Ah, the Sunshine State. Yes, Florida is indeed a nice place to be. On the one side, you have the beautiful Atlantic Ocean, and on the other, you have the gulf of Mexico. And to make the most of it all, there are hundreds of miles of beautiful beaches to visit.
Every year, thousands of Americans make the move to Florida in order to retire and spend their golden years in quiet and comfort. With low property values, a high standard of living, and of course, no state income tax, Florida is indeed one of the best places to retire in the USA.
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But what are the 10 best places to retire in Florida?
Well, I’ve decided to take a look at some of the best towns and cities you should consider looking at if you plan on retiring in Florida.
Those that are included in this list offer good accommodation for seniors, rate high for affordability, and have access to good health care, particularly for seniors.
So, without any further ado, let’s jump right in!
10 Best Retirement Locations In Florida
Venice
If you don’t plan on spending your retirement in idleness, then Venice is likely to be high on your list of places you want to retire in. This retirement community sits just outside of Sarasota and has some great beaches, wonderful weather, and plenty of activities to keep you busy during the day and night.
Venice is often called the shark tooth capital because of the signature fossilized shark teeth that can be found lining many of its beautiful beaches.
But there’s much more to Venice than that…
Amongst the many attractions to find in Venice are several museums and landmarks, which can be found in the city’s historic district. There is also the famous Venice theatre which is the largest per capita community theatre in the United States.
There are several good hospitals in Venice itself, with a bunch more to be found in nearby Sarasota. So, this is a great option if you want a slow pace but would still like some entertainment every now and then. As far as atmosphere goes, Venice is known as a fun and lively town that also has some affordable living options for retirees.
Gainesville
This is the home of the University of Florida, which makes it simultaneously a college town and a peaceful retirement community.
Gainesville is known for having something for everyone, from the great local music scene to college sporting events and a variety of cultural events.
As far as retirees go, you could do far worse than Gainesville…
It offers a very low cost of living and some of the best healthcare in Florida. In fact, it was voted the healthiest community in America by the wellness Council of America in 2003.
The city’s second-largest employer is UF Health, which is the medical network connected to the University of Florida.
So, Gainesville is the perfect place for seniors who would still like to keep themselves busy and productive, especially in an academic environment. The University offers a plethora of educational opportunities specifically for seniors. Making this a good city for folks who want a little more of a busy metropolis vibe than most retirement communities offer.
Plus, it’s far away enough from major tourist destinations like Orlando and Miami to still be quite peaceful.
Augustine
St Augustine is the oldest European settlement in the US that has been continually inhabited. Healthcare here is very good, and there is the added benefit of having Jacksonville within an hour’s drive, where some of the state’s best hospitals can be found.
It also ranks very high on the affordability scale. So it is the perfect place for folks who are on a tighter budget. Everything that there is to like about Florida can be found in this small coastal city which has become home to many retirees.
Such as?
Well, there are many cultural attractions, great restaurants, and a bunch of beach activities to keep you busy. The downtown area has a very quaint atmosphere which has maintained many of the colonial aesthetics. And St. Georges Street is an absolute must-see if you are in St Augustine, with many great bars and restaurants.
Finally, if you like golf, then you will be happy to know that the TPC Sawgrass golf course (which is home to the PGA Tour headquarters) is only a short drive away in Ponte Verda Beach.
Naples
Naples is considered by many to be the very best place to retire in Florida. It sits on the southwest coast of the Sunshine State and is one of the US’s wealthiest districts. Boasting the second-highest concentration of billionaires per capita.
You guessed it, though…
Real estate here will definitely be on the pricier side. But there are still plenty of affordable condos and apartments to be found in the city if you know where to look and how to negotiate.
Moreover, Naples offers some very good healthcare as it is served by the NCH Healthcare System. This is a highly rated non-profit organization that has two hospitals. The Baker hospital in the downtown area and another hospital on the north Naples campus.
Surrounded by like-minded folks…
As a retiree, you will definitely not feel out of place since more than half the population of Naples is over the age of 65. There are great golden beaches, high-end shopping, and some fantastic golf courses.
So, Naples is definitely one of the more expensive places to retire in Florida. But you’ll be getting your money’s worth, and your property’s value will only go up.
Making for a nice nest egg.
Jupiter
Situated in the southeastern part of Florida, Palm Beach County is the small town of Jupiter. Sports fans will know that Jupiter is home to Roger Dean Stadium, which is the venue of the spring training camp for the Florida Marlins and the St Louis Cardinals.
Like most of the coastal towns in Florida, though…
When it comes to entertainment and fun, you want to be near the beaches and marinas. The weather is wonderful, and there’s great shopping to be had and a wonderfully laid-back atmosphere.
One of the most popular attractions is the Jupiter Lighthouse, which is also considered to be the emblem of the city. Jupiter is home to many retirement communities, which have been rated amongst the highest in terms of quality of living.
How about the cost of living?
Jupiter does sit on the more expensive side of places to retire. But it offers the quintessential Florida retirement experience. There are sandy beaches, wonderful seafood, lush golf courses, and every luxury a retiree could ever wish for.
If there is one community that can be seen as emblematic of the sunshine state, then Jupiter has got to be it.
The Villages
Ranked as the fastest-growing metropolis in the US between 2010 and 2018, The Villages has become a popular spot for retirees and baby boomers. This planned community in central Florida is subdivided into 17 different development districts. All are controlled by a board of supervisors.
No one under the age of 19 is permitted to live in this community on a long-term basis. But they are allowed to visit for a duration of up to 30 days. Permanent residents of The Villages must be over the age of 55.
In fact…
This planned community was designed as a haven for retirees. There are a bunch of golf courses that tenants can use for free. Because the maintenance cost of these golf courses is built into the monthly maintenance bills. Furthermore, there is a softball field, a polo stadium, a bunch of tennis courts, and even a woodworking shop.
There is also a lifetime learning center and a venue for the performing arts.
But that’s not all…
Healthcare is of the highest standard, with eight different centers spread throughout the entire development. There is a strong sense of community and a nice homely vibe. The Villages boasts about 2700 social clubs, which are open for all residents to join.
Port St. Lucie
Situated in southeast Florida is the quiet residential town of Port St Lucie. It sits about halfway between Orlando and Miami. This gives the residents easy access to either destination while still giving them enough space to feel free from being overrun by tourists.
If a small-town feel is what you’re after…
Then this is the quintessential Florida retirement town. It is a paradise for boaters, fishermen, and golfers. Plus, it offers all the peace and quiet you could want but still has enough of the necessary luxuries to keep anyone happy.
Port St Lucie is home to a bunch of retirement communities that feature in-house amenities, like dining options, recreational facilities, and more. Port St Lucie is also home to the Tradition Center for Innovation. This is a development park that is dedicated to medical research and health care.
Essentially…
This is exactly the kind of place you picture in your mind when you think of retirement in Florida. There is warm weather, good golfing, and affordable living.
Really, this little town offers the best of both worlds by giving easy access to major tourist destinations without sacrificing your hard-earned peace and quiet.
Vero Beach
Nestled in between Melbourne and Port St Lucie in the southeast of Florida is a small city called Vero Beach. This quaint little coastal city might fool you from afar. But there is quite a lot going on once you scratch the surface.
For beachgoers…
This is an absolute haven with activities like swimming, fishing, boating, surfing, and snorkeling. It is also home to Disney’s Vero Beach resort which attracts a lot of tourists and is one of the major employers in the area. That being said, the tourist traffic does little to ruin the peace and quiet of the retirees that call this town home.
So, if peace, quiet, and sunshine are what you’re after, then look no further than Vero Beach.
What’s there besides beaches?
There is a small historic area downtown which was a former naval station during the Second World War. There are also two local hospitals and two shopping malls. This is a slow-paced, quiet town that has some very affordable real estate, good healthcare, and a high standard of living.
So, if your ideal retirement includes some piece quiet and a nice view of the ocean, then Vero Beach is likely to be the one for you.
Ocala
If you consider sandy beaches to be overrated but would still like a magnificent Florida retirement, then Ocala needs to be on your list of maybes.
Let me explain…
Located in the central part of northern Florida, Ocala is a landlocked city full of wonderful freshwater streams and lush grassy hills. You might consider it the Shire of Florida. This beautiful city was once known as the horse capital because it is the site of the first thoroughbred horse farm. It was founded in 1934, and to this day, the city is known for its numerous stables.
If sipping margaritas on a lie low next to the beach is your idea of a Florida retirement, then Ocala is not the one for you. However, if you enjoy mild weather, a small-town vibe, good fresh air, and a love of the town, then this will likely rank high on your list.
Are there other retirees there?
Oh yes, Ocala boasts over 55 retirement communities that have everything a retiree could possibly want, from golf to indoor swimming pools, putt-putt, and more. Ocala retiree residents are fond of horseback riding, canoeing, and hiking. So, this is definitely a community for outdoorsy retired folks who don’t want to be bothered by sand and tourists.
In recent years, Ocala has grown substantially in its number of residents. But there are still plenty of affordable living options available for folks who would like an alternative to more overcrowded and touristy areas in Florida.
Clermont
Located in central Florida, just west of Orlando, is the small city of Clermont. It is regarded as one of the best places to retire in Florida due to its affordable housing and relaxed atmosphere. It is also one of the fastest-growing cities in Florida, with a population increase of 207% between 2000 and 2010.
So your investments here will likely grow…
The city offers its residents easy access to the city of Orlando without all the noise and hassles that come with actually living in a busy metropolis. However, while the local economy is mostly based on tourism, the crowds and cost of living are not as intense as you might think.
Like Ocala, this is a landlocked city. Therefore, folks who want sandy beaches will likely give this one a skip. It is a very picturesque city with hills and lakes that make it ideal for folks who like hiking and camping. Plus, if you do find yourself in the mood for a swim, the beach is about an hour’s drive in either direction.
Claremont also boasts some of the loveliest golf courses.
Future developments to know about?
Plans are in motion to develop a $35 million Advent Health Facility in Claremont. But, in the meantime, some of the best hospitals in the state can be found in Orlando. So, this is a lovely little town for retirees who are not bothered by beach access and would like affordable living and easy access to important amenities.
Now that you know all about the 10 best places to retire in Florida…
Want to Compare Florida Areas in Other Ways?
It’s always advisable to perform your due diligence when researching retirement options. And this is not just about the prettiest or nicest places to be. You may also be interested in the Safest Places to Live in Florida, for example. Or perhaps even the Most Dangerous Cities in Florida to avoid when traveling there?
We can also educate you on the Best Places to Live in Florida for Families if you’re planning on transitioning from your loved ones over time but wish to stay near each other, nonetheless.
On a tight budget?
Then check out the Cheapest Beach Towns in Florida! We can also help you with some of the logistics to consider when relocating or retiring. Such as How Long Does USPS Forward Mail after you’ve relocated?
As well as other practical questions you may have, like Can A Felon Move to Another State? Or stack up States With No Property Taxes with Florida before making your final property purchase there.
Just search our site for anything you want to know about ideal retirement options in 2023!
Back to today’s Florida retirement guide…
Final Thoughts
The Sunshine State is home to a lot of America’s retirees for a lot of good reasons. There are plenty of options at varying prices. And everywhere you go, you will find lovely weather, great golf courses, and fantastic healthcare. Plus, of course, golden beaches and picturesque scenes to look at while enjoying your retirement.
Despite the incredible population increase in recent years, you are still likely to find a nice little nest to suit your budget and needs in Florida.
So, don’t delay! Take your pick of the crop and enjoy your retirement!
