The Best Beach Towns To Retire In

Whether retirement is just around the corner or further down the road, it’s never too early to begin planning for it. Deciding on where to spend the rest of your life is an important matter that shouldn’t be taken lightly.

If you are searching for ideal places to retire, we have made this task a little more simple for you by putting together a list of the top places to retire. 

Kiawah Island, South Carolina

The appeal of Kiawah is it’s elegant, high-end amenities that can be found throughout the entire Island. Most residents enjoy living an active lifestyle and have an appreciation for the finer things in life. Here, a Kiawah Island Club Membership is a must-have for enjoying everything the Island has to offer. Retirees agree that a Membership provides them unique and exclusive avenues for meeting others and maintaining a rich social life, tasting the best local cuisines, and spending time taking in Kiawah’s beauty. 

Locals fill their schedule by playing a round of golf on one of five world-class courses — seven, if you are a Member. They may also enroll in tennis lessons taught by seasoned professionals or take a stroll down one of the many picturesque trails that run through the Island. As you can see, living on the Island is an adventure that will always encourage you to try new things. Navigate through marsh and water by kayak at sunset, or watch Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphins as they partake in a spectacular feeding display that occurs here frequently.

The local community on Kiawah is thriving and diverse, so you will have the opportunity to meet people from around the world. In addition, a medical facility complete with helicare and emergency services will soon be located at the Island’s entrance. Simply choose Kiawah Island as your home to retire on the coast and live the highest-quality life possible.

Anna Maria Island, Florida

Anna Maria Island is a seven mile island with three municipalities, Bradenton Beach, Holmes Beach, and Anna Maria City. This quaint island sparkles with “old Florida” charm. With brightly colored architecture and glistening swimming pools in almost every yard, it is a beautiful place to retire. 

The westward-facing beaches offer spectacular sunsets that make for a relaxing evening–– every retirees dream! Because the island is exposed to the Gulf and Sarasota Bay, there are a variety of public and private beaches available. Even if you still wish to participate in your usual hobbies, don’t miss out on the chance to snorkel in the crystal clear waters filled with exotic fish.

What’s more, Anna Maria has a reduced speed limit that encourages the use of golf carts and bicycles as the primary modes of transportation. You may also choose to get around the island via the free trolley that travels up and down most of the island every 20 minutes.

Naples, Florida

Another Florida favorite, Naples is another wonderful option for retirees. This mid-sized community is located just south of Fort Myers, towards the very end of Florida’s southern tip. 

A healthy lifestyle and positive outlook on life are two philosophies that are highly encouraged here. Many locals will spend a day at the beach and then continue to Fifth Avenue South for some shopping. Golfing and fishing are also popular hobbies you may be interested in. The tourism and hospitality industries are booming in Naples, so if you are interested in living somewhere with entertainment during your golden years then you’re in luck. 

San Diego, California

San Diego is the definition of a large city with a small town feel. With pockets of neighborhoods, you can find your favorite part of the city to call home. Year after year, San Diego is awarded the best climate in the U.S. If climate is important to you, this famous California city may be for you.

Thanks to a Naval base and a handful of universities the local population is very diverse. All in all, they enjoy an active and outdoor lifestyle that is characteristic of California. Retirees interested in the benefits that come with living in a large metropolitan area, think international flights and cuisine, will love living in San Diego just miles from the Mexican border.

Kennebunk, Maine

Kennebunk is a quiet, coastal community made up of Kennebunk, Kennebunkport and Arundel. Together, the communities offer all the necessary components for a good quality of life such as a low crime rate, good beaches, rivers, and parks. 

The area is also rich with architecture, and has plenty of boutique shopping, art galleries and a variety of restaurants. Along with the scenery and relaxed lifestyle, the thriving community offers a convenient location not far from Maine and a variety of healthcare facilities.

Lake Norman, North Carolina

The entire lake has over 520 miles of shoreline. Along the shores are several communities including Denver, Mooresville, Cornelius, Huntersville, and Davidson. Each provides its own set of amenities from waterfront parks to public beaches. Lakefront living is a wonderful way to spend retirement outdoors enjoying the sun and water. 

North Carolina has a mild climate that, like South Carolina, is also preferable among retirees. Because of the beautiful weather, many enjoy boating and fishing on Lake Norman year-round, with bass fishing being especially popular in the wintertime. This man-made lake offers lakeside living you can enjoy well into your later years. 

How to Embrace Retirement

These are said to be the best years of your life. You can live life at your pace and do whatever you please. Therefore, we recommend making the most of your time by doing some things you love, along with some things you have never tried before! Here is our list of ideas on how to embrace retirement.

1. Volunteer and Get Involved with the Community 

Now that you have found your new home, get involved and immerse yourself in your community. A great way to start is by volunteering with your local charitable organizations. 

2. Get Active

Staying healthy is easy when you live somewhere with endless amounts of outdoor amenities and recreation. When looking for the perfect place to retire, make sure there are plenty of things to do beforehand. Golf, fishing, tennis, swimming, and yoga are some of the best ways to stay physically and mentally fit.

3. Take on New Adventure 

Live your life by signing yourself up for new adventures. Take an art class, go for a hike, maybe take your spouse on a date, or do a wildlife excursion. 

4. Social Events 

Social events are crucial for this time of your life, especially if you relocate somewhere new for retirement. Make new friends in similar stages of life by attending events with like-minded people. Many high-end communities have Club Memberships that enrich your life in so many ways. 

5. Spend Time with Family

When living somewhere like Kiawah Island, your loved ones will be asking you when they can come visit. With so many family-friendly activities, you will get to spend memorable time with your family. 

6. Build Financial Portfolio

By selecting where you retire carefully, you can build your financial portfolio. Purchasing luxury real estate is a great investment, you may also wish to pass down your beach home to younger generations. 

Consider Kiawah Island for Retirement

If you have yet to visit Kiawah Island, you must come as soon as possible! Not many leave this Island without falling in love with it first. See why so many people of all ages prefer Kiawah Island over most other retirement destinations. With its exceptional outdoor amenities, top-notch dining, world-class golf, and so much more, it’s easy to see why Kiawah Island is a favorite among the retirement community. 

Come visit Kiawah and see for yourself what your retirement could look like. Click the button below to plan a weekend getaway and get the chance to play one of the Island’s best golf courses. See you soon.