Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, December 24, 2025
News Summary
Explore the top coastal towns in the U.S. for retirees seeking affordable living with a golf-friendly lifestyle. From Myrtle Beach to Port Lavaca, these charming places offer low housing costs, beautiful beaches, and vibrant senior communities, ensuring an engaging retirement experience surrounded by nature and leisure activities.
Finding Your Dream Retirement Spot: Port Lavaca, Texas
If you’ve ever thought about enjoying your golden years close to the ocean without breaking the bank, then Port Lavaca, Texas, might just be your perfect match! This little slice of paradise offers an average rent for a two-bedroom apartment of under $1,000 a month, making it a budget-friendly option for retirees. Plus, you’ll be pleased to hear that the grocery prices are among the lowest in the region, helping you stretch your budget even further. With approximately 19% of the locals already over 65, there’s a friendly community waiting to welcome you! Outdoor enthusiasts will love the activities available, from fishing to birdwatching, ensuring you stay active and engaged in retirement.
Gulfport, Mississippi: A Coastal Delight
Next up is Gulfport, Mississippi. Here, the cost of living is about 15% less than the national average, and housing costs are a whopping 31% lower than national averages—who wouldn’t love that? With picturesque waterfront parks and convenient senior discounts, you’ll find plenty of ways to enjoy life here. The health care costs are also comparable to national norms, ensuring you’re well taken care of as you age gracefully.
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina: Vacation Vibes All Year Round
Known as a vacation hot spot, Myrtle Beach also serves as an affordable haven for retirees. Housing costs are nearly 30% lower than average, and the overall cost of living is about 7% below national norms. You won’t have a shortage of options here, as there are numerous senior communities and lush golf courses ready to welcome you. Imagine living in a gorgeous area where every day feels like a holiday!
Daytona Beach, Florida: Sunshine and Savings
Another fantastic choice is Daytona Beach, Florida. This city offers a lower cost of living compared to many other Florida retirement towns, making it more manageable for your budget. Housing and insurance costs are notably friendlier, while strong health care options ensure you’re covered when it counts. And let’s not forget the ample sunshine that Florida is famous for—it’s a win-win!
South Padre Island, Texas: A Tropical Paradise
If you envision living out your retirement on a beautiful island, South Padre Island might just be the ticket. Although housing can be pricier than other options, you can offset that with affordable utilities and low property taxes. With a median resident age of 59, you’ll find a community full of like-minded individuals to enjoy the sun-soaked lifestyle.
Calabash, North Carolina: Seafood Anyone?
Known affectionately as the “Seafood Capital of the World,” Calabash offers both tasty dining and affordable living. Housing and rent costs are below national averages here, paired with modest property taxes and a significant drop in median home prices. It’s a charming place that’s hard to pass up!
Pascagoula, Mississippi: A Hidden Treasure
For those looking for savings, Pascagoula, Mississippi, is a standout choice. With a cost of living that is approximately 20% below the national average and a median home price under $120,000, you can enjoy the beauty of coastal living without the hefty price tag. Plus, with plenty of beaches and fishing spots, you’ll always have something fun to do!
Port Arthur, Texas: Affordable Housing Awaits
Port Arthur, Texas, is another gem with housing costs that are 44% below the national average. With a median home price of just $135,000 and rent for a one-bedroom apartment under $1,200, it’s perfect for budget-conscious retirees. Outdoor activities and nearby state parks will keep you active and enjoying nature.
Pensacola, Florida: Lovely Beaches and Reasonable Prices
Pensacola, Florida, is renowned for its beautiful beaches and warm weather, all while maintaining lower prices compared to many other Florida towns. With a median home price sitting at $283,000, you have a wealth of senior living options to choose from.
Murrells Inlet, South Carolina: A Community of Friends
Finally, keep Murrells Inlet in mind. This close-knit community has slightly higher utility costs, but the overall expenses remain below average. Social events and opportunities to engage with local seniors make it a delightful place to retire.
In these charming towns, retirees can find a way to live comfortably by the beach with a budget of $1,800 a month or less with thoughtful planning. The potential for beautiful waterfront living, outdoor recreation, and a spirited social community awaits! So why not pack your bags and embark on your adventure?
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Community Mourns Gary Shea, Golf Enthusiast and Photographer
Myrtle Beach: Gas Prices Fall, Boosting Holiday Spirit
University of South Carolina Establishes Coastal Innovation Center
Murrells Inlet: A Hub of Opportunity on Highway 707
Golf and Relaxation: Discovering Myrtle Beach for Retirees
Myrtle Beach Launches Matador House: Golf and Local Culture Unite
Affordable Golf Community Living: Your Next Retirement Destination
Affordable Coastal Towns for Golf Enthusiasts on a Budget
North Myrtle Beach Farmers Market Opens for Local Produce
Myrtle Beach Shines: Ripley’s Festival of Trees Illuminates Community Spirit
Additional Resources
- KHOU: Most Affordable Beach Towns for Retirees
- Express News: Texas Beach Town Retirement Rankings
- FinanceBuzz: Best Beach Towns to Retire on a Budget
- Florida for Boomers: Great Coastal Retirement Towns
- World Atlas: Affordable Towns to Retire on the Pacific Coast
- Wikipedia: Retirement
- Google Search: Affordable Beach Towns for Retirement
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Retirement
- Google News: Affordable 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.
