Forget Florida, Retire To This East Coast Escape With New England Charm, Outdoor Fun, And Ocean Views

For retirees who dislike the heat, feel anxiety about serious hurricanes, and want a more walkable experience, the stereotypical retirement destination of Florida might not be appealing. Instead, some might want to retire to the Northeast, where retirees will get some of the best healthcare in the country, distinct four seasons, and relatively few serious hurricanes. For retirees looking for a county full of history, close proximity to the ocean, and easy access to hiking, Rhode Island's Newport County is a good option. For retirees who can't stand the heat and need cooler temps, the coastline area of Narragansett Bay is cool even in summertime. Because of offshore temperatures in the Atlantic, summer highs usually sit at around 79 degrees. On the flip side, some retirees might find the winters warmer than expected on the coast due to the stabilizing ocean but cold because of sea winds.

Part of what makes this area so nice is that it's walkable and great for biking, particularly in the area around the city of Newport itself. Residents also report that many areas that are too far to walk to are also accessible by bus. At the same time, those living farther outside the city or who want to do more extensive day trips in the area probably will need a car or have access to someone who does. The area in general is pretty safe. According to Nextdoor, it's safer than the national average based on crime rates, including violent crimes. For seniors who want to meet new friends, Newport has lots of activities. From shoreline cleanup meetings to joining the Newport Social Facebook page to just walking along the area's famous Cliff Walk, this area has lots of socialization opportunities. For seniors who want to connect with others in their same age group, Middletown Senior Center and Edward King House (Newport's senior center) have activities that can build social networks among retirees.

For ecologically minded retirees, Newport County offers a variety of different experiences in the great outdoors. One of Newport County's premier spots for outdoor fun is Sachuest Point. As retirees explore the 242 acres of this wildlife preserve, they can look for native bird species like piping plovers. The main hiking trail here, Sachuest Point National Wildlife Trail, comes highly rated on AllTrails. This loop trail is over 2 miles long and takes visitors around the perimeter of the preserve, showcasing expansive views of the slate-blue Atlantic. While looking out over the rough waves, visitors should try to spy some of New England's unique wildlife. Hikers here report seeing deer, rabbits, pheasants, snails, and cormorants. You might even catch a glimpse of some gray seals, which have been spotted at Sachuest before.

Another place to reconnect with nature in Newport County that retirees should check out is Norman Bird Sanctuary. Located on Aquidneck Island, the sanctuary encompasses 325 acres full of forests, meadows, ponds, and coastline views. This area is particularly beautiful in the autumn, when New England comes to life with bright red and orange foliage and cooler temperatures that are perfect for walking. The sanctuary also has a lot of trails to explore. One of the highest-rated treks on AllTrails is Hanging Rock Trail. This 2-mile, out-and-back trail takes visitors along Gardiner Pond, through forests, and culminates in a ridge where visitors can see great views.

A third natural area that retirees might want to check out is Ballard Park. Once a stone quarry that supplied materials for Newport's mansions, this area has been transformed into a community area where visitors can reconnect with nature. The 13 acres of this park are home to ponds, meadows, rock formations, and forests. In the springtime, retirees who want to see a blast of color after the gray New England winter will be met with rows upon rows of daffodils here.

Newport is home to beautiful beaches with nostalgic charm. Second Beach (also called Sachuest) is the area's most highly rated, according to Google Maps. Expansive gray sands that stand out against deep teal water await retirees who choose this location for their fun in the sun. Part of what makes this beach so great is that it's got a wide range of amenities, including bathrooms, a concession stand, showers, and grills. They even have surfboard rentals and lessons on-site! Those who choose to retire here will have an added benefit over regular travelers, as nonresidents have to pay an extra parking fee to use the beach.

Another highly rated beach with silver sands and bright blue water is Easton's Beach. This nearly 1-mile shoreline has a playground, restrooms, lifeguards, and showers, making it perfect for retirees who want to spend a day out with grandchildren. Near the beach is the start of Cliff Walk, Rhode Island's coastline trail. This 3.5-mile trail offers retirees and their families views of ocean waves crashing on the rocky Newport shoreline. Although this might not bother everybody, retirees should keep in mind that this beach does have red seaweed. As with many other beaches in this area, Newport residents get free parking, but visitors must pay a fee during the summer season. A third beach in Newport County that retirees might enjoy is Gooseberry Beach. Because it's located in a cove, the waters here aren't as rough as at other Rhode Island beaches, like Easton's and Second Beach. Nearby, there's a cafe and restrooms.