Myrtle Beach, November 29, 2025
News Summary
Retirement dreams often bring to mind sunny Florida beaches, but strikingly high home prices can be a barrier. This article explores charming and affordable coastal towns outside Florida, like Myrtle Beach and Corpus Christi, where retirees can enjoy beautiful beaches, vibrant communities, and excellent golf courses without breaking the bank. Discover towns with median home prices that are significantly lower than Florida’s popular spots, making them ideal for budget-conscious retirees.
Your Coastal Haven Awaits: Affordable Beach Retirement Towns Outside Florida
So, you’re dreaming about retirement on the beach, soaking in the sun, and listening to the soothing sounds of waves crashing on the shore. You might instantly think of Florida with popular hotspots like Miami, Sarasota, and Naples, but hold on! Those beautiful dreams can come with some hefty price tags – median home prices sometimes stretching over $400,000, and in Miami and Naples, they can soar above $500,000! If you’re looking for more affordable alternatives, let’s explore some charming, budget-friendly beach retirement towns outside of the Sunshine State that won’t break the bank.
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Kickstarting our list is Myrtle Beach, where the average rent is around $1,349, and the median home price is a budget-friendly $318,691. Imagine living in a town that boasts 60 miles of sandy beaches, a vibrant culinary scene with thousands of restaurants, and a golfer’s paradise featuring 90 golf courses. On top of that, housing costs are about 29% lower than the national average!
Corpus Christi, Texas
Next up is Corpus Christi, Texas, where life is sweet and affordable! With an average rent of only $1,009 and a median home price of just $217,379, this city is known for its delightful bay and gulf beaches. With parks, gardens, and a robust community of older adults (making up 16% of the population), you’ll find both beauty and companionship here, not to mention fresh seafood that’s hard to resist.
Biloxi, Mississippi
Shifting gears to Biloxi, where you get coastal charm alongside a sprinkle of excitement. Average rent goes for $1,800, while homes can be yours for a median price of $227,750. Enjoy beach activities, casino thrills, boating adventures, and seafood dining in a place rich with historic architecture. Biloxi really knows how to blend leisure with lifestyle.
Brunswick, Georgia
Looking for stunning views and great seafood? Brunswick invites you with open arms! The average rent is about $1,219, with a median home price set at $246,678. With parks and a cost-of-living index that’s about 12% lower than the U.S. average, there’s a satisfying balance of relaxation and entertainment.
Newport News, Virginia
Now, let’s travel to Newport News, where historic vibes meet outdoor fun. With average rent at $809 and a median home price of $210,807, this coastal town is perfect for those who enjoy the perks of small-town life along with the convenience of city amenities.
Gulfport, Mississippi
Gulfport is also hard to ignore! With rent only costing an average of $713 and a median home price of just $141,926, this place is all about those pristine Gulf beaches, devoid of commercial distractions. Plus, it’s close to Buccaneer State Park, perfect for your outdoor adventures.
Freeport, Texas
Feeling adventurous? Settle in Freeport, where average rent sits around $1,199 and median home prices are about $220,297. This spot offers RV-friendly locations and plenty of opportunities to fish and relax on the beach.
Atlantic City, New Jersey
If you’re looking for excitement, consider Atlantic City, where the average rent is around $830 with a median home price of $141,909. Known for its casinos, nightlife, and fantastic food scene, you won’t run out of things to do here.
Pascagoula, Mississippi
For those desiring a quieter lifestyle, Pascagoula is a hidden gem just 20 miles east of Biloxi. It’s a walkable, locally-oriented city that appeals to retirees seeking a laid-back coastal living experience.
Pensacola, Florida
Last but not least, Pensacola—tucked away in Florida’s Panhandle—provides beautiful beaches at a more affordable price than many southern Florida cities. With a high population of older adults, this town combines the best of coastal life with a great community vibe.
With the average median home prices in these towns being feasible for retirees on a budget, you might just find your dream coastal haven here. From outdoor adventures and rich cultural scenes to friendly communities, these towns are perfect for anyone looking to enjoy life after work. So, pack your bags and get ready for sunny days ahead!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Madison Messimer: A Rising Star in Golf from Myrtle Beach
Myrtle Beach Golf Scene Undergoes Significant Changes
South Carolina’s Small Towns Offer Hidden Golf Gems
Aiken: A Retiree’s Dream Destination with Great Golf
Fort Myers Surges as a Golf Lover’s Coastal Haven
Affordable Winter Golf Getaways for Retirees in 2025
Myrtle Beach Golf Tournament Raises Awareness for Breast Cancer
Affordable Golf Retirement in South Carolina’s Small Towns
Discover Holiday Golf Magic in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina!
Myrtle Beach Golf Courses Shine During the Holiday Season
Additional Resources
- Travel + Leisure: Best Coastal Towns to Retire
- World Atlas: Best Small Towns to Retire in Virginia
- Express News: Texas Beach Town Retirement Budget Rankings
- Finance Buzz: Beach Towns to Retire on a Budget
- AOL: 10 Florida Beach Towns for Retirees
- Google Search: Affordable Beach Retirement Towns
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Beach Towns Retirement
- Wikipedia: Retirement
- Google News: Beach Retirement 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.
