Best Beach Towns for Retirees

Emily Brandon, senior retirement editor with US News and World Report, said, “While some people dream of retirement in a remote beach town, retirees often need access to services such as medical care and transportation. Many retirees also need to work at least part-time to supplement their retirement income.”

That said, US News and World Report looked at major US cities to determine which beach cities would be the ten best for retirees who wanted the “beach” and needed other things. The publication factored in such things as housing costs, health care costs, transportation and work opportunities.

Top 10 Beach Towns for Retirees per US News and World Report (in randomly ranked order)

1. Fort Myers FL
   1. Median home price – $200,200
   2. Median monthly mortgage payment – $1,364
   3. Monthly costs for paid-off house – $562
   4. Median rent – $1,033/month
2. Sarasota FL
   1. Median home price – $204,000
   2. Median monthly mortgage payment – $1,060
   3. According to GoGankingRates, 26% of population aged 65 and older
3. Daytona Beach FL
   1. Median home price – $160,200
   2. Median monthly mortgage payment – $1,173
   3. Monthly costs for paid-off house – $433
   4. Median rent – $910/month
4. San Diego
   1. Median home price – $483,600
   2. Median rent – $2,237 according to RentJungle
5. Portland Maine
   1. Median home price – $249,600
   2. Median rent – $783/month
6. Miami FL
   1. Median home price – $475,000 according to Zillow
   2. Median monthly mortgage payment – $1,529
   3. Monthly costs for paid-off home – $589
   4. Median rent – $998/month
7. Charleston SC
   1. Median home price – $204,800
   2. Median rent – $1,395-$1,800/month according to Zillow
8. Melbourne FL
   1. Median home price – $157,900
   2. Median rent – $1,115/month according to RentCafe
9. Jacksonville FL
   1. Median home price – $172,500
   2. Median rent – $921/month
10. Boston MA
    1. Median home price – $423,450
    2. Median rent – $1,335/month

Unless otherwise noted, data sourced from US News and World Report, according to CNBC.