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:
Located just east of Naples in the master-planned community of Ave Maria, Del Webb Naples is a fairly large community of around 2,000 condos, townhouses, and single-family homes. This community has an (optional to join) 18-hole championship golf course, sports courts, resort and lap pools, a state-of-the-art fitness center, and 2 large clubhouses with a full-time Lifestyle Director. Homes start in the $300k's.
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:
Just minutes from the beaches of Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch is the #1 best-selling multigenerational master-planned community in the country.
With everything from low-maintenance condominiums to single-family houses starting in the $400k's, Lakewood Ranch offers a neighborhood option for just about every type of family and budget. There are also a few 55+ community options available, including Del Webb Lakewood Ranch and Cresswind Lakewood Ranch.
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.
Fort Myers
Situated along the Caloosahatchee River and the Gulf of Mexico, 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:
Verandah is a beautiful, private, guard-gated golf course community in Fort Myers. Enjoy life among mature oak trees, meandering bike paths and walking trails, and breathtaking views of the Orange River. Verandah offers residents full-service dining options, social events and activities, fitness and recreation options, and 2 spectacular 18-hole championship golf courses: Old Orange, designed by Bob Cupp and Whispering Oak, designed by Jack Nicklaus.
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.
The list of amenities coming to Latitude Margaritaville Watersound is very similar to what we’ve seen in other Latitude Margaritaville communities. 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 Grand in Boynton Beach offers truly premium 55+ living unlike anywhere else, with a prime South Florida location, sophisticated country-club lifestyle, and all-new unmatched amenities. Valencia Grand takes sophisticated living to the next level with one-story home designs made for 55+ living with stand-out features including expansive high ceilings, transom windows that let in even more Florida sunshine, impressive gourmet kitchens, spa-like baths, and spacious outdoor living areas.
St. Petersburg
Situated on a peninsula between Tampa Bay and the Gulf of Mexico, 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:
Del Webb Bay View is located about 30 minutes away from downtown Sarasota, St. Petersburg, and Tampa. Like most Del Webb communities, residents can expect resort-style amenities hosted by a full-time lifestyle director. Even though this community only just recently opened, I’ve already had a few readers purchase homes there. Prices start in the $300k’s.
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:
Experience a new level of retirement living at Del Webb Wildlight. This distinctive active adult community is located 20 minutes away from downtown Fernandina, Amelia Island beaches, and downtown Jacksonville. Del Webb Wildlight provides unique opportunities centered around signature resort-style amenities hosted by a full-time lifestyle director to ensure you stay active.
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:
Valencia Walk at Riverland is one of the newest 55+ communities on Florida’s East Coast. Located in Port St. Lucie, Valencia Walk brings together GL Homes’ famous 55+ resort-style living with an amazing master site plan to create a Florida lifestyle that’s second to none! In this new community, you’ll find a million ways to have fun. Walk to nearby shops and restaurants, spend the day at the beach or simply enjoy all the amenities right within your own neighborhood.
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!
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.
Dunedin is amazing.