News & Trending Mortgage & Loans News

10 Beach Towns Realtors Swear Are About To Be Retirement Hot Spots

Imagine spending your golden years in the golden light of these dreamy locales.

By Cat Lafuente

Edited by Lauren Wellbank

Updated Feb. 17, 2025

There are obvious perks to living in a beach town; they’re often walkable, there are ample outdoor activities, and of course, the beach is right there. Buying property in one that’s poised to surge in popularity is a great way to maximize your retirement savings and build equity, too.

Even better is the prospect of moving to a beach town with like-minded people the same age as you, which can foster a strong sense of community and belonging. Need some inspo? Our experts have you covered.

Steal this billionaire wealth-building technique

The ultra-rich have also been investing in art from big names like Picasso and Bansky for centuries. And it's for a good reason: Contemporary art prices have outpaced the S&P 500 by 136% over the last 27 years.

A new company called Masterworks is now allowing everyday investors to get in on this type of previously-exclusive investment. You can buy a small slice of $1-$30 million paintings from iconic artists, all without needing any art expertise.

If you have at least $10k to invest and are ready to explore diversifying beyond stocks and bonds,see what Masterworks has on offer. (Hurry, they often sell out!)

Melbourne Beach, Florida

Real estate broker Kellie Bowling of Compass in Indialantic, Florida calls this town a hidden gem.

“The beaches are uncrowded, and the lifestyle is laid back,” she says. “A narrow strip on the barrier island of Brevard County provides access to both the Atlantic beaches and the shores of the Indian River Lagoon.”

In addition to the many things to do, healthcare is extremely accessible here. “Melbourne Beach is just minutes from our area's only tertiary referral hospital, making it a great choice for those with healthcare needs,” Bowling continues.

Want to learn how to build wealth like the 1%? Sign up for Worthy to get ideas and advice delivered to your inbox.

San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, Belize

Dreaming of the good life on a gorgeous island? Try this expat favorite where English is spoken and the dollar is welcome, according to real estate broker Barry Richards of Exit Realty.

“San Pedro is a beautiful and exciting town facing the world's second-largest barrier reef,” he says.

There are financial incentives for retirees who enroll in Belize’s Qualified Retirement Program (QRP), which allows U.S. citizens to live in the country in a manner similar to a green card.

“Applicants need to be 40 years or older who can show $24,000 per year in retirement income,” Richards continues. “Benefits include duty and tax exemptions to make the move easier.”

You must renew annually to retain residency. After five years, you can apply for citizenship in Belize if you like, but it’s not necessary to enjoy the perks of retirement there.

Dennis Port, Massachusetts

Threatening dark gray storm clouds over boats

Not everyone wants to move south when they retire, as is evidenced by the growing popularity of this New England beach town, according to real estate accounting expert Adam Hamilton, CEO of REI Hub in Richmond, Virginia.

“This is a great option for those who want to retire in the Cape Cod area,” he says. “That area can be a bit more expensive, and Dennis Port definitely has some expensive homes, but there are also good options for more affordable properties.”

In fact, the median age of Dennis Port is 58, so the retiree community is thriving.

Get a free stock valued between $5 to $200

Secret: You don't need thousands of dollars to buy thousand-dollar stocks or create a diverse portfolio.

Robinhood offers a method of investing called “fractional shares.” On its own, one share of a single stock could cost a lot of money, making it difficult to diversify. Robinhood allows you to buy pieces of stock instead, so you have the option to build a diverse portfolio quickly.

Let’s say you want to invest $250, as an example.

With that amount, you could build a relatively diverse portfolio with an investment of $50 in a big tech stock, $50 in a retail stock, $50 in an energy stock, $50 in a manufacturing stock, and $50 in a bank.¹ This content is for informational purposes only, you should not construe any such information as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice. To get stock reward, new customers need to sign up, get approved, and link their bank account. Stock rewards shares cannot be sold until 3 trading days after the reward is granted and the cash value of the stock rewards may not be withdrawn for 30 days after the reward is claimed. Stock rewards not claimed within 60 days may expire. See full terms and conditions at <a href="https://robinhood.com/us/en/support/articles/open-account-pick-your-stock/">rbnhd.co/freestock</a>. Fractional shares are illiquid outside of Robinhood and are not transferable. Not all securities available through Robinhood are eligible for fractional share orders. For a complete explanation of conditions, restrictions and limitations associated with fractional shares, see the Fractional Shares section of our Customer Agreement. Robinhood Gold is offered through Robinhood Financial LLC and is a membership offering premium services available for a fee.

Even better news? Add a Robinhood Gold membership, and you’ll get access to 4.00% (as of 12/27/24) APY² Annual Percentage Yield. Rate valid as of April 12, 2024. To earn interest, a cash balance is needed. If you have a margin balance, there is no cash balance to earn interest. Interest rates for cash sweep and margin investing can change at any time. Fees may reduce interest earnings. on your uninvested cash³ Interest is earned on uninvested cash swept from your brokerage account to partner banks. Partner banks pay interest on your swept cash, minus any fees paid to Robinhood. As of Nov 15, 2023, the Annual Percentage Yield (APY) that you will receive is 1.5%, or 5% for Gold customers. The APY might change at any time at the partner banks' or Robinhood's discretion. Additionally, any fees Robinhood receives may vary and are subject to change. Neither Robinhood Financial LLC nor any of its affiliates are banks. All investments involve risk and loss of principal is possible. Robinhood Financial LLC (member SIPC), is a registered broker dealer. and the ability to buy and sell stocks 24 hours a day, 5 days a week.

Open and fund a Robinhood account and earn up to $200 in stock

Caye Caulker, Belize

If spending your golden years on a small, remote island is your retirement dream, Richards suggests looking into this super walkable spot.

“Caye Caulker has a more laid-back and tight-knit vibe than nearby Ambergris Caye,” he says. “The island is only five miles long and is divided in two by a narrow waterway.”

Golf carts and bikes are the main mode of transportation in this car-free paradise. “This island is accessible by ferry or air from the mainland,” Richards continues. Talk about dreamy.

Port Charlotte, Florida

Other cities may get all the attention in Southwest Florida, but this under-the-radar spot is poised for growth, notes real estate agent Omer Reiner, president of FL Cash Home Buyers in Ft. Lauderdale

“Port Charlotte has a variety of housing options, including the lush and popular Kings Gate gated community that is exclusively for residents age 55 and older,” he says.

In addition to housing, there’s plenty of fun water activities. “The city is centered near hundreds of miles of shorelines and is world-renowned for its sailing opportunities,” Reiner adds.

Freeport, Texas

According to Hamilton, Freeport is a hidden gem with few tourists and abundant activities, as well as low-risk living.

“While Florida has long been the top state retirees flock to, circumstances like all of the recent hurricanes have led to it beginning to decrease in popularity — with many choosing to go to other states like Texas instead,” he says.

In addition, Freeport has real perks including affordability. “The cost of living is far below the national average,” Hamilton continues. “Housing costs alone are somewhere around 58% lower than the national average.”

Grow Your $$: 11 brilliant ways to build wealth after 40

Naples, Florida

This Southwest Florida city is already hot, says real estate developer Patty Campbell, president of the Florida West Coast Division at GL Homes in Naples.

“Naples has long been a popular beach town for retirees, and we’re seeing that demand continue to grow,” she says.

You won’t run out of things to do in this beach town, either. “Naples is an ideal place for active adult living, with year-round sunshine that makes popular activities like pickleball, tennis, golf, and boating all the more appealing,” Campbell adds.

Placencia, Belize

70 miles south of the capital of Belize you’ll find this idyllic fishing village turned vacation spot, according to Richards.

“It can be reached by car or air and is often visited by Norwegian Cruise Line passengers who ferry from nearby Harvest Caye,” he says.

Housing is affordable and varied in Placencia. “Retirees who choose Placencia will find options up and down both sides of the peninsula including private residences ranging from tiny casitas to canal-front homes in gated estates and resort-style condo developments,” Richards adds.

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

“Similar to Texas, a lot of retirees are increasingly choosing to move to states with Florida-like settings that aren't Florida,” says Hamilton. “Myrtle Beach is a popular spot that still isn’t too tourist-heavy in comparison to bigger cities in the area.”

Hamilton also points out the fiscal advantages of retiring in the Grand Strand. “Living and housing costs are below the national average, and even slightly lower than the state average,” he adds.

Earn up to a $300 bonus and grow your money with up to 3.80% APY

This powerful combination checking + savings account from SoFi® allows you to earn up to a $300 bonus with direct deposit and grow your money with up to 3.80% APY.⁴ New and existing Checking and Savings members who have not previously enrolled in Direct Deposit with SoFi are eligible to earn a cash bonus of either $50 (with at least $1,000 total Direct Deposits received during the Direct Deposit Bonus Period) OR $300 (with at least $5,000 total Direct Deposits received during the Direct Deposit Bonus Period). Cash bonus will be based on the total amount of Direct Deposit. Direct Deposit Promotion begins on 12/7/2023 and will be available through 1/31/2026. See full bonus and annual percentage yield (APY) terms at <a href="http://www.sofi.com/banking#1">sofi.com/banking#1</a>. SoFi Checking and Savings is offered through SoFi Bank, N.A., Member FDIC. SoFi members who enroll in SoFi Plus with Direct Deposit or by paying the SoFi Plus Subscription Fee every 30 days or with $5,000 or more in Qualifying Deposits during the 30-Day Evaluation Period can earn 3.80% annual percentage yield (APY) on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. There is no minimum Direct Deposit amount required to qualify for the stated interest rate. Members without either SoFi Plus or Qualifying Deposits, during the 30-Day Evaluation Period will earn 1.00% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. Only SoFi Plus members are eligible for other SoFi Plus benefits. Interest rates are variable and subject to change at any time. These rates are current as of Jan. 24, 2025. There is no minimum balance requirement. Additional information can be found at <a href="http://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet">http://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet</a>. See the SoFi Plus Terms and Conditions at <a href="https://www.sofi.com/terms-of-use/#plus">https://www.sofi.com/terms-of-use/#plus</a>.

This is one of the top accounts we’ve seen, and offers like this can be rare. You work hard, and now it’s time to make your money work for you — with SoFi, you can grow your money with hardly any effort!

SoFi has no account or overdraft fees⁵ Overdraft Coverage is limited to $50 on debit card purchases only and is an account benefit available to customers with direct deposits of $1,000 or more during the current 30-day Evaluation Period as determined by SoFi Bank, N.A.  The 30-Day Evaluation Period refers to the "Start Date" and "End Date" set forth on the APY Details page of your account, which comprises a period of 30 calendar days (the "30-Day Evaluation Period"). You can access the APY Details page at any time by logging into your SoFi account on the SoFi mobile app or SoFi website and selecting either (i) Banking > Savings > Current APY or (ii) Banking > Checking > Current APY.  Members with a prior history of non-repayment of negative balances are ineligible for Overdraft Coverage. and additional FDIC insurance up to $2 million on deposits is available through a seamless network of participating banks.⁶ We do not charge any account, service or maintenance fees for SoFi Checking and Savings. We do charge a transaction fee to process each outgoing wire transfer. SoFi does not charge a fee for incoming wire transfers, however the sending bank may charge a fee. Our fee policy is subject to change at any time. See the SoFi Checking & Savings Fee Sheet for details at <a href="http://sofi.com/legal/banking-fees/">sofi.com/legal/banking-fees/</a> ⁷ SoFi Bank is a member FDIC and does not provide more than $250,000 of FDIC insurance per legal category of account ownership, as described in the FDIC’s regulations. Any additional FDIC insurance is provided by the SoFi Insured Deposit Program. Deposits may be insured up to $2M through participation in the program. See full terms at <a href="http://sofi.com/banking/fdic/terms">SoFi.com/banking/fdic/terms</a> See list of participating banks at <a href="http://sofi.com/banking/fdic/receivingbanks">SoFi.com/banking/fdic/receivingbanks</a> Plus, you can receive your paycheck up to 2 days early.⁸ Early access to direct deposit funds is based on the timing in which we receive notice of impending payment from the Federal Reserve, which is typically up to two days before the scheduled payment date, but may vary.

How to earn up to $300: Sign up and make a direct deposit within the first 25 calendar days of the promotional period, then collect a $300 cash bonus with a direct deposit of $5,000 or more.

SoFi is a Member, FDIC. ⁷ SoFi Bank is a member FDIC and does not provide more than $250,000 of FDIC insurance per legal category of account ownership, as described in the FDIC’s regulations. Any additional FDIC insurance is provided by the SoFi Insured Deposit Program. Deposits may be insured up to $2M through participation in the program. See full terms at <a href="http://sofi.com/banking/fdic/terms">SoFi.com/banking/fdic/terms</a> See list of participating banks at <a href="http://sofi.com/banking/fdic/receivingbanks">SoFi.com/banking/fdic/receivingbanks</a>

Open your SoFi account and set up direct deposit

Port St. Lucie, Florida

Everyone has heard of Miami, but if you head north on Florida’s Atlantic coast, you’ll find this idyllic beach town, according to real estate investor Holden Andrews, Founder of Helpful Home Group.

“I think Port St Lucie in Florida is quickly becoming a retirement hotspot,” he says. “Its year-round good weather, great golf courses, and smaller town feel make it ideal for someone who wants a coastal experience without the hustle and bustle of living in a tourist-heavy area.”

Bottom line

Settling down in a retirement hotspot before it explodes in growth can lower your financial stress for two reasons: You can buy a home before prices soar and build equity that brings peace of mind with it. Whether stateside or abroad, these beach towns have amenities for every retiree.

Think about what kind of lifestyle you desire before making a final decision, as you may prefer living in a retirement community to solo or require assisted living. That can impact where exactly you choose to spend your golden years.

More from FinanceBuzz:

Build passive income with shares of rental homes

Ark7 - Real Estate Investing Benefits

Invest in cash-flow-generating, professionally managed rental properties without having to buy the whole property
Sell shares at will at no cost
3% sourcing fee and 8-15% monthly management fee
$20 minimum investment
Ark7 investors have earned 5%+ annualized distributions from monthly income alone⁹ The 5%+ return is the portfolio average and is based on figures since Q4 2022.

Get started