Florida Remains a Top Choice for Retirees

So, you’re thinking about retiring in Florida? You’re not alone! Thousands of retirees make the move every year, drawn by the sunshine, tax benefits, and a vibrant active lifestyle. Whether you dream of beachfront living, an active social scene, or a quiet countryside escape, Florida has a little something for everyone. The Sunshine State has a lot of advantages besides the great weather most of the year.

Why Retirees Flock to Florida

Let’s talk about one of Florida’s biggest perks—no state income tax! That means you get to keep more of your hard-earned money from Social Security, pensions, and investments. More money in your pocket means more opportunities to enjoy life, whether that’s traveling, dining out, or taking up a new hobby. Compared to other states with high taxes, Florida makes financial sense for retirees.

Another reason so many people love retiring here is the weather. Florida is famous for its warm climate, so say goodbye to snow shovels and heavy winter coats. Instead, you can enjoy outdoor activities all year long, whether it’s golfing, beachcombing, or just relaxing in the sunshine. If you’ve ever dreamed of endless summer, Florida might be the perfect place for you.

Housing is another big draw, and Florida offers plenty of options. While some areas like Naples and Sarasota are known for their luxury homes, there are also many affordable communities. Whether you want a waterfront condo, a home in a 55+ community, or a quiet retreat in a small town, you’ll find something that fits your budget and lifestyle. It’s all about finding the right balance between affordability and the lifestyle you want.

Let’s not forget about fun! Florida is packed with things to do, no matter what you’re into. Love the arts? Sarasota and St. Petersburg have incredible museums and theaters. Prefer the great outdoors? You’ll find hiking trails, fishing spots, and beautiful parks everywhere. Plus, there’s no shortage of golf courses, shopping centers, and entertainment options to keep you busy.

Of course, healthcare is a major consideration when choosing a retirement destination. The good news? Florida has some of the best hospitals and healthcare facilities in the country. From top-rated hospitals in Sarasota and Naples to specialized senior care in The Villages, you can find excellent medical care no matter where you decide to settle. Just be sure to check your Medicare plan and provider options before making the move.

Now, let’s dive into some of the best places to retire in Florida and what makes each one unique.

Sarasota – The Perfect Blend of Arts, Culture, and Beachfront Living

If you love the beach but also enjoy the arts, Sarasota might be your dream retirement spot.

• Best for: Cultural attractions and scenic beaches
• Why you’ll love it:Siesta Key Beach is one of the best in the world, and the city has a thriving arts scene.
• Things to do: Visit The Ringling Museum of Art, catch a show at the Sarasota Opera, or shop and dine at St. Armands Circle.
• Healthcare: Sarasota Memorial Hospital is one of Florida’s top-rated facilities.
• Cost of Housing: The median home price is around $527,000, but remember—no state income tax helps offset costs.
• Median Annual Cost of Living: Approximately $50,000–$55,000 for a retiree couple, based on a cost of living index of 114 (14% above the national average).

The Villages – Ultimate 55+ Community

Looking for an all-inclusive retirement community where you’ll never be bored? The Villages is famous for its active lifestyle and social scene.

• Best for: Social engagement and active adult living
• Why you’ll love it: There are over 3,000 clubs and activities, plus golf courses everywhere.
• Things to do: Cruise around in your golf cart, enjoy live entertainment in the town squares, and meet new friends every day. The Villages is well known for a varied and very active social scene.
• Healthcare: Several specialized healthcare centers cater specifically to seniors.
• Cost of Housing: Homes start around $385,000, with HOA fees that vary by neighborhood (typically $100–$200/month).
• Median Annual Cost of Living: Approximately $45,000–$50,000 for a retiree couple, based on a cost of living index of 100-102 (near the national average)

Naples – Luxury Retirement on the Coast

If you’re looking for a high-end retirement lifestyle, Naples is the place to be. It’s known for its upscale dining, beautiful beaches, and world-class golf courses.

• Best for: Upscale coastal living and many world-class golf courses. There are even real estate agents dedicated to finding you a golf-course home of your dreams or your means.
• Why you’ll love it: Pristine beaches, high-end shopping, and a relaxed yet luxurious atmosphere.
• Things to do: Visit Everglades National Park, dine at award-winning restaurants, or play golf on championship courses.
• Healthcare:NCH Baker Hospital provides top-tier medical care.
• Cost of Housing: The median home price is $634,900, making it one of Florida’s pricier options.
• Median Annual Cost of Living: Approximately $60,000–$65,000 for a retiree couple, based on a cost of living index of 118–120 (18–20% above the national average).

St. Petersburg – A Cultural Hub with Coastal Charm

For a mix of vibrant city life and coastal relaxation, St. Petersburg is an excellent choice.

• Best for: Arts, culture, and waterfront access
• Why you’ll love it:Walkable downtown, plenty of museums, and stunning waterfront parks.
• Things to do: Explore The Salvador Dalí Museum, enjoy waterfront dining, or catch a show at the Mahaffey Theater.
• Healthcare:Bayfront Health and Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital are top facilities.
• Cost of Housing: Median home prices sit around $427,000, but the lack of a state income tax helps balance expenses.
• Median Annual Cost of Living: Approximately $45,000–$48,000 for a retiree couple, based on a cost of living index of 95 (5% below the national average).

Viera, Florida – A Premier Master-Planned Community

Looking for a vibrant, upscale retirement or family-friendly community with a relaxed Florida lifestyle? Viera offers top-tier amenities, scenic beauty, and a strong sense of community.

• Best for: Active adults, families, golf enthusiasts and spaceflight fans.
• Why you’ll love it:Viera is a well-planned community with beautiful homes, golf courses, and nature preserves, plus easy access to beaches and Orlando attractions. If you live here, you will be able to watch rocket launches from nearby Kennedy Space Center either in your own yard or on the riverfront of the area’s two major rivers. You might even live next door to real rocket scientists.
• Things to do: Enjoy golf at nearby Duran Golf Club, among many other choices. Explore the Brevard Zoo, take a stroll along the scenic trails, or relax at the Avenues Viera shopping and dining district. The community hosts regular events, farmers markets, and cultural activities. Disney, Universal and other Orlando theme parks are an easy drive, but Viera is far enough to not be in the middle of the hubub of tourists in town for a vacation.
• Healthcare: Top-rated medical facilities, including the Health First Viera Hospital, provide excellent healthcare services nearby.
• Cost of Housing: Homes start around $400,000, with some luxury properties exceeding $1 million. HOA fees vary by neighborhood but generally range from $100–$300/month.
• Median Annual Cost of Living: Approximately $50,000–$55,000 for a retiree couple, with a cost of living index slightly above the national average (105-110).
  

Choosing the Best Florida City for Retirement

So, how do you pick the perfect Florida retirement spot? Start with your budget. Some places, like Naples, come with a higher price tag, while others, like Ocala, offer a more affordable cost of living. Viera has easy access to the ocean, to Kennedy Space Center and has world-class fishing everywhere at an affordable price point.

Be sure to compare housing prices, property taxes, and other expenses to see what fits best for you.

Think about what kind of lifestyle you want. Do you crave an active social scene? The Villages is perfect for that. Love the arts? Sarasota or St. Petersburg might be ideal. If you prefer a laid-back, nature-filled retirement, Fort Myers or Melbourne could be great choices. It all depends on what makes you happiest.

Healthcare should also be a top priority. Some cities have nationally ranked hospitals and more medical specialists, which is essential as you age. Make sure to check what’s available in your chosen city, and consider your healthcare needs before making a move.

Finally, think about the climate. While Florida is warm year-round, some areas get hotter and more humid than others. Northern Florida has cooler winters, while South Florida stays hot year-round. If you love mild weather but don’t want extreme heat, St. Petersburg or Sarasota could be the right fit.

Think of it this way: the recreational seasons in Florida are the opposite of most of the rest of the country: in the winter, temperatures are perfect for golf, camping and outdoor dining, especially in the southern half of the state. In the summer, most everything moves indoors as the high heat, humidity and ever-present risk of a thunderstorm makes being outside something a lot of people pass on. While summers are hot here, evenings and nighttime are usually quite enjoyable.

Another thing about Florida is the wildlife. No, you are not likely to be eaten by an alligator or a shark. Yes, it does happen from time to time, but in almost every case, it was the result of someone not being aware of their surroundings. If a lake or a river in Florida has freshwater, likely as not it is home to alligators. If you are on the ocean or even some of the brackish waters of rivers flowing into the ocean, chances are sharks are there. Still, a reasonable amount of care, they are no problem.

Other wildlife, like birds, lizards and even wild buffalo are no problem at all. There is so much wildlife in the state that people travel from all over the world to see it in Florida’s unique ecosystems.

In the past several years, for example, American flamingos have re-established colonies in wilderness areas of the Sunshine State after they had all but disappeared around the turn of the 20th century.

The best Florida retirement city is the one that fits your budget, lifestyle, and healthcare needs. The best way to get started on retiring in Florida is to list potential towns, travel to the Sunshine State, and visit each place. From there, narrow that list down and do more intensive research into the finalists before buying. Most importantly, don’t buy impulsively; that way, you are almost sure to make the right call that fits your lifestyle best.

See also: Retirees Will Soon Impact Many Florida Cities