11 Best Atlantic Coast Towns For Retirees
After a lifetime of accomplishments and dedicated work, retirees are given the opportunity to create their dream leisure lifestyle. While searching for the right place to retire can be a meticulous process, all of that effort pays off after settling down in a town perfectly tailored to personal needs. To assist retirees in the process of finding their new town, this list will explore the eleven best Atlantic coast towns to consider for retirement.
Jamestown, Rhode Island
Nestled on Conanicut Island is the polite town of Jamestown, Rhode Island. With a rich history that spans centuries before the establishment of the United States, the wonderful views and unique location are just some of the many reasons people have always been drawn to this area. For the lovers of history, Jamestown offers the antique New England Watson Farm to explore. This historical farm celebrates the expansive history of the indigenous Narragansett people and the many owners of the 265-acre property dating back to the 1700s. In addition to the various other forts and military strongholds on the island, Jamestown strives to keep history alive and appreciated.
To access the island, visitors can choose a ferry ride from Newport or a brief drive over the Claiborne Pell Port Bridge. But those who want to take full advantage of the waterfront views can enjoy the unbeatable scenery at JB’s on the Water. While dining, retirees can bask in the beauty of the shimmering Narragansett Bay and the Newport Bridge. Residents can also find stunning views at the Jamestown Golf Course. Thanks to the no-tee-time, retirees can golf at their own pace to take in all the natural beauty.
Fernandina Beach, Florida
The coastal town of Fernandina Beach is one of the few towns that form Amelia Island in Florida. Less than an hour north of the beloved Jacksonville, this town is the perfect place for retirees to settle into. In this quiet beach town, retirees will find all the entertainment they need. When it comes to making the most out of the coast, Amelia Island Charter Fishing LLC offers 2-4 hour-long trips on the water suitable for all ages. This is an excellent solution for retirees who no longer wish to maintain their own boat, but still want time on the water.
The Amelia Island Historic Tours offer a unique chance to learn more about the town’s history. Dating back to the native Timucua people, these tours cover the expansive story of Amelia Island all the way up to the thriving shrimping industry. For those looking to leave their own mark in the world, Amelia Makery is a darling art studio that believes “everyone has the creativity and potential to be an artist”. Retirees can explore ceramics, wood boards, canvas painting, and more in a positive and uplifting environment.
Cape May, New Jersey
Located on the peninsula in New Jersey is the small town of Cape May. This area allows for scenic views and short drives to the water, regardless of where retirees choose to reside. To learn more about the natural environment of New Jersey, retirees can take guided bird watching tours at Birding By Boat on the Osprey. The tours include binoculars and a restroom on the boat to emphasize a leisurely bird-watching experience.
With the Delaware Bay on one side and the north Atlantic on the other, it comes as no surprise that Cape May is home to many wonderful seafood restaurants. SeaSalt Restaurant offers everything from breakfast to an after-dinner bar menu. Take advantage of Cape May’s shoreline location by enjoying the Classic Local Steamed Clams and other locally sourced ingredients. In addition to the many seafood restaurants, there is also the Cheese Shop - Cape May Creamery. This creamery offers cured meats, spreads, and specialty cheese from across the globe so retirees can get a taste of the world without ever stepping out of town.
Newport, Rhode Island
Newport, Rhode Island, is the perfect retirement destination for those who appreciate the finer things in life. With a long-rooted cultural history in the foundation of America, Rhode Island has been a spot of interest that has only improved over time, like the fine wines found at 22 Bowen. This scenic steakhouse is sure to impress with a menu featuring braised octopus, wagyu dumplings, and an extensive list of wines.
For retirees who enjoy the finer accomplishments of history, Newport offers a glance into The Elms. This 18th-century chateau combines classical architecture and design with Gilded Age technology. From the antique art and tapestries to the scenic exterior, The Elms serves as a reminder of how grand life can be. Similarly, the Sailing Museum offers a more modern view of history with its National Sailing Hall of Fame.
St. Simons, Georgia
Along the coast of the North Atlantic Ocean is the small town of St. Simons, Georgia. Despite the elusive location, St. Simons can be visited with a swift drive over Lanier Island or a flight directly to McKinnon - St Simons Island Airport. Regardless of entry, retirees can enjoy the lovely lighthouses, dazzling sunsets, and pristine beach fronts found across the city. To get an in-depth understanding of the city, residents can take a relaxing trip on the Lighthouse Trolleys Land & Sea Tours. All year round, these 90+ minute tours allow retirees to experience new perspectives of St. Simons.
Similarly, the Oak Room at The Lodge at Sea Island invites locals to soak up the waterfront views. With the aim of being welcoming and cozy, this elegant restaurant and bar serves delightful combinations of cocktails and delectable dishes. Although it is tempting to spend all hours admiring the surrounding beauty, St. Simons has even more to offer retirees who move here. When it comes to learning about the local history, the World War II Home Front Museum has it covered. This museum captivated visitors with its many impressive collections in its galleries and interactive displays while deepening their understanding of St. Simons' role in the Second World War.
St. Marys, Georgia
Located in southern Georgia is the coastal town of St. Marys. Due to the natural features of the area, such as the St. Mary’s River and the Atlantic Ocean, this town offers unique insights into the maritime history of the United States. At the St. Mary’s Submarine Museum, patrons can celebrate the many men and women who fought in the submarine forces during World War II. With two floors and nearly 5,000 square feet to explore, there is something to be found around every corner.
St. Mary's is more than a living relic of the past; rather, this town cultivates community through year-round festivals. Whether it is the spring Mardi Gras Festival or the fall Seafood Festival, there is always an opportunity to try something new and to meet members of the community. Additionally, the Crooked River Park hosts dozens of events, such as art fairs and archery competitions, all year round. The constant availability of events around St. Marys makes an active lifestyle especially easy to maintain during retirement.
East Hampton, New York
Hidden at the end of Long Island is the luxurious town of East Hampton. In combination with the awe-inspiring North Atlantic, East Hampton’s preserved historic architecture creates an unparalleled and timeless experience. A part of this historic preservation is the Guild Hall, built in 1931. This extravagant hall functions as a theater, museum, and community center, generally offering over 200 programs to attend each year. Whether retirees favor live talk shows or contemporary art displays, the Guild Hall provides it all.
When it comes to relaxation, The Clubhouse is one of the best options East Hampton has to offer. Regardless of what time of day, retirees can find a delicious meal anytime of day, from lunch to dessert. The Clubhouse also provides bowling alleys, darts, and even games of pool for those who want some fun. Furthermore, just beyond the beauty of the cityscape is the Longhouse Reserve. This enchanting garden hosts a variety of art mediums from sculptures to mixed media canvases. The Longhouse Reserve aims to build up a diversity of artists. Most recently, the exhibit highlights the power of the feminine spirit by featuring almost all women artists, such as Alice Hope and Hangama Amiri.
Portsmouth, New Hampshire
At the delta of the Piscataqua River is the small town of Portsmouth, New Hampshire. If retirees plan to enjoy some of their time traveling internationally, the Portsmouth International Airport makes this town an alluring place to call home. Fortunately, residents don’t have to cross international waters as Portsmouth is equally interesting. One example of this local excellence is the market square, where a collection of artisanal shops can be found. Gus & Ruby, a curated gift shop, is one of the many stores located together.
Outside of the market square is a rich community-focused event center known as The Music Hall. This center for the arts invites residents to enjoy their film festivals, wine tastings, and many other events all year round. To learn what makes Portsmouth so exceptional, retirees can visit the Moffatt-Ladd House and Garden Museum. With the option for a self-paced garden tour or guided tours throughout the property, guests can enjoy the museum in whatever style suits them best.
Chestertown, Maryland
Across the Brewerton Channel from the iconic Baltimore is the discrete town of Chestertown, Maryland. Chestertown’s unique location allows for easy travel to many bordering states and historic locations, such as Philadelphia. Despite the ease of travel, Chestertown offers enough local entertainment to keep anyone satisfied for years. One place that harbors many loyal regulars is Bad Alfred’s Distillery. At this historic location, patrons can find themselves enjoying house-made spirits and specialty pizzas.
Another endless source of entertainment can be found at the Chestertown Arts & Entertainment District. While exploring this district, retirees can admire various types of fine art, ranging from glasswork to contemporary galleries, and more. The Garfield Center of Arts is one of the many notable locations within the entertainment district. At this center for the arts, there is a constant rotation of live performances, open mics, and other community meet-ups for groups such as the Live Playwrights Society.
St. Michaels, Maryland
St. Michaels, Maryland, is the perfect place for retirees seeking a true waterfront experience. This small town is surrounded by the Miles River to the east and the San Domingo Creek to the west-meaning almost the whole town is on a shoreline! There are many luxurious lodging options as a testament to the natural ambiance of St. Michaels. Luckily, these resorts allow locals to also enjoy the scenic water. One prime example is The Blue Crab, where patrons can “rise & dine on the shore”. For residents of St. Michaels, The Blue Crab offers a scenic dining spot or pickup orders for those who enjoy dining at home.
While the waterfront locations offer pleasant views, there is even more to be discovered within the city itself. Situated in St. Mary’s Square is a celebration of local history. The St. Michaels Museum offers a glimpse into the interconnected tribulations of the past. With private and self-guided tours, residents can admire the many lives and generations that it took to build St. Michael's from the ground up. Similarly, shops such as the Chesapeake Trading Co pay homage to the people who have kept the city’s culture alive today.
Sag Harbor, New York
On the northern end of Long Island is the beautiful town of Sag Harbor, New York. Due to its remote location, retirees who choose to come here can enjoy a quiet life with the option to experience city life in The Big Apple at any time. Yet, Sag Harbor provides an equally fulfilling lifestyle without any travel required. Brick-and-mortar shops such as the MONC XIII allow residents to learn upcoming trends and to customize their homes to perfection.
In Sag Harbor, retirees can enjoy the well-maintained Art Deco architecture at the Sag Harbor Cinema. This historic landmark theater shows exclusive screenings of new and classic films from decades prior. Considering the cinema’s status as a nonprofit organization, every visit and ticket bought helps keep the culture alive. Furthermore, retirees can relish in the delicious cuisine provided in Sag Harbor, such as The Dock House. This waterfront restaurant serves up gourmet dishes and operates as a fresh fish market, so patrons can also cook at home.
Retirement is meant to be a well-deserved time to rest and enjoy life to the fullest. While there are dozens of aspects to consider, hopefully, this list was able to direct retirees towards a town that speaks to them. From the art deco theaters in Sag Harbor to the fishing tours in Fernandina Beach, there is an Atlantic coast town waiting to be called home. So to any retirees who may be reading, congratulations on your lifetime of achievements, and enjoy your well-deserved retirement!
