For a long time, Florida has been almost synonymous with retirement living. People flock down to The Sunshine State in hopes of spending their golden years enjoying warm weather, the beach, no state income tax and affordable living.
However, Florida’s cities and small towns vary considerably in terms of natural environment, cost of living, lifestyle and amenities. Before you decide to retire in Florida, you’ll need to identify which of these specific living situations most appeals to you.
Where Should I Retire in Florida?
Within Florida, you’ll find a diverse mix of inviting towns and cities located inland and on both the Atlantic and Gulf Coasts. The state is also a mixed bag when it comes to affordability, public transportation, healthcare accessibility, proximity to airports, amenities and attractions, housing options, and other factors that enhance your comfort and quality of life. Figuring out your priorities in terms of these and other factors will give you guidance on where to purchase your next home and settle down for a golden retirement.
Best Affordable Places to Retire in Florida
If modest but pleasant living is a high priority for you, here are some of the cities that rank high for affordability, as well as other attributes that are desirable to retirees:
1. Ocala, Florida
About one-third of the population in Ocala is aged 60 and older, and for obvious reasons. An equestrian town in Central Florida, Ocala offers plenty of attractions for active adults, along with natural beauty, a low cost of living and relatively inexpensive housing options. Among the city’s lush forests and gently sloping hillsides, you can look forward to golfing, horseback riding, fishing, swimming and walking on local nature trails.
2. Jacksonville, Florida
If big-city living is for you, consider relocating to Jacksonville. Within this growing metropolis, you’ll have access to reputable hospital systems, a bustling riverfront filled with restaurants and shops, professional sports, and some of the most scenic golf courses. The city also has miles of beaches along the Atlantic Coast and the St. Johns River that are perfect for sunning, surfing and boating. Yet, despite all these cultural and natural amenities, Jacksonville’s cost of living remains relatively low for an urban environment.
3. Lakeland, Florida
Scenic lakes, mild and sunny winters, and a quiet yet not secluded lifestyle are what await retirees in Lakeland, a mid-sized city located between Orlando and Tampa. With low housing costs and easy healthcare access, Lakeland is an attractive retirement destination; about one-fourth of Lakeland’s population is 60 or older. When you’re in need of an escape to the city or urban amenities, both Orlando and Tampa are less than an hour away by car.
Best Small Towns in Florida for Retirement
Whether you’re accustomed to small-town living or you’re being drawn to it later in life, Florida has several options for your retirement, such as:
1. Siesta Key, Florida
Siesta Key is an 8-mile-long barrier island in the Gulf of Mexico, just a short drive from downtown Sarasota. Although it’s a popular tourist destination, it encapsulates the small-town charm you may be looking for. Here you’ll find shallow, turquoise waters, tennis courts and cafes and shops in Siesta Key Village. When your family comes to visit, they’ll also be able to enjoy Siesta Key’s range of activities and natural attractions.
2. Punta Gorda, Florida
A majority of Punta Gorda’s population is comprised of retirees or individuals 65 and older. Life in this small town revolves around the retirement communities and canal-front homes, with plenty of golfing, pedestrian pathways and quiet streets lined with huge royal palms. Possessing a tangible Old Florida feel, Punta Gorda boasts a beautifully restored historic district. The waterfront Fishermen’s Village offers restaurants, boutique stores and specialty shops, as well as a military heritage museum. Active adults also enjoy biking and strolling along the Harborwalk.
Best Places for Retirees on Florida Gulf Coast
The Florida Gulf Coast is known for its white sand beaches, peaceful waters and temperate weather. If that sounds appealing to you, here are a few of the best places to retire along the Gulf Coast:
1. Naples, Florida
The Naples-Marco Island area is well-known for its stunning beaches, fresh air and luxurious living. More than half the population in this affluent community is 65 or older. The cost of living is a bit higher in Naples, but retirees and other residents tend to enjoy a high quality of life in terms of health, financial security and community offerings. You’ll have convenient access to championship-level golf courses in the region, as well as high-end shops and boutiques in historic downtown Naples, beautiful beaches and a top-notch healthcare system.
2. Sarasota, Florida
Sarasota is considered by many the top retirement destination in Florida. Located just an hour south of Tampa, Sarasota embodies a quintessential Old Florida atmosphere colored by its colonial Spanish history. This upscale town features miles of white-sand beaches, lush landscapes and subtropical wildlife, a diverse arts scene and one of the largest public medical centers in Florida (the Sarasota Memorial Health Care System). Thanks to its wealth of cultural and natural attractions and dozens of upscale stores and restaurants, there’s always something to do in Sarasota. People enjoy living in this Gulf Coast community, and they feel comfortable and safe doing so. As far as housing, you have various options, from living in a retirement community to remodeling a home to successfully age-in-place.
3. Bradenton, Florida
Bradenton is slightly north of Sarasota and encompasses much of the same appeal. Not too large, not too small, and surrounded by waterways, Bradenton is a paradise for those who enjoy boating, fishing, swimming and other water sports. The region also boasts a number of attractive, well-kept golf courses. You’re just a short hop away from Anna Maria Island and Longboat Key, plus the city features about 20 miles of stunning beach along the Gulf Coast.
Retirement Living in West Florida
If Gulf Coast cities like Sarasota and Bradenton possess the ideal atmosphere you envision for yourself in retirement, Gilbert Design Build can help you create a home that’s equally well-suited. With our whole home and universal design remodeling services, we can upgrade your new house in Sarasota County so it supports your evolving lifestyle needs as you age.
