U.S. News & World Report publishes an annual list of what they think are the best cities for people to retire in, and as I've mentioned before, sometimes it just doesn't make a whole lot of sense.
Last year they had SEVEN Pennsylvania cities in the Top 10, but only one Florida city (Daytona Beach) in the Top 10.
But it looks like they've come to their senses for this year's edition. Not only did Florida land 3 cities in the Top 10, but 13 Florida cities made the Top 100.
Here they are:
#1 Naples
What they said:
“Nestled between the edges of the Everglades and the shores of the Gulf of Mexico sits Collier County, home to Naples, Immokalee and Marco Island, as well as a range of distinctly Florida flavors. Long known as a preferred retirement spot for the rich, powerful and cold-averse, the greater Naples and Marco Island area supplies pristine beaches, sprawling golf courses, and fine dining and shopping.”
One brand-new Naples retirement community:
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 will offer 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. Valencia Sky will begin selling from Valencia Trails in Naples. Be the first to learn more about Valencia Sky by requesting more information today.
#4 Sarasota
What they said:
“Sarasota has a distinct vibe that’s different from Florida’s relative coastal cities, with its own vibrant arts scene,beachy atmosphere and burgeoning food culture. People who choose Sarasota as their home are generally called by its unique charm. This metro area of just over 800,000 people has a renowned opera house, a number of rooftop bars and the popular beach of Siesta Key nearby.“
One nearby retirement option:
Cresswind Lakewood Ranch is a 55+ new home community in Lakewood Ranch, located east of Sarasota and Bradenton and named the #1 multigenerational neighborhood in the nation.
Cresswind Lakewood Ranch offers a variety of amenities, including the resident-exclusive Club Cresswind – featuring the SmartFIT Training Center powered by EGYM circuit training, art studio, tennis and pickleball courts, resort-style swimming pool, resistance pool and more. Residents also have quick access to Lakewood Ranch’s golf courses, polo club, 75-acre sports campus, schools, shops, restaurants and hospital. Plus, the white sand beaches and cultural attractions of Sarasota are within a 30-minute drive.
Homebuyers can choose from nineteen spacious home plans, specifically designed for active adults and offering open floorplans and energy-efficient designs.
#7 Jacksonville
What they said:
“Sitting near the Atlantic shore in northeast Florida, Jacksonville is tied together by bridges, crossing rivers to unite residents in the downtown area with nearby beaches. Restaurants, shops and entertainment options fill all of Greater Jacksonville's neighborhoods. There are nature trails to hike and marshes to kayak.”
One nearby retirement option:
Del Webb eTown is a new, smart-living, 55+ gated community in Jacksonville centrally located near the popular St. Johns Town Center retail/dining/entertainment center off I-295. Meet friends at the private clubhouse and amenity center with recreational activities including tennis, pickleball, bocce courts, walking trails, outdoor pavilions, fire pits and so much more. Homes start in the $400k's.
#17 Pensacola
What they said:
“White sand beaches, breathtaking sunsets and emerald green waters are often cited as reasons newcomers fall in love with the Pensacola area. The Spanish explorer Tristán de Luna was certainly enamored when he established Pensacola as the first European settlement in the U.S. in 1559. But beyond the world-famous beaches is a rich cultural heritage displayed through historical architecture, diverse festivals and a fine arts scene.”
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.
#18 Tampa
What they said:
“Residents of the Tampa Bay area enjoy both a laid-back beach lifestyle and the amenities of a large metropolitan area, including professional sports teams, museums, and an array of entertainment and dining options.”
One nearby retirement option:
Valencia Ridge, the all-new community in the greater Tampa area, offers contemporary home designs and world-class amenities for the ultimate 55+ luxury living. Nothing compares to the incredible 55+ lifestyle, as the world-class clubhouse will feature multiple pools, pickleball and tennis courts, fitness center, restaurant and bar, sports lounge, social hall and much more.
#19 Port St. Lucie
What they said:
“Port St. Lucie is nestled along Florida's Treasure Coast, on the state's southeast side, about halfway between Miami and Orlando. Port St. Lucie has a more relaxed atmosphere than its larger neighbors. Its clean streets and quiet neighborhoods are woven around scenic waterways and lush green golf courses. Homes in the area can be affordable to buy or rent, compared with other South Florida housing markets.”
One nearby retirement option:
Valencia Parc at Riverland is one of the newest 55+ communities on Florida's East Coast. Located in Port St. Lucie, Valencia Parc at Riverland brings together GL Homes' famous 55+ resort-style living within the amazing 4,000-acre master-planned community of Riverland to create a Florida lifestyle that's second to none! In this new community, you'll find a million ways to have fun with everything connected through miles of eco-friendly greenways without ever having to get in your car. Walk or ride your golf cart to all the amenities right within your own neighborhood and to nearby shops and restaurants or enjoy a car ride to spend the perfect day at the beach.
#20 Melbourne
What they said:
“Troves of urbanites, families, professionals and retirees enjoy Melbourne, Florida, one of the Space Coast's most populated metro areas. It's no accident that residents here love anything that produces lift. On clear days, you can see sky-rumbling satellite launches and spacecrafts containing cargo en route to the International Space Station from Cape Canaveral.”
One nearby retirement option:
Situated on over 500 acres, with plans for approximately 1,300 homes, Del Webb at Viera offers retirement living in an acclaimed master-planned community known for its robust amenities and proximity to beautiful beaches, fine dining and shopping.
Del Webb at Viera offers single-family homes similar to those available in other Del Webb communities. Prices start in the $300k's.
#24 Fort Myers
What they said:
“Situated between Tampa and Miami on Florida’s Gulf Coast, Fort Myers is a growing city. The “City of Palms” has long lured vacationers with its year-round warmth, lush flora, waterways and proximity to white sand beaches. These qualities have attracted such notable seasonal visitors as Thomas Edison, Henry Ford and Harvey Firestone, and help lure new residents to the area, as well.”
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.
#34 Lakeland
What they said:
“Aptly named for its 38 stunning lakes, Lakeland is infused with Old Florida history and natural beauty. Remnants of Lakeland's past, like Polk Theatre and Munn Park, remind residents of the metro area’s 19th-century roots. Meanwhile, dozens of parks allow Lakelanders to enjoy the beautiful Sunshine State weather.”
#55 Orlando
What they said:
“When travelers say they're going to Orlando, the question is, “Which one?” There's downtown Orlando, the seat of Orange County government and a center for nightclubs, restaurants, concerts and post-game celebrations. There's residential Orlando, which developed during the 1920s “City Beautiful” movement to feature canopied oaks and lakefront bungalows. And then there's the Orlando that tourists know: the Orlando that's home to some of the world's top theme parks and that welcomes millions of travelers each year, making it one of the most popular vacation destinations in America.”
One nearby retirement option:
The Lakes at Harmony is a 55 and Better community from Jones Homes USA. Residents enjoy beautiful homes with the latest designs, technology, and included luxury features that can only be found at Jones Homes USA. Experience active living at its best, with Harmony’s signature golf course, Town Center, community events, walking trails, and more.
Harmony is more than a community, it’s a way of life; where the peace and tranquility of small-town living is surrounded by pristine lakes, abundant natural areas, popular Town Square and exclusive amenities, all close to the excitement and activities of nearby Orlando.
In addition to Harmony's outstanding amenities and convenient location, all homes by Jones Homes USA are built for the way you live today, with oversized kitchens, open living spaces and incredible included luxury features. With its perfect blend of small-town living, outstanding amenities, convenient location and, of course, extraordinary homes from Jones Homes USA, everyone wants to live in Harmony.
#69 Tallahassee
What they said:
“Florida is known for its sandy beaches and summertime weather, but Tallahassee has a different vibe. Located on the edge of the tree-covered Red Hills region near the border of Georgia, this state capital enjoys four distinct seasons. It boasts three institutions of higher learning: Florida State University, Florida A&M University and Tallahassee Community College. And the city’s Southern heritage influences its architecture, landscape, attitude and pace of life.”
#77 Daytona Beach
What they said:
“The Daytona Beach population swells and wanes like the ocean tide. Every winter, the region's beaches overflow with tourists looking to thaw after bearing the cold temperatures back home. Come summertime, the city feels empty by comparison.”
One nearby retirement option:
Latitude Margaritaville is a 55+ community in Daytona Beach, inspired by the lifestyle and music of Jimmy Buffett.
Amenities include a fully outfitted gym / Spin Room, aerobics room with virtual personal trainer, indoor whirlpool spa and lap pool, Latitude Town Square where you’ll find the Bandshell with live music, The Last Mango Theater includes a banquet hall with stage for performances and dancing, Barkaritaville Pet Spa, Coconut Telegraph Business Center, Latitude Bar & Chill Restaurant, Changes in Attitude Bar, Paradise Pool with beach entry, cabanas, and tiki huts, plus, an amenity that you don’t see every day…your very own private beach club! Home prices start in the $300k's.
#81 Ocala
What they said:
“Known as the “Horse Capital of the World,” Ocala maintains deep equestrian roots even as the area evolves into a diverse metropolitan community. The rolling hills and green pastures of surrounding horse farms meld into the urban center of the city, where a burgeoning logistics industry takes advantage of the centralized location in the heart of Florida.”
One nearby retirement option:
At On Top of the World Communities, active adults will find all they dream about and so much more. Located in beautiful Ocala Florida, On Top of the World residents can enjoy any schedule that suits their tastes – from activity-packed to unhurried.
Amenities include 54 holes of golf on three courses, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, tennis courts, a 14-acre R/C flying field, bocce, racquetball and basketball courts, fitness center, health club and spa, restaurants, cultural venues, and much more. Residents can also participate in over 175 clubs, leagues, hobbies, and lifelong learning opportunities.
There are around 20 different floor plans available with prices ranging to suit every budget starting in the $200k's.
You can see all the cities that made the 2025 US News & World Report list here.
