The beautiful Gulf Coast encompasses a large section of the United States, including the states of Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida. The scenic Gulf of Mexico stretches over more than 3,700 miles of coastline and is fed by 33 US rivers, with a diverse population of wildlife calling it home. To this end, it is a dream destination for many, with waterfront homes and coastal activities ideal for settling down. Seniors who are looking for either peaceful or adventurous retirements will find small Gulf Coast towns the ideal home base as they provide everything from stunning natural beauty to world-class cultural amenities and festivals.
Port Aransas, Texas
A tight-knit senior citizen community and an ideal location on Texas' Gulf Coast make Port Aransas the perfect place to retire. Located at the far northern tip of Mustang Island, Port Aransas has more than its fair share of natural beauty and is ideal for retirees who want to spend their days fishing, swimming, wildlife-viewing, sunbathing, biking, shelling, and other outdoor activities. One of the charming beach town's top attractions is Mustang Island State Park, which offers more than five miles of beautiful Gulf of Mexico coastline and plenty of camping spots for those who want to stay overnight.
Nearby, seniors can spend time at the Aransas Pass Senior Citizen Center, which offers year-round programs, games, and other activities to keep retirees active and connected to their community. Similarly, the Patton Center for Marine Science Education, the Port Aransas Art Center, and the Port Aransas Museum are a few local indoor attractions worth exploring.
Bay St. Louis, Mississippi
Bay St. Louis is the perfect place to retire for seniors who love water and spending time exploring picturesque coastlines all year long. Surrounded by rivers, marshes, and Gulf of Mexico estuaries, Bay St. Louis is the quintessential southern beach town. More than 25 percent of the town's population is over 65, promoting a robust social environment for retirees. Most seniors in town spend their time in Old Town Bay St. Louis, which is filled with boutiques, eateries serving local cuisine, bookstores, art galleries, and even boat rental shops. The town also offers the Hancock County Senior Citizen Center, which provides transportation and meals as needed and scheduled field trips to bowling alleys, theaters, casinos, and other local attractions.
For cultural enthusiasts, the Alice Moseley Folk Art and Antique Museum, located inside a historic train depot, showcases over 50 original folk art paintings. Other places that seniors can spend time exploring include the Bay St. Louis Mardi Gras Museum and the Bay St. Louis Historic L&N Train Depot.
Fairhope, Alabama
The sweet seaside town of Fairhope draws people from all over due to its thriving art community, scenic waterfront parks and welcoming downtown. Those who want to spend their golden years in this southern coastal enclave will find no shortage of retirement communities and assisted living facilities, such as the Brennity at Fairhope, Homestead Village of Fairhope, and the Reserve at Fairhope. Thomas Hospital is a state-of-the-art medical facility offering 189 beds and a wide range of in-patient and out-patient services for seniors in need. Ode to these benefits, Fairhope is home to a bustling community of over 5,000 senior citizens.
When it comes to entertainment, one of the town's top attractions is the Fairhope Municipal Pier, where retirees can take a bayside stroll or have a fishing adventure. The pier is located in the town square, which also features a landscaped rose garden, a duck pond, walking trails, a marina, and picnic areas for relaxing al fresco meals. Art lovers will want to visit the downtown Eastern Shore Art Center, which features regularly changing exhibits, a community outreach program, a gift shop, classes for adults and children, and events such as the monthly First Friday Art Walk.
Destin, Florida
Destin is considered the "crown jewel" of Florida's stunning Emerald Coast, known for its sparkling blue-green waters and miles of Gulf of Mexico coastline. Nicknamed "The World's Luckiest Fishing Village," a major draw for retirees in Destin is its ample fishing opportunities, which is a popular passtime for locals. Moreover, seniors can take advantage of the views by renting a waterside home, which shouldn’t cost more than $3,000 a month.
This quaint coastal town boasts five beachfront parks where you can lounge, swim, or launch a canoe or kayak for an ocean adventure. Henderson Beach State Park offers stunning beaches along warm gulf waters, 30-foot sand dunes, picnic tables for lunch or dinner with an ocean view, and campsites for those who want to spend a night or two on the beach. On rainy days, there is no shortage of indoor activities as well. The Destin History and Fishing Museum, which features everything from Native American pottery to Civil War artifacts, and the Emerald Coast Science Center are two options worth exploring.
Siesta Key, Florida
A little farther down on Florida's Gulf Coast sits the seaside gem of Siesta Key, a community known for its breathtaking Siesta Key Beach. It also features soft white sand and a bustling village filled with ice cream shops, boutiques, art galleries, and eateries. Retirees choose to call Siesta Key, situated just over a bridge from Sarasota, home for its beachfront living, year-round mild climate, and easy access to top-notch medical facilities, such as Sarasota Memorial Hospital. Moreover, Assisting Hands Home Care is available for senior residents of both Siesta Key and Longboat Key.
Adventurous seniors can go parasailing, join a fishing charter, or launch their watercraft in the emerald Gulf of Mexico waters. For those with mobility concerns, the free Breeze Trolley service transports people around Siesta Key Village. Meanwhile, foodies love spending time at the Siesta Key Oyster Bar and the Old Salty Dog for delicious seafood and drinks.
Naples, Florida
If you drive two hours south of Siesta Key along the Gulf Coast, you'll arrive in Naples, another Florida beachfront paradise that has long been a magnet for retirees wanting to live on the coast. Located in the southwest region of the state, Naples beckons seniors with its high-end shopping opportunities, a mix of casual and sophisticated dining options, a plethora of arts and cultural attractions, and natural beauty. Naples also offers a long list of retirement community options, including The Glenview at Pelican Bay and Moorings Park at Grande Lake, many of which feature assisted living.
It's hard to narrow down Naples' best beach because there are so many to choose from, but Naples Beach, with its iconic fishing pier, is at the top of the list. The sandy beach stretches for miles, with several public access points along the way. For retirees looking to get away from it all, Keewaydin Island offers eight miles of pristine white sand beaches. Similarly, the nearby Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park boasts a secluded beachfront feel amidst local flora, fauna, and wildlife.
Wrapping Up
If you're looking to spend your retirement amongst beautiful beaches with an abundance of waterfront activities, as well as world-class arts and cultural attractions, delicious local restaurants serving fresh seafood, and plenty of shopping opportunities, the Gulf Coast may be your perfect place to call home. From Texas to Florida, the Gulf of Mexico is your golden year's playground, and there is no shortage of small, charming towns to settle in.