Are you a senior looking to downsize and move to somewhere more affordable? Florida is well-known for its beautiful beaches and warm climate, which make it an especially desirable place for retirees.
As a senior looking to retire in the sun-soaked state of Florida, you might be wondering where the best and most affordable place to settle down is.
Well, don’t fret!
This article will explore the various locations across Florida that offer seniors the opportunity to live comfortably and affordably.
From city living to coastal towns, there are plenty of cost-efficient options for seniors looking for their perfect spot in Florida.
Here are some of our picks for the Cheapest Places for Seniors to Live in Florida
1. Lauderdale Lakes
Seniors living in Lauderdale Lakes can expect to pay about $3,500 a month for assisted living, according to the 2020 Cost of Care Survey by Genworth Financial. This cost is $850 below the national average, making this community an affordable place to retire.
This community offers many amenities and services for its residents, including indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a private R/C flying field, and a fitness and health club.
It also boasts a variety of restaurants and cultural venues, more than 175 clubs, and lifelong learning opportunities. In addition, the community is affordable and offers a variety of floor plans and price ranges.
When looking for the cheapest place for seniors to live in the state, Florida offers many benefits, including a low cost of living and low taxes.
Florida offers an excellent healthcare system, affordable housing, and good job opportunities. However, there are some areas in Florida to avoid, such as Cocoa Beach and Opa Locka, which have high crime rates.
Another city that offers affordable housing in Tamarac. This suburban community is home to tens of thousands of retirees.
There are many 55+ communities in the area, and a $30 annual fee gets you unlimited access to many activities and amenities. In addition, homes in Tamarac are far cheaper than in other parts of Broward County.
Quincy is another city in Florida where seniors can afford to live. The median home price in this city is just $145,000 and the crime rate is low.
Quincy used to be a manufacturing hub, but now it is a vibrant city filled with art and culture.
2. Port St. Lucie
The Treasure Coast of Florida is home to Port St. Lucie, a city of approximately 198,000 residents. Located just 45 minutes from Palm Beach, Port St. Lucie is known for its beautiful year-round weather and low housing costs.
The state has no estate tax if you are worth under $11.7 million, which makes it an ideal location for retirees and seniors. Residents can also enjoy the amenities of a high-tech community and many amenities that make living easier.
The city’s many waterfront properties offer an abundance of activities, including boating, fishing, and sailing. In addition, residents can enjoy the town’s many amenities, such as a clubhouse and shuffleboard and pickleball courts.
The city is located on the St. Lucie River and is home to the all-inclusive Club-Med resort on the St. Lucie River. The city is also home to the spring training facility for the New York Mets and has a strong arts scene with venues that attract international visitors.
WalletHub’s ranking is based on 18 economic and housing market indicators.
Compared to the state average, Port St. Lucie is also the most affordable big city for assisted living. Assisted living costs here are $237 below the state average and $737 less than the national average.
In addition, there are no property taxes or estate taxes in the city, which make assisted living much more affordable. Furthermore, medications and groceries are tax-free.
Palm Beach and Miami offer plenty of options for seniors to choose from. Rents are generally much lower than oceanfront homes in Palm Beach, which makes Palm Beach one of the most affordable places for seniors to live in Florida.
Unlike Palm Beach and Miami, the average cost of living in Port St. Lucie is around $2,000 a month, making it an affordable place to retire.
Moreover, the town is convenient for retirees who don’t want to compromise on their quality of life.
The city also boasts several golf courses. The PGA Village and Club Med Sandpiper are two notable courses in the city. Other local courses include a dozen public and private courses.
3. Ocala
Ocala, Florida is home to more than 150,000 seniors every year. The city boasts a warm climate with summers in the high 90s and mild winters in the low 40s.
While it does receive more rain than the national average, it still has 233 days of sunshine!
This town is one of the least expensive places for seniors to live in Florida and a great place for retirees looking at a low cost.
Ocala, Florida is home to some of the cheapest senior living communities in Florida. In addition to the many amenities it offers, it also offers low monthly rates.
The city’s cul-de-sac location allows residents to enjoy a variety of amenities, including an arts and crafts center, movie theater, and hummingbird and butterfly gardens.
Although Ocala is known as the “Horse Capital of the World,” there’s much more to the city. Aside from being the cheapest place to live in Florida, the city offers a variety of cultural, recreational, and outdoor activities.
It’s also home to several active adult communities, including Trilogy at Ocala Preserve, a resort-style retirement community that boasts an arts and culture community.
Another community, Ocala Palms, is a golf club community that offers a more casual, golf-club-style community environment.
Ocala has several shopping centers, including the Paddock Mall, Shady Oaks Shopping Center, and Ocala Spring Shopping Center.
The Villages is one of Florida’s most famous retirement communities, with more than 100,000 residents. The city is home to many golf courses, restaurants, and other amenities.
It is a city that embodies the retirement lifestyle and the feeling of community it affords.
Located in the city center, Ocala is home to many attractions. The Silver Springs area has over 350 acres of natural land, where visitors can go for boat tours, kayaking, and hiking.
There are also many parks and trails in the area.
4. Homosassa Springs
If you are looking for a place in Florida where you can enjoy your golden years without breaking the bank, Homosassa Springs is the place for you.
This small town is situated just north of Tampa Bay.
The town has a low crime rate and mild winters, making it a great place for retirees.
This Florida community is located near two Florida universities: the University of South Florida and Pasco-Hernando State College. It is also within easy reach of three medical facilities.
Residents of Homosassa Springs have a commute time of about 27.2 minutes.
GOBankingRates looked at Social Security benefits to determine the cheapest places to live in Florida for retirees. They used information from the Social Security Administration’s Average Monthly Benefit for Retired Workers.
They also looked at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Fair Market Rent in Florida for FY 2022. Moreover, they took into account Sperling’s Best cost of living indexes, which evaluate prices by taking into consideration healthcare and grocery prices.
Many residents of this area love the fact that it is affordable, clean, and well-maintained. The neighborhood is also very friendly and the taxes are low. Moreover, it is close to major highways, US 19 and 589, which make it accessible by car or bus.
Whether you’re looking for a place with thriving social communities, beaches, or golf courses, there are plenty of options that fit your needs and budget!
