Now, after working for years, let these cozy towns on the East Coast be the tranquil sanctuary of your well-deserved retirement.
Retirement gives way to more tranquil moments, and this dream of a serene life, where one is surrounded by idyllic landscapes and a welcoming community, can be found in cozy towns. Fortunately, scenic towns in the US abound, allowing retirees to choose where they want to enjoy the much-needed peace and serenity they couldn’t find in cities with endless commotions.
However, while the West Coast has such cozy towns to retire to, this article focuses on those on the East Coast. This region in the US has something for everyone, even people looking to enjoy the golden years in beautiful beachside towns. Several things make these towns perfect choices, including the availability of less-demanding recreational activities, supportive communities, friendly people, amenities for seniors, and affordable cost of living.
Let these 10 cozy towns on the East Coast be the guide to retirees looking for the ideal place to spend their golden years.
10 Piermont, New York
Shops and Galleries in Piermont, a beautiful town to retire to in New York
Piermont is one of the cozy towns to retire to in New York State and is known for residents and retirees who lean on conservative values and principles. The town ranks second among the best places to retire in New York, where almost half of the residents are aged above 55 years. Here, people in their golden age spend time admiring the scenic Hudson River, chilling along Piermont Pier, or relaxing by a café overlooking the tranquil street.
Although Piermont has a small-town feel, which most retirees yearn for after years of a chaotic life in bustling cities, it’s approximately 1-hour drive to NYC. As such, they’ll have an easy time accessing high-quality healthcare and other urban conveniences.
- Population: 2,506
- Cost of living index: 144.4
- Why Piermont, New York, is best for retirees: Lots of recreation opportunities, Walkable, Lovely community, Many housing styles
9 New Castle, New Hampshire
New Castle is an idyllic town for retirees seeking a tranquil lifestyle in a destination with breathtaking natural beauty and cultural opportunities as they enter their golden years. Located in Rockingham County, this cozy town boasts a rich history, which culture and art lovers explore at the New Castle Historical Society.
The society displays intriguing Piscataqua River artifacts and bygone-era pictures of New Castle. For an immersive exploring experience, history buffs go on a self-guided or guided town tour offered by the historical society, starting at the museum and ending at the Riverside Cemetery.
- Population: 1,001
- Cost of living index:118.9
- Why New Castle, New Hampshire, is best for retirees: Rural feel, Recreational opportunities, Close-knit community
8 Oakland, Maryland
View of 2nd Street in the historic district of Oakland, one of the most cozy towns to retire to on the East Coast
Retirees craving small-town vibes and year-round outdoor adventures find a haven in Oakland, a friendly town tucked in Maryland. The downtown area offers the best shopping opportunities, especially during the Morning Fresh Farmer’s Market, running from May to November. Shoppers browse everything from baked goods to fresh produce and art pieces on Wednesdays and Saturdays in the mentioned months.
On the other hand, folks looking forward to an adventure-filled retirement have easy access to Deep Creek Lake. The lake offers fishing, boating, and kayaking opportunities in the warmer months and ice-fishing and skiing in the colder months.
- Population: 1,805
- Cost of living index: 83.5
- Why Oakland, Maryland, is best for retirees: Small town vibe, Access to recreational areas, Year-round festivals
7 Isle of Palms, South Carolina
With its pleasant weather, recreation opportunities, and feeling of community, Isle of Palms is one of the perfect spots to retire in South Carolina and the East Coast. Located north of Charleston Harbor, this coastal retreat is ideal for people in search of a slower pace of life with a bonus of relaxing outdoor activities.
Golf lovers work on their game at the Wild Dunes Resort’s world-class golf courses designed by golf architect Tom Fazio. However, beach lovers find a relaxation paradise at the Isle of Palms County Park, known for its magnificent oceanfrontage and thoughtful amenities. Aside from the Isle of Palms, the Carolinas have beautiful beachside towns perfect for retirement.
- Population: 4,261
- Cost of living index: 122.0
- Why Isle of Palms, South Carolina, is best for retirees: Mild weather, Scenic and uncrowded beaches, Plenty of golf courses, and Small-town vibe
6 Juno Beach, Florida
Florida is home to beautiful beachside towns for retirement, but those who want a cozy vibe in smaller towns head to Juno Beach in Palm Beach County. So, what makes Juno Beach perfect for retirees? The town has several perks for seniors, from world-class healthcare where they get 24-hour services to plenty of volunteer opportunities.
This cozy town is also a haven for water lovers where they can spend a fun-filled summer day at Juno Beach Pier. Here, retirees fish or enjoy scenic views before ending their day at Pier House for a snack.
- Population: 3,722
- Cost of living index: 114.1
- Why Juno Beach, Florida, is best for retirees: Top-rated golf courses, Beachfront community, Neighborly feel
5 Lewes, Delaware
Lewes is a quiet, historic town dating back to the 1600s as a Dutch whaling village. Given its seaside location, Lewes is a popular spot for beach-loving retirees who want convenience and natural beauty. Adventurers have their share of fun in Cape Henlopen State Park on the Atlantic Ocean, known for its gorgeous beaches, camping, fishing, and birding opportunities.
Apart from smooth access to recreational activities, Lewes is a perfect retirement option with its proximity to the Beebe Medical Center, offering orthopedic surgeries, pulmonary care, and coronary intervention.
- Population: 3,649
- Cost of living index: 108.1
- Why Lewes, Delaware, is best for retirees: Good healthcare access, Recreational opportunities, Good community for seniors
4 Kennebunkport, Maine
Kennebunkport lures seniors with its laid-back and quintessential small-town vibes to spend their golden years. While here, retirees spend their days strolling along the walkable downtown lined with galleries and sampling delicious local fare from the best seafood restaurants in the area.
Due to the town’s strategic location along a scenic coastline, the salty ocean air draws beach lovers from their cozy homes to the stunning Goose Rock Beach. Here, retirees make new memories as they observe plovers and terns nesting or soaking in gorgeous ocean views.
- Population: 1,402
- Cost of living index: 109.9
- Why Kennebunkport, Maine, is best for retirees: Outdoor activities like fishing and boating, Senior living homes, Charming downtown area
3 Surf City, New Jersey
Surf City is one of the best places to retire in New Jersey and on the East Coast, with a population of 1,322, where 571 are seniors. Retirees enjoy the coastal vibe by joining Surf City Yacht Club, one of the prestigious yacht clubs on the East Coast that allows them to enjoy Barnegat Bay’s beauty through sailing and power boating.
M.T. Burton Gallery and Clay Studio is another spot that provides pottery classes where golden agers enjoy making wheel-thrown and handmade pottery pieces. Besides being a suitable place for retirees, Surf City is one of the most beautiful towns in New Jersey that tourists should consider visiting.
- Population: 1,322
- Cost of living index: 111.9
- Why Surf City, New Jersey, is best for retirees: Easy access to all sorts of senior amenities, Retirement communities, Serene coastal location
2 Helen, Georgia
Helen immerses seniors into a German-inspired wonderland surrounded by majestic mountains, dense forests, and river banks. As the natural beauty shines, outdoorsy retirees find a wealth of fun things to do, such as hiking, birdwatching, and fishing trout in Smithgall Wood State Park. At the same time, art and culture enthusiasts gather at the Helen Arts & Heritage Center to volunteer or join art classes to hone their skills. The center also has a trove of information about Helen’s past events that shaped what it is today worth exploring.
- Population: 565
- Cost of living index: 86.2
- Why Helen, Georgia is best for retirees: Less crowded, Outdoor adventures, Year-round festivals
1 Wilmington, Vermont
There’s no better place to enjoy the golden years than in Vermont, known for its beautiful small towns. Wilmington is one of its cozy towns, luring retirees with its relatively low cost of living, endless adventures, and access to quality healthcare.
The town has a laid-back mountain lifestyle where seniors enjoy biking along paved trails, attending live performances at Town Hall Theater, and visiting galleries showcasing intriguing artwork. Most places in town are within walking distance to help golden-agers save on gas and perform low-impact exercises that are gentle on their joints.
- Population: 2,315
- Cost of living index: 99.7
- Why Wilmington, Vermont, is best for retirees: Affordable housing prices, Access to quality healthcare, Low cost of living, Endless activities for seniors
Source: The Travel
