The lapping waves. The majestic views. The vitamin D. Who can resist the siren song of life at the beach — and why would you want to? A growing body of research is confirming that waterfront living is good for you. Studies have found that closer proximity and more frequent visits to bodies of water correlate to higher reports of wellness, in terms of both physical and mental health. Plus, the increased opportunity for physical outdoor activity — whether it be walking the shores, paddling the surface, or diving into the deep — also offers proven health benefits. And while the ocean may be the natural go-to for those seeking water-related therapy, studies show that any so-called blue space — a term for any aquatic feature including lakes and rivers — can help boost your well-being.
So even if you can't quite afford a pricey oceanfront home for your retirement, you can still enjoy the benefits of retiring to a beach in hotspots all across America. Even in the Heartland, far from the coast, many U.S. locales offer access to freshwater beaches on lakes and rivers.
