Forget Florida, Retire To This Top-Rated New England Escape With Beaches And A Walkable Downtown

When looking for a laid-back location to settle into your sunset years, Florida usually jumps to the top of the list. What better way to leave the corporate grind behind than with a relaxing beach walk? Swaying palm trees and plenty of warm sunshine also keeps Florida as a consistent top choice amongst retirees. However, if you prefer a more crisp climate but still crave those seaside strolls, then consider a move to New England — specifically, Rhode Island. Wedged in the southwestern corner of the state, abutting the border with Connecticut, is a delightful town called Westerly. Included in a roundup of best Rhode Island retirement spots in terms of affordability by Movoto, a real estate search engine, Westerly is a top-rated escape for both retirees and travelers.

Sightseers can roam around High Street, one of the main thoroughfares in Westerly's historic downtown district, where a blend of Romanesque Revival, Victorian, and Colonial Revival architecture creates a scenic backdrop. Foodies can explore the diverse culinary options, whether it's a bite of Thai food or tacos with margaritas. Better yet, most local museums are either free or offer senior discounts. Shady trees in nearby Wilcox Park beckon visitors for a leisurely stroll, while hikers can also venture onto meandering trails through the idyllic woodlands surrounding Pawcatuck River.

Westerly's main draw is, of course, the expansive stretch of Atlantic shoreline. Soft-sand beaches and gentle dunes offer ample space to dip your toes in the water or simply spread out a picnic while enjoying the sunset. Meanwhile, a couple of sprawling country clubs offer hilly fairways to tee off amidst calming coastal views. Whether you're a pensioner in search of a retirement spot or just a traveler wanting to explore New England's landscape, then Westerly is the place to be.

Though Westerly's historic district might be a little on the smaller side, there is plenty of excitement to be found. Well-kept, paved sidewalks make it easy to walk around and explore. Start your wanderings on Broad Street, where the sturdy stone turret of the Christ Episcopal Church looms overhead. On the opposite side, towering tree branches mark the entrance to Wilcox Park.

As you continue west along Broad Street, you can either turn left onto Main Street to explore the clapboard houses of the Main Street Historic District, or veer right onto High Street, where shopping and museums await. At the intersection of the two streets is Herbwise Naturals, offering homeopathic remedies, spices, and supplements set within a colonial-style storefront. Head inside to grab everything from vitamins and loose-leaf teas to beeswax candles and cotton socks, then make your way along High Street to admire the historic architecture.

Keep walking until you reach the impressive stone facade of the Living Sharks Museum, called "a wonderful hidden gem" by a previous visitor. Admission is free, and deep-sea aficionados can browse the displays of fossils and shark teeth, along with props from Spielberg's terrifyingly iconic "Jaws" film. Meanwhile, inside the brick edifice next door is ReReads Bookshop, where bookworms can browse the packed shelves for their next beach read. Continue around the corner to enjoy a refreshing stroll through Wilcox Park, where you'll find ducks frolicking around the serene pond. If you're feeling hungry, stop for sushi rolls at Koi Japanese Cuisine, or sit down for some tasty sips at Tapped Apple Cidery & Winery, which is highly-rated on Google. Next, make your way south to explore Watch Hill, a chic seaside neighborhood of Westerly.

If you're craving sea breezes and soft sand, then Westerly's miles of coastline await. Just a 12-minute drive south from downtown is East Beach, where the buttery shores are backed by stately mansions with green lawns perched atop gently sloping cliffs. Beachgoers can enjoy "clean water, beautiful views of Block Island [S]ound, and miles and miles of lovely sand," according to a previous visitor. As you follow the curve of the beach westward, you will be able to see the tiny speck of Watch Hill Lighthouse clinging to a peninsula far off in the distance.

For even more leisurely coastal walks, head to Misquamicut State Beach. Seagulls mingle with the sunbathers lounging on the sand, while playground slides and swings by the water add excitement for younger visitors. When all the frolicking amidst the sea and sun has worked up your appetite, you can easily walk to the snack bars and eateries nearby. Popular with beachgoers is Misquamicut Ocean Bar, an open-air venue where you can relax with refreshing drinks while still gazing out across the seashore.

Misquamicut State Beach straddles a narrow isthmus between the Atlantic shore and the grassy, overgrown banks of Winnapaug Pond. Eager explorers seeking more adventure can bring kayaks and canoes to the pond's launch site to paddle around the inland waters. A little further east is Minabaug Trail & Pond, where you can bike or walk along a scenic path surrounded by a marshy landscape. For more Rhode Island adventures, drive just 30 minutes east from Westerly to reach Matunuck, a coastal village with the freshest food, surf, and beaches. You could also cross state lines and head into Connecticut to explore Stonington, a cozy town with unmatched Atlantic views and New England charm.