10 Walkable East Coast Cities Where You Can Retire Without A Car

There are plenty of factors retirees take into account when deciding where they want to spend their golden years. Affordability, weather, and proximity to family are all realistic reasons why you might move to a certain city when you retire. However, sometimes one overlooked factor is the walkability of a city. Being able to enjoy your new city, the beautiful weather, and attractions while walking from one location to another can play apart in deciding where you will spend retirement. Because of this, we made a list of cities where a retiree can enjoy their free time and make walking apart of their daily routine.

When it came to deciding what types of cities we wanted to focus on for walkable cities retirees could enjoy without a car, there were several factors that guided our decisions. First, we relied on sources that focused on credible websites that gave these cities high walkability scores and local tourism sites that hash out the attractions available.

Next, we picked smaller East Coast cities that would make walking a little easier than their metro counterparts. The activities found in these cities needed to be senior-friendly, while providing a mix of natural outdoor activities, as well as more indoor options as well. Finally, while walking is a key point of our chosen cities, public transportation is a factor when retirees don't have a car. Each destination had to have a public transportation option that retirees would find acceptable to use, so we sourced local city websites with public transportation information.

Salem is a great place to retire and enjoy small-town charm with walkable streets and plenty of attractions close to each other. With just under 46,000 people, Salem is one of the most unique cities in America and is a place that celebrates the magical. It turned its tragic history with the Salem witch trials into a modern mystical theme with a Halloween vibe that casts fall magic all year long.

When traversing Salem, you don't have to worry about getting to the countless attractions from Boston. Thanks to the MBTA Train & Bus Service, the Newburyport and Rockport lines are a short walk from downtown Salem, making it easy to get around without a car.

When it comes to great attractions and activities to try for a retiree, there is no shortage of options in Salem. The top of the list for walkable streets are the connected Derby and Liberty Streets. Known as the Haunted Neighborhood, here you can find Witch Village, Salem Wax, or take a candlelit ghostly walking tour. If art and history are closer to your passion, you can head to the Peabody Essex Museum, where you can learn about science, art, and the witch trial history of the area.

While Florida and retirement are well known as a perfect fit, Miami Springs isn't the first town that comes to mind. Yet this quieter suburb of Miami is a great alternative to the bigger city, and it's navigable without a car. 

Miami Springs has just under 14,000 people – a fraction of Miami's nearly 460,000 — and has plenty of walkable attractions within close distance of each other and public transportation for longer distances. A great, free option to get around is the MS/VG Shuttle that can get you around town. In terms of attractions for seniors to walk through, one place to start is the Curtiss Parkway, a main thoroughfare, and explore architectural forms such as Pueblo Revival, exemplified by the stunning Curtiss Mansion. Both the mansion and the parkway are named after Glenn Hammond Curtiss, nicknamed the "Father of Naval Aviation," who helped build Miami Springs after retiring from flying.

Speaking of the rich history of aviation in the town, you can head over to the Miami Springs Historical Society on East Drive, which chronicles the history of Miami Springs and the importance of the Pueblo Revival. Finally, take a walk down Curtiss Parkway to the Miami Springs Golf & Country Club, where you can walk around this 18-hole course, with access to South Florida's only nighttime practice facility.

On the southeast corner of New Hampshire, hugging the Maine border, is Portsmouth, which around 22,500 residents call home. When it comes to getting around Portsmouth without a car, there is plenty of public transportation available, like the COAST Bus, Wildcat Transit, or C&J Trailways for those looking to head into Boston or New York.

Arguably one of the most walkable and photogenic East Coast cities, Portsmouth, New Hampshire, doesn't just flex its beauty during the summer; it's a top destination during the holiday season as well. You'll find the waterfront, north end, and downtown neighborhoods hold plenty of attractions within a short walk from each other that'll keep you entertained. When strolling through downtown, you can stop by Jimmy's Jazz & Blues Club for great food and music. Or head over to the waterfront for a cruise with the Isles of Shoals Steamship Company, where you'll learn about area history and amazing natural views. 

Finally, you can get more of an arts experience on the north end through 3S Artspace, a nonprofit that speaks about issues through art, and you can check out art creations from both local and global artists.

Beach destinations are always a great option when thinking of walkable cities to spend your golden years during retirement, and Virginia Beach, Virginia, is no exception. Located east of Norfolk, this suburb is a coastal city of a bit over 450,000 residents.

There is public transportation you can take advantage of if you don't have a car. The Hampton Roads Transit buses have the Atlantic Avenue, Aquarium, and Campground, and Bayfront Shuttle to get you around the city. With miles of walkable beaches and boardwalks at the Oceanfront, public transportation isn't your only option, as Virginia Beach is an excellent place to walk from one attraction to another. Virginia Beach has a long history with the military, so tour the Military Aviation Museum, which explores aeronautical innovation and a large collection of vintage military aircraft. 

One of the most popular attractions for walking and enjoying an afternoon is the Virginia Beach Boardwalk. The boardwalk gives you unforgettable views of sunrises over the ocean, pristine beachfront hotels, and the famous Neptune Statue. Finally, head to the south end of the oceanfront to take advantage of proximity to the water with a fishing charter, then dine with a waterfront view and fresh seafood at Rudees on the Inlet.

Charleston, South Carolina, is one of the most unique and colorful towns on the East Coast. From walks along the charming cobblestone streets in Charleston's French Quarter to carriage tours around town, there are plenty of ways to see the "Holy City" without a car — there's even a shuttle bus that can get you from the beach to North Charleston. With a population of around 160,000, retirees will find plenty to do here without being overwhelmed by the crowds of larger cities. 

One of the many benefits of Charleston is the outstanding walking atmosphere for all visitors and locals alike, especially seniors. A must-see for seniors in Charleston is the Magnolia Plantation & Gardens, where you can take in the horticulture, history, and local scenery, like the river vistas along the walking path. 

If you want to take a stroll and get a guided tour of some of the spectacular architecture of Charleston, Bulldog Tours is a must-do in town. On a tour, you can take in 300 years of history and colorful architectural design that tells the story of Charleston. People with a passion for the arts can take advantage of the Gibbes Museum of Art, which showcases local as well as international artists.

Known as "Georgia's first city," Savannah is on the Atlantic coast and home to just under 150,000 residents, so it's big enough to keep any retiree entertained all year round. This east Georgia city has a reputation for lush gardens, southern food, and picturesque streets. While Savannah is a great place to walk through, retirees do have the option of public transportation, including the Chatham Area Transit (CAT), which links seniors with the historic downtown area and is also ADA-compliant.

When it comes to different attractions to appreciate throughout Savannah, there are several options that come to mind. Roam through the Victorian District to admire Victorian architecture from the 1800s or stop by Forsyth Park for spacious, lush grounds and a memorable fountain. If you're a retiree who is passionate about everything art, stop at Starland District for vinyl records, galleries and studios, and refreshments and great food at the outdoor Starland Yard. Perhaps you want to take in the natural sites around Savannah by wandering over to Moon River District for nature and the coast at spots like Skidaway Island State Park for camping or the Wormsloe Historic Site, which is one of Georgia's oldest and most famed settings.

Serving as a gateway to Acadia National Park, Bar Harbor is a city in Maine where the amazing scenery serves as a backdrop for walking around this northeastern city. Perhaps the only thing that beats the scenery of Bar Harbor is the fact that it's gained a reputation as one of America's most affordable vacation destinations, so you'll always find new people to meet and share the beauty of the area. While walking is a great way to get around this small town of fewer than 5,500 residents, there is public transportation available as well. Island Explorer has multiple bus routes that connect hotels, campgrounds, and attractions during your stay. 

One of the most common ways to enjoy Bar Harbor is to stroll around 19th-century family cottages turned B&Bs, main street shops, boutiques, and world-class seafood restaurants all around you. But if you're looking for a unique activity that blends history with the darker side of Bar Harbor, try Bar Harbor Ghost Walk, where you'll start at the Agamont Park Gazebo and spend 90 minutes exploring local haunts and stories of past locals. Cadillac Mountain is the highest point in the area and is known as the first point in America to see the sunrise each day. Best of all, retirees don't have to worry about a grueling hike, as you can take the Cadillac Mountain Summit Shuttle to the top, where you can enjoy the views with minimal effort. 

Located about 60 miles from Manhattan is Milford, Connecticut, a postcard-style New England city with around 51,000 residents that is an open invitation for walking and exploring the unique neighborhoods. From downtown, South of the Green, Milford Harbor, and many other neighborhoods that you can easily move to on foot, there is plenty to explore for retirees during their stay.

A quicker alternative to exploring certain parts of Milford on foot if you need to save on time is Milford Transit District. The public transportation service is available 7 days a week and even offers door-to-door service for people aged 60 and up. When it comes to walking, the Milford Historic District in downtown is a great start, as it allows you to view waterfalls, ponds, and 18th- and 19th-century homes. South of downtown's historic district is Milford Harbor, a great place to walk, people-watch, and admire boats in the water. Check out great restaurants, like Stonebridge Restaurant, a historic waterfront restaurant since 1949, with incredible seafood and classic American cuisine. Finally, if bird watching is a passion of yours, the Coastal Center at Milford Point is a sanctuary center where you have access to a boardwalk, observation platforms, and a 70-foot-high covered tower for a great view of the vistas.

If you're looking for an amazing location where you can ditch the car and enjoy your golden years on foot during retirement, Rehoboth Beach was made for you. Whether it's Rehoboth Boardwalk — rated one of America's best boardwalks – with ocean views, Rehoboth Avenue with fantastic shopping and dining, or Delaware Seashore State Park to enjoy fall colors, this New England town has you covered.

While Rehoboth Beach isn't the biggest town in the Northeast — fewer than 1,500 people live here year-round — it can get busy during the summer months, so DART Beach Bus Service has you covered with a/c rides with wheelchair accessibility to beaches, outlets, and boardwalks.

When it comes to attractions, one of the most popular is the one-mile-long Rehoboth Boardwalk that provides unforgettable views, ocean sounds, and fun for families relaxing on the beach. Next up for great attractions for retirees to see would be the Delaware Seashore State Park. Boasting over six miles of ocean view and more than twenty miles of bay shoreline, you can find beaches to stroll, calm waters for paddling, or historical buildings like the Indian River Life-Saving Station. After a day in nature's beauty, maybe you want to relax around Rehoboth Avenue and enjoy plenty of shopping and dining options. Check out eco-friendly options at STELLAN or a great sandwich at Arena's Deli and Bar.

Charm and beauty all wrapped into one describes Madison, Connecticut. Your quiet alternative to the Hamptons and much less expensive, Madison is a retiree walker's paradise with beaches, hiking trails, and an artistic town that knows how to put on a show. You definitely won't miss your car in this scenic escape. 

Just 20 miles from New Haven, Madison is connected by CTTransit and River Valley Transit for surrounding areas. Madison also has the XtraMile ride-sharing program that helps you get around to local attractions. One must-see attraction while immersing yourself in this town of around 17,000 people is the Susan Powell Fine Art Gallery, featuring over 50 award-winning artists. If history is more your passion, stop by The Allis-Bushnell House, where you can view a home that goes back over 250 years. Preserved by the Madison Historical Society, you'll get a glimpse inside exhibits, period furniture, and art and paintings from the beginning of the country's existence. 

Finally, your retirement days in a coastal town wouldn't be complete without spending an afternoon wandering around a beach. Head to West Wharf Beach, where you'll find a walking/fishing pier on less than two acres, so you'll be able to navigate it easily.