That just one reason whycoastal townsand communities are some of the most popular places in the South for retirees.

The city has 28 miles of public shoreline on both the Chesapeake Bay and the open ocean.

Lewes, Delaware

Looking for a quiet and quaint town by the sea?

Aerial view of historic St. Augustine, Florida

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Lewes offers that and more.

No matter your interests, there’s justso much to do here, and much of downtown is walkable.

And when the grandkids visit, Walt Disney World is about an hour away.

Delray Beach, Florida

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Golf clubs abound here, as well as dining options ranging from casual to high-end.

There are plenty of opportunities to spend time in nature too.

Another plus: plenty offresh seafoodto enjoy in area restaurants.

A couple walking along Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach, Virginia.Credit: Courtesy of the Virginia Beach Convention & Visitors Bureau

It often ranks as one of thebest places to visit in Florida, so why not just live there?

Transplants adore the island’s quiet beaches, which are bounded by rolling dunes and sapphire waves.

Explore Honeymoon Island, enjoy the town’s several breweries, and stroll the walkable downtown.

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Beach at Cape Henlopen State Park

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Shops in Mason Avenue in Cape Charles, VA

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Palm Bay, FL

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Coast of Gulf of Mexico from Venice Public Pier in Venice, Florida

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Ocean Springs, MS beachfront

The Ocean Springs beachfront invites you to relax and leave your footprints.Credit:Cedric Angeles

Huntington Beach State Park in South Carolina

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Aerial view of bridge crossing Indian River in Vero Beach, Florida

Bay St. Louis Mississippi

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Happiest Seaside town winner: Stuart, Florida

A short drive from Charleston, Folly Beach is a barrier island both near to city life and millions of miles away. Funky, free-spirited, and full of surfers, sun-seekers, and quirky souls, this is beach life in all its glory. Get your action fix at Center

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Tybee Island lighthouse

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Welcome to the Lowcountry

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Alabama: Fairhope

Credit: ROBBIE CAPONETTO; PROP STYLING: RACHAEL BURROW; HAIR AND MAKEUP: CELINE RUSSELL/ZENOBIA

Dunedin, Florida

Credit: Tina Sargeant