Retirement Retired Life

Experts Say These 8 Retirement Beach Towns Are Still Undiscovered

Are these beachside towns on your radar?

By Sarah Sharkey , Edited by Laura Hohenstein

Updated Nov. 8, 2026

Add Us On Google

Many future retirees are dreaming of a retirement near the water. But with so many of the most popular beach towns inundated with newcomers, many are looking for something a little bit different. Since one of the worst money moves retirees can make is moving to the wrong place, it's helpful to do a bit of exploring before settling on a spot.

This guide explores some of the undiscovered retirement beach towns, according to real estate agents.

Editor's note: All housing data comes from Zillow, unless otherwise stated.

Get a protection plan on all your appliances

Did you know if your air conditioner stops working, your homeowner’s insurance won’t cover it? Same with plumbing, electrical issues, appliances, and more.

A home warranty from Choice Home Warranty could pick up the slack where insurance falls short.

For a limited time, you can get your first month free with a Single Payment home warranty plan.

Get a free quote

Waveland, Mississippi

Average home price: $220,496

If you're looking for a coastal gem off the beaten path, Waveland is a great option.

"Waveland has about 8 miles of beaches, and, unlike a lot of other places on the Gulf Coast, doesn't allow hotels and other businesses to be built right on the beach," says Ben Mizes, president of Clever Real Estate.

You'll find a quiet destination where you can enjoy the shoreline without too much hustle and bustle.

Shopping for cheaper auto insurance? Enter your zip code here to get started.

Palacios, Texas

Average home price: $190,149

Palacios offers a small-town atmosphere to retirees seeking a slower pace. With plenty of beachside views, you'll be able to soak up the sun year-round.

"Retirees like this area because it is relatively quiet," says Mizes.

Colonial Beach, Virginia

Average home price: $326,232

Colonial Beach isn't your typical beach town. It's actually located on the Potomac River. But it still offers plenty of sandy beaches and a popular boardwalk.

"It's worth the visit, and offers a lot more than the typical ocean-side beach towns in Virginia," says Mizes. "Besides a convenient location to both Washington, D.C. and Richmond, many restaurants, and opportunities for fishing and kayaking, what more could you want in retirement?"

If you’re over 50, take advantage of massive discounts and financial resources

Over 50? Join AARP today— because if you’re not a member you could be missing out on huge perks. When you start your membership today, you can get discounts on things like travel, meal deliveries, eyeglasses, prescriptions that aren’t covered by insurance and more.

Start your membership by creating an account here and filling in all of the information (Do not skip this step!) Doing so will allow you to take up to 25% off your AARP membership, making it just $15 the first year with auto-renewal.

Deltaville, Virginia

Average home price: $446,606

Deltaville sits between the mouths of the Rappahannock and Piankatank Rivers on the western shore of Chesapeake Bay. With more than 25 marinas, it's easy to see why it's considered the 'boating capital of the Chesapeake Bay.'

"Buy here if you want to keep a boat, not just look at the water," says Daniel Yoon, real estate advisor at eXp Realty in Richmond, Virginia.

Cape Charles, Virginia

Average home price: $407,291

Near the mouth of Chesapeake Bay, Cape Charles offers a charming small-town setting that's steps away from the beach. Retirees here will have easy access to boating, golf, and a historic downtown packed with shops and restaurants. Plus, there are several hiking and biking trails to explore.

"A retiree who wants to buy before the rest of the market finds it should look here soon," says Yoon, "Check flood zone maps and the cost of flood insurance before you make an offer."

Onancock, Virginia

Average home price: $299,876

"Onancock is a small harbor town that most people drive past," says Yoon. But as a quiet spot, it might be perfect for some retirees seeking a slower pace.

If you're considering this small town, "visit in February, not July," says Yoon. "A quiet water town in summer can feel very empty in winter."

Retirement News: Almost 80% of Americans fear a retirement age increase — here’s the real reason why

Northport, Michigan

Average home price: $857,523

"Northport is at the tip of the pinky finger of Michigan's mitt," says Sander Scott, broker at Net Real Estate.

The town offers a range of public beaches, a marina, and a walkable downtown. For retirees seeking a slower pace of life without giving up the seasons, this beach town could be a good fit.

"For people who want to enjoy the water and have an overall active outdoor lifestyle while being connected to a smaller community, Northport is a great place to consider," says Scott.

Suttons Bay, Michigan

Average home price: $652,616

With a marina, sandy beaches, and plenty of dining opportunities, Suttons Bay could be a great fit for some retirees. Of course, it's a bit colder than some other beachside towns in the winter. But for many, the seasons are worth hanging onto.

"Retirees who want the character of a smaller waterfront community while being within close proximity to regional services find Suttons Bay a good match," says Scott.

Bottom line

As you dream of retirement destinations, it's a good idea to run the numbers to find out when you can retire. Once you have a better idea of the timeline, consider exploring the places that pique your interest. Before buying a home in a new place, consider visiting for an extended period of time or at least renting for a while to find out if you enjoy the area.

More from FinanceBuzz: