Forget Florida, Retire To This East Coast Escape Between Boston And Portland With Beaches And Charming Towns

Only one U.S. state has a whole Wikipedia page dedicated to the concept of retiring there, and that's, of course, Florida. Florida in American culture has become practically synonymous with retirement. But this concept is actually relatively new, historically speaking. Florida has been a haven for retirees ever since the implementation of air conditioning in the 1950s. While Florida is still popular among the elderly, the approximately 70-year trend might be slowing down: many retirees are choosing to leave the Sunshine State or simply retire elsewhere. Some cite affordability, issues like overcrowding, hotter and hotter weather caused by climate change, and yearly meteorological events like hurricanes as factors that impact retirees' decisions to move there. 

Instead, retirees can choose to settle in an area on the opposite tip of the East Coast: York County, Maine. For retirees who want a more natural, down-to-earth living experience while still being near major hubs, this area might be the right choice. Ranked No. 2 in Maine for retirement by Retire Scorecard, it was only beaten out by next-door Cumberland County. 

Located just over the Maine-New Hampshire border, York County is just shy of two hours away from Boston and only 40 minutes away from Portland. That means retirees will still have access to the second-best healthcare in the country in Massachusetts (per U.S. News). Living here also allows retirees to experience all four seasons. Although Maine winters are known to be intense, with lots of rain and cold temperatures, summers are known to be pleasant and warm. For those who travel to or live in the Pine Tree State, renting or possessing a car is a necessity.

Like nearby Cumberland County on Casco Bay, which has lake fun and beaches, York County also has lots of maritime fun for retirees. According to NOAA (pdf), Maine has over 3,000 miles of coastline for visitors to enjoy, including in the area of York County. As one can imagine, the area is home to plenty of beaches. The town of York, for which the county itself was named in the 17th century, is home to several beaches. Long Sand Beach, as its name suggests, is home to a seemingly endless stretch of sand. At 1.5 miles long, this beach is a popular hangout spot for locals and visitors alike. Its excellent views of the 41-foot Cape Neddick Nubble Lighthouse really gives this spot peak New England vibes.

A truly unique beach in the area is Ogunquit Beach. This beach has bright blue water, white sands, and even tide pools. There's plenty of space for visitors to spread out: it's 3.5 miles long. What makes this beach unique isn't just its picturesque views — its geography is distinct. The Ogunquit River actually sits between the beach and the main shore; the beach is actually a peninsula that's connected to the town via bridges and a narrow strip of land on the northern side. There, visitors can find restrooms, changing rooms, and lifeguards. 

While hanging out on either of these beaches in York County, be sure to keep an eye out for some of New England's unique wildlife, like gray seals and humpback whales. Marine wildlife is known to frequent this area, with seals especially frequenting it in the winter.

York County isn't just home to great beaches; it's also home to charming and adorable small towns with unique shops. After a day of fun in the sun at the beach, retirees can head to the actual town of Ogunquit, one of New England's top beach towns. The Ogunquit Museum of American Art offers a variety of contemporary galleries and events like lectures and workshops. The Lazy Daisy is a women's clothing boutique offering jewelry and coastal-themed apparel. Those who love pottery can head to Perkins Cove Pottery Shop. For unique home decor and art made by a variety of artists, visit On The Main. Some of the art this shop features includes ceramics, fused glass, rock art, metal sculptures, and more.

Kennebunkport is a destination to visit for an ultimate Maine wildlife adventure. For retirees who want to fully enjoy Maine's coastline, the York County town of Kennebunkport offers plenty of scenic views. Visitors can drive along Ocean Avenue, which takes you right by President George H. W. Bush's summer home at Walker Point. While exploring the coastline here, look for marine mammals like dolphins. Like Ogunquit, Kennebunkport also has lots of shopping. For nautical-themed gifts, retirees can peruse Beach Grass, a shop that features local photography, apparel made from recycled fisherman hauling bibs, candles, lotions, books, and more. Retirees can also head to Minka, a shop that sells cozy gifts knit blankets, notebooks, candles, and sweaters.

For outdoor excursions, retirees can head to Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge. There, they will find trails through forests, beaches, meadows, and marshes. Those who go should keep an eye out for featured species, like piping plovers and saltmarsh sparrows.