7 of the Best Places to Retire on the East Coast

Everybody has their own vision for retirement, but many people seem to agree on warm weather and great views.

It’s not surprising, then, that many popular cities for retirement are coastal locations in lower latitudes.

Here’s a look at some of the best places for retirees to live on the East Coast.

1. Jacksonville, Florida

Florida is full of popular retirement destinations, but they’re usually much farther south — which requires many hours of driving or a plane ticket if you plan to visit any friends or family out of state.

As we note in “America’s 10 Most Affordable Cities for Retirees,” Jacksonville has 22 miles of beaches, plentiful parks and history, and affordable real estate. It’s also much more centrally located for traveling around the Southeast.

2. Virginia Beach, Virginia

We included this spot in our “10 Great Warm and Sunny Places to Retire in the U.S.” because it enjoys an average of 213 days of sun every year — more than the norm across the country. It’s also known for its low crime rate.

3. Fort Lauderdale, Florida

If you’re not worried about being too far south, sunny Fort Lauderdale might have everything you need. According to a recent analysis of the best cities to retire in Florida, the city is near the top of the list for activities.

If boats are your thing, Fort Lauderdale also happens to be a popular place for fishing and yachting.

4. Savannah, Georgia

This city is known for its natural beauty, from century-old oak trees to the beaches of Tybee Island. It’s been an increasingly popular place for retirees in the past few years.

5. Miami, Florida

The setting for “The Golden Girls” hasn’t lost its luster in the last 30 years. It ranked as one of “The 10 Best Places to Retire in 2021,” not just for its famous sun and surf but also attractions like its sports teams.

6. Charleston, South Carolina

Charleston ranks even higher on the list of best places to retire across the entire U.S., and it’s not hard to see why. As the oldest city in the South Carolina, dating back to 1670, it’s rich with historic buildings nestled in a beautiful harbor. It’s also relatively affordable.

7. Orlando, Florida

Orlando is the furthest inland city on the list, about an hour’s drive from the Atlantic Ocean. But it often figures into lists of the best retirement destinations in the country, thanks to practically perfect weather (the average temperature is about 79 degrees) and affordability.

You’ll never run out of things to do here, either, with so many tourist attractions in your backyard — not least of which is Disney World.