Many people dream about retirement in a beach town. But a remote beach area isn’t always the right fit for retirees, who also need access to amenities and services, such as quality health care and transportation options.
When you think of retirement locales, Florida is probably the first state to come to mind – and for good reason. With its ample coastline, there is no shortage of great beach towns to choose from, and the cost of living is low.
“When it comes to cost of living concerns, it’s hard to beat Florida’s lack of income tax. While insurance may be a bit dicier, that’s likely to be a temporary issue,” says Larry Snider, vice president of operations at Casago Property Management and Vacation Rentals.
Still, Florida isn’t the only state hosting great beach cities for retirees.
A recent U.S. News analysis compared the 150 largest metropolitan areas in the United States as potential retirement spots, including data on housing affordability, happiness, desirability, retiree taxes, the job market and access to quality health care. Here’s a look at the highest-rated coastal towns to retire.
- Portland, Maine.
- Jacksonville, Florida.
- Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.
- Port St. Lucie, Florida.
- Melbourne, Florida.
- Sarasota, Florida.
- Daytona Beach, Florida.
- Naples, Florida.
- Tampa, Florida.
- Pensacola, Florida.
No, Ocean City is not on the list. Why would anyone think it should be? It’s a second rate town in a third rate failed state that taxes everything, including the rain.
I’m retired and in Ocean Pines and love it. I go to the beach when I want and have everything I need here. The only other beach local I would consider is Naples, fla.
NOTHING in Ocean City !!
Panama City Fla Much Better !!!!
More college GIRLS !!!
Of course not. The 10 mile island (the only commercial resort in MD) is not tax friendly at all. No enticement for retirees and old mindset in City Hall. Build Build Build continues to be first and foremost. Currently huge projects on the north end of the City. 2 huge complexes on the bayside near the DE line will add to the saturation “charm” to OC.
The newbies will be condos and such, not hotels. Margaritaville downtown will handle that huge lift over the next 2 summers.
Condos/townhomes are ok. Hotels – hell can’t fill them during the week and thats been a DECADES problem. Even owned by EMPTY condos/townhomes don’t help the receipt factor in the City.
Figure out how to get folks to town MID WEEK (not weekends – since thats only a short term solution that gets washed out more than not) is a long term solution.
Before one knows it, West OC will be the destination rather than on the island. Hell, many of us already head to West O for food and drink!
So no, OC MD will not be on the top 50 list either!
Ocean City is a money hole that is corrupt with violence and filth!
I wouldn’t have considered retiring there .I do hear from a lot of local residents that Rehoboth has a lot to offer.