15 Amazing Places to Retire in the State of Florida
Lots of Americans dream of one day retiring and moving down to Florida. If you’ve ever been to Florida, it’s easy to understand why! With excellent weather, even through the winters, Florida deserves its moniker as the “Sunshine State.” There are even tax exemptions for Florida residents, as well as additional incentives for senior citizens.
Plus, those tax incentives hold true, no matter where you decide to locate within the state. That means your retirement in Florida doesn’t have to be a day at the beach if you don’t want it to be! In fact, there are dozens of wonderful places to retire in Florida. Here’s a list of our top 15 places to retire in Florida to get you started!
1. Daytona
If you want a bustling city, without going all the way to Miami, Daytona is one of the great places to retire in Florida! Daytona is full of energy, with sporting fans and beach-goers constantly flocking in. You can take advantage of a range of beaches, outdoor activities, and golfing, so you’ll never be bored. Since Daytona is a growing city, there are many options for living spaces within a reasonable budget.
2. Sarasota
If you’re looking for a community in retirement, Sarasota makes it easy to find. As one of the most popular retirement places in Florida, Sarasota has a diverse mix of retirement communities, activities, and amenities designed for retirees. It puts you close to bustling Tampa, without sacrificing serene waterfront areas, great golfing, and entertainment options. It’s an amazing option for those who want a dedicated retirement community, without getting too far away from the city (or the water)!
3. Miami
If you’re not ready to get away from the city life, Miami could be your choice among places to retire in Florida! You’ll never be bored in Miami, with all of the activities from dancing and dining out to museums and cultural experiences. Since it is such a metropolitan area, you can expect the highest quality healthcare and living areas. If you want to experience the vibrance of a city in retirement, Miami is an amazing place for hou.
4. Orlando
If entertainment is a must-have on your wish list for places to retire in Florida, check out Orlando. Famous for its theme parks and shows, Orlando has a strong stake in the entertainment world, no matter what you prefer. Since Orlando is a popular spot for retirees, it is easy to find a retirement community and establish a network. Plus, you’ll worry less about severe storms, since Orlando is in the middle of the state!
5. Fort Lauderdale
Fort Lauderdale is likely one of the places you think about retiring to Florida, and for good reason; it’s one of the classic places to retire in Florida! It has been a staple retirement community for decades, and the amenities show it. You’ll find plenty of golf courses, entertainment, beaches, and more! Though it may cost you more than some other options, there are plenty of housing options that will allow you to find something to comfortably fit your budget.
6. Melbourne
Have you ever dreamed of going to the stars? Melbourne, Florida may be the closest you can get! This coastal area is known for its location near the Kennedy Space Center, where you can watch rockets heading up to space. Back on earth, you can appreciate the Florida coastline and reasonable living and health care costs. It allows you to match a beachy retirement with a more budget-friendly lifestyle.
7. Jacksonville
If you don’t see an ocean view in your future, maybe Jacksonville’s river would feel more attainable! With access to both the ocean and St. John’s River, Jacksonville has no shortage of enviable water views. Jacksonville is one of Florida’s largest cities, with all the infrastructure and amenities associated with it. From beaches, golf, museums, top hospitals, and more, Jacksonville has everything you could need!
8. Pensacola
Right near the border between Florida and Alabama, Pensacola gives you access to the water without constant threat of severe weather. For those dreaming of an oceanside retirement on a tighter budget, Pensacola could be the right choice among places to retire in Florida. It is known for its gorgeous white sand beaches and equally stunning state parks. For a mix of affordability and natural beauty, Pensacola is a wonderful spot to retire!
9. Gainesville
If you’re willing to part with the idea of a beach retirement, Gainesville is a great place to explore in retirement! Located between Florida’s coasts, Gainesville offers gorgeous wetlands and outdoor areas. Since it is not a tourist location, it has a more of a local, home-town feel than other spots in Florida. It also has an impressive arts and education environment for its size. If you want to expand your mind and your horizons, Gainesville could be the right spot.
10. Ocala
Lying between Orlando and Gainesville, Ocala is one of the great places to retire in Florida. It is not one of the usual suspects for retirees, meaning cost of living is lower, as compared to more metropolitan areas. Since it is not near the beach, insurance and severe weather threats are lower in Ocala as well. The lower population also lends Ocala a friendly, neighborhood feel. If you’re hankering for the city or the beach, many major spots are just a short drive away!
11. Naples
With gorgeous trees, sprawling beaches, and white sands, Naples is a verifiable paradise. It’s a great option if you’re interested in being a part of a more diverse community, Naples could be the place, since the age range of citizens is wider than other retirement spots. You should be aware that Naples has a higher cost of living than many places in the United States, so it may not be the right choice for places to retire in Florida if you’re on a stricter budget.
12. Lakeland
If you want to retire in Florida, but you’re worried about expenses, take a look at Lakeland! Lakeland is one of the exceptional places to retire in Florida, since it offers reasonably priced healthcare and living expenses, including housing. In Lakeland, you’ll be less than an hour from Tampa, if you ever want to go to the beach. Though, you may find that the lakes Lakeland is famous for have enough of a natural touch for you!
13. Fort Myers
For white sand beaches with a more reasonable price tag, head to Fort Myers, Florida! With a lower cost of living than some other places in Florida, Fort Myers gives you a way to appreciate Florida’s natural beauty without compromising on living environments or medical care. Although this area gets a lot of seasonal visitors looking to enjoy the beaches and great watersports areas, it has a smaller-town feel during the shoulder and off-seasons.
14. Tallahassee
For some of Georgia’s magic and more consistent seasons, consider Tallahassee for a place to retire in Florida! It boasts lower housing costs than most Florida cities, as well as lower property taxes. Since Tallhassee has a rich history of its own, you can enjoy many museums, cultural sites, and more. You can drive down to the coast if you please, or enjoy the city itself!
15. Port St. Lucie
If you’ll ever want more than the beach for outdoor wonder, consider Port St. Lucie! Not only does Port St. Lucie have beaches along the east coast, it also offers beautiful wetlands and a growing city environment. It has a laid-back feel, with quiet neighborhoods and a sizable retiree population. Since it isn’t the first place people think of retiring, it also has a competitive cost of living, compared to more popular retirement destinations.
Exploring Places to Retire in Florida
There are many great places to retire in Florida, offering different benefits and amenities. Whether you want to have all the hustle and bustle of a big city or retreat to a more quiet, laid-back town, Florida has options for you! Since it has been a retirement destination for many years, you’ll be met with everything you’re hoping for. With favorable tax rates and incentives that can make your retirement dollars stretch farther, it can also feel like the perfect financial decision. We encourage you to explore these great places to retire in Florida!
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