When it comes to retirement, the East Coast offers a diverse range of options from beach towns to city-living. We have compiled a list of the best places to retire in the East Coast, based on a study by WalletHub. The list does not include Florida cities, we have a separate list of the best places to retire in Florida.
Where to Retire in the East Coast
1. Charleston, SC
Charleston is the best city to retire on the East Coast. It is affordable to live in, ranking as the 17th most affordable city to retire in. South Carolina has one of the lowest real estate taxes in the US.
Charleston is a beautiful city to retire in with its cobblestone streets, antebellum homes, historic landmarks, and waterfront parks. There are lots of things to do in Charleston, from enjoying the restaurants serving Southern classics, and fresh seafood, to exploring art galleries.
However, it’s expensive to buy a house in Charleston with the median home price of $549,672 which is higher than most cities on this list.
2. Wilmington, DE
Wilmington is the 2nd best place to retire on the East Coast. It ranks highly for healthcare with high-quality healthcare facilities. It’s also affordable to retire in Wilmington ranking middle of the pack for cities on this list.
Delaware is known for its favorable tax environment. The state does not impose sales tax, and property taxes are one of the lowest in the country.
It is also cheap to buy a house in Wilmington with a median home price of $259,417 compared to other cities on this list, it is the second cheapest place to buy a house.
Check out: States with No Property Taxes for Seniors
3. Pittsburgh, PA
Pittsburgh is the 3rd best city to retire in the East Coast. It has top-notch healthcare services. There are also lots to do in Pittsburgh with museums such as Carnegie Museum of Art.
If you love the great outdoors, Pittsburgh has plenty of state parks and municipal parks for boating, hiking, biking, kayaking, and even camping.
Pittsburgh is also the cheapest place to buy a house on this list with a median home price of $236,212.
The one downside about Pittsburgh is that the cost of living is high, it ranks as one of the third least affordable places to retire on this list.
Check out: The 13 States with the Lowest Property Taxes
4. Columbia, SC
Columbia is the 4th best place to retire in the East Coast. For retirees on a budget, Columbia is a great choice ranking as one of the most affordable places to retire in the nation. South Carolina also has one of the lowest real estate taxes in the US.
The warm winters and mostly temperate climate create a comfortable environment for retirees. Columbia offers lots to do for retirees such as enjoying USC sports, exploring art at the Columbia Museum of Art, attending live music events, and visiting the South Carolina State Museum.
Columbia’s central position in South Carolina allows easy access to vacation hotspots like Hilton Head Island, Charleston, and Myrtle Beach. It’s also within reach of Augusta, GA, and Atlanta.
It’s a great East Coast city for retirement for anyone on a budget.
5. Dover, DE
Dover is the 5th best city to retire in the East Coast. It ranks high in affordability. The cost of living is low and among the lowest in the region. Housing, utilities, healthcare, and groceries are less expensive in Dover.
Delaware is tax-friendly for retirees. There’s no state or local sales tax, and Social Security benefits are untaxed. Additionally, a certain amount of retirement income is excluded from taxation.
Property taxes are relatively low. Compared to other East Coast cities, Dover is also one of the cheapest places to buy a house with a median home price of $267,852.
6. Columbia, MD
Columbia is the 6th best city to retire in the East Coast. It ranks very high for quality of life and excellent healthcare, ranking in the top 10 in the nation. Columbia has a low crime rate, safe neighborhoods, and diverse population.
There are lots to do in Columbia to stay active for retirees such as theaters, museums, community events, lakes, parks, and bike trails.
The only downside is it’s expensive to live in Columbia. Compared to other East Coast cities, it is the second least affordable place to retire in. Buying a house is also on the expensive side with a median home price of $449,045.
Check out: 7 Best States to Retire
7. Richmond, VA
Richmond is the 7th best East Coast city to retire in. For an East Coast city, it is a fairly affordable city to live in.
It’s great for active adults since there is much to do in Richmond. From Civil War cannons to Thomas Jefferson’s Capitol, there’s much to explore. It’s also within driving distance to Washington DC. Access to quality healthcare is also good.
Compared to other East Coast cities on this list, it’s cheap to buy a house in Richmond with a median home price of $345,166.
8. Raleigh, NC
Raleigh ranks as the 8th best place to retire in the East Coast. The cost of living in Raleigh is relatively low when compared to other big cities in the United States.
It is a pretty safe city with access to good healthcare, making it an attractive option for retirees. Raleigh’s mild climate is also ideal for spending time outdoors.
When it comes to buying a house, Raleigh ranks in the middle of the pack with a median home price of $400,666.
9. Virginia Beach, VA
Virginia Beach is ranked as the 9th best place to retire in the East Coast. It is a great choice for those who want to retire in an East Coast beach town. Virginia Beach boasts one of the most stunning beaches in America and it is also relatively affordable to live here.
Retirees also have access to quality healthcare. Buying a house in Virginia Beach is also relatively cheap with a median home price of $359,231.
Check out: 7 Worst States to Retire In
10. Washington DC
Washington DC ranks as the 10th best place to retire in the East Coast. For those looking to retire in a big East Coast city, Washington DC is a good option.
It offers a wide range of activities for retirees, from diverse culinary scenes to art galleries, world-famous museums, and theaters. There’s plenty to do to stay active in Washington DC.
It is also conveniently located to other big cities on the East Coast, with an easy train ride to New York.
However, living in Washington DC can be quite expensive, with the highest cost of living when compared to other cities on this list. Buying a home is also expensive, with a median home price of $529,688.
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