Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, September 14, 2025
News Summary
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, offers an appealing retirement destination with affordable living, boasting championship golf courses and vibrant entertainment options. With an average rent of $1,363 and home values at $321,750, retirees can enjoy a cost of living that is 7.1% below the national average. The area is known for its free Summer Nights Entertainment Series and numerous outdoor concerts, creating an inviting environment for those who love golf and community activities.
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina: The Sun-Soaked Paradise
Let’s kick things off with Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, a beloved destination for retirees. With an average rent of $1,363 and home values circling around $321,750, this coastal town is a steal! The cost of living is a cool 7.1% below the national average, giving you that extra cushion to stretch your Social Security benefits.
What do you do here? Oh, just enjoy the free Summer Nights Entertainment Series and outdoor concerts that transform the summer evenings into magical experiences. Plus, readers may delight in championship golf courses, lively music shows, and dinner performances that keep the good vibes rolling.
Daytona Beach, Florida: Endless Sunshine Awaits
Our next stop, Daytona Beach, in Florida is another inviting option for your retirement bliss. Its average rent is around $1,329, and homes are going for about $250,765. This place brags about 230 days of sunshine annually, which is a bonus for those sun-seekers!
Daytona Beach is known for its historic downtown and free art and music festivals—perfect for soaking up local culture without spending a dime. Enjoy breathtaking nature at Ormond Memorial Art Museum & Gardens and the picturesque Sugar Mill Botanical Gardens, all at no cost. And let’s not forget, Florida is friendly to your wallet when it comes to taxes by having no state income tax!
Ocean Shores, Washington: Nature’s Playground
Next up is Ocean Shores, Washington, an affordable paradise with an average rent of $1,242 and homes priced at about $354,752. Known for its stunning beaches, you can indulge in horseback riding, clamming, and fishing.
Community spirit thrives here, with weekly free senior lunches bringing folks together. Although health care services are a little drive away in Aberdeen—only 35 minutes—you have plenty of natural beauty right at your doorstep.
Port Richey, Florida: Laid-Back Living
Port Richey in Florida offers an average rent of $1,238 and average home value at $228,180. This friendly, charming community is a perfect place to unwind. With parks and the Werner-Boyce Salt Springs State Park offering trails and mangrove paddling, you’ll find that outdoor adventure awaits at every corner!
Nearby New Port Richey adds a splash of culture with theaters and historical societies, making sure you won’t miss out on any fun.
Atlantic City, New Jersey: The Underrated Gem
Now, let’s journey to Atlantic City, New Jersey, which boasts an average rent of $1,199 and home values around $220,861. This affordable beach town offers lovely free beaches, perfect for relaxing or catching some rays.
Seniors can enjoy photography and computer classes, fitness seminars, game nights, and concerts throughout the year. With health care services and public transport right at your fingertips, you couldn’t ask for more!
Galveston, Texas: Culture and Coastline
Next, we land in Galveston, Texas, where the average rent is approximately $1,151 and the average home value is $336,609. Known for its 8% lower cost of living than the national average, this town is filled with historical wonders and 32 miles of beautiful beaches.
The Strand District, with its charming shops and restaurants, invites exploration. You’ll also find free community events and art galleries, making Galveston a cultural hotspot!
West Dennis, Massachusetts: Cape Cod Charm
Moving to West Dennis, Massachusetts, this quaint town has an average rent of $1,088, and the average home value is a bit higher at $696,739. Popular for activities like the Cape Cod Rail Trail and vistas from Scargo Tower, it’s a treasure trove of adventures.
Public transportation is limited, but with fantastic healthcare options available, this town tops the charts as one of America’s ten most affordable beach towns for 2024!
Ocean Springs, Mississippi: A Cultural Delight
Ocean Springs in Mississippi offers an enticing rent of $1,026 and average home values around $272,224. With white sandy beaches, pier fishing, and community festivals, including Mardi Gras, who wouldn’t enjoy a bit of Southern charm!
A fresh market every Saturday downtown keeps the community lively, and the local flavors are just delightful.
Coos Bay, Oregon: Nature’s Best Kept Secret
Next, we’ll find ourselves in Coos Bay, Oregon with the lowest average rent at $804 and homes priced at $330,183. This delightful town is perfect for those who relish fishing, boating, and beachcombing.
Outdoor enthusiasts can venture into the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area, while local seafood restaurants and breweries satisfy your appetite.
Rockaway Beach, Oregon: Serene Shores
Finally, Rockaway Beach in Oregon offers a small-town charm with an amazing average rent of only $642 and an average home value of $471,845. With seven miles of pristine shoreline, you can enjoy fishing, whale watching, and lively community events like the Arts and Crafts Fair.
Retiring in these coastal havens means you could comfortably cover your expenses with just Social Security benefits since many of these towns do not tax those payments. However, be sure to check the local property taxes and cost-of-living factors as you plan for your future.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
New Goldfish Realms Exhibit and Free Golf for Kids!
Jack Lee Wins First Golf Championship at Myrtle Beach
Discover the Best Golf Experiences in Myrtle Beach
Myrtle Beach Hosts the 42nd Annual Golf World Am
Texas State Men’s Golf Team Begins 2025-26 Season
Emil Riegger Excels at Myrtle Beach Golf Tournament
Myrtle Beach Golf Course Welcomes Back the Springmaid Seal Statue
Perfect Family Getaways for Columbus Day Weekend
Bethlehem Community Pays Tribute to Golf Enthusiast Francis J. Molchan
North Myrtle Beach Golf Concert Featuring The Embers
Additional Resources
- Star News Online: Affordable Beach Towns
- Realtor.com: Affordable Beach Towns
- Travel + Leisure: Under-the-Radar Beach Towns
- AOL: Charming Beach Towns
- Times of San Diego: Affordable Beach Towns in California
- Wikipedia: Beach Town
- Google Search: Affordable Beach Towns
- Google Scholar: Affordable Beach Towns
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Beach Towns
- Google News: Affordable Beach Towns
Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH
The HERE Myrtle Beach Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Myrtle Beach community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Myrtle Beach Our team includes lifelong Myrtle Beach residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent developments along the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach’s tourism and hospitality industry, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Coastal Carolina University programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
