Space Coast Enclave Emerges As Relaxed Paradise for Retirees Who Love the Beach

Cape Canaveral, located on Florida’s Space Coast, offers slow-paced seaside living, a laid-back coastal community, lots of sunshine, and easy access to beaches. For retirees looking for an ocean breeze, a quieter locale compared to other Florida metros, and a community that consists of locals and newcomers, Cape Canaveral could be a great retirement choice. Plus, it was named a best place to retire by Investopedia.

Cost of Living and Housing

Housing costs are generally one of the largest expenses for a household, so they’re an important factor to consider when retiring, as they’ll affect how far your retirement savings will go. Luckily, the cost of living in Cape Canaveral is generally lower than that of larger Florida metros like Miami or Fort Lauderdale.

The average home value in Cape Canaveral is $312,641, vs. $572,304 in Miami and $499,806 in Fort Lauderdale. Similarly, the average rents in these places are $2,460, $3,200, and $2,650, respectively. Cape Canaveral scores highly for median home value in our list of places to retire.

For retirees assessing housing types, there are a few options. Condos are easier to maintain with no yard work, and many can be found by the beach or marina. Single-story homes are another good choice for retirees, with more privacy, outdoor space, and no stairs, which helps with comfort and mobility in older age.

Beyond housing costs, Florida is a tax-friendly state that helps preserve savings and income. The state has no income tax, including on Social Security benefits, pensions, and retirement accounts, such as 401(k)s.

Additionally, Florida has no estate or inheritance tax, meaning more wealth can pass to your heirs. And lastly, property taxes are similar to or lower than those in many other popular retirement locations. In fact, Cape Canaveral scores highly on our list of retirement places when it comes to the monthly county property tax.

Beaches and Outdoor Lifestyle

Being on the water, Cape Canaveral has excellent access to uncrowded beaches, fishing, boating, and daily ocean walks, making it a perfect location for those who enjoy the outdoors, especially water-related activities.

Combine that with mild winters and warm, breezy summers, and Cape Canaveral allows retirees to enjoy the outdoors year-round. If you’re coming from colder climates, the weather and outdoor lifestyle can be a real game-changer when it comes to mood and physical activity.

Community and Local Culture

Regarding community and local culture, Cape Canaveral keeps it quiet and simple. You won’t find the busy nightlife like you would farther south in Miami. It’s a small-town feel with a mix of longtime residents, military retirees, and newcomers, with the opportunity to enjoy local restaurants, waterfront bars, and casual social spots.

One of the biggest draws of living in Cape Canaveral is the Kennedy Space Center, where you can watch rocket launches, which draws in new transplants and locals for the excitement and adventure. The center also provides many other attractions, including tours, experiences, events, displays, exhibits, and more.

Walkability and Getting Around

Cape Canaveral sits fairly high on our list of places to retire when it comes to walkability. Primary locations include near the beach and marina. These areas allow you to get around on foot for errands, easily socialize over a coffee, and quickly head to events.

Driving is still necessary, especially if you want to explore areas farther out, like Cocoa Beach, Merritt Island, and nearby towns. When it comes to monthly transportation costs, Cape Canaveral scores somewhere in the middle on our list of places to retire, so taking into consideration the cost of owning a car is important when budgeting for retirement.

If you’d prefer to rely on public transport, the region benefits from the Space Coast Area Transit system, which offers bus and trolley services, vanpooling at park-and-ride lots, and paratransit for retirees who are disabled or transportation-disadvantaged.

The proximity to nearby towns makes it simpler to widen your social net, dining options, activities, and services without spending too much time on the road.

Healthcare Access

Healthcare is, of course, one of the most important considerations for retirees. Cape Canaveral is close to many major medical centers and clinics in Cocoa Beach and Melbourne, easily accessible without the congestion of major metro areas. Additionally, Florida’s Space Coast healthcare framework offers specialists and various treatments.

For more specialized needs, the wider region around Cape Canaveral offers plenty of options. You avoid big-city crowding but still receive quality care. Additionally, for veterans, a Veterans Affairs clinic is nearby in Viera, approximately a half-hour’s drive southwest of Cape Canaveral.

The Bottom Line

For retirees looking for where to spend their nonworking years, Cape Canaveral offers sunshine, uncrowded beaches, and a small-town feel that’s more relaxed than Florida’s bigger metro areas.

Housing costs are more manageable than in other Florida cities, taxes in the state are friendly, and the good weather year-round allows for plenty of outdoor activities. With strong healthcare close by and a relaxed community, Cape Canaveral presents a strong option for retirees.