Florida offers a variety of coastal towns that are popular choices for retirement. Here are ten great coastal retirement towns in Florida.
Naples
Located on the Gulf Coast, Naples is known for its beautiful beaches, upscale shopping, and golf courses. It offers a relaxed atmosphere and a vibrant cultural scene.
One nearby retirement option:
Introducing the newest GL Homes Valencia 55+ community, Valencia Sky! Valencia Sky combines the best of the world-famous Valencia and Naples lifestyles to offer an unparalleled 55+ community experience in Florida. Located just 6 miles from downtown Naples, this unique community provides easy access to the renowned 5th Avenue South shopping district and the iconic Naples Pier. With world-class dining and shopping just minutes away, Valencia Sky brings you the best of both worlds, blending luxury living with vibrant, coastal convenience.
At Valencia Sky, the state-of-the-art clubhouse offers a variety of amenities, including multiple pools, pickleball and tennis courts, a spacious gym, a restaurant and bar, a sports lounge, and a grand event hall. Learn more about the contemporary home designs, ultimate active adult lifestyle, and unbeatable location of Valencia Sky and find your dream from the high $600s – $900s.
Sarasota
With its stunning beaches and cultural attractions like art galleries and theaters, Sarasota is a favorite retirement destination. It has a lively downtown area and is home to the Ringling Museum of Art.
One nearby retirement option:
In their follow-up to the now sold-out Del Webb Lakewood Ranch, Del Webb Catalina brings the trusted Del Webb 55+ lifestyle back to the award-winning Lakewood Ranch master plan, featuring a massive 15-acre amenity campus overlooking a 70-acre lake.
While the main clubhouse is still under development, a temporary Lifestyle House with pickleball courts and putting green is already in place, with the main amenities scheduled for completion in late 2026.
St. Augustine
Known for its rich history and charm, St. Augustine is the oldest city in the United States. It has beautiful beaches, cobblestone streets, and a quaint downtown area with plenty of shops and restaurants.
One nearby retirement option:
Reverie at Trailmark is a 55+ community in St. Augustine. The Lodge is a 4,600 sq. ft. Lakeside Clubhouse that features indoor and outdoor social spaces, six pickleball courts, a resort-style pool and spa, a catering kitchen, and what sounds to me like one of the coolest amenities…an open-air Bier Garten.
There are 11 new single-family home designs, ranging from 1,500 to 3,000 sq. ft. The community features lakeside and preserve homesites. Prices start in the $300k’s.
Vero Beach
Located on the Atlantic coast, Vero Beach offers a laid-back atmosphere and uncrowded beaches. It has a vibrant arts scene and is home to the Vero Beach Museum of Art.
One nearby retirement option:
Catalina Palms at Sundance is Akel Homes’ newest 55+ active adult community in Port St. Lucie, FL, located within the thoughtfully planned 2,500-acre Sundance master-planned community. Designed exclusively for active adults, Catalina Palms offers a vibrant lifestyle experience centered around connection, wellness, and resort-style living.
At the heart of the community is Club Catalina, Port St. Lucie’s largest private community clubhouse, spanning an impressive 56,000 square feet. This resort-style amenity campus features expansive pools with luxurious cabanas, a full-service restaurant with indoor and outdoor dining, a world-class fitness center with cutting-edge equipment, dedicated pickleball and tennis courts, social lounges, art studios, card rooms, a test kitchen, and numerous indoor and outdoor spaces designed for social, recreational, and creative pursuits.
Catalina Palms offers a diverse collection of beautifully designed lifestyle villas and single-story homes ranging from approximately 1,400 to 3,400 square feet under air, with pricing anticipated from the low $300s.
Fort Myers
Situated along the Caloosahatchee River and the Gulf Coast, Fort Myers has a warm climate and an abundance of outdoor recreational activities. It is also known for its historical sites, such as the Edison and Ford Winter Estates.
One nearby retirement option:
Introducing Valencia Harbor, the latest addition to GL Homes’ renowned Valencia for 55+ communities, in Fort Myers, Florida. This brand-new community offers unmatched lifestyle living, making it the perfect place for active adults to call home. Valencia Harbor features a stunning clubhouse, resort-style pools, state-of-the-art fitness centers, pickleball and tennis courts, on-site dining, a vibrant social calendar of clubs and events, and so much more.
Valencia Harbor provides an exclusive opportunity to embrace the Valencia lifestyle at an incredible value. This collection of single-family homes offers private lots with optional pool space, giving you the chance to own a brand-new home from the $340s to $600s. Learn more about Valencia Harbor and experience the ultimate 55+ lifestyle.
Destin
Nestled on the Emerald Coast in the Florida Panhandle, Destin is famous for its pristine white sand beaches and emerald green waters. It offers a range of water activities and is a popular spot for fishing.
One nearby retirement option:
Located on Northwest Florida’s Emerald Coast between Pensacola & Panama City, Latitude Margaritaville Watersound is the 2nd Jimmy Buffett-inspired 55+ community in Florida, and the 3rd one overall when you include Latitude Margaritaville Hilton Head.
Amenities in place or coming soon include a Latitude Town Square with Bandshell, Latitude Bar & Chill Restaurant, 2nd Floor Overlook Bar with panoramic views of the Intracoastal Waterway, Paradise Pool with Beach Entry Cabanas, Tiki Huts, Fins Up! Fitness Center, Barkaritaville Dog Park, Tennis & Pickleball Courts, Port of Indecision Kayak Launch, Walking Trails, and more.
Home prices start in the $300k's.
Delray Beach
Located in Palm Beach County, Delray Beach has a vibrant downtown area known as Atlantic Avenue, which is filled with shops, restaurants, and art galleries. It has beautiful beaches and a lively cultural scene.
One nearby retirement option:
Valencia Del Mar takes the renowned Valencia 55+ living to new heights. Located in beautiful Boynton Beach, Florida, this luxurious new community introduces unparalleled sophistication and the best lifestyle living to an already esteemed location. Just minutes from the Atlantic coastline and miles of pristine beaches, with convenient access to major airports, you’ll also be near the vibrant nightlife of Delray Beach along with exceptional dining, shopping, and entertainment. Featuring innovative floorplans, cutting-edge standard features, and exciting new lifestyle options, Valencia Del Mar sets a fresh benchmark for exceptional 55+ living from $1.2M-$2.5M.
Redefining resort-style living, is the expansive clubhouse at the heart of Valencia Del Mar. The 8-acre recreational site features a grand social hall, luxury restaurant with indoor and patio seating, a stylish sports lounge, and world-class spa, complete with steam rooms, saunas, and private treatment suites. Every element of Valencia Del Mar is crafted to deliver an extraordinary living experience for the active adult.
Don’t miss your chance to experience this elevated 55+ lifestyle for yourself. Discover everything Valencia Del Mar has to offer and take the first step toward your dream home today.
St. Petersburg
Situated on a peninsula between Tampa Bay and the Gulf Coast, St. Petersburg is known for its pleasant weather and cultural attractions. It has a vibrant downtown area with museums, art galleries, and a bustling waterfront.
One nearby retirement option:
Valencia Ridge, in Wesley Chapel near Tampa, brings luxury 55+ living to life, featuring modern home designs and top-tier amenities. Wesley Chapel is the perfect location not only because of its proximity to Tampa but also from its own attractions, such as The Grove Shops at Wiregrass, Tampa Premium Outlets, and the renowned Saddlebrook Golf & Tennis Resort. Residents can also enjoy world-class beaches, including Clearwater Beach, repeatedly acclaimed as one of the top U.S. beaches.
At Valencia Ridge, immerse yourself in the renowned Valencia 55+ lifestyle and experience luxury living in Tampa like no other. The expansive clubhouse offers premier facilities like an elite gym, resort-style pools, and various dining venues. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy the best pickleball and tennis courts, ensuring there’s always an active pursuit to enjoy.
Experience the Valencia lifestyle firsthand with the Stay-and-Play program, where you can stay for 3 days/2 nights in a model home for just $99. With homes ranging from the mid $400Ks to $800Ks, take advantage of exclusive opportunities and begin your ultimate 55+ active adult lifestyle at Valencia Ridge in Wesley Chapel, near Tampa, FL.
Amelia Island
Located in Northeast Florida, Amelia Island is a charming coastal town known for its pristine beaches, historic district, and Victorian architecture. It offers a relaxed coastal lifestyle and hosts various festivals throughout the year.
One nearby retirement option:
Sweetwater by Del Webb brought the trusted Del Webb 55+ lifestyle to the Jacksonville area, making it North Florida's first Del Webb community.
With world-class amenities, easy access to beaches and urban conveniences, and a fully built-out community offering resale opportunities, Sweetwater delivers proven active adult living in one of Florida's most livable cities. Prices start in the mid $300k's.
Jupiter
Situated in Palm Beach County, Jupiter offers beautiful beaches, excellent golf courses, and outdoor recreational opportunities. It has a small-town feel and is known for its natural beauty, including the nearby Loxahatchee River and Jupiter Inlet.
One nearby retirement option:
A new chapter of exceptional 55+ living has arrived at Riverland for 55+ in Port St. Lucie, Florida with the grand opening of Valencia Vista! This highly anticipated community introduces an all-new collection of thoughtfully designed homes, including the innovative Club Villas, along with spacious new floorplans featuring open-concept living, flexible spaces, designer kitchens, and enhanced standard features such as upgraded 42″ upper cabinetry, quartz countertops throughout, and expansive kitchen islands that make it easier than ever to create your dream home.
Residents will also enjoy an expanded Social Club with over 54,000 total sq. ft. of resort-style amenities, including a full-service restaurant and bar, resort-style pools, vibrant social spaces, and year-round events curated by a full-time Lifestyle Director. Beyond the clubhouse, Riverland’s extraordinary 4,000-acre master-planned community gives homeowners access from day one to more than 80 outdoor sports courts, a 51,000 sq. ft. Wellness & Fitness Center, a 5-acre Arts & Culture Center, miles of scenic Paseo greenways, parks, and countless opportunities to stay active, social, and inspired every day. Learn more about Valencia Vista at Riverland with homes starting from the mid $300s today and start living the best 55+ Florida lifestyle!
Tell Us About Your Favorite Florida Coastal Retirement Town
These are just a few examples of the many great coastal retirement towns in Florida. Each town has its unique charm, amenities, and attractions, so it's important to visit and explore them to find the one that suits your preferences and lifestyle best.
Based on the popularity of this article, I'm sure we'll do a Round 2, so be sure to drop your favorite Florida coastal retirement town down below so we can consider it next time around!
Palm Coast is where spend my winters, getting a busy with commercial expansion and housing developments. Please don’t come here, it’s just fine as is! Lol
I moved from South FL to NE FL. I love Nocatee/Ponte Vedra. You get a nice change of seasons and break from the oppressive heat of South FL. And it’s not nearly as congested. Only a few miles to the coast with close proximity to St Augustine and Jacksonville.
We like Tampa/St.Pete. We are big city folk so we only considered the top four cities in the state. Hope I don’t offend, but we were turned off by Miami’s insane driving, frequent floods, and pockets of poverty. We thought Jacksonville too staid. Orlando turned us off because of its distance from the coast, frequent Disney-inspired traffic jams and gridlock, and omnipresent strip malls and chains. Tampa, St Pete and Clearwater have access to the coast, lots to do, and a sense of dynamism. We are happy here.
We Retired in Naples, Florida from Salt Lake City, Utah and previous to that was Santa Monica, California.
We fell in love with Naples 10 years ago after visiting Naples upon the completion of a Caribbean cruise. We had been looking for a retirement place for two years and immediately fell in love with Naples and purchased a Townhouse before we left to go back home.
After living here for two years, we built a new home in North Naples.
Miami Beach for us. We like the Latin culture. We have great museums and the New World Symphony. The brick walk along the ocean goes for miles.
Why is it that on the Ocean Side the condo’s are always set “way back” from the Ocean. Unlike in California where the Ocean Front Condo’s are literally right there on the ocean front. I’ve been searching for a nice condo on the Ocean Side in Florida and continue to struggle to find anything that is up close and personal to the ocean. They are all “set back” and many have trees and bushes blocking your ocean view.
I love Boca Raton restaurants , bars, art museums and the beach
Crystal river Florida and Beverly hills Florida, 2 of the nicest costal towns to retire to.
We retired in Ocala from South Florida because the insurance and property taxes were to high for our budget. Ocala has the clear springs that is similar to south Florida beaches. Also the restaurants in the Ocala there are some that make it to 5 star with very good food quality. We picked the eastern part of the county do to less traffic and the country feel.
We love the Riverview area. Retired here 2019 love the weather. I’m a Southern girl anyway. We love the Deep South.
Dunedin is a great little town, small enough to feel cozy but the downtown is active and it’s just a short drive to Tampa for all the big city fun and entertainment.
We were ending 4 days in Gulf Shores, AL. We needed to find a place for 2 nights before our next reservations in Hudson, FL. My wife found Cedar Key, a hidden gem on the gulf coast 1-1/2 hrs (+/-) from Hudson. It’s really off the beaten path and very laid back. Not fancy but with a vibrant downtown on the water.
We came from San Diego and chose Inverness, Florida. Small town, crystal river and Homosassa next door. All the restaurants and ,shopping you could want. Seafood galore. Not far from Ocala if you need big city or One hour to Orlando or Tampa.
Davenport is quiet and a great retirement community
DeLand is historic and beautiful 25 minute drive to Daytona beach.
We chose Largo to be near neighbors who are from our Midwest hometown. It is a really convenient location for going to Tampa to the east, Clearwater to the north and St. Pete to the south, but not as fast paced. Just right for us.
I fell in love with St George Island in the panhandle. Close to Apalachicola and PT St Joe.
Great beaches!
Take a look at Palm Coast. The beach is only three miles off I-95!
More of a small town atmosphere, with friendly people, and locaated on the east side of Florida.
I write retirement books, and this is where I relocated more than 15 years ago – I’m still very happy, and the area is still growing.
Jan Cullinane, The New Retirement: The Ultimate Guide to the Rest of Your Life (Wiley, 2022)
We retired here also in late 2021 and love it. A small town feel with convenient access to the beach, St. Augustine, and Daytona Beach.
Agree 100% Palm Coast is quiet, just enough of great restaurants and shopping. Easy drive to beach and not too crowded!
Dunedin is amazing.