Retire Comfortably on the East Coast: 20 Walkable Cities That Eliminate Transportation Costs

2026-01-12 15:41:29

If you’re planning retirement and watching your budget closely, here’s a fact worth considering: the average retiree spends nearly $4,000 annually on car-related expenses. For those willing to embrace a car-free lifestyle, finding the right location can unlock thousands in annual savings. A comprehensive analysis of East Coast cities has identified 20 outstanding destinations where residents can thrive without owning a vehicle, combining strong walkability with quality-of-life amenities.

Why Location Matters for Your Retirement

The research focused on East Coast cities with at least 20% of their population at retirement age, evaluating them based on the Environmental Protection Agency’s National Walkability Index and livability scores. Cities scoring between 10.51 and 20 on the walkability index demonstrated the ability to support car-free living. The result? A curated list of destinations ranging from affordable Florida towns to upscale Massachusetts suburbs.

The Most Walkable East Coast Cities for Retirees

Highest Walkability Performers:

Morganton, North Carolina - Walkability: 19.3, Annual cost of living: $41,297, Livability: 68
Peabody, Massachusetts - Walkability: 18.7, Annual cost of living: $72,899, Livability: 78
Tavares, Florida - Walkability: 19.0, Annual cost of living: $46,517, Livability: 76

Complete Rankings: 20 Best East Coast Cities to Retire Without a Car

Wilton Manors, Florida - Livability: 91, Walkability: 17.0, Cost of living: $73,020, Transportation index: 130.3
Lexington, Massachusetts - Livability: 92, Walkability: 15.7, Cost of living: $135,228, Transportation index: 102.6
Rockville Centre, New York - Livability: 86, Walkability: 16.7, Cost of living: $99,127, Transportation index: 172.8
Saugus, Massachusetts - Livability: 83, Walkability: 17.2, Cost of living: $71,854, Transportation index: 107.6
Peabody, Massachusetts - Livability: 78, Walkability: 18.7, Cost of living: $72,899, Transportation index: 96.3
Tavares, Florida - Livability: 76, Walkability: 19.0, Cost of living: $46,517, Transportation index: 104.3
Springfield, Virginia - Livability: 89, Walkability: 13.5, Cost of living: $74,701, Transportation index: 127.3
Plainview, New York - Livability: 85, Walkability: 15.0, Cost of living: $95,938, Transportation index: 171.7
New Providence, New Jersey - Livability: 84, Walkability: 15.2, Cost of living: $91,581, Transportation index: 142.8
New Port Richey, Florida - Livability: 80, Walkability: 16.5, Cost of living: $45,577, Transportation index: 102.0
Miami Springs, Florida - Livability: 83, Walkability: 15.0, Cost of living: $76,859, Transportation index: 139.8
Stoneham, Massachusetts - Livability: 87, Walkability: 12.5, Cost of living: $81,620, Transportation index: 102.3
Portsmouth, New Hampshire - Livability: 85, Walkability: 13.2, Cost of living: $79,869, Transportation index: 83.8
Milford, Connecticut - Livability: 88, Walkability: 11.8, Cost of living: $63,597, Transportation index: 112.9
Oceanside, New York - Livability: 85, Walkability: 13.0, Cost of living: $84,096, Transportation index: 171.2
North Port, Florida - Livability: 76, Walkability: 16.5, Cost of living: $45,422, Transportation index: 97.0
Greenwich, Connecticut - Livability: 80, Walkability: 14.8, Cost of living: $191,842, Transportation index: 130.8
Orange, Connecticut - Livability: 74, Walkability: 17.0, Cost of living: $70,422, Transportation index: 109.9
Morganton, North Carolina - Livability: 68, Walkability: 19.3, Cost of living: $41,297, Transportation index: 80.0
Wyomissing, Pennsylvania - Livability: 81, Walkability: 14.2, Cost of living: $51,185, Transportation index: 85.5

Finding Your Ideal East Coast Retirement Destination

For budget-conscious retirees, the most affordable options cluster in Florida and North Carolina, with annual living costs below $50,000. Massachusetts cities offer excellent livability scores but at higher price points, while Connecticut and New York options provide middle-ground alternatives with strong walkability ratings. The transportation index varies significantly, with some locations offering particularly efficient public transit systems that further reduce reliance on personal vehicles.

By eliminating vehicle ownership and its associated costs, retirees can redirect those thousands of dollars annually toward travel, healthcare, hobbies, or simply building a more secure financial cushion. These 20 East Coast cities demonstrate that car-free retirement living isn’t just feasible—it’s increasingly attractive across diverse price points and lifestyle preferences.

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