Best Coastal Retirement Towns: Taxes, Healthcare & Safety

For those envisioning a retirement by the sea, selecting the ideal coastal city is a key consideration. Recently, New Second Homes ranked the top coastal retirement spots based on factors including taxes, health care, and safety, highlighting regional strengths like Delaware for taxes and safety, North Carolina for climate and culture, and Florida for health care.

1. Lewes, Delaware

Lewes is known for its historic district and golf courses. Delaware is a low-tax haven, with no sales taxes. There is also no tax on Social Security benefits, and the first $12,500 of retirement income is tax-sheltered for those 60 and older.

Beebe Medical Center has a national reputation for heart-related treatments. The area also has a very low risk of hurricanes, making it a safe coastal retirement spot.

2. Beaufort, North Carolina

Beaufort is considered one of the best beach towns in North Carolina. Residents have access to ECU Health Beaufort Hospital, which is associated with East Carolina University.

North Carolina has a flat tax rate of 4.25%, with no taxes on Social Security income, inheritance, or estates.

Crime rates in Beaufort are higher than average, though the northwest part of the city is considered safer. Hurricane risk is rated moderate and manageable.

3. Southport, North Carolina

Southport is home to the Fort Fisher State Historic Site. Medical care is available at Dosher Memorial Hospital and Southport Health and Rehabilitation Center.

Crime rates are lower on the city’s west side. The median home price is around $370K, lower than the national average, and North Carolina offers property tax relief programs for those 65 and older.

4. Sarasota, Florida

Sarasota boasts great beaches and a renowned cultural scene. It receives high marks for health care, particularly the Sarasota Memorial Health Care System and HCA Florida Sarasota Doctors Hospital.

Florida has no income tax. Crime rates are lower than the average U.S. city, with Sarasota earning an A+ score from CrimeGrade.org. The Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport offers 50+ nonstop destinations and 11 airlines.

5. Cape Charles, Virginia

Cape Charles is a planned community with Victorian-era origins. Residents must travel about 40 minutes to reach Riverside Shore Memorial Hospital in Onancock.

Virginia has a progressive income tax topping out at 5.75%. Sales and property taxes are relatively low, with tax relief programs for retirees age 65 and older. The town is peaceful, with a stable population of around 1,000 year-round residents, increasing during peak tourist season.

6. Emerald Isle, North Carolina

Emerald Isle is a quiet community on the Bogue Banks barrier island, known for its pristine beaches and relaxed atmosphere. It features scenic coastline, marshlands, and nearby Fort Macon State Park.

Med First offers both urgent and primary care services. Taxes are low, hurricane risk is moderate with Atlantic exposure, and infrastructure is strong.

7. Rehoboth Beach, Delaware

Rehoboth Beach is known for its boardwalk and nightlife. Residents enjoy Delaware’s low taxes. Both Beebe Medical Center and Bayhealth Hospital are in the region.

The violent crime rate is low, but property theft is higher than the national average, particularly during tourist season. The southwest part of the city is considered the safest.

8. Virginia Beach, Virginia

Virginia Beach is a military town with both Sentara Virginia Beach General Hospital and Sentara Princess Anne Hospital. Virginia’s lower tax rates also make it an attractive retirement location.

The median home price is below $400K, and the Chesapeake Bay tends to protect the city from hurricanes, resulting in low to moderate risk.

9. Kiawah Island, South Carolina

Kiawah Island has some of the best golf courses in South Carolina. It is home to MUSC Health Kiawah Partners Pavilion, offering primary care and a free-standing emergency room. Additional hospital services are available in Charleston, 20 miles away.

South Carolina has some of the lowest property taxes in the nation, with no estate or inheritance taxes. The northern part of the city is considered safer, and the hurricane risk is moderate.

10. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

Myrtle Beach is a popular tourist destination and offers robust health care options, including Conway Medical Center, Grand Strand Health, and McLeod Health. Taxes are generally low in South Carolina, especially property taxes.

The southeast part of the city has little crime, and while hurricane risk is moderate to high, the median home price is a low investment at around $274K.

Bottom line

A retirement by the coast can be a relaxing and fulfilling way to spend a stress-free retirement. The cities on this list offer a combination of lifestyle factors that can enhance your golden years.

If you are nearing retirement, consider visiting two or three of these locations to determine the perfect place to settle into your forever home.