retirement destination with plenty of things to see and do. Offering cutting-edge cruising to amaze, rich history to learn about, and delightful surprises at every turn – Old Sacramento with the California Gold Rush history, Farm-to-Fork cuisine and vibrant arts scene offer something for everyone in Sacramento.
Visit the Crocker Art Museum for an insight into Sacramento’s long and distinguished past, which boasts one of the longest-running museums west of the Mississippi River. Home to works from all around the globe and tours designed to stimulate your senses, the Crocker is sure to leave an impactful impression.
The State Capitol Building in Sacramento is another historical landmark worth visiting if you want to learn about California’s legislative history. Inside is also a museum, and for an enjoyable stroll through its parks there’s even an inviting park!
Sacramento is a paradise for foodies, offering an eclectic variety of restaurants offering American, Chinese, Mexican and Caribbean fare. Each establishment has its own distinct atmosphere and decor while still serving delicious meals at reasonable prices – this explains why families and techies from the Bay Area are increasingly opting to move here because the city provides more affordable lifestyle than its high-priced neighbors. You’ll even find stunning homes for sale as well as picturesque parks and trails to discover!
4. Monroe
Monroe and West Monroe are two cities you cannot fail to appreciate when visiting Louisiana, with both located astride the Ouachita River. Together they boast numerous tourist attractions as well as unique culture. Residents enjoy northern take on Louisiana cuisine as well as cool temperatures (especially during fall), with pride in two cities that constantly reinvent themselves. Plus, this region of Louisiana is steeped with history ranging from industrial plantations sites and plantations farms all the way through homes, gardens and museums that reflect its importance such as Coca-Cola playing in shaping this region’s development!
Monroe is known for its vibrant culture, scenic trails, and events that appeal to people of all ages. You can pedal along scenic pathways or kayak on Bayou Desiard or spot alligators and birds at Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge – or visit its charming downtown district full of shops, restaurants and music venues!
Before choosing your retirement destination, it’s essential that you carefully consider your specific priorities. Consultations from financial advisors or experienced expat retirees is helpful, but when making your own decision it is vital to factor in factors like weather, costs, health care accessibility, language skills requirements for visa qualifications and lifestyle considerations when making decisions about where and when to retire. Luckily there is no shortage of affordable places with breathtaking scenery – there’s sure to be somewhere ideal just waiting for you.
5. Tampa
Tampa, Florida is an increasingly popular retirement destination among people from varying backgrounds. From sports fans and cultural enthusiasts to fine diners and those just wanting a fun time with their friends – Tampa offers something for everyone. Home to an expansive economy driven by finance, tourism, sports, education and healthcare; located conveniently between Tampa Bay and Hillsborough Bay with easy access to ocean, lakes and rivers – Tampa makes for an idyllic living environment.
Tampa has long been recognized as a prime place to retire in America, boasting a robust social life and cost of living that falls well below the national average. Residents also take pleasure in enjoying an active artistic scene characterized by Broadway shows, rock concerts, museums such as Henry B. Plant Museum and Tampa Bay History Center and sports teams like Tampa Bay Rays, Buccaneers and Lightning playing on home fields.
Though some areas in Tampa may appeal more than others, there are plenty of suburbs that provide stunning views and an enjoyable lifestyle to meet most retirees’ needs. We analyzed home prices, cost of living data from Sperling’s Best Places and real estate listings from Zillow to find 10 affordable places with postcard-perfect views where retirees could live within easy driving distance of shopping, dining, and entertainment venues in Tampa.
6. Santa Cruz
Attractive postcard-perfect landscapes are the ultimate dream of retirees, yet only those with sufficient resources can afford such lifestyle. To help aspiring boomers locate their retirement paradises, GOBankingRates analyzed cost-of-living data from Sperling’s Best Places and housing data from Zillow to identify affordable towns where living with breathtaking views may be achievable.
Santa Cruz, California, is an idyllic beach-side community home to an eclectic blend of University of California, Santa Cruz students, Silicon Valley tycoons, and left-leaning residents. It boasts beautiful scenery which includes sprawling beaches that stretch as far as the eye can see; state parks teeming with redwood groves and waterfalls; mountains covered in vineyards; all within its borders.
Climate-wise, Santa Cruz enjoys a mild climate with warm summer temperatures and moderate winters. There’s ample sunshine during most months despite occasional fog from shifting Pacific currents; being close to Monterey Bay makes the city an excellent whale-watching spot.
Culture in this region can be found throughout its vibrant history, which dates back to Ohlone Native Americans and Gold Rush settlers. Long renowned for its arts, recreation and social diversity – with Sister Cities affiliations with Shingu in Japan and Sestri Levante in Italy representing its deep connections to Asian and Latin American cultures; over 200,000 residents can trace their ancestry back through its varied heritage.
