Forget Florida, Retire To This Affordable East Coast City With Fishing, A Beach, And Nearby Casino Fun

Florida may be a dream retirement destination for many Americans, but it isn't always an affordable one. A recent article in The Independent stated that people earning less than $75,000 a year may not be able to afford retirement in Florida because of its higher cost of living and home prices. Thankfully, there are plenty of coastal alternatives to the Sunshine State, including Somers Point in New Jersey. This vibrant city sits about 17 miles from Atlantic City on Great Egg Harbor Bay, a gateway to the Atlantic Ocean.

Somers Point is one of New Jersey's more budget-friendly cities. According to data by Best Places, the cost of living in Somers Point is 6.1% lower than the national average and 21.6% lower than the state average. This includes the price of housing, food, healthcare, taxes, and transportation. Best Places recommends an annual income of $48,400 for a single person to live comfortably in Somers Point, far less than what you'd need in Florida. 

Retiring to Somers Point doesn't necessarily mean sacrificing the lifestyle you might have in Florida. Somers Point may not have the same warm and sunny year-round weather, but it's still a coastal city where you can enjoy beach days, water activities, fishing, and calm bayside living. "The town is a boater's paradise," reads one article in Philadelphia Magazine. It's not lacking in entertainment, either, with access to live performance venues, casinos, and great restaurants. 

The main beach in Somers Point, William Morrow Beach, is located within its historic downtown. The bayfront park has a swimming beach with lifeguards that remains busy throughout the summer. It hosts outdoor concerts and various family-friendly events in the warmer months. Visitors can cast a line from the fishing pier and relax at picnic tables on the sand. "Much calmer than the ocean, and a nice place to walk right out and kayak or paddleboard," one person said in a Google review. 

Fishing is a popular pastime in Somers Point, and many locals take advantage of the city's multiple marinas to dock private boats. In the surrounding waters, anglers can reel in black sea bass, summer flounder, striped bass, and dusky smooth-hound, according to past reports on Fishbrain. Other species recorded in the Somers Point area include largemouth bass and chain pickerel. John F. Kennedy Park has a dedicated boat ramp for fishing that visitors can access for a fee. All anglers aged 16 and older must have a New Jersey fishing license, which can be purchased online. Keep in mind that while Somers Point may feel like Florida in the summertime, New Jersey's long winters are often frigid, windy, and wet. This is the Northeast, after all.

Somers Point is a great base for accessing New Jersey's seaside gaming hubs. Atlantic City, just 20 minutes up the coast, is home to 10 large-scale casino resorts, including the Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa, New Jersey's Vegas-like casino. The city is quite the contrast to Somers Point's laid-back vibe, but it can provide residents with a nearby source of entertainment. Plus, you don't necessarily need to gamble to have a good time in Atlantic City. The Hard Rock Hotel & Casino regularly hosts big events like live bands, title fights, and stand-up comedy. Ocean Casino Resort offers multiple fine-dining restaurants, one of the state's best day spas, and shopping.

Somers Point may only have one beach, but you can access plenty more within a short drive. Just five minutes across the water is Ocean City, another East Coast retirement spot with beaches, boardwalk fun, and healthy living. Alternatively, Margate City, known for delicious seafood and "America's Oldest Roadside Attraction," is just 15 minutes away. You're never far from a beach break or city outing when the mood strikes.

Beyond the walkable waterfront area, residents will need to drive or take public transportation to get around in Somers Point. Fortunately, locals aged 62 and older can join New Jersey's Reduced Fare Program and ride public transit for half the price. Somers Point is also a 20-minute drive from Atlantic City International Airport (ACY), making it easy to travel domestically or abroad. Visiting family members and friends will have a variety of hotels and budget-friendly inns to choose from within walking distance of the waterfront.