Start Your Beachfront Retirement in 30 Towns Under $40,000 a Year

11. Fort Pierce, Florida

Fort Pierce, Florida, offers beach vibes on a budget, just an hour from the famed Palm Beach. Renowned for its charming main streets, Fort Pierce boasts historic architecture amidst tropical palm trees.

With a vibrant culinary scene, theaters, comedy shows, and a bustling farmer's market on Saturdays, there's never a dull moment in Fort Pierce. Monthly Friday Fest events feature live music and community gatherings, adding to the town's lively atmosphere.

For fishing enthusiasts, Fort Pierce is a paradise, with record-breaking fish and uncrowded waters. With an average home price of $150,000 and one-bedroom apartments ranging from $700 to $1,000 per month, housing costs are reasonable. Plus, with most residents paying under $10,000 annually in housing expenses and Florida's zero income tax, Fort Pierce offers an affordable lifestyle, allowing retirees to maximize their savings.