Retire Without a Car on America's East Coast: 20 Cities Where Walkability Meets Affordability

For retirees on fixed incomes, transportation costs can drain retirement savings quickly. The average retiree spends approximately $3,989 annually on car-related expenses—fuel, insurance, maintenance, and financing combined. Eliminating this financial burden represents a significant opportunity to stretch retirement dollars further. The solution lies in relocating to walkable communities where daily necessities remain accessible without vehicle ownership.

A comprehensive analysis examining retirement-age population density (at least 20% of residents aged 65+) across America’s East Coast identified 20 standout communities. The research evaluated each location using the EPA’s National Walkability Index alongside livability metrics and regional cost-of-living data. The findings reveal surprising opportunities spanning from Florida’s tropical regions to New England’s established neighborhoods to the mid-Atlantic corridor.

Budget-Friendly East Coast Cities Perfect for Car-Free Living

The most affordable options cluster in Florida and North Carolina, where annual living expenses start below $50,000. North Port, Florida leads this category with just $45,422 in annual costs and a walkability index of 16.5. Tavares, Florida follows closely at $46,517 annually with an impressive 19.0 walkability score. Morganton, North Carolina offers the lowest cost structure at $41,297 yearly, though its walkability rating of 19.3 compensates for its lower livability index of 68.

New Port Richey, Florida presents another compelling option at $45,577 annually with solid walkability (16.5) and a livability score of 80. These communities demonstrate that carless retirement doesn’t require depleting savings—rather, it enables financial stability through reduced transportation obligations.

Premium Communities with Superior Walkability Scores

For retirees prioritizing pedestrian-friendly infrastructure above cost considerations, several Massachusetts and Connecticut neighborhoods excel. Peabody, Massachusetts combines a 78 livability rating with the highest walkability index at 18.7, while maintaining reasonable annual costs of $72,899. Saugus, Massachusetts achieves a 17.2 walkability score with comparable expenses at $71,854 annually.

Orange, Connecticut and Wilton Manors, Florida both feature 17.0 walkability indexes. Wilton Manors stands out with the highest livability score (91) across all 20 locations, though at elevated cost ($73,020 annually). Orange offers more moderate expenses at $70,422, making it attractive for budget-conscious retirees seeking walkable neighborhoods.

Mid-Atlantic and New England Options

The region spanning New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, and New Hampshire offers diverse choices. Lexington, Massachusetts ranks as the second-most livable city (92) with a 15.7 walkability rating, though annual costs reach $135,228. Portsmouth, New Hampshire provides better affordability at $79,869 with a transportation cost index of just 83.8, the lowest among all listings.

Rockville Centre, New York appeals to those prioritizing walkability (16.7) and livability (86) despite higher transportation costs indexed at 172.8. Plainview, New York and Oceanside, New York similarly feature strong livability scores but substantial transportation expenses exceeding 171. New Providence, New Jersey balances these factors with an 84 livability rating and moderate transportation index of 142.8.

Hidden Gems Across State Lines

Springfield, Virginia represents the most southern non-Florida option on this list, combining an 89 livability score with annual costs of $74,701. Wyomissing, Pennsylvania stands out among Pennsylvania’s East Coast representatives, delivering an 81 livability rating and just $51,185 in annual expenses.

Milford, Connecticut and Greenwich, Connecticut showcase Connecticut’s appeal. Milford emphasizes affordability ($63,597) alongside an 88 livability rating. Greenwich, while significantly more expensive at $191,842 annually, attracts affluent retirees seeking premium communities with 14.8 walkability and established infrastructure.

What Makes a City Perfect for Carless Retirement

The EPA’s National Walkability Index scores ranging from 15.26 to 20.0 indicate the most pedestrian-friendly environments—meaning daily errands, dining, and entertainment remain accessible without driving. This infrastructure fundamentally changes retirement lifestyle quality, reducing isolation while enabling independent living despite advancing age.

The 20 East Coast cities analyzed here represent the intersection of practical walkability, acceptable living expenses, and verified quality-of-life metrics. Whether prioritizing affordability like North Port or choosing luxury options like Greenwich, retirees can now make data-informed decisions about relocating without abandoning vehicle convenience for financial necessity.

The research methodology incorporated U.S. Census data, EPA walkability assessments, Sperling’s BestPlaces cost indices, and AreaVibes livability rankings—compiled as of October 2025. Each city guaranteed at least 20% retirement-age population, ensuring established senior communities with necessary support infrastructure already in place.