Brian OConnell

Seeking travel, retirement and finance experts on Retiring Near the Coast Seeking travel, retirement and finance experts on Retiring Near the Coast? What Waterfront Living Really Costs After 60 Title: Retiring Near the Coast? What Waterfront Living Really Costs After 60 Summary: This is an updated look at coastal retirement, focusing on housing, insurance, taxes, healthcare access, and climate-related costs retirees often underestimate. We’re looking to name 3-5 affordable coastal retiree hotspots in the US (like Gulfport or Corpus Christi) and abroad (like Panama or Portugal), as well. Basically, we want to explain why they're so attractive along with some benefits from living there. We need these queries answered for the story. 1. What affordable coastal retirement hotspots do you like and why (just name one or more either in the US or abroad.)? 2. When retirees compare inland vs. coastal housing, what are the most commonly underestimated line items beyond the purchase price? Specifically, how do property taxes, HOA fees, maintenance, and insurance change the total annual cost of ownership after 60? 3. When evaluating a coastal retirement destination, how should retirees weigh proximity to major hospitals, specialists and trauma centers against lifestyle appeal? Are there measurable health access gaps in certain popular retirement beach towns? 4. How should retirees factor in long-term climate risks — including sea-level rise, extreme heat, wildfire or hurricane exposure — when calculating the 15- to 25-year cost of staying in a coastal home? 5. Which coastal states or countries offer the most favorable tax treatment for retirees — factoring in property taxes, income tax on Social Security and retirement withdrawals, capital gains, and estate taxes? 6. When retirees compare affordable U.S. coastal towns with international options like Portugal or Panama, what are the biggest financial misconceptions? Is the overseas option truly cheaper once you factor in health coverage, residency requirements and currency risk? Thank you.