Retirement. The golden years. That phase of life where you finally get to do all those things you dreamed of while working the nine-to-five grind. Now, imagine spending those years in a beach community where every day feels like a vacation. There’s something magical about the ocean, and living near it can transform your retirement into an idyllic, relaxing, and enriching experience.
So, whether you want to live it out just like the Golden Girls did, or if you just want to be a part of a community (usually those retirement beach communities are super laid back), then living by the beach is by far a wonderful choice. But other than the idyllic nature, why else should you do it? Well, here’s what you need to know!
Just Think of Your Health and Wellness
Do you live in a big city? Is it crowded and loud all the time? Is there just way too much stimulation? Well, living by the beach isn’t just about beautiful views and soothing sounds; it also has incredible health benefits. This actually goes beyond just the aesthetics of being in nature. Actually, ocean air is rich in negative ions, which help increase oxygen absorption and improve alertness and mental energy. So, just breathing in this fresh, salty air can do wonders for your respiratory system, potentially reducing symptoms of asthma, bronchitis, and other respiratory issues.
So, that’s meant to be one of the benefits of living at a beach, but it’s not the main reason why retirees flock to live there. Actually, if you think about it, the beach life truly encourages an active lifestyle. You have plenty of options, such as walking along the shore, swimming in the ocean, or participating in beach yoga; the opportunities for physical activity are endless. Overall, these activities are low-impact and easy on the joints, making them perfect for retirees.
But on top of that, staying active not only keeps your body in shape but also boosts your mental health, reducing stress and increasing overall happiness.
A Sense of Community
There’s just something so special about living in a beach resort community, they’re almost always so tight-knit and you’re always feeling this sweet friendly vibe. When you live there, right on day one, you’re welcomed with open arms, and not treated like a stranger. Plus, there’s a sense of camaraderie among residents, with regular community events, beach clean-ups, and social gatherings.
This environment is perfect for retirees looking to make new friends and stay socially active. You have to keep in mind that seniors face the most loneliness and usually isolate themselves (and this makes health issues and cognitive decline go faster). So, the sense of belonging and the strong social connections you build can significantly enhance your quality of life and provide a robust support system. There’s just no downside, especially when you’re older; it’s just so important and so needed.
While all beach towns vary, most of them have a strong focus on making people feel welcomed and active, so this might include holding clubs and groups tailored to various interests, from book clubs to fishing groups to art classes. These activities offer excellent opportunities to pursue hobbies, learn new skills, and engage with like-minded individuals.
Fresh Seafood and Healthy Eating
One of the joys of living by the sea is access to fresh, delicious seafood. Honestly, who wouldn’t love something like that, right? For the most part, beach communities have local markets where you can buy freshly caught fish, shrimp, crabs, and more. Of course, it depends on where you live, but most beach communities tend to focus on fresh catch, and that alone makes it worth it! So, incorporating these into your diet not only adds variety but also offers numerous health benefits, including essential omega-3 fatty acids, which are great for heart health (and cognitive health too).
But is that all? Well, another thing to think about is the fact that many coastal towns are also home to excellent restaurants specializing in seafood, giving you plenty of opportunities to enjoy gourmet meals without traveling far. Plus, you can count on the fish never being frozen either, but entirely fresh!
When you get older, your diet becomes more strict, but this is a great way to keep eating healthy and enjoy your meals (especially if you come from an area where seafood is expensive).
Ideal Investment
One of the best financial decisions you could make would be investing in a property in a beachy area. You have to keep in mind that properties in desirable coastal areas often appreciate over time, providing a solid return on investment. More and more people are trying to flock to live around beaches, too.
So, even if you’re not planning to sell, knowing that your home is gaining value can be reassuring. Plus, having a beautiful beach house offers the perfect opportunity for family gatherings, making it easier to stay connected with loved ones (it gives your kids a reason to see you more often).
Meg is an author at Cinnamon Hollow. She writes on a variety of topics sharing tips and ideas for daily life.
