From small towns to big cities, these are the best coastal destinations for retirees.

Its no wonder so many people want to spend their retirement years near the sea.

Theres a state income tax, but social security retirement benefits are not taxed.

Beautiful Ponte Vedra Beach on the east coast of North Florida.

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Plus, Legoland is nearby for family visits, and Disneyland is just about an hour away.

Beaufort offers history, cultural diversity, world-class restaurants, delicious seafood, and a variety of entertainment.

Nearby Jacksonville offers a major airport, restaurants, and nightlife.St.

Cliffs of Carlsbad

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Health care is another plus, with a variety of hospitals nearby, including the Mayo Clinic.

Residents speak English, and the U.S. dollar is accepted, as is Belize currency.

Thecost of livingis about 35 percent lower than in the U.S., and rent is 77 percent lower.

Beaufort is a city in and the county seat of Beaufort County, South Carolina. It is the second-oldest city in South Carolina

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On a trip to Ambergris Caye, I met several retirees from both the U.S. and European countries.

The Central American country offers a few ways tobecome a resident, mainly based on minimum monthly income.

Roughly 60 miles from San Jose, the location is convenient for local and international travel.

Two green Adirondack chairs overlook Falmouth, Maine’s beautiful harbor on a sunny, summer day. Puffy, white clouds float overhead. A dock can be seen off to the right.

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The international airport is less than 30 minutes away, and theres a ferry to La Paz in Baja.

I spent some time in Mazatlan recently, and was impressed with the downtown areas restaurants and parks.

The average year-round temperature is approximately 81 degrees Fahrenheit, and there are wet and dry seasons.

Colorful buildings in Ambergris Caye, Belize

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The latter runs from January through August, while monsoon season spans September to December.

Most retirees arrange private health care coverage.

There are also options for houses in quieter, residential areas.

Damas Island mangrove area - Amazing ecosystem mixing fresh and salt water following the strong tides that move back and forth every six hours between the pacific ocean and the river - diverse flora and fauna, near Quepos, Punta Arenas

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Mexico, Mazatlan, Colorful old city streets in historic city center.

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View of the fishing port of nha trang

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