Planning Your East Coast Retirement Without a Car? These 20 Cities Offer the Best Walkability

Retirement on a fixed income demands smart financial planning, and one surprisingly effective cost-cutting strategy is eliminating vehicle ownership. The average retiree spends approximately $3,989 annually on car maintenance, insurance, fuel, and financing costs. By embracing a carless lifestyle, you could redirect that $4,000 yearly toward experiences, healthcare, or simply boosting your retirement security.

The challenge, however, lies in location selection. Not every retirement destination offers the walkability needed for car-free living. To identify the ideal East Coast cities for this lifestyle, researchers analyzed communities where at least 20% of the population is retirement-age, then evaluated them against the EPA’s National Walkability Index and livability metrics. The result: 20 compelling East Coast options ranging from Florida’s coastal communities to New England’s established neighborhoods.

Florida’s Affordable East Coast Retirement Havens

Wilton Manors leads the pack with a walkability score of 17.0 and livability rating of 91. Annual living costs sit at $73,020, with a transportation index of 130.3—still far lower than owning and maintaining a vehicle.

For budget-conscious retirees, Tavares delivers exceptional value. With a walkability score of 19.0 and annual costs of just $46,517, it represents one of the most affordable East Coast options while maintaining strong pedestrian infrastructure.

New Port Richey offers similar affordability at $45,577 annually with a walkability index of 16.5, making it another compelling choice for those prioritizing both walkability and cost savings on Florida’s East Coast.

North Port rounds out Florida’s budget-friendly selections, featuring a walkability score of 16.5 and the lowest annual cost on the entire list at $45,422.

Miami Springs provides a middle ground, combining urban walkability (15.0 score) with moderate living costs of $76,859 and a solid livability rating of 83.

Massachusetts: New England’s Walkable Retirement Communities

Lexington emerges as New England’s top performer with a livability score of 92 and walkability of 15.7. However, expect higher living costs at $135,228 annually—a reflection of the Northeast’s premium real estate market.

Saugus and Peabody offer more accessible alternatives within the state. Saugus delivers a walkability score of 17.2 with annual costs of $71,854, while Peabody boasts the highest walkability index (18.7) among East Coast cities at just $72,899 annually—making it exceptional for pedestrian-focused living.

Stoneham provides another Massachusetts option with a livability rating of 87 and relatively moderate transportation costs (index of 102.3) despite higher overall living expenses of $81,620.

New York and New Jersey: Atlantic Corridor Communities

Rockville Centre, New York scores a walkability rating of 16.7 with strong livability of 86, though transportation costs are higher at a 172.8 index due to the region’s premium location.

Plainview and Oceanside offer additional New York options with walkability scores of 15.0 and 13.0 respectively, though both carry elevated transportation cost indexes (171.7 and 171.2).

New Providence, New Jersey serves as a gateway alternative with walkability of 15.2 and livability of 84, presenting a transitional option between New York’s higher costs and more moderate pricing elsewhere.

Connecticut’s Balanced Options

Milford stands out with a livability score of 88 and the most affordable annual costs among Connecticut selections at $63,597. Though its walkability score of 11.8 is modest, the overall quality-of-life rating remains strong.

Greenwich represents Connecticut’s premium choice, with annual costs reaching $191,842—the highest on the entire East Coast list. This reflects its status as an affluent community, though walkability remains moderate at 14.8.

Orange provides a more accessible Connecticut alternative with a walkability score of 17.0 (above Connecticut average) and annual costs of $70,422.

Virginia, New Hampshire, and Beyond

Springfield, Virginia delivers strong livability (89) with moderate annual costs of $74,701, though its walkability score of 13.5 suggests some car reliance remains.

Portsmouth, New Hampshire offers New England charm with a livability rating of 85 and the lowest transportation cost index (83.8) on the entire list, combined with annual living costs of $79,869.

Morganton, North Carolina leads the affordability rankings with annual costs of just $41,297 and an impressive walkability score of 19.3, making it ideal for retirees prioritizing budget and walkability above all else.

Wyomissing, Pennsylvania rounds out the East Coast selection with a walkability score of 14.2 and annual costs of $51,185, offering moderate pricing in the Mid-Atlantic region.

What the Data Reveals

These 20 East Coast cities share common characteristics: they maintain populations where at least 20% of residents are retirement-age, score above average on EPA walkability standards, and offer viable car-free living. Transportation cost indices vary significantly—from Portsmouth’s 83.8 to Rockville Centre’s 172.8—reflecting regional real estate premiums and urban density differences.

The data demonstrates that East Coast retirement without a vehicle isn’t a pipe dream—it’s achievable across multiple budget ranges. Whether you seek Florida’s warmth on a shoestring budget or New England’s established neighborhoods with higher costs, these communities prove that carless retirement is both feasible and financially prudent. By eliminating annual vehicle expenses entirely, retirees can redirect thousands annually toward genuine quality-of-life enhancements rather than transportation obligations.