Oceanfront and Beachfront Retirement Communities
Beachfront senior living offers warm weather, a laidback lifestyle, and a sense of community.
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Find Oceanfront & Beachfront Communities Near You
You’ve worked hard your whole life. Now it’s time to retire, and you’ve dreamed of spending your days lounging on a beach. It’s a dream shared by millions of Americans. If you, too, dream of sandy shores, ocean views, and life at a slower pace, a beachfront retirement community may be the answer.
Although many people think of Florida as the best place to find a beachfront retirement community, there are communities up and down both U.S. coastlines and all along the Gulf of Mexico. Mexico even offers beachfront retirement opportunities to eligible American retirees. In this guide, we’ll go over some of the benefits of choosing a beachfront retirement community, associated costs, and other factors to consider before making a decision.
Benefits of Living in a Beachfront Retirement Community
There is a lot to be said for living in a beachfront retirement community. Not only are you right next to all the sun and surf you could ever want, but you're also surrounded by your peers and people who may share similar interests and lifestyles with you. Some other benefits include:
- A laid-back and luxurious lifestyle
- Easy access to resort-style amenities, like beautiful parks, sprawling golf courses, boating, kayaking, surfing, and fishing
- Nearby beaches, sometimes just a step from your back door
- Warm and temperate climates
- Lots of scenery and natural environments to enjoy and explore, including hiking opportunities
- Opportunities for cross-country and downhill skiing (in colder regions)
- Popular tourist destinations with a wide range of shops and restaurants
Our free housing and care finder uses your unique needs to curate a list of the best options in your area.
Affordable Beachfront Retirement Communities
Purchasing a beachfront home comes with a higher price tag, but it also means that you never have to drive to enjoy the things you love the most — like sand, gorgeous views, and plenty of opportunities to enjoy nature. Just walk out the door of your home, and there it is!
Pro Tip: Unsure how to make a beachfront retirement community work with your finances? If so, be sure to check out SeniorLiving.org’s guide to building a budget on a fixed income!
According to Jon Ulin, the managing principal of Ulin & Co Wealth Management in Boca Raton, the state of Florida is one of the more affordable places for beachfront retirement living. He says that “the cost of living is significantly less for entertainment, transportation, food…and even real estate. You can buy a lot more house in Florida for the same cost.” He also shares that Florida retirees do not pay city or state taxes, which can be a huge plus if you live on a fixed income.
Florida, however, is not the only place to find an affordable beachfront home. There are lots of coastal retirement communities all along the Atlantic, Pacific, and Gulf of Mexico shores of the United States. Even Michigan has beachfront retirement homes, and often at very reasonable prices. Although locations further north may not offer year-round temperate weather, each community has its special features to offer — from unparalleled views to small-town charm.
Factors to Consider When Searching for a Beachfront Retirement Community
When looking for a beachfront retirement community, you need to first decide if you want to live in the home year-round or seasonally. This will help you better determine the right home for you.
Did You Know? There are more than 30,600 retirement communities in the United States alone.1
For instance, if you intend to live in the home seasonally, you may want to have the security that a gated community with security guards can provide. They can keep an eye on the home, giving you greater peace of mind while you’re there and while you’re away. This will increase the cost of the home; however, you can rest easy knowing someone else is watching the property on your behalf.
The cost of any retirement community home is affected by several factors including location, amenities, and size. When determining the best home to purchase, make comparisons and consider the following factors, which may also impact the cost:
- Taxes, including city and state taxes
- Property value
- Amenities such as golf courses, clubhouses, community clubs, and swimming pools
- Local cost of living
- Proximity to hospitals and other medical clinics
- Year-round climate
- Local economy and work opportunities
- Socialization opportunities
- Proximity to public transit and airports
- Frequency of hurricanes, storms, floods, or other natural disasters
Want to live on the water, but the price tag is making it difficult? Consider lakefront properties or communities near rivers or bays. These can offer spectacular views and quick water access without breaking the bank. Oceanfront properties located further from large cities may also come with a more agreeable price tag. Read our guide to affordable senior living for more tips.
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How to Find and Pay for a Beachfront Retirement Home
So, you're ready to begin looking for your dream home or beachfront retirement community. If you’re unsure where to start, or you simply want to make sure that a community is right for you, we can help you find the best location to meet your needs. Give us a call or use our directory search to find the best oceanfront retirement communities for you.
As you compare your options, also consider our top tips for researching senior living communities in the video below.
Pro Tip: Do you think you need help with daily activities now or will need help in the near future? If so, you may want to consider moving into an assisted living community.
More often than not, paying for a beachfront retirement home in an active adult community will require you to secure a conventional home loan. If you have a home you intend to sell to cover the cost, you may be able to come up with a sizable down payment or completely cover the cost of your new home. And if you’re still unsure where to get the funds, be sure to consult our guide on paying for senior living with no money!
American Health Care Association / National Center for Assisted Living. Facts & Figures.
