Best Places To Retire in Florida

Florida is a great place to retire. Best places to retire in Florida offer many choices for indoor and outdoor activities, as well as volunteer opportunities. The climate is perfect, plenty of golf clubs and beach chairs, and the atmosphere is easy-breezy. No doubt about it, Florida is the best retirement spot.

Why is Florida a Popular Retirement Place to Visit in the U.S.?

Many people all around the country and the world want to retire in Florida. The Sunshine State is a desirable place to reside in due to its year-round sunny weather, sandy beaches, natural beauty, amusement parks, and numerous cultural attractions.

Without hesitation, here are five reasons why retiring in Florida is connected with a contented and happy life.

So Many Places to Explore in Florida

You can visit a park throughout Orlando, the Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Seminole Indian Museum in the Everglades, Cape Canaveral, the Pensacola Naval Aviation Museum, or rest on white-sand beaches in north Florida. You can also drive through freshwater springs, take a day excursion to the Keys, Dry Tortugas National Park, or explore the reef islands.

Less Tax on Fixed Income Groups

Staying in Florida is advantageous for retirees because there is no income tax, and there are no taxes on Social Security, pensions, IRAs, 401(k)s, or inheritance taxes. As a result, you must spend very little money on paying taxes to the government.

Best Senior Citizen Communities in Florida

Senior communities are groups of people with the same interests and provide a venue for senior citizens to mingle through exercise, leisure activities, and clubs. Valencia Sound in Boynton Beach is one of Florida’s most outstanding 55+ communities.

The Weather of Florida is Beautiful, Year-Round

The Sunshine State features warm days and breezy evenings; it is divided into two temperature zones, tropical and subtropical, with highs ranging from 77 degrees Fahrenheit in the northwest to 82 degrees Fahrenheit in Miami.

The Sunshine State Promotes an Active Lifestyle

With its beaches, rivers, marshes, and lakes in the middle, Florida has a lot of places to fish, boat, play badminton, and do many other things for fun. There are over 1,300 golf courses in Florida, so you could easily spend your early mornings enriching your authentic golf experience.

10 Most Places to Live in Florida for Retirees

For retirees, Florida has something for everyone, whether you want an active lifestyle or a slower pace of life. A Sunshine State offers something for everyone, from white-sand beaches to world-class theme parks.

Sarasota

• Fifty-nine thousand three hundred sixty-three people live there.
• Cost of living (in U.S. dollars): 102.7
• The median listing price for a home is $449.9K.
• Crime rate per 1,000 people: 36.47

If you’re looking for the ideal beach town in Florida to retire from, you should consider Sarasota. One of the liveliest and best areas for retirees is located along the Gulf Coast, around Tampa, 60 miles south, and Fort Myers, 77 miles north.

Sarasota is known as the “good life” and has a long history of colonial habitation. Nearly 100 upmarket retailers, gated neighborhoods, waterfront houses, a functional downtown, boutiques, and eateries are all present.

Glen Oaks is a friendly community with several walking paths to relax and enjoy the scenery. The Bobby Jones Golf Club is a lovely spot for elders to play and socialize. St. Armands Circle includes a variety of outstanding restaurants and shops, park benches, and a vibrant nightlife scene.

The residents of healthcare institutions such as Sarasota Memorial Hospital and Doctors Hospital of Sarasota are in good hands.

The Most Outstanding Communities in Florida for retirement include Harbor Acres, AltaVista, and Lakewood Ranch

• Harbor Acres, one of Sarasota’s most desirable communities, is a long-established community known for its convenience, comfort, and unique mix of older and contemporary homes. It is a short walk to Sarasota Memorial Hospital, Selby Botanical Gardens, and the downtown attractions. Many historic “old Florida” homes in Harbor Acres combine wonderfully with spectacular new and meticulously crafted architecture. Harbor Acres is a popular boating community with waterfront residences and private dockage leading out to Sarasota Bay and the Gulf of Mexico.
• The Alta Vista neighborhood in Sarasota is an “older” non-HOA neighborhood adjacent to the downtown area, primarily residential: approximately 800 single-family and multi-family residences ranging from 1920’s wooden bungalows to ranch houses from the 1950s to the 1970s to brand-new modernist-style homes, and two condominium complexes, as well as a new residential development, Payne Park Village.
• Lakewood Ranch is a master-planned community constructed on previously undeveloped property. Lakewood Ranch is close to Sarasota and Bradenton, allowing seniors to live in a small neighborhood while still exploring the larger cities. Lakewood Ranch has a humid subtropical climate influenced by the tropical savanna environment.

Fort Myers

• The population is 96,851.
• Cost of living (in U.S. dollars): 96.2
• The average home costs $325,000.
• Crime rate per 1,000 people: 25.59

Fort Myers is the ideal combination of recreation and relaxation, making it an excellent choice for a low-cost Florida retirement. Ten miles from Southwest Florida International Airport and is situated near the Southwest Gulf Coast and the Caloosahatchee River.

Fort Myers is about a laid-back environment and a slower pace of life, spending time outside visiting the beautiful beaches and dining at various charming stores and restaurants. Compared to Fort Lauderdale, the standard of living in Fort Myers is relatively low.

Choose an estate from Captiva Island, Fort Myer Beach, or Fort Myer District to live in a peaceful area of the city. Valencia Bonita retirement community offers custom-designed significant villa residences and an exquisite 45,000-square-foot clubhouse for a refined lifestyle.

Lee County and Lakes Pak are great destinations for seniors to socialize and relax. Wa-Ke-Hatchee Community Park is also an excellent place to take your grandchildren. You can get reasonably priced groceries at the downtown Farmer’s Market and Southern Fresh Farm.

Tampa

• Four hundred four thousand six hundred thirty-six people live there.
• Cost of living (in U.S. dollars): 100.1
• The average home costs $355K.
• The crime rate is 21.92 per 1,000 people.

There is no better area to retire in Central Florida than Tampa unless you want to enjoy your glory years. It is the third-largest city in Florida and is located on the Gulf Coast.

It is one of Florida’s most active areas, with several entertainment alternatives such as a zoo, an aquarium, amusement parks, and many professional sports teams. Tampa is one of the best areas to retire on the Florida gulf coast due to its fantastic weather and proximity to numerous natural springs and beaches.

If Tampa is too crowded, you can find a property on the city’s outskirts in Mulberry, Seminole, New Port Richey, and Zephyrhills. StrawBerry Ridge is a Tampa retirement community for retirees 55 and older. Adults can also mingle and stay physically active in Valencia del Sol.

It’s incredible fun rooting for the Tampa Bay Rays, Lightning, and Buccaneers. There are numerous libraries, and Tampa General Hospital provides the best healthcare for retirees.

Naples

• Twenty-two thousand two hundred six people live here.
• Cost of living (in U.S. dollars): 111.9
• The average home costs $566.1 thousand.
• Crime rate per 1,000 people: 15.54

Naples is “the golf world capital,” and several places in Florida to retire. Naples, Florida, is located in southwest Florida, near the Gulf of Mexico, and about an hour south of Fort Myers.

Naples has beautiful sunsets, clean beaches, retail complexes, high-end businesses along the streets, and championship-level golf courses, and it is a popular retirement destination. Naples Pie is famous in historic downtown Naples, which has nice winter weather.

Immokalee and Marco Island are the most excellent places to stay for a high sense of well-being, according to Sharecare’s Community Well-Being Index. In the 2017-18 Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Index, the Naples-Marco Island area placed first in terms of health, financial stability, community, and a sense of purpose.

Aston Gardens at Pelican Marsh is a beautiful retirement community in Naples. It is a retirement community located at 4800 Aston Gardens Way in Naples, Florida. It provides residents with the choice of independent living and various amenities and services.

Gainesville

• The population is 134,661.
• Cost of living (based on a 100-point scale): 89.9
• The average home costs $274.8K.
• Crime rate per 1,000 people: 39.64

Unless you have to look for one of the safest areas to retire in Florida, Gainesville is the place to be. It is not a seaside town, and thus it is safe during a storm. It is located 75 miles north of the east coast in the north-central area.

Gainesville is a small northern central town where the adult population loves the relaxed schedule and the gorgeous surroundings. It has various parks, entertainment places, and pedestrian-friendly routes for the elderly.

The University of Florida provides various courses for the elderly population and numerous perks to retirees. The Oak Hammock Institute for Learning in Retirement permits retirees to teach students as professors.

Gainesville has two major hospitals that provide people with specialized care. It also features excellent public transit and many fine-dining restaurants and shopping malls.

Petersburg

• Two hundred sixty-seven thousand one hundred twenty-one people live there.
• Cost of living (based on a 100-point scale): 98.6
• The average home costs $659,900.
• Crime rate per 1,000 people: 33.46

St. Petersburg is located across the bay from Tampa, 25 miles south of Clearwater, and along Tampa Bay. This Sunshine City is an ideal retirement location because it combines a simple lifestyle with big-city conveniences.

The year-round temperature is roughly 74 degrees, and the beach has picture-perfect white sand and a clear sea. It is a beautiful place for sailing enthusiasts and other water sports due to its excellent location among the Gulf of Mexico, Tampa Bay, Boca Ciega Bay, and Outer banks waterways.

St. Petersburg is an excellent location for boating, swimming, snorkeling, fishing, and beach sunbathing. The Dali Museum houses the artist’s most outstanding collection outside of Spain, and the Museum of Fine Arts and the Florida Holocaust Museum is among the museums.

It has Spanish-style bungalows, cottages, and 5+ communities. Valencia Del Sol would be one of them, and it’s a fantastic spot to socialize while also staying physically active. Sundial St. Pete, Tyrone Square Mall is an excellent St. Petersburg retail location.

The Morton Plant Hospital complex in Clearwater is one of the most excellent healthcare complexes in the area. The downtown area is quite walkable and boasts a variety of dining alternatives, including wonderful Cuban, Italian, and delightful foods.

Melbourne

• The population is 83,881.
• Cost of living (in U.S. dollars): 90.9
• The average home costs $350,000.
• Crime rate per 1,000 people: 38.92

Melbourne is a small town known as the “Space Coast,” It is home to high-tech enterprises such as Rockwell Collins, Liberty Aerospace, and Northrop Grumman, among others. Melbourne, Florida’s most excellent place to retire, is an hour from Orlando and located midway down the east coast.

Its proximity to the sea and the 155-mile-long estuary, Indian River Lagoon, makes it a popular destination for senior citizens. This estuary connects the Space Coast to the Atlantic Ocean, and it is home to a large number of manatees.

Hiking at Viera Wetlands and even the Archie Carr National Wildlife Refuge are just two of the many outdoor activities available. If you enjoy golf, you should visit Baytree National Golf Links, Mallards Landing Golf Course (authority), and Suntree Country Club (personal).

Space Coast Area Transit provides public transportation, functioning, and excellent healthcare services. This location ensures a happy and healthy retirement.

Orlando

• Two hundred ninety thousand five hundred twenty people live there.
• Cost of living (in U.S. dollars): 104.1
• The average home costs $335,000.
• Crime rate per 1,000 people: 45.08

Unless you visit the best places to reside in Florida for retirees with grandsons, look no further than Orlando, it is popular among youngsters because of its theme parks, including Universal Orlando and the other Disney World parks and resorts.

Wekiwa Springs State Park, Kelly Park, and Blue Spring State Park, where manatees are observed during the winter, provide entertainment and outdoor activities. Cultural events like the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, Orlando Shakes, and adjacent art museums offer enrichment. NBA fans can support their hometown team, the Orlando Magic.

AdventHealth Orlando has excellent healthcare facilities, a massive benefit for the elderly. Hundreds of students attend the University of Central Florida annually, making it one of the state’s educational hubs.

If Orlando appears to be overcrowded, consider relocating to the suburbs, such as Belle Isle and Heathrow.

Venice

• Twenty-five thousand one hundred sixty-seven people live there.
• Cost of living (in U.S. dollars): 101.3
• The average home costs $405K.
• 14.41 crime rate per 1,000 residents

If you’re a retiree who enjoys visiting beaches and parks daily, no destination beats Venice. Every few blocks, you’ll come across a park where you may sit peacefully and admire the beauty of palm palms and birds chirping.

Venice is located on Florida’s southern Gulf Coast, south of Sarasota but not as far south as Fort Myers or Sanibel Island, giving it the ideal site for enjoying 14 miles of white sand beaches.

Aside from its magnificent beaches, Venice is recognized for a variety of thrilling activities to enjoy the great outdoors. It is a fantastic place for boomers interested in arts and culture, boutique shopping, or a combination of superb food options.

The five villages with distinct lifestyles are Venice, South Venice, Nokomis, Laurel, and Osprey. Venice’s historic downtown area, beaches, neighborhood strolls, and 700-foot-long fishing pier provide eye-pleasing coastline vistas.

Residents in Venice have an excellent quality of life, with access to the entertainment world and economical healthcare and medical facilities. You may enjoy kayaking or paddle boarding along the Intercoastal Waterway, which flows through the city.

Key West

• Twenty-three thousand three hundred forty-two people live here.
• Cost of living (in U.S. dollars): 154.8
• The average home costs $912.5K.
• The crime rate is 21.03 per 1,000 people.

Key West, near the tip of the Florida Keys, is one of the best destinations in South Florida to retire. It is a popular vacation spot for folks who enjoy the beach.

Retirees drawn to the idea of a laid-back lifestyle, casual atmosphere, and active community can explore Key West. Restaurants, boutiques, bars, and cafes along Duval Street in the walkable Old Town, where every night is a celebration of sunset. Private homes, condos, apartments, gated communities, and R.V. parks are all available in Key West. Locals, known as “conches,” ride bikes or walk instead of driving for days.

Another popular tourist destination is the Florida Keys, a network of small coral islands. It has coastal views, stores and restaurants, banks, grocery stores, and high-quality medical services. Lower Keys Medical Center is an excellent hospital that is open 24 hours a day. Duval Street is one of the liveliest streets in the city, with good eating options, stores, restaurants, and cafes. You may see the most fabulous sunset in Old Town and meet new people.

What Are Some Retirement Communities in Florida?

Retirement communities in Florida are well-known for offering a variety of housing options. Some retirees may prefer to live in age-restricted communities, while others may not. I’ve compiled a list of the most excellent retirement communities to make your life even more accessible.

Beer Creek in Daytona Beach

With an average house price of $ 197,168, Beer Creek retirement community provides the most fabulous resort lifestyle. It features three different clubhouses, each with its own set of amenities.

Bear Creek is a 55+ community with social groups, group activities, fun nights, craft classes, and much more. There is also a library and forested walking trails for calm nighttime strolls.

The Palace Group in Miami

Residents of Miami who are 65 or older can use public transportation for free. The average home costs between $407,242. The Miami Palace Group, which is beautifully constructed, caters to inhabitants who want to mingle and keep physically active.

This magnificent new neighborhood includes a fitness facility, a heated pool, a library, restaurant-style eating facilities, and clubs.

Valencia Cay at Riverland in Port St. Lucie

Port St. Lucie was named the third-best spot to retire in 2021 by U.S. News & World Report. Valencia Cay has a 4,000-acre luxury pedestrian-friendly neighborhood. The average home costs $288,450.

Active folks will like the 34,000-square-foot Clubhouse or the Grand Social Hall, which has a café, communal garden, functional gym, and other amenities.

The possibilities are limitless, and you will find various affordable retirement communities in Florida to suit your needs! Pelican Preserve in Fort Myers, Lakewood Ranch in Sarasota, Cypress Village in Jacksonville, and many other communities are available.

What are The Pros and Cons of Retiring in Florida?

Here are the three benefits and drawbacks of living in Florida to make your life easier.

Pros:

• Twenty.9% of the Florida population is 65 or older. As a result, there is a vast elderly population and a fantastic opportunity to make new acquaintances.
• Families with fixed incomes can readily locate cheap homes ranging from $170,000 to $210,000.
• Enjoy 300 days of mild weather and a great climate throughout your retirement.

Cons:

• The state’s healthcare system is below average.
• Too much traffic in the state makes navigating challenging at all times.
• Snakes, alligators, and other hazardous animals call Florida home.

Final Thought – Best Places To Retire in Florida

There are numerous reasons why Florida is an excellent destination to retire. The state’s terrain is diverse, with something for everyone. Florida has something for everyone, from the sunny beaches on the coast to the vibrant cities and villages inland.

Florida’s climate is also enjoyable, with moderate winters and warm summers. It is an ideal area to retire from without worrying about extreme weather.

Florida also has many seniors; thus, numerous amenities and activities are aimed at this age group. There are multiple opportunities to keep active and social in Florida, ranging from golf courses and tennis courts to senior centers and retirement complexes.