If you are thinking of retiring to a coastal town, here are three picks especially suited to military retirees.
Beaufort, S.C.
On Port Royal Island, one of the largest sea islands in the southern Atlantic Ocean, and with easy access to the popular resort area of Hilton Head Island, Beaufort is something of a dream retirement destination for military officers. Adjacent to Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, Marine Corps Recruit Depot, and naval and VA hospitals and just minutes from beautiful beaches, it offers a vacation atmosphere close to the practical amenities of a military community. Roughly 17,000 active duty servicemembers live in the Beaufort area.
Beaufort itself is scenic. Its entire downtown has been designated a National Historic District. Streets are lined with antebellum mansions that once belonged to Southern plantation owners. The town's architecture, unlike that of many Southern cities and towns, was spared from destruction by Union forces in the Civil War because troops chose to occupy it rather than destroy it. Residents can enjoy a leisurely afternoon here exploring the historic district on foot, by horse-drawn carriage, or via mansion tours offered at a number of the historic homes. Combine that with the town's art galleries, shops, and restaurants, and there is a vast array of urban amusement within a small-town atmosphere. If you want big-city fun (or want to explore more historic Southern city charm), you're only 70 miles from Charleston, S.C., and 40 miles from Savannah, Ga.
Near Beaufort, walk or lounge on the beaches of Hunting Island; take in the spectacle of Marine Corps graduations or Independence Day fireworks at Parris Island; easily catch or purchase fresh, local seafood for grilling at home; and celebrate the region's active fishing industry with the annual Water Festival and Shrimp Festival.
Learn more: www.beaufortsc.org
Rehoboth Beach, Del.
While Rehoboth Beach isn't exactly known for low-priced real estate, it does have some major advantages as a coastal retirement destination, not least of which is the fact that it's a small town within a couple of hours of several major cities, including Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Washington, D.C. Plus, its location in Delaware means no sales tax and no income tax on Social Security. Rehoboth Beach also is a major retirement destination. Some 40 percent of residents are over age 65.
Rehoboth Beach is famous for its family-friendly, mile-long boardwalk loaded with restaurants, shops, and hotels. Nearby Dewey Beach, between the Atlantic Ocean and Rehoboth Bay, offers a whole other atmosphere, including free Wednesday night bonfires, nightlife galore, and regular live music.
Retirees who love water activities can do it all here - kayak, parasail, crab, fish, surf, stand-up paddleboard, and dolphin watch. Head north to Lewes, and catch the ferry across Delaware Bay to the picturesque Victorian town of Cape May, N.J.
Learn more: www.visitdelaware.com/beaches/rehoboth-beach
Seattle
East of the Pacific coast, Seattle isn't exactly a beach city, but it does have more than 200 miles of salt- and freshwater shoreline, much of it on beautiful Puget Sound. For retirees looking for the mild climate offered by the Pacific Northwest (as well as easy access to direct flights to the wilds of Alaska), Seattle is the place to be. The city also has ferry service to the Olympic Peninsula as well as Vancouver Island, British Columbia.
Seattle has won accolades for everything from its walkability and exercise-friendly atmosphere to its numerous coffee shops and environmental sustainability. Water lovers can sea kayak, sail, and swim, as well enjoy both salt- and freshwater fishing. The city offers equal access to the great outdoors and a hip urban environment.
Pike Place Market offers residents the opportunity to purchase fresh produce and baked goods and relax at the original Starbucks coffee shop. The market is only a few minutes from Seattle's waterfront and the Olympic Sculpture Park, or tour Chihuly Garden and Glass for access to the most comprehensive collection of this native Washingtonian's spectacular glass sculpture. Seattle also is known for its farm-to-table restaurants offering entrees made from fresh and local ingredients. Plus, the city has a rousing nightlife ranging from symphony orchestra performances to jazz entertainers at The Triple Door.
Learn more: www.visitseattle.org