Retiring in Florida is a dream for many. It is an attractive prospect for many people looking to escape the hustle and bustle of their current city life but with hundreds of cities and towns to choose from, how can you decide where the best place to retire in Florida is?
With its warm climate, vibrant culture, and stunning beaches, it’s no wonder why the Sunshine State has become a popular retirement destination.
But with so many cities to choose from, how do you decide which is the best place to settle down and enjoy your golden years?
In this article, we will investigate what makes one city stand out above the rest.
We will explore the qualities that make it the number one place to retire in Florida.
Finding an affordable home and plenty of activities to do, this article will provide an in-depth look into why you should consider retiring here.
Top 5 Best Places to Retire in Florida
If you’re thinking about retiring in Florida, there are many great options for you. From Palm Beach to Fort Myers, you’ll find a great location that will suit your lifestyle.
There are even retirement communities in Florida that don’t have to be near the beach.
1. Palm Beach
If you’re looking for a warm, sunny place to retire in Florida, Palm Beach is a top pick.
The state’s average daily temperature is over 70 degrees, making it an attractive place to spend your golden years. Palm Beach is also home to some of the most luxurious retirement communities in Florida.
Single-family homes in Palm Beach can easily top $2 million, and prices are expected to rise in the coming years.
This upscale beach community is also known for its excellent healthcare facilities. The weather is mild, and you’ll enjoy the many outdoor activities available.
There are plenty of opportunities for volunteering and golfing.
Many of the retirement communities are located on the water, making them a top choice for retirees.
Don Ramey Logan
The Atlantic Coast is home to 400 miles of shoreline. It’s also home to a number of popular vacation destinations, including Palm Beach and West Palm Beach.
Although both cities are located in Southeast Florida, they have vastly different populations, costs of living, and access to outdoor recreation.
Palm Beach offers a number of retirement options, including active adult communities, single-family homes, and condos.
The area’s public schools offer a variety of adult education courses and have a large senior community center.
2. Gainesville
If you’re considering retiring, Gainesville, Florida is one of the best places to live. This 111,000-person city enjoys a great climate, a scenic landscape, and affordable housing prices.
It also has plenty of shopping and healthcare facilities, making it a desirable location for retirees.
Gainesville is also home to the University of Florida, making it a great place to raise a family. If you’re a graduate of the University of Florida, you can take advantage of the many educational opportunities in Gainesville.
The city also has a high percentage of retirees.
It also offers easy access to Orlando and Tampa.
For those who want to stay active and learn, Gainesville offers a vibrant business community and many recreational opportunities.
The cost of living in Gainesville is lower than in most northern cities. It has a thriving downtown, 13 museums, and many fine arts venues.
Many people choose to retire in Gainesville because of its proximity to major employers. However, it is important to consider that crime in Gainesville is higher than the national average.
This information can be useful in deciding whether or not the state is the right place for you.
Gainesville has a temperate climate.
Winters are mild and temperatures rarely drop below 44 degrees. It gets about 50 inches of rain annually. This climate makes it an ideal place to retire in Florida. The city’s location in the central part of the state is also helpful.
3. Fort Myers
Fort Myers, Florida is a small city on the southwest Gulf Coast with a low cost of living. Rents are around 35% lower than in nearby Fort Lauderdale.
The city is famous for its beautiful beaches and was once the winter home of Henry Ford and Thomas Edison.
There are plenty of things to do in Fort Myers, including shopping and dining. It also has a world-class arts center, where you can catch a Broadway musical, or enjoy a classical music concert.
There are also fantastic beaches and golf courses in the area.
This city is perfect for retirees. Its climate is temperate and the average high temperature is 70 degrees. You’ll be able to enjoy plenty of outdoor and indoor activities, volunteer work opportunities, and a friendly community.
It’s also known as one of the top places to retire in Florida.
For golf enthusiasts, the Eagle Ridge Golf Club has a private championship course that was renovated in 2018. Among the many golf courses in the area, Eagle Ridge Golf Club is known for its excellent maintenance.
You can also sign up for golf leagues for men, women, and kids. Golf is an excellent way to socialize with other residents, and it’s a popular pastime among residents of Fort Myers.
With nine months of sunshine a year, Fort Myers is a hotspot for outdoor activities. More than a quarter of the population is over 65, but there’s also a thriving millennial community and a growing population of singles and families.
The arts scene is alive, and there’s a wide variety of restaurants to try.
4. North Port
If you’re considering retiring to Florida, North Port, Florida is the place for you. The city is very family-friendly, and the schools in the area are some of the best in the state.
Its weather is warm year-round, and residents enjoy a very low crime rate. The city is also affordable and offers access to several of Florida’s great beaches.
North Port offers perfect weather year-round and many recreational activities that are ideal for seniors. Residents can visit local beaches, go swimming, or paddleboard on Sarasota Bay.
Residents can also attend theater, musicals, and other cultural events in the area.
The Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall is home to many different shows.
Those interested in history can visit the South Florida Museum. The city also hosts the Charlotte Sports Park stadium, where the Florida Panthers and Miami Heat play their games. It is also home to the Country 500, which features some of the best country artists in the country.
The cost of living in North Port, FL is low compared to other cities in Florida and the United States, according to Area Vibes. This means that you’ll have more money to spend on other needs and bills.
5. Sarasota
Compared to other cities in Florida, Sarasota offers a lower cost of living and is home to a large and thriving retiree population.
The median property tax rate is lower than in most of the state, which contributes to the city’s low cost of living.
A low housing cost also allows retirees on a budget to live near the water without breaking the bank.
Sarasota is home to a diverse population. Nearly 60 percent of the city’s residents are young professionals, while families are also drawn to the area for the top-rated schools.
Retirees should consider surrounding themselves with people of all ages to make new friends and network with other retirees.
The area is family-friendly and offers plenty of entertainment. Hotels are plentiful and range from affordable beachfront hotels to luxurious boutique hotels.
The social scene in Sarasota is abundant. Whether you enjoy a day on the golf course or hang out at the community center, you can find friends to share the good times.
Sarasota is home to many popular retirement communities. Some of the most attractive retirement communities are located on the Gulf of Mexico.
Residents will enjoy low property taxes and great walkability. The city also has great shopping and dining options.
6. Stuart
Stuart, Florida has many benefits for retirees. For one, the city has the lowest tax burden per capita in the state, making golfing and other recreation options more affordable.
Another pro is the good doctor-to-patient ratio, which helps retirees get medical care faster.
Additionally, the city is home to high-quality retirement facilities and recreational activities.
The city is located less than an hour north of West Palm Beach. It’s also on the Atlantic coast, just outside of Port St. Lucie, which is famous for being the spring training home of the New York Mets.
As a result, it’s a good place for retirees from New York, who are looking for warmer weather.
The city also has the third-highest number of medical centers and recreation centers per 1,000 people.
For retirees looking for a warm climate, Stuart is an excellent choice. It has several beaches and restaurants along the riverwalk.
The climate is subtropical, with the warmest months being June through September. Average temperatures range from the low to mid-sixties. The yearly rainfall is about 63 inches.
Located along the Treasure Coast, Stuart, Florida is considered the “Sailfish Capital of the World.” Residents enjoy the town’s small-town feel and many oceanfront retirement communities.
Nearby attractions include the Indian River Lagoon, the St. Lucie River, and butterfly gardens. There are also many hiking trails and sea turtle nesting areas for bird-watching.
Still Wondering Where to Retire in Florida?
The answer may depend on individual preferences.
Those who are looking for an active retirement with plenty of attractions nearby should look into retiring in Orlando or Tampa Bay areas.
For a resort-style retirement, Miami Beach or Fort Lauderdale offers luxury amenities and easy access to cultural experiences like museums, galleries, and theaters.
If a more rural atmosphere is desired, there are several small towns in North Florida, or try Stuart and Sarasota that offer stunning landscapes and low cost of living coupled with mild winters. Whatever your dream retirement looks like, Florida has something for everyone!
Retirement is a time for relaxation and reflection, and many seniors are choosing Florida as the place to do just that.
With its warm climate, diverse culture, and endless recreational activities, it is no surprise that Florida has become one of the most popular retirement destinations in the country.
