Discover the Nation’s Best Coastal Communities
The sound of waves lulling you to sleep doesn’t have to be an experience reserved for vacation—for those living in coastal communities, it’s a way of life. If a walk on the beach, fishing, or a scenic boat ride sound like your ideal activity, buying a home in a coastal community could be the right choice for you.
Why choose a coastal community?
A relaxed pace of life combined with plenty of options for activity gives the coast a unique offering: you can always find the right pace for you. Paddle past an egret in the morning, catch a fish in the afternoon, or take a walk on the sand collecting seashells at dusk. There’s always something to do, but no pressure when you want to take it easy.
What are the benefits of living in a coastal community?
- Mild climate: The moderating effect of the ocean means that life by the coast is usually a little cooler in the summer and a little warmer in the winter, creating the ideal setting for those who love to spend their days outdoors.
- Outdoor activities: Sitting on the back deck looking out over the ocean or taking an evening walk on the sand are just a few of the activities you can choose from in a coastal community. From boating, to fishing, to kayaking and more, there’s always something to do when you’re by the coast.
- Active and healthy lifestyle: Few things feel more calming than a deep breath of salt air. Those living in coastal communities find it’s easy to have an active and healthy life because there’s plenty to do outside.
- Water views: Home values remain high where there are water views—and what’s more relaxing than waking up to a picturesque landscape out your back door?
- Wildlife watching: From pelicans to dolphins, turtles to crabs, it’s hard to go a day without witnessing wildlife when you’re living by the coast. For those who enjoy birdwatching or just casually encountering nature while going about daily activities, the coast can deliver constant excitement.
- Relaxing pace: There’s no rush on the coast. While you might not be on full island time, living by the sea often comes with a slower pace that lets residents live in the moment and truly take in their surroundings.
Ready to live by the seashore?
Below you’ll find coastal communities to discover and explore. Whether you’re a beach lover or seeking something slightly inland, these communities let you enjoy the best the coast has to offer while living a comfortable and active life.
When you find coastal communities you’re interested in, use the information request form to contact a local expert from the area. Through that form you can ask questions, find information on the destination, and get a feel for the lifestyle. The sky's the limit—you can even inquire about specifics like HOA fees, details about the amenities, or the prices of homes in the area.
If you’re looking for a certain location in particular, just use the filtering options on the left to narrow down your options and find the seaside spot that’s calling your name.
Research and Explore Coastal Communities
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Click to explore the following coastal communities. Request information from multiple communities by selecting the checkboxes to the right and completing the form below.
Beaufort Club
A vibrant waterfront lifestyle is easy to enjoy at Beaufort Club in Beaufort, North Carolina. Go for a walk or bike ride along one of the beautiful nature trails, picnic in of the many preservation areas, where you can spot a flock of pelicans in their famous v-formation.
Take to the greens for an unforgettable round of golf, but be sure to stop by the Golf Clubhouse first, featuring: a pro shop, locker rooms, meeting rooms, bar, lounge, full veranda, and restaurant – Blue Heron.
After exploring Historic Beaufort or the pristine beaches of the Crystal Coast – just minutes away- there is nothing better than relaxing in the pavilion or enjoying a dip in the resort-style pool with family and friends.
The Home Place of Southport
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The Home Place of Southport is located in coastal North Carolina, just between Wilmington and Myrtle Beach. The community features 52 charming, brick low-maintenance homes with highly desired retirement smart features. At the Home Place of Southport, you’ll enjoy a low monthly HOA which includes lawn maintenance as well as Homeowners’ Insurance.
This new gated neighborhood offers single-family Villas and Garden Home Duplex designs, featuring the Beach Boca floorplan consisting of 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, a two-car garage, and a screened lanai with an optional bonus and bath. Prices begin in the $400s. The Beach Boca floorplan was recently awarded the Gold Award by the Wilmington/Cape Fear Home Builders Association in the 2023 Parade of Homes.
The community is located just a few minutes from the seaside town of Southport, North Carolina which is home to the North Carolina State 4th of July Festival, a historic waterfront, and dozens of restaurants and eclectic shops. The Home Place of Southport is an ideal community to enjoy an active, yet relaxed lifestyle. Call us today to schedule a visit.
River Bluffs
A unique waterfront community with new homes from the $400s – $1.5M+ and available lots starting at $90k.
Located just 10 minutes north of Downtown Wilmington, NC (by boat or car) sits River Bluffs, a gated community that overlooks the Northeast Cape Fear River. River Bluffs offers a wide variety of home plans, including affordable cottage-style homes for a growing family, single-level homes with retirement-smart features, low-maintenance townhomes, and even fully-custom homes built by the area’s most prestigious builders. River Bluffs boasts a variety of luxurious amenities such as a a 2,700 foot river walk with covered gazebos, 188 slip marina, miles of walking trails and parks, a beach-entry pool, high-end fitness center, tennis and pickle ball courts, a community General Store, over 30+ resident clubs including kayaking, boating, and much more.
Enhance Your Quality of Life by Moving to River Bluffs:
• No city tax and no traffic!
• Low county & state taxes. North Carolina residents enjoy some of the lowest cost of living expenses on the Eastern seaboard!
• Enjoy low HOA dues which include yard maintenance, trash service, recycling, and access to all community amenities.
• 4.75% flat income tax and 0% estate or inheritance tax.
Carolina Colours
Carolina Colours brings to life the very best of small Carolina towns-past, present and future. A mere 30 minutes from the Atlantic Ocean, the waters of the Trent and Neuse Rivers converge to surround the vibrant waterfront town of New Bern, NC. Community amenities include the 25+-acre Carolina Lake, a Harris Teeter grocery, parks, trails and sidewalks, an Activity Campus with golf, fitness, tennis, swimming, pickleball and-for those quiet moments-rocking chairs.
Located in New Bern, NC, perhaps North Carolina’s most desired small town retirement destination for the past 25 years, CAROLINA COLOURS offers a variety of living environments and lifestyle choices. While typical homesites are of a size that many modern communities consider over sized, these half acre and larger sites have proven popular and have allowed numerous custom homes to be constructed, giving the core of the community an eclectic but attractive architectural composition, with trees abundant.
With quality custom builders ready to help you design and build on any homesite you purchase and with three regional/national builders constructing dozens of homes for sale that will be ready for occupancy in the summer of 2022, your choices of location within the community are varied. Carolina Colours Realty, located on-site, sells only new and resale properties within Carolina Colours and is staffed with agents that know all there is to know about the many properties and activities within the community and the New Bern area. In this period of high inflation, Carolina Colours still provides one of the best values in the coastal plain of North Carolina for those that want an attractive, planned community with numerous amenities and activities to fit any lifestyle. And for golfers, the Carolina Colours course is widely considered the premier layout in the region.
The Carolina Colours Golf Course has been very well received. The course is considered by many one of the most attractive and fairest tests of golf in the region, with six teeing alternatives allowing players from scratch golfers to beginners the proper challenge, with sufficient variety for those that play four times a week. Unlike many new courses that create a setting, the Carolina Colours course, designed by Bill Love, the long time chairman of the environmental committee of the National Association of Golf Course Architects, fits into a wooded, rolling landscape as though it belongs. Even non-golfers love to ride or walk its paths.
What sets Carolina Colours apart, however, is its incredible sense of community. From Friday night gatherings for drink and food at the Pavilion, the 16,000-square-foot community clubhouse, to seemingly endless scheduled activities, both active and passive, neighborhood gatherings, walking and biking, organized trips and more, the community welcomes newcomers with a smile and an open invitation to join with others as frequently as one desires.
New Bern, North Carolina’s first capital city, has its historical districts and quaint shopping areas right downtown, where the Neuse and Trent rivers converge, giving many an Annapolis feel. With abundant local marinas and the Intracoastal Waterway and Atlantic Ocean only about 30 miles away, water activities abound. And with a commercial airport and close proximity to major highways, New Bern is easy to get to. Once there, the quality of medical care and the numerous regional cultural and festival type events allows for a life that can be as active or inactive as suits any chosen lifestyle.
Mirum Elounda Villas – Greece
Mirum Elounda Villas is an exclusive seafront complex of Mediterranean-style ultra-luxury villas set in a stunning boutique development facing the historical Spinalonga Island.
The villas feature open terraces, panoramic windows, landscaped gardens, and private heated swimming pools. Each villa is designed to take maximum advantage of panoramic sea views. The generously proportioned villas (5-6 bedrooms) sit on large plots of at least 4,000 sq m. All come with generous indoor-outdoor spaces that have a contemporary feel and inviting private pools. Each villa also has a gourmet kitchen, but you can request private chef dinners. Furthermore, the complex has direct access to a private beach and jetty.
Sample the Mediterranean lifestyle by renting one of Mirum Elonda Villas. With a seafront location, exclusive access to amenities and service from 5* Hotel, these rental villas provide you with the luxury vacation of a lifetime.
Welcome Home Mississippi
Wide open spaces, lush greenery and sandy white beaches – what better place to retire than in Mississippi? Mississippi also is the most affordable state for retirement, with a cost of living 14% lower than the national average and total retirement spending the lowest in the nation.
With 13 certified retirement communities, each one a vibrant and hospitable area, the options are plentiful, and each one offers a quality of living unmatched anywhere else in the U.S. Whether you dream of living in the same city as the King of Rock ‘n Roll, or enjoy outdoor activities like golfing or festivals, retiring in the Magnolia State is full of options for every lifestyle.
We look forward to welcoming you home!
K. Hovnanian’s Four Seasons at Baymont Farms
Located in Middletown, DE,. K. Hovnanian’s Four Seasons at Baymont Farms is a 55+ active lifestyle community featuring low-maintenance single family homes. With an ideal location in Middletown, there’s plenty of shopping and dining nearby to explore. But you won’t need to leave the community to find your next adventure.
K. Hovnanian’s Four Seasons at Baymont Farms will feature a 6,000-square-foot clubhouse. It’s where you’ll gather around the grand fireplace of the social lounge and bar area, or enjoy recreation of your choice in the fitness center, game room, billiard room, card room or aerobics studio. The adventure continues outside, where you’ll find an outdoor pool, a tiki hut, pickleball courts and walking trails.
K. Hovnanian Homes has decades of expertise curating exceptional active lifestyles for those 55 or better. Its last active lifestyle community in New Castle County, K. Hovnanian’s Four Seasons at Silver Maple was Delaware’s best-selling 55+ community from 2014 until its completion in 2016.
Contact a Community Information Specialist to sign up for the community’s VIP list, and be the first to receive the latest updates and invitations to special events!
Beau Coast
Beau Coast is found in the quaint coastal town of Beaufort, NC, which was named “South’s Best Small Town” by Southern Living Magazine. If you’re wondering why Beaufort deserves those accolades, the explanation is simple: it’s a small town with big character.
Historic Beaufort, NC is more than just a small coastal town, it’s steeped in a distinct history. First established in 1709, it’s the third oldest town in North Carolina and was a port town visited by patriots, merchants, and craftsmen. When you call Beau Coast home, you’ll find yourself at the center of it all. The coastal charm. The compelling culture. The stunning natural areas. And so much more.
Eastman Community Association
Eastman Community Association – Four Seasons Paradise
The Eastman Community Association in Grantham, NH is an ideal active-adult and retirement destination. It’s also the perfect place to raise a family. Eastman is a sustainable, intergenerational community in the Dartmouth-Lake Sunapee Region of New Hampshire.
Ultimately, Eastman is a nature-lover’s haven. Tucked away in the pristine woodlands of New Hampshire’s Upper Connecticut River Valley, the Eastman Community Association encourages an active and connected lifestyle. Residents move to the rhythm of four distinct seasons. And, outdoor adventure is a central theme.
Just Add Amenities
Eastman is centrally located, but just remote enough. It’s conveniently two hours north of Boston and three hours from Hartford. And, Lake Sunapee, New London, and Lebanon are just minutes away. As a result, residents have ample access to urban amenities. Cultural venues, medical facilities, as well as educational opportunities are all within reach.
New Hampshire’s Grantham Mountain offers a picturesque backdrop to Eastman’s 345-acre lake, and ample hiking trails. So, be sure to pack your boots!
Looking for more? Try 37 miles of cross country trails starting at the Eastman Cross Country Center. In summer, head to one of six beaches, kayak and canoe launches, or to the pool and fitness center year round. Eastman also boasts an 18-hole golf course, har-tru tennis courts and an award-winning restaurant as well.
Condos are available from $125,000 to $270,000. Eastman’s single-family homes range from $130,000 to $1.5 million. (Prices are subject to change.)
Osprey Cove
The sun rises over the marsh grass, painting the sky in watercolors and reflecting off the pond your patio overlooks. Your golf bag sits by the front door as you eagerly prepare for a day on the greens. Afterward, you’ll join your friends on a boat cruise and take in the sunset over the St. Mary’s River. This is life at Osprey Cove.
Abutting the Florida state line, Osprey Cove is a highly prestigious private golf community in the town of St. Marys, Georgia. Spread out over 1,100 acres, Osprey Cove provides diverse real estate options, with preexisting, new, and custom-built single-family homes to fit a wide range of price points. A mix of architectural styles, sizes, and layouts adds visual interest to the neighborhoods. And since many homes face the course, marsh, creeks, or lakes, scenic views are all built guaranteed.
Of course, the real star at Osprey Cove is the golf course, which Golfweek ranked in its “Top 5 in Georgia” and Golf Digest awarded a 5-star rating. The 18-hole Mark McCumber-designed championship course works with the natural characteristics of the land and river, while incorporating strategy, variety, and surprise. This golf course is truly a highlight to living at Osprey Cove.
Even if you don’t play golf, there’s plenty to do in Osprey Cove. Visit the River Club to work out, play tennis, swim in the junior Olympic pool, or join one of many fitness classes. Kayak on the river or go ocean fishing for King mackerel and cobia.
Request more information about Osprey Cove for when you’re ready to start living the coastal life.
Serenity Beach Resort – Bahamas
Serenity Beach Resort is located 30 minutes south of Marsh Harbour, Abaco in the Bahamas. Serenity Beach is a master-planned luxury resort and residential community featuring private residences, luxury boutique hotels, multiple restaurants, and bars across 120 pristine acres. With almost 3,000 ft of beach frontage on a sugar-white sand bay that is 2 miles long. Dining can be enjoyed beachside at the grill or ridge-top in the clubhouse with our executive chef. All of your activities are hosted by the guides and Serenity Beach team to include Bonefishing, Sailing, Island Hopping, Sunset cruises, Deep-Sea Fishing, Scuba diving, Snorkeling, Swimming with Nurse Sharks, Feeding the swimming pigs, and Nature Hikes.
WaterSong at RiverTown
WaterSong offers a truly unique take on active 55+ living. As a charmingly styled and self-contained neighborhood, WaterSong is designed in harmony with the rest of master-planned RiverTown. Enjoy a one-of-a-kind setting on the banks of the St. Johns River, with gently lapping waves and ancient oaks beckoning you for a kayak ride, pier fishing session or amphitheater concert.
Two separate amenity complexes — RiverHouse and RiverClub — offer fitness, dining, social and recreational options, with pools, playgrounds, parks and trails galore. WaterSong also has its own exclusive, resort-style amenity center featuring a fitness center, social room, pool, hot tub, fire put, pickleball court, events lawn and more — plus a full-time activities director to lead the fun.
Within this gated, low-maintenance community, you can choose from thoughtfully designed villas or single-family homes. Our splendid variety of exterior styles and convenient features make everyday living more spacious, stylish and fun.
Aquamar Vilamoura – Portugal
Living and enjoying life in the Southern Region of Portugal – Algarve is a delightful experience that combines the best of both worlds: a relaxed, sun-kissed lifestyle and a vibrant, culturally rich environment. Here’s a description of what it’s like for people who call the Algarve their home:
Nestled along the southern coast of Portugal, the Algarve is a haven for those seeking a life of tranquility and beauty. Imagine waking up to the gentle rustle of palm trees and the scent of saltwater in the air. The region’s Mediterranean climate ensures that sunny days are the norm, allowing you to embrace outdoor living throughout the year.
Your days in the Algarve are filled with endless possibilities. You can start by savoring a leisurely breakfast at a seaside café, where the freshly baked pastries are as warm as the smiles from the friendly locals. As the day unfolds, you might choose to explore the stunning coastline, where golden beaches stretch as far as the eye can see, offering a serene backdrop for swimming, surfing, or simply basking in the sun.
For those with a penchant for culture, the Algarve offers a treasure trove of historic towns, each with its own unique charm. Stroll through cobbled streets lined with colorful buildings, discover ancient castles perched on hilltops, and immerse yourself in the rhythm of traditional Portuguese festivals and fado music that resonates with the soul.
Food lovers will find themselves in culinary paradise, with fresh seafood served at quaint beachside shacks and Michelin-starred restaurants alike. The Algarve’s cuisine is a tantalizing blend of flavors, where grilled sardines, succulent octopus, and aromatic cataplana dishes take center stage. And don’t forget to pair your meals with a glass of locally produced wine or a refreshing sip of medronho, the region’s famous firewater.
The Algarve isn’t just about leisure; it’s also about well-being. Spend your afternoons exploring nature reserves, hiking along rugged cliffs, or teeing off on world-class golf courses. The Ria Formosa Natural Park, with its intricate lagoons and birdlife, provides a peaceful escape for those who appreciate the wonders of the natural world.
The Mayan Garden – Belize
The Mayan Garden is an exclusive retirement community for residents age 50+, located in the English-speaking country of Belize, C.A., a perfect tax haven for retired expats. Our exclusive private community can only accept up to 24 residents to join and live within the 20-acre residential jungle garden property. We are immersed in a natural setting with access to many conveniences and amenities, offering our residents a very comfortable, easy-going yet higher quality of life. Our community is designed to offer residents an independent way of life with many benefits to service and assist in every way possible for enrichment, safety, health, convenience, adventure and relaxation. The Mayan Garden is family-owned with a mission is to Offer Affordable Retirement Housing With a Wholesome Enriching Lifestyle.
The community offers its residents an all-inclusive living rental package that includes their rent, utilities, room furnishing, housekeeping, Concierge, Security, Medical Faculty, Chef-prepared Meals, Classes, Weekly Events, Activities and many more on-site services. Our Amenities include an indoor pool, sauna, hot-tub, yoga studio, gym, and pet friendly walking trails.
Retire NC
North Carolina has always been recognized for its natural diversity and gracious hospitality, which now has made it into an extremely popular retirement destination. Choices abound for a healthy, happy retirement setting, whether you want to relax on the beach or enjoy the great outdoors in our mountains or stay busy in a bustling city. The North Carolina Certified Retirement Community designation means a city has completed a comprehensive evaluation process with requirements outlined by the North Carolina General Assembly. These Certified Retirement Communities are recognized for providing the amenities, services and opportunities retirees need to enjoy active and productive lives.
![]() City of ReidsvilleLIVE SIMPLY, THINK BIG isn’t just our tagline, it’s our way of life. We aren’t limited by |
![]() Johnston CountyJohnston County (JoCo) offers you more than you expect in retirement! Discover a blend of history, entertainment, dining, lodging, and outlet shopping, along with a generous helping of true southern hospitality. With a growing culinary and craft beverage scene, as well as revitalized downtowns, you don’t have to travel far from home to find what you are looking for. The unique communities that make up JoCo have one thing in common–a relaxed atmosphere and friendly people. |
![]() Rumbling Bald on Lake LureIf you are looking to build or purchase in an exceptional mountain golf community, it’s time to look closer at Rumbling Bald on Lake Lure. You will find a few choice, undeveloped properties within our community at pleasantly affordable prices along with several spectacular homes in a variety of settings. You can come today; enjoy our lake and golf, and choose the opportunity to live in a remarkable community. |
![]() Person CountyNestled in the northern piedmont of North Carolina, a short commute from the Triangle and southern Virgina, Person County is home to rolling hills, farmers markets, lakes, and trails. With two beautiful wineries, live music venues, historic general stores, and Uptown Roxboro, Person County values its history and community while embracing the new. No matter what you choose, life in Person County is homegrown, just for you. |
The Isles of Collier Preserve
Nestled within a pristine natural setting just minutes from Downtown Naples, Florida’s preeminent new home builder is creating a colorful update of classic coastal living. Inspired by the timeless architecture and traditions of Old Naples, elegant new Minto homes overlook miles of scenic kayak and hiking trails. With over half of the 2,400-acres dedicated to lakes, nature preserves and natural habitat, combined with outdoor-inspired amenities, The Isles of Collier Preserve is an extraordinary new active adult gated community where the magic of Old Naples and unspoiled nature still coexist.
Enjoy all aspects of an active lifestyle influenced by wellness at The Isles Club, featuring resort-style amenities such as a resort-style pool, state-of-the-art fitness center, tennis and pickleball courts, and a yoga lawn. After a scenic day exploring this beautiful community, sip on cocktails and savor coastal Florida flavors with family and neighbors at the resident-exclusive Overlook Bar & Grill, overlooking the Cypress Waterway.
The Isles is a master-planned community boasting 1,600 unique coastal themed new construction residences for sale, including maintenance-included cottages, villas and single-family homes from the $500s to over $1.5 million, many with stunning water and nature views.
Port Ludlow
For retirees, active adults, and remote workers, Port Ludlow is an inviting resort-style community on the shores of Puget Sound in the state of Washington.
Westharbor Homes is building new Port Ludlow residences to the highest environmental standards with energy-saving appliances. In the Ludlow Cove Cottages and Olympic Terrace II neighborhoods, you’ll find a delightful variety of floor plans, including beachfront single-family homes, waterfront condominiums, and spacious villas with fairway views.
The amenities and activities at Port Ludlow start with play on the community’s 18-hole golf course, a scenic layout along the water and through the maritime forest. The 300-slip marina offers complete boating services and launches for kayaks and paddleboards. In addition, there are two community clubhouses with fitness centers, swimming pools, and tennis/pickleball courts. You can also enjoy 30+ miles of walking trails, more than 100 community social clubs, and genuine farm-to-table dining with fresh seafood always on the menu at the Fireside Restaurant.
The nearby towns of Chimacum and Port Townsend feature cafes, bakeries, artisan shops, and grocery markets, plus convenient health care services that include specialty practices. And just a 30-minute ferry ride away is the dynamic city of Seattle, home to some of the nation’s leading hi-tech companies, a thriving cultural arts scene, and major professional sports teams.
When you request more information below, you’ll be on your way to discovering the waterfront lifestyle in the Pacific Northwest at Port Ludlow.
Check out our 360 degree view of Port Ludow by clicking here!
Plan your visit
Imagining the sand between your toes? Below you’ll find coastal communities from Virginia to Florida and everywhere in between. After you’ve selected a few that catch your eye, plan your visit to get a real taste of the sea life. You’ll find many of these communities offer discovery tours so you can see the best of the area, meet some neighbors and understand the sunny coastal life that awaits.