17 Cheap Beach Towns that American Retirees Love to Live in

Written By Jill Taylor

Looking to move near the beach when you retire? We don’t blame you! The good news is that you don’t have to spend the big bucks to be able to do that. Here are 17 fantastic but cheap beach towns you could retire to.

Newport News, Virginia

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According to Zillow, the average house price in Newport News is around $280,000. For the rich history that you get in the town, as well as all the beautiful beaches, this is a fantastic price. House prices are also on the rise, so it could be a good investment option.

New London, Connecticut

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Have you ever heard of Ocean Beach Park? It’s a beautiful place made up of miles and miles of sand and a boardwalk that could be the perfect place for retirees to spend their time. There are a number of beautiful waterfront condos here that aren’t actually too expensive.

Grand Isle, Louisiana

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If it’s a small beach town you’re looking for, you won’t find many with a smaller population than Grand Isle, Louisiana. Data USA reports their current population at just under 100, so it’s a very peaceful place to be. Perhaps you could help them up to 1000!

Corpus Christi, Texas

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On the other end of the size scale in our list is Corpus Christi, Texas. This city has around 320,000 residents, so it has a buzzing atmosphere. But it’s still very affordable and a fantastic place to be close to the beach.

Pensacola, Florida

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The white sand beaches and clear waters of Pensacola in Florida are some of the most beautiful you’ll find in the country! As well as this, it’s actually pretty affordable to live in, too. This town is certainly one for those who’d prefer to just chill out.

Ocean Springs, Mississippi

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The Ocean Springs website described how the town is packed with events such as markets and town meetings, creating a fantastic community feel for retirees. Plus, there are constant festivals and art shows to keep you entertained, all while being right near white sand beaches.

Bay St. Louis, Mississippi

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If you love fishing, boating, and exploring boutiques and galleries, Bay St. Louis might be your best bet. There are tons of things to do, but the vibe of the city is still relaxing. It offers a great balance for a very fair price (most of the time).

Freeport, Texas

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There are countless excellent fishing spots in Freeport, Texas, as well as relaxing beaches. If you want to immerse yourself in culture, there’s also a historical museum, plenty of early 1900s architecture, and even a high-quality golf course. This town has it all.

Daytona Beach, Florida

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Not only does Daytona Beach in Florida have access to some fantastic beach action, but it’s also a central hub for motorsport activity. Visit Florida tells us that it hosts the famous annual Daytona 500 race and multiple other sports activities that would be a lot of fun to enjoy in retirement.

Hilo, Hawaii

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Some parts of Hawaii are very expensive indeed, and understandably so. But you don’t have to break the bank to get yourself a retirement place out there. Just go to Hilo! This town is rich in culture and natural beauty, with active volcanoes and waterfalls to enjoy.

Cedar Key, Florida

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The town of Cedar Key, Florida, is the definition of a ‘hidden gem’. Despite having less than 900 residents at the time of writing, it’s a beautiful place to live, famous for its clams and waterfront restaurants on stilts, and a perfect place to retire.

Coos Bay, Oregon

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Coos Bay is an absolute treasure trove of beaches. The summers are warm, and the winters are windy and rainy, which can prove exciting for explorers. You’ll also have access to the beautiful Oregon woodland.

Morehead City, North Carolina

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Love to fish? Morehead might be the place for you, according to the Morehead City guide, as the community there revolves around it. But you don’t have to be a fan of fishing to love this town, as it’s great for boating and other watersports as well.

Lewes, Delaware

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Our LGBTQ+ readers will love Lewes, Delaware, as it’s well-renowned for being a safe space for the community. But you don’t have to be a part of the community to move here; there are other perks, too. It’s packed with art galleries, historic sites, and more for all to enjoy!

North Sarasota, Florida

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The Gulf Coast is a very attractive place for retirees, but this can mean that it’s often expensive to live there. If you head to North Sarasota, you don’t have to break the bank too much. It’s well-located and very relaxing to live in!

Biloxi, Mississippi

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Mississippi Gulf Coast explains that the town of Biloxi is the place to be for casino lovers. It’s home to the famous IP Casino and a whole lot more, as well as being a fantastic destination for seafood or for the hobby of shrimping.

Hudson, Florida

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Do you like the idea of a little dolphin spotting in your retirement? You won’t find many places to do that better than Hudson, Florida. This town is at the upper end of what we’d consider being ‘cheap’, but the beautiful sandy beaches and calm waters justify the price.

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