Best Places to Live in Florida for Retirees
- Connor Cedro
- 5 days ago
- 5 min read
Florida is the ultimate retirement destination. With no state income tax, endless sunshine, and a mix of bustling cities and quiet beach towns, it's no wonder that active adults flock to the Sunshine State. But choosing the right place to retire in Florida can be overwhelming. Some retirees seek walkable towns with rich culture, others prefer resort-style communities with golf courses and beach access. In this guide, we highlight the best places to live in Florida for retirees based on cost of living, healthcare access, outdoor activities, and lifestyle perks.
1. Sarasota: Culture, Beaches, and Relaxation
Sarasota consistently ranks among the best retirement destinations in the country. Located on the Gulf Coast, it offers stunning white-sand beaches, like Siesta Key, and a vibrant arts scene. The city is ideal for retirees who want access to museums, theaters, and botanical gardens while still enjoying resort-style amenities.
Sarasota also boasts top-rated medical care, low property taxes compared to other coastal cities, and access to golf courses and biking trails. Housing is available in both upscale gated communities and more modest neighborhoods, giving retirees flexibility.
2. The Villages: A Paradise for Active Adults
If you’re looking for a golf cart-friendly, socially rich retirement lifestyle, The Villages is unmatched. Located in Central Florida, this massive 55+ community is home to over 150,000 residents. It offers hundreds of pickleball courts, class golf courses, clubhouses, pools, and nightly live entertainment.
One of the key benefits of living in The Villages is the extensive infrastructure—everything is accessible by golf cart. You’ll find restaurants, shops, healthcare providers, and hobby clubs all within reach. It’s one of the most popular retirement destinations in the United States, and for good reason.
3. St. Augustine: Historic Charm Meets Modern Living
As the oldest city in the U.S., St. Augustine is ideal for retirees who appreciate history, architecture, and culture. Located on the Atlantic Coast, this city offers a more laid-back lifestyle than South Florida hotspots. Its walkable downtown, beautiful beaches, and mild weather make it attractive to those who prefer a slower pace.
St. Augustine has several gated retirement communities like Reverie at TrailMark, offering resort-style amenities including pickleball courts and spas. Property taxes here are moderate, and the cost of living remains manageable compared to more tourist-heavy cities.
4. Fort Myers: Affordable Waterfront Living
Known for its access to boating, fishing, and beach life, Fort Myers is a popular and affordable choice for retirees. The city boasts excellent healthcare facilities, beautiful beaches, and lower insurance costs than coastal cities further south.
Resort-style 55+ communities such as Verandah offer golf courses, walking trails, and access to the Orange River. With no state income tax and a wide variety of active adult communities, Fort Myers continues to attract retirees looking for warm weather and relaxed living.
5. Port St. Lucie: The Real Florida Experience
Located along the Treasure Coast, Port St. Lucie offers a peaceful, nature-centric retirement option. With access to rivers, beaches, and nature preserves, it’s ideal for retirees who love outdoor activities. Golfers will find ample courses, and the city is growing rapidly, offering more modern healthcare and shopping options.
The cost of living in Port St. Lucie is below the Florida average, and property taxes are reasonable. Communities like Valencia Parc provide everything from fitness centers to social clubs and are designed specifically for active adults.
6. Naples: Luxury, Golf, and Gulf Coast Views
Naples is a top choice for retirees who want to enjoy luxury shopping, class golf courses, and high-end dining. While it comes with a higher cost of living, it also delivers top-tier healthcare and some of the most beautiful beaches in the state.
Retirees here enjoy communities like Valencia Trails, which offer resort-style amenities, wellness centers, and easy access to the beach. With a higher median home price, Naples appeals more to those with strong retirement savings or significant Social Security benefits.
7. Ocala: Horse Country and Affordability
Known as the Horse Capital of the World, Ocala is located inland in North Central Florida. It offers retirees a peaceful lifestyle, lower property taxes, and one of the most affordable housing markets in the state. With less hurricane risk and a more temperate climate, Ocala is gaining popularity.
Communities like On Top of the World provide residents with multiple golf courses, cultural events, and lifelong learning programs. It's ideal for retirees who want active living without coastal prices.
8. Palm Coast: A Hidden Gem Along the Atlantic
Palm Coast offers a quieter alternative to larger coastal cities. With access to beautiful beaches, canals, and golf courses, it delivers a mix of affordability and lifestyle perks. It’s located between St. Augustine and Daytona Beach, providing access to both cities' amenities without the tourist traffic.
Reverie at Palm Coast is a top retirement community offering pickleball courts, fitness centers, and social clubs. The cost of living is reasonable, and outdoor enthusiasts enjoy biking trails, boating, and fishing year-round.
9. Clearwater: Gulf Views Without the High Price Tag
Located in the Tampa Bay area, Clearwater combines urban amenities with beachfront access. It’s especially popular for snowbirds who appreciate the mix of entertainment and relaxation. With a large retiree population, the city caters to older adults with senior services, quality hospitals, and active adult communities.
Clearwater has a high walkability score and many public beaches. Property taxes are moderate, and insurance costs are generally lower than in southern coastal towns. It’s a great place to retire if you want waterfront living with convenience.
10. Lakewood Ranch: Planned Luxury and Wellness
Lakewood Ranch is a master-planned community near Sarasota that offers retirees a clean, organized, and community-focused living experience. It features golf courses, wellness centers, farmer’s markets, and top-tier healthcare facilities.
Communities like Cresswind Lakewood Ranch are designed for active adults and include resort-style pools, clubhouses, and fitness programs. With miles of biking and walking trails, this area promotes health and activity in retirement.
Why Florida Continues to Attract Retirees
Florida isn’t just about warm weather and palm trees. It offers a unique combination of financial, social, and recreational advantages for retirees:
No state income tax means Social Security benefits and retirement account withdrawals are fully untaxed at the state level.
World-class medical care in major hubs like Miami, Tampa, and Sarasota.
Access to resort-style retirement communities with amenities like golf, fitness centers, pools, and clubhouses.
Outdoor activities year-round thanks to warm weather and abundant green spaces.
Lower cost of living options inland with competitive property taxes and insurance costs.
Florida is also one of the few states where you can find both coastal resort towns and quiet inland communities within a few hours' drive.
What to Consider When Choosing Where to Retire in Florida
When evaluating the best places to live in Florida for retirees, consider the following:
Cost of Living and Property Taxes: Inland towns often offer lower housing costs and taxes compared to coastal regions.
Healthcare Access: Proximity to hospitals and specialists is crucial as you age.
Climate and Natural Disasters: Southern Florida is hotter and more humid, with higher hurricane risks.
Community Lifestyle: Do you want a resort-style retirement community or a quiet town with local charm?
Accessibility: Cities with nearby airports and walkable neighborhoods make day-to-day life easier.
Final Thoughts: Florida Has a Retirement Spot for Everyone
Whether you dream of golfing every morning, walking the beach at sunset, or enjoying art festivals on the weekend, Florida has a city that fits your vision. From the luxury of Naples to the charm of St. Augustine, and from budget-friendly Ocala to buzzing Clearwater, the Sunshine State truly offers the best places to live in Florida for retirees.
No matter where you choose to retire in Florida, you’ll enjoy a state that understands the needs of active adults and provides the sunshine, services, and social opportunities to make your golden years truly shine.