Best places to retire on the East Coast

Kristi Blokhin // Shutterstock The Center for Retirement Research at Boston College reports that, as of 2022, the average man will spend almost 20 years in retirement based on a median retirement age of 64.67 and a life expectancy of 84.07 years. That’s almost a quarter of one’s life–a pretty significant figure. Given this, choosing where to retire is arguably just as important as choosing where to raise a family. You need to ensure your savings will stretch, and both your needs (affordable housing, proximity to medical care) and desires (climate, access to preferred activities) are met. To that end, Stacker compiled a list of the best places to retire on the East Coast. Using Niche’s 2022 Best Places to Retire, we’ve highlighted 50 incredible cities to spend your golden years. Rankings were determined using variables such as weather, safety, housing expenses, and access to places like eateries, golf courses, recreation facilities, and health care. So whether you’re on the brink of retiring or merely fantasizing about your life after the rat race, check out these ideal locales. There’s sure to be something for everyone, from golf aficionados to beach bums to avid skiers to those just looking for a quiet break from it all. You may also like: Iconic buildings from every state #50. Roslyn, New York Daniel Case // Wikimedia Commons – National rank: 60th best place to retire – Population: 2,888 In Long Island’s Gold Coast hills, Roslyn is a vibrant village boasting lovely restored houses and buildings, historic landmarks, and a bustling downtown. Its library hosts lectures, events, and exhibits, while a 16-acre green space in the village center offers year-round activities. #49. South Sarasota, Florida Canva – National rank: 59th best place to retire – Population: 4,993 An hour south of Tampa, South Sarasota is home to some of the country’s most beautiful, white sandy beaches. A thriving art scene (the city has the state’s official art museum, The Ringling), an abundance of interesting dining options, and more golf courses than even the biggest golf aficionado would know what to do with are among the area’s biggest draws. A relatively low cost of living seals the deal. #48. Charlotte Harbor, Florida Canva – National rank: 58th best place to retire – Population: 4,619 Those looking for a more active retirement would do well to check out Charlotte Harbor, Florida. Just north of Fort Myers, the coastal city has several golf courses, the Charlotte Sports Park (the Tampa Bay Rays spring training site), the third largest state park in Florida, a 500-seat cultural center with regular programming, and a host of dining and shopping options, meaning there’s always something to do. #47. Gulfport, Florida Wirestock Creators // Shutterstock – National rank: 57th best place to retire – Population: 12,334 A small village on Boca Ciega Bay, Gulfport offers residents a bit of old-school Florida charm: Massive oak trees covered in Spanish moss line brick streets crowded with tiny, colorful cottages. It’s a true “everyone knows your name” sort of place with a slower pace of life. Colorful art and performance scenes keep things interesting, as does the city’s large community of LGBTQIA+ folks. #46. Hilton Head Island, South Carolina Canva – National rank: 56th best place to retire – Population: 40,000 Hilton Head Island, known for its beaches and golf courses, is a great place to retire. Planned developments known as “plantations” dot the area. South Carolina’s low country is a popular place to retire, thanks to its low cost of living and warm climate. #45. Chevy Chase, Maryland Sarah L. Voisin/The Washington Post // Getty Images – National rank: 55th best place to retire – Population: 9,801 Founded as a streetcar suburb, Chevy Chase is an affluent and friendly town located in Montgomery County. The small town has great access to museums, malls, restaurants, and parks. It’s also close to Washington D.C., making it a good spot for a day trip into the city. #44. Cocoa Beach, Florida Canva – National rank: 54th best place to retire – Population: 11,663 Cocoa Beach is a quintessential surf town, with a laid-back vibe, miles of public beaches, and a thriving outdoor activities scene. Located near major theme parks like Disney World and Epcot as well as the Kennedy and Cape Canaveral Space Launch Centers, there are plenty of bigger attractions nearby that make for excellent day trips. #43. Belleair, Florida Josh Bloomer // Shutterstock – National rank: 53rd best place to retire – Population: 4,198 A waterfront city, Belleair is meticulously maintained with breathtaking views. There’s a rich history here. For example, a local property, the Belleview-Biltmore Resort, a hotel built in the early 1800s, is one of the largest wooden structures in the world). The area also offers several public parks and trails locals can enjoy. #42. Miramar Beach, Florida Andriy Blokhin // Shutterstock – National rank: 51st best place to retire – Population: 8,815 Some of the best things about Miramar Beach, Florida are white sand beaches, turquoise water, fabulous shopping, and an exciting food scene. The city is also home to a golf course, public swimming pool, world-renowned tennis club, and a 3-mile biking and hiking trail that runs along a section of Scenic Highway 98. #41. Redington Shores, Florida fitzcrittle // Shutterstock – National rank: 49th best place to retire – Population: 2,115 Located on a barrier island between Clearwater Beach and St. Pete Beach, Redington Shores is one of the quieter and less touristy areas in this semi-tropical zone. With 360 days of sunshine each year, residents will have plenty of opportunity to get outside and enjoy all of the stunning beaches, fishing, and boating the area has to offer. #40. Hypoluxo, Florida C.M.H. Studios // Shutterstock – National rank: 48th best place to retire – Population: 2,800 Halfway between Boca Raton and West Palm Beach, Hypoluxo is beloved for its slower pace of life, abundant natural beauty, and weird history. Residents love to show off the main park, which is landscaped almost entirely with indigenous plants and regale you with the story of the barefoot mailmen (who are honored with a 14-foot statue along a local trail system). #39. Woodbury, New York NHRHS2010 // Wikimedia Commons – National rank: 47th best place to retire – Population: 8,901 Dubbed the “Gateway to Orange County,” Woodbury is a community brimming with natural beauty and lots of shopping. Schunnemunk Mountain and Woodbury Creek that weave through the valley create an ideal backdrop. It is the home of Woodbury Premium Outlets, which features 250 upscale shops. #38. Estero, Florida Garrett // Wikimedia Commons – National rank: 46th best place to retire – Population: 33,450 A quiet, safe community, Estero, Florida, has 35 gated neighborhoods and a median age of 62. Many of the city’s residents are seasonal, but those who live there year-round enjoy a mild climate, four public golf courses, and two of the most interesting state parks in the country, Mound Key Archeological State Park (accessible by boat only) and the Estero Bay Aquatic Reserve. #37. Roseland, Florida Ebyabe // Wikimedia Commons – National rank: 45th best place to retire – Population: 1,554 Roseland, Florida, shares a border with Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge, the first national wildlife refuge in the United States. Its proximity to the sanctuary makes it a great place to pick up a birdwatching hobby (15 distinct threatened and endangered species call the reserve home) and an ideal retirement location for naturalists. #36. Pine Knoll Shores, North Carolina NC Aquarium PKS // Wikimedia Commons – National rank: 44th best place to retire – Population: 1,284 Pine Knoll Shores is best known for its pristine beaches and natural beauty. Those who enjoy kayaking, hiking, and exploring nature will adore this coastal town. Favorite things to do include a visit to the aquarium and Theodore Roosevelt Natural Area. #35. Murrells Inlet, South Carolina Pollinator // Wikimedia Commons – National rank: 43rd best place to retire – Population: 9,292 Murrells Inlet is a quaint fishing village brimming with history and natural beauty located 13 miles south of Myrtle Beach. This slice of paradise awaits golfers, art enthusiasts, fishing enthusiasts, antique collectors, and naturalists. #34. Bonita Springs, Florida Canva – National rank: 42nd best place to retire – Population: 57,755 Bonita Springs’ two biggest offerings are golf and the Gulf. Located between Naples and Fort Myers, the city boasts miles of well-maintained beaches (including one of the state’s only off-leash beaches) and a handful of world-class golf courses and golf communities. #33. Manhasset, New York D. Benjamin Miller // Wikimedia Commons – National rank: 41st best place to retire – Population: 7,792 About 20 miles away from Manhattan, Manhasset is a town brimming with community spirit and home to family-friendly parades. Along with a bustling downtown, Manhasset also has boutiques and a shopping center. #32. Iona, Florida David Balmer // Wikimedia Commons – National rank: 39th best place to retire – Population: 13,588 An undesignated census area, Iona, Florida, is defined by its exclusive communities. There are two gated, member-owned golf & country club communities, a 79-home, gated boating community, and, most famously, a 700-acre retirement community called Shell Point. Retirees looking for an exclusive, close-knit neighborhood to call home should definitely check out this South Florida gem. #31. North Palm Beach, Florida Canva – National rank: 38th best place to retire – Population: 13,090 Founded by philanthropist John D. McArthur, North Palm Beach is one of the quieter cities in the Palm Beach area. It has the region’s only state park and one of the only golf courses in the country designed by the legendary Jack Nicklaus. #30. Bee Ridge, Florida