Quoted from wtatumjr:

SS is taxable but if you rely on it alone you will pay little tax. It's when you add other income like a 401k things can get worse.
I bought a resort property years ago and rented it out to pay for it. When I retired I moved to the beach property.
The one surprise for me is how little income I need in retirement as I owe nothing for housing or cars. So just because you might need $120k household income now you won't need anything near that in retirement- if you can stand not having that new car.

Quoted from wtatumjr:

I'm in the Currituck Club, north of Duck. I rented for 10 years and now here full time. All rentals are pretty much full. The market has been crazy the last year or so. My house is open for all pinsiders so PM me if in the area.

Quoted from DanMarino:

Buy one! We currently own a beach house in Southern Shores, just south of Duck. It’s a great area and the town of Duck is so nice. Inventory of homes is low because people have been buying them with the low interest rates.