Coastal Communities

Coastal retirement communities are what today’s active-adult lifestyle is all about: start with sunny seaside locations in Southern states, add an abundance of outdoor amenities with a pinch of salt in the air, and you’ve got the perfect recipe for a quality of life that’s both happy and healthy.

From Delaware to Florida along the Atlantic Ocean shoreline, coastal retirement communities enjoy an ideal year-round climate with warm Gulf Stream waters to keep the winters mild and brisk sea breezes to cool the summer heat. For most of the year, daytime temperatures hit that comfortable sweet spot in between, making your favorite outdoor recreational activities an everyday option.

The Beach

If a coastal retirement community is on your radar, you’ve probably been a beach lover since the family vacations of your youth. A few of the most upscale coastal communities are located directly on the oceanfront, but the best property values for smart retirees are found along the Intracoastal Waterway and the tidal wetlands,usually just a short drive from the sand dunes. Leading coastal retirement communities also have private beach clubs with complimentary parking, showers and other conveniences, plus easy access to the area’s oceanside state parks and national seashores (some of which include pristine barrier islands to explore).

On the Water

A coastal retirement community is the right choice if you and your spouse love to get out on the water. Nearly all feature full-service marinas that are the launching point for adventure, whether you choose an early-morning fishing expedition or a leisurely sunset cruise—or both in a single day. For those who want a little more exercise, kayakers and paddle boarders find countless bays, inlets and rivers to explore on the waterways surrounding the finest coastal retirement communities.

Resort-Style Amenities

Living in a coastal retirement community is like a year-round vacation for seniors who want to embrace the active-adult lifestyle. Many of the best private golf courses in the South are located in retirement communities along the coast and are open for play every day. Grand clubhouses feature swimming pools and spas, plus fitness centers with group work-out programs and racquet clubs for tennis and pickleball players. There are also miles of on-site walking trails and community gardens for the healthiest of outdoor activities.

Around Town

Many new coastal retirement community residents are delighted to find an unexpected lifestyle bonus in the seaside towns often located just outside the gates. Some are long-time vacation destinations with hometown festivals and attractions the grandkids are sure to love. Others also have expanding commercial centers that serve new retirees in nearby coastal communities. All feature fresh-catch seafood restaurants and weekly farmer’s markets from early spring to late fall. World-class medical services and major cultural events add to the quality of retirement life in coastal cities like Wilmington, Charleston and Savannah, often just a short drive away.