At Florida for Boomers, we’ve written about many of the best places to retire in Florida.
Every year we take a look at our website analytics and go through the hundreds of emails we get from readers to figure out the places that people are reading about and asking us about the most.
If you are researching the best places to retire in Florida and feeling a little overwhelmed by all the options, I hope this list can help you.
Without further ado, here are the 25 best places to retire in Florida today.
1. Sarasota
Located along the Gulf Coast just an hour south of Tampa and a little under two hours north of Fort Myers your will find the town of Sarasota. This city combines the historic Old Florida feel with vibrant cultural districts to create one of the most perfect atmospheres anywhere.
Where to Retire in Sarasota:
Lakewood Ranch is the #2 selling community in the country behind The Villages, and it owes a large part of its success to its location in Sarasota.
Though Lakewood Ranch is considered a multi-generational community, there are certain neighborhoods that are 55+, such as Del Webb at Lakewood Ranch.
2. New Smyrna Beach
Located just 15 miles south of Daytona Beach is where you will find New Smyrna Beach. This quaint little beach town offers the atmosphere that many Boomers are looking for, but also brings quite a few unique amenities to the table.
New Smyrna is only about 20 minutes away from where I used to live in Daytona Beach Shores, and we often found ourselves down in New Smyrna for one reason or another (usually food or drink related…haha!) a few times per week.
Where to Retire in New Smyrna Beach:
Perfectly situated in Central Florida’s favorite beach town, Venetian Bay (A Geosam Capital development) offers World Class Resort-Style amenities to its residents.
Play a round of golf on their 18-Hole Championship golf course, spend a day with your family at the Beach and Swim Club, enjoy a relaxing day at their World Class Spa, stay active by joining the on-site fitness center or walking and biking on the miles of beautiful trails.
Residents also enjoy dining at the onsite restaurants. Residents sense a feeling of belonging. Variety is well defined at Venetian Bay with wide spread appeal. You’ll discover luxury estates in gated private communities; semi-custom homes; mid-sized single family homes and duplexes; maintenance free luxury townhomes and apartment homes.
With prices ranging from the $200k’s to over $1 million, there really is something for everyone at Venetian Bay.
Get more information about Venetian Bay here.
3. Ft. Myers
Known for offering the perfect combination of recreation and relaxation, Fort Myers contains an endless amount of options including white sand beaches, first-class golf courses, exciting deep-sea fishing, and outstanding shopping. It’s no wonder why you’ll find so many 55+ communities there.
There is an amazing selection of great local restaurants in just about every neighborhood, and baseball fans will be excited to know that both the Boston Red Sox and the Minnesota Twins host their spring training activities here.
Where to Retire in Fort Myers:
Offering easy access to everything Southwest Florida is famous for, GL Homes is proud to introduce Valencia Bonita— a new standard of 55 plus living on Florida’s beautiful Gulf Coast. With an exciting vacation-inspired lifestyle that rivals the finest resorts, Valencia Bonita features an opulent 45,000 sq. ft. clubhouse and carefully designed single-family and villa home designs that are tailored to those looking for spacious layouts and sophisticated style. Valencia Bonita is located just minutes from pristine beaches, tranquil nature preserves, chic shops and fine dining. Plus, everyday conveniences including banks, grocery stores and top rated medical facilities are also just a short drive away. Homes start in the low $300k’s.
Get More Information About Valencia Bonita Here.Looking to rent near Fort Myers?
Diamond Oaks Village is a 55+ Apartment Community located in Bonita Springs, FL, just minutes away from popular destinations like Coconut Point Mall, Publix, Bonita Beach, Prado Stadium 12, and the Southwest Florida International Airport.
Amenities include an outdoor resort-inspired pool with spa, state-of-the-art fitness center, Bocci court, dog park, game room, media center with stadium seating, and more.
One and two-bedroom floorplans are available starting from $1,910/month.
Get more information about Diamond Oaks Village here.
4. The Villages
Located about an hour north of Orlando, The Villages was not even called “The Villages” when it first began. It actually started as a mobile home park called Orange Blossom Gardens.
Though it struggled in the early years, the community experienced staggering growth in the mid-1980’s because the community offered an impressive collection of amenities.
As that amenities-focused community continued to grow and develop, it eventually evolved into The Villages, which has become the premiere model for what a master-planned community should be.
Today, The Villages is known for having the largest and most diverse collection of amenities of any community on the planet. Residents have access to an amazing collection of golf courses, recreation centers, and town squares, as well as an unparalleled number of clubs covering just about any topic you can imagine.
With all of the advantages that The Villages offers to its residents, it is no wonder that it consistently ranks as the fastest growing community in the entire country. There were an astounding 2,429 new homes sold here in 2019.
Interested in learning more about The Villages? Well I wrote an entire book on the place:
5. Venice
Located just south of Sarasota, but not quite as far south as Fort Myers or Sanibel Island, Venice sits in a sweet spot along Florida’s southern Gulf Coast that makes it the perfect destination for anyone looking to make the most of 14 miles of stunning white sand beaches.
In addition to those beautiful beaches, Venice is also known for all kinds of exciting ways to enjoy the great outdoors. It is a fabulous destination for boomers interested in exploring arts and culture, boutique shopping, or a wide range of outstanding restaurant choices.
6. Naples
Like many southwest Florida communities, Naples brings together the best of shopping, recreation, and beautiful white sand beaches. But residents here would definitely argue that Naples offers the best versions of all three.
Historic downtown Naples is filled with with high-end shoppes and boutiques. The surrounding areas are littered with championship level golf courses. And this location along the southern Gulf Coast of Florida boasts some of the most stunning beaches you will find anywhere.
Where to Retire in Naples
Valencia Trails in Naples, FL offers the best resort lifestyle with a magnificent 42,000 sq. ft. Clubhouse where every day new events, clubs, and entertainment abound. Relax by the pool, grab a bite at the restaurant, catch a show in the social hall, or take a relaxing stroll or jog along the community’s iconic trails. The options are endless!
Designed for 55+ living, the gorgeous contemporary style single-family homes at Valencia Trails offer the ultimate in style, convenience, and luxury with spacious living areas, impressive gourmet kitchens, and screened and covered patios to make the most of Florida’s beautiful weather year-round. Come home to luxurious standard features including tile roof, brick pavers, stainless steel and gas appliances, designer tile flooring throughout main areas, rich stone exterior finishes and so much more.
Get More Information About Valencia Trails Here.Looking to rent in Naples?
Sandalwood Village is a 55+ Apartment Community located in Naples, FL. Enjoy easy access to Vanderbilt Beach, the Galleria Shoppes at Vanderbilt, the Mercato shopping mall, Whole Foods, North Collier Regional Park, Off the Hook Comedy Club, the Tiburon Golf Club, and more.
Amenities include recreational walking trails, an outdoor swimming pool and spa with seated patio area, state-of-the-art fitness facility, game room, media center, and more.
One and two-bedroom floorplans are available starting from $1,950/month.
Get more information about Sandalwood Village here.
7. Kissimmee
If one of your concerns is that you move to Florida for retirement and your kids and grandkids never come to visit, that won’t be the case if you end up in Kissimmee. In fact, you might have a hard time getting them to leave!
Kissimmee is located just south of Orlando and is just minutes from popular attractions like the Walt Disney World Resort, Universal Studios, Sea World, and more. They call Kissimmee the “attraction zone” and it’s easy to see why.
Where to Retire in Kissimmee:
Calirosa 55+ Apartments in Kissimmee is where you’ll find everything you need to live an active lifestyle at your fingertips.
This 55+ community offers amenities and events that make it easier than ever to live life to the fullest. Discover incredible amenities designed for the active adult, including a clubhouse, fitness center, regular social events, outdoor areas to entertain and more. Live a stone’s throw away from popular shops, restaurants, golf courses, parks and more. Enjoy all our pet-friendly, 55+ community has to offer with your faithful companion by your side.
1 bedroom, 1 bedroom + den, and 2 bedroom apartment homes with modern appliances and stunning finishes are available for 7-12 month lease terms and prices start around $1,500/month.
Get More Information About Calirosa Here.
8. St. Augustine
Famous for being the oldest city in the country, St. Augustine is absolutely the perfect place for anyone who appreciates history. The city is located along the east coast of Florida just about 45 minutes south of Jacksonville, and a little over an hour north of Daytona Beach.
In addition to being a great location for history buffs, St. Augustine is also filled with tons of culture, great shopping, unique places to eat, and two really wonderful retirement communities. If you are passionate about any combination of those things, the Nation’s Oldest City could be a great option for your retirement!
Where to Retire in St. Augustine:
Freedom at San Salito is a 55+ neighborhood, located in St. Augustine, Florida that offers a low stress, low maintenance lifestyle. Located off State Road 16, residents will have easy access to a variety of public amenities. The community features include a gated entrance, private amenity center clubhouse and outdoor pool. Freedom at San Salito also has a part time Lifestyle Director who cultivates the ideal selection of clubs and events for homeowners.
The newly opened Freedom at San Salito’s amenities include an amenity center with a pool and covered patio, outdoor fireplace, two bocce ball courts, and a dog park. Residents of Freedom at San Salito also have access to the master community’s amenities which includes a clubhouse, multi-purpose room, pickleball courts, tennis courts, exercise room, and outdoor pool with patio. San Salito is close to the beach, golf courses, fantastic shopping, dining, music and entertainment!
Homes range in size from 1,585 to 2,033 square feet of living space, and include features like granite countertops, walk-in closets, and covered lanais. Prices start in the mid-$250k’s.
Get More Information About Freedom at San Salito Here.9. Port Orange
Located just 15 minutes south of famous Daytona Beach, Port Orange is known for its small town feel, but also for its close proximity to the big city amenities that residents can enjoy up in Daytona Beach, as well as in nearby Orlando.
Longtime Florida for Boomers readers know that I used to live in Port Orange, and even though I live on the beachside now, we spend the majority of our time, do most of our shopping, and eat most of our meals in Port Orange.
We love it because Port Orange is laid back and quiet, while still providing all the amenities one could possibly want.
10. Tampa
As the third largest city in the state of Florida, Tampa offers residents all of the big city amenities they are looking for combined with the fantastic climate that draws people to the Sunshine State in the first place. In addition to tons of amenities and great weather, Tampa is also located right on the water and filled with outstanding shopping and dining options.
Where to Retire in Tampa:
Just a short drive from Tampa, the Villages of Citrus Hills is a Florida Retirement Community with single family homes and maintenance free villas that have been built with today’s demanding baby-boomer in mind. But what makes the promise of Florida Retirement in the Villages of Citrus Hills truly come together for today’s new breed of active adult retiree is its extraordinary collection of world-class community country club amenities and extensive social activities. Depending on the style and neighborhood you choose, home and home site packages range from the mid $300s to more than $1.2 million.
Get More Information About Citrus Hills Here.Pick the Right Place for YOU!
Do you dream of finding the perfect location, community, and home for you? It’s easier than you think! In my book called Pick the Right Place, I show you exactly how to do it, step-by-step. Click Here to get started.11. Jacksonville
Located right on the Atlantic Coast in northeast Florida, Jacksonville offers its residents all of the amenities that come with a beachfront city for a fraction of the cost of some of the popular destinations nearby.
Known as the “River City on the Sea,” Jacksonville is packed with more than 22 miles of beaches, a scenic stretch of the beautiful St. Johns River, the largest urban park system in the nation, historic neighborhoods, and a thriving street art scene.
Where to Retire Near Jacksonville:
Just south of Jacksonville is where you’ll find Parkland Preserve at World Golf Village, an active adult neighborhood offered by Freedom Homes, a D.R. Horton company.
Community features include a gated entrance, amenity center with pool and Lifestyle Director to help residents meet their neighbors, stay active and make new friends! Homes start in the $200k’s and are single-story, thoughtfully designed and feature covered lanais to enhance your Florida lifestyle.
Get More Information About Parkland Preserve Here.12. Stuart
Known as “The Sailfish Capital of the World,” Stuart is located along the Atlantic Coast of Florida, north of West Palm Beach and just south of Port St. Lucie. This area of Florida is also known as “The Treasure Coast” because so many ships have been lost here fighting to survive storms over the years.
13. Clermont
Sitting right in the heart of Central Florida, just 20 miles west of Orlando, is where you will find the impressive little city of Clermont. It has been ranked as one of the Top 25 Best Places to Retire by Forbes and Money Magazines and was also voted the #1 Florida Bicycle-Friendly Community.
As if that wasn’t enough already, Clermont is also home to 18 athletes that competed in the 2016 Olympics, it is considered the center point of the impressive Coast-to-Coast Trail, and the city is still growing and developing at an incredible rate.
Where to Retire in Clermont:
Carefree living, quality Taylor Morrison construction and lots of choices – that’s what you’ll find at Esplanade at Highland Ranch in Clermont. Whether you’re ready to live the Florida lifestyle year-round or ease into it with a vacation home, the time of your life is waiting at this resort style 55+ community.
Esplanade at Highland Ranch is outfitted with an extraordinary level of amenities including a stunning clubhouse with fitness room and multipurpose room for yoga and exercise classes, a card room, pickle ball, bocce ball, tennis courts and billiards. Swim laps or just soak in the large resort-style pool or hot tub. Large conservation areas supply opportunities for strolls on elevated boardwalks and nature trails.
Select from a variety of distinctive floor plans designed for the way you live, play and entertain. Twelve beautifully designed floor plans ranging from 1,700-3,000 square feet showcase the most popular standard features inspired by homeowners to add convenience, style and value.
Get more information about Esplanade at Highland Ranch here.
14. Delray Beach
Located just an hour up the coast from Miami you will find one of the best small town communities in the entire country. VisitFlorida.com describes Delray Beach as a “small and intimate town with big-city sophistication.”
This is obvious to anyone who visits based solely on the number of art galleries, restaurants, and nightly entertainment events available throughout the popular downtown area. Delray Beach is the place where you can find big city culture in a small town environment…which is why so many people have decided to make their homes here.
Where to Retire in Delray Beach
Avalon Trails by 13th Floor Homes is a 55+ active adult community located in Delray Beach, FL. If your retirement dream is to live just minutes from the beach, this is the place for you.
At the heart of the community is The Club at Avalon Trails, which will feature a resort-style pool and adjacent lap pool, a fully-equipped fitness studio, card rooms, a cafe, community garden, walking trails, tennis courts, pickleball courts, and more.
The homes at Avalon Trails will include single-story, 2 and 3 bedroom villas that include features like granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, and hurricane impact windows and doors, with prices starting in the mid-$300k’s.
15. St. Cloud
Located along the southern banks of East Lake Tohopekaliga near Kissimmee and just south of Orlando, St. Cloud is a quiet city that was originally known as a retirement destination for Civil War veterans.
In addition to having a rich history, the area also offers a type of small-town living that is getting harder and harder to find here in Florida. Combining that small town atmosphere with access to all of the amazing amenities located just to the north in Orlando makes St. Cloud a perfect mixture of old and new Florida living.
Where to Retire in St. Cloud
The Lakes at Harmony is an active adult community located in the master-planned community of Harmony in St. Cloud. These two and three bedroom homes are built for the way you live today, with space where you need it most. Among the spacious outdoor living space, many of which include water or conservation views, residents also enjoy a private recreation center and pool.
From the miles of walking and biking trails, to the community garden, parks and fitness center, Harmony has something for everyone. Gather at the Town Square which includes a spa, market, physician office, restaurants and more or play a round of golf on the only Johnny Miller Signature course in Central Florida without ever leaving your community.
Get more information about The Lakes at Harmony here.
The water is calling you to Twin Lakes, one of the most desirable active lifestyle communities in Central Florida. It’s time to live less crowded on the tranquil shores of Live Oak Lake where residents enjoy lakeside living with boating, fishing, kayaking and many other amenities usually reserved for fine resorts. With a clubhouse, pool, patio areas, newly opened fitness center and a full time activities director, there is something for every- one in this outstanding community. Twin Lakes, by Jones Homes USA, is now selling new homes with luxury features and advanced home technology, from the low $200k’s in the “convenient to everything,” Orlando Area.
Get more information about Twin Lakes here.
16. Daytona Beach
Because of its popularity among race fans, motorcycle enthusiasts, spring breakers, and summer vacationers, Daytona Beach is often overlooked by many boomers as they search for a Florida retirement destination that will fit their ideal lifestyle. However, those popular reasons for visiting Daytona Beach are really just scratching the surface of what residents enjoy here throughout the year.
Where to Retire in Daytona Beach
The community that everyone is talking about in Florida right now is Latitude Margaritaville in Daytona Beach. The Jimmy Buffett inspired 55+ community is the first of several communities being developed in partnership between Minto Communities and the Margaritaville brand.
17. Winter Garden
Located about 25 minutes west of downtown Orlando, Winter Garden offers residents the perfect combination of an Old Florida feel and plenty of modern amenities.
You’ll love strolling through the historic downtown district but will also enjoy the lake lifestyle, the thriving cultural scene, shopping at the weekly farmers’ market, and dining at the impressive collection of modern restaurants.
18. Boynton Beach
Located just about halfway between West Palm Beach and Boca Raton, Boynton Beach offers residents a lifestyle that is far-removed from all of the popular Florida tourist destinations without actually being all that far away from those places.
Where to Retire in Boynton Beach:
Swim, play, dine, relax or socialize – you can do as much or as little as you want at Valencia Sound in Boynton Beach. The nearly 39,000 square-foot Clubhouse with upscale indoor and outdoor amenities, including a full-service restaurant, sports lounge and multiple pickleball, tennis and bocce courts, provides the ultimate 55+ lifestyle in Boynton Beach. Hundreds of clubs are available to join, Broadway-style shows and entertainment are found in the Social Hall, classes on everything from art to fitness are scheduled at the Clubhouse, and tournaments are held at the world-class Racquet Club. Home prices start in the $400k’s.
Get More Information About Valencia Sound Here19. Vero Beach
Located just a bit north of Fort Pierce and Port St. Lucie, Vero Beach is one of the most underrated destinations along Florida’s Atlantic Coast. Known for outstanding golf, water sports, and fishing, this is the perfect community for active boomers that are looking to pack some adventure into their retirement years.
20. Ocala
The Ocala area represents a unique combination of history, horses, and culture that is surrounded by some of the most beautiful natural environments you will find anywhere. Sprinkle in the collection of interesting shops and restaurants in Ocala’s downtown district and you will find Ocala to be the type of place where no one struggles to find something to do.
Where to Retire in Ocala:
There are a handful of 55+ communities in Ocala, but one in particular stands out among the crowd.
At On Top of the World Communities, active adults will find all they dream about and so much more. Located in beautiful Ocala Florida (just down the road from Leesburg), On Top of the World residents can enjoy any schedule that suits their tastes – from activity packed to unhurried.
Leisure amenities include 54 holes of golf on three courses, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, tennis courts, a private 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.
New homes are of quality construction, often exceeding ENERGY STAR criteria while offering comfort, convenience, and a wide variety of design elements.
There are 23 floor plans available with prices ranging to suit every budget starting from the $170k’s.
Get more info. from On Top of the World Here.
21. Port St. Lucie
Port St. Lucie and other neighboring towns in St. Lucie County promote themselves as offering “the real Florida,” which they describe as a perfect atmosphere for golf lovers or anyone looking for a small, friendly, beach town.
Where to Retire in Port St. Lucie:
Valencia Grove at Riverland is the newest 55+ community on Florida’s East Coast. Located in Port St. Lucie, Valencia Grove 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! At 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.
Get in on the ground floor of Florida’s next top master planned community with prices starting in just the $200s.
Get More Information About Valencia Grove Here.22. Clearwater
Located west of Tampa and just north of St. Petersburg, Clearwater makes up the third leg of one of the most popular tourist destinations in all of Florida. Known for its white sand beaches and the fabulous Clearwater Marine Aquarium, this is the ultimate destination for baby boomers that want to feel like they are forever on vacation.
Because it is located so close to Tampa, Clearwater residents enjoy close access to a major international airport. They also enjoy some of the most beautiful beaches that you will find anywhere along the Gulf Coast.
23. Lake Nona
Located just inside the city limits in southeastern Orlando, Lake Nona is the ultimate combination of everything that most Baby Boomers are looking for in a retirement destination. The entire community is built around living a better, healthier lifestyle.
That means that residents here can enjoy an impressive amount of preserved green space, pools in every neighborhood, endless miles of trails, and some of the fastest internet speeds you will find anywhere in the world. On top of that, Lake Nona offers a plethora of educational options and outstanding healthcare facilities.
24. Jupiter
Jupiter is a great place for people who like to golf, hit the beach or peer at the ocean and relax. There are many fun activities and destinations in Jupiter, such as the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse and Roger Dean Stadium, and plenty of places to eat overlooking the ICW (Intracoastal Waterway) or ocean.
25. Palm Coast
Located along the Atlantic Coast about halfway between St. Augustine and Daytona Beach, Palm Coast offers the perfect combination of nature and golf for anyone who likes to enjoy both at the same time. Whether you choose to focus more on golf or nature, you will be happy to have both right at your fingertips here in one of Florida’s best kept secrets!
There you have it, the top 25 best places to retire in Florida today.
Be sure to bookmark this page and check back often because we are constantly updating this page.
Better yet, sign up for our Florida retirement newsletter and we’ll let you know whenever we update this list.
Over to you…
Know a great place in Florida that we should consider adding to the list in the future?
Let us know in the comments section below!
My favorite is still Daytona Beach
My hometown James!
Within 6 months we are looking for a home on the west coast or upper Keys.
Those are two great areas to look. Good luck with your search!
Would love to learn more about quaint towns for retirement
Hi Gail,
This article might be of interest: https://www.floridaforboomers.com/finding-vintage-old-florida/
Many thanks,
Ryan
Dunedin or Tarpon Springs.
Connie, what do you like about Dunedin? Will be going there next week.
Try Brooksville. Very quaint and old town. Lived there for awhile.
Appalachacola Fl. Excellent place!
We lived in Port St Lucie for over 5 years. We loved our community and the people were always very friendly to us. Would love to visit Key West and Cape Coral on our next visit!
Key West and Cape Coral are both terrific Jannet.
We visited Cape Coral in December and really liked the area. Would seriously think about retiring there in a few years.
Thank you for disclosing those beautiful city in Florida. However, didn’t you forgot about another best place to live? Palm Beach? Palm Beach County is the fastest growing and developing metro area in the state of Florida.
Is there a way to sort through the communities throughout Florida, to find those where people get around in golf carts? Or another mode of transportation within the community for people like myself, who do not drive? I have tried Google – but only get golf club communities. I bought your book about a month ago. Very, very helpful! A book like these kinds of specifics, would be so very helpful for those of us who don’t drive. THANK YOU!!
I have been looking for that feature in a resort community also. I really liked Del Webb in Ave Maria. Not only do they have golf carts within the community but you can also take you golf cart into the town of Ave Maria to the shops and restaurants. Seems perfect to me.
Seems like bias toward the West Coast. I find the East side younger and not as old.
Have enjoyed both coasts but when it came time to buy, we decided that the East Coast was more to our liking.
We try to change it up a bit every year Norm. Still some great East Coast options here though!
I am an in the ocean person and I like the gulf side better, too many jellyfish on the Atlantic coast.
I moved from New Jersey to Coral Springs, Florida in 1992, little north of Miami, never regretted the move, right now I live in Pompano Beach 🏖 Florida, west of I95 in a golf course community, I love it ❤️ and I’m close to the nice beaches of Pompano Beach and Ft, Lauderdale, two of the best beaches in Florida.
I know that everything here it’s a little more expensive, but to me it’s worth it. I have family living in Fort Myers, Cape Coral and Naples … to me it’s too slow motion 🥴 sorry … I love the East Coast ❤️❤️
Gulfport! Once Florida’s best kept secret the secret may be out but this very special town will never lose it’s sense of true neighborhood. It’s 100 year old dance casino. Not for gambling. Every day and night there is dancing from tango to sock hops. Generational Gulfportians are seamlessly mingled with visitors sharing in the magic. The lovely beach on Boca Ciega Bay for families of all ages. Sailing school for adults or children who may become SeaScouts! An artist’s village which shows in the unique yards and old to new bungalow homes. One may visit but it’s much richer to live there and take part.
Just under half of our 2019 picks were also on last year’s list. Others have been on earlier lists, or on Forbes’ specialty retirement lists—for example, the best places to retire without a car or the best places to pursue a passion (be it outdoor water activities, dining out or golf) in retirement. Newcomers or those returning after a significant gap include Charlotte, N.C., Clearwater, Fla., Delray Beach, Fla., San Antonio, Tex., and Winchester.
Great list of Florida retirement towns! Some more equally good choices include Mount Dora, the Palm Harbor-Dunedin-Tarpon Springs area, and Ormond Beach.
Lets not forget SOUTH BEACH!!!
Where the action is …. on Ocean Drive
I agree I grew up in Venice , moved to Siesta Key after many travels , love all of Fla ! And it’s easy to travel to anywhere here . It’s all great !❤️
Excellent article!
It must be an oversight that Punta Gorda(Punta Gorgeous to those who know & love her)wasn’t included on your list.
Please check out Viera FL. West Viera is a Golf Cart community
Take a look at Gulfport. A remarkable small town with a true neighborhood of generational Gulfportians. Sandwiched within a couple of miles between vibrant downtown Saint Pete to the east and a string of the finest Gulf beaches to the west. Truly a Florida anomaly. Primarily an artists community. Get around by foot, bicycle or golf cart. A 100 y.o. Historical dance casino on a pier extending into Boca Ciega Bay is filled every night with a variety of dance venue from tango to suck up! Lessons available on the premises. A lovely modest beach, seven privately owned 5 star eateries, galleries, shopping and beautiful parks. Just down 34th St. is Fort Desoto Park. There are many Vacationers who book here repeatedly so as not to lose the opportunity.
I wish there were 55+ communities in the Tallahassee area. Do you know of any?
Brickell is a great place to live! All of the condos are built on top of the city and retail making everything walkable. The metromover is also great for getting around the heart of the city. I love the close proximity to coral gables, south beach, and other boroughs.
I moved from NY to Boca Raton. Love it! This town should be on your floridaforboomers list as well.
I always enjoy your Florida for Boomers email. Your post is full of information for people who want to retire to Florida or become snow birds. Please, keep up the good work, it’s always appreciated. Thank you.
There seems to be just great places in Florida. I’ve visited there many times and have always had exciting and marvelous times. My 2020 goal is to relocate to Lake Wales, Florida. I love fishing and golfing there. The atmosphere is super.
Melbourne is a great place to live!
As I age, I’m more interested in those areas with outstanding medical facilities/care and year round warm temperatures. Most listings highlight activities instead.
When I moved to Jacksonville, thought I’d only be there for about 5 years or so. 30 years later, wonderful place. Beautiful beaches. Historic places. World Golf Village not far away. Two hours from Orlando and Savannah. Ninety minutes to Daytona and the Space Coast. Beautiful St. Johns River. Great fishing. Was listed in Ripley’s as the U.S. city with the greatest number of golf courses within the city limits. Wonderful for retirement or regular living. Cost of living is lower than other major cities.
I went to college in Daytona Beach 1978-1979. Loved Daytona Beach.
I lived in W. Palm Beach for ten years and loved living in the excitement of the Palm Beaches! I enjoyed the restaurants, beaches, and night life. And, there’s no finer shopping than the Gardens Mall and Palm Beach. You’re right by their major airport and the South Florida Fairgrounds. You can also catch a Polo Game out in Wellington and attend the famous Annual Sun Fest in W. Palm Beach. I would go to Jupiter, Stuart, Delray Beach, Boca Raton, and Miami often. It’s all near by!
Englewood Beach on Manasota Key should definitely be on the list. Manasota Key is a barrier Island that runs south from Venice almost to Port Charlotte. This gem is barely off Highway 41, theTamiami Trail and I 75. The beaches are fantastic and the local art scene is thriving.
dont advertise Englewood…we want to keep it as it is….a quaint gorgeous beach community! I moved to Englewood from Sarasota 15 years ago and have never looked back ….
Englewood is where I’m going to retire next year…. I’ll be house hunting in the spring….I LOVE LOVE LOVE the beach there!
I love Manasota Key beach. We live in Palmetto, not too far away. We spent a few hours on Manasota beach while checking out a few new beaches. Love it.. I felt like I was on a tropical island all by myself. 🙂 The Gulf beaches are amazing and we love living here! Moved here two years ago from Arizona!
Check out The Villages!
Great article-thank you.
Have been to many ot the places listed.
Some more congested, busy and touristy then others.
My favorite’s are and will continue to be–ST. AUGUSTINE, ANA MARIA AND VENICE.
we’ve been in barefoot bay for 8 yrs. the most affordable community in Fla with all the amenities.
You should look at Palm Beach Gardens. The town has beautiful communities, big city amenities while not as congested and beautiful beaches.
Charlotte county and Port Charlotte area wonderful place to retire and still very reasonable for Real Estate!!
Treasure island it is a true treasure on the west coast
Forgotten Coast is perfect… no high rises, no water parks, beautiful ocean,
Hope it stays forgotten.
st pete !! THE BEST BY FAR!!!!! it has everything ,,,,the east coast of FL. is traffic jams and strip malls…St. Pete : Parks, dog friendly, LGBT friendly, kind, green, NOT filled with retirement communities, young hip vibe, but plenty for retirees…museums, culture, restaurants, diversity…..every friend (from up north) who has visited has wound up looking at real estate,,,,and buying in St Pete!
Just Glad Okeechobee did not make the list,
Consider Sandestin, Florida. NW Florida Coast
We have a place in Daytona Beach Shores and love it !!!
Looking to move around Clearwater area.
Bought a condo in Stuart in 1987. Wonderful community no high rise buildings only hospital is four stories wonderful restaurants and shopping. Forty minutes to PBI.
We moved to Leesburg from Orlando/Winter Garden. We love it. It’s a smaller town with lots of shopping/ eating close by. Only a few miles from The Villages. We shop and dine there often. Taxes are lower, the town has a country feel but lots of amenities nearby. Several 55+ communities in all price ranges. Check us out!!
Largo is a great city. Great restaurants and shopping. Located just south of Clearwater, it’s ten minutes from Clearwater Beach and ten minutes from Gulf Blvd that has all the beautiful beach towns. It’s a very Snowbird friendly place to live. I am one and I live there six months of the year.
I was wondering about Mexico Beach and Port St Joe area…. are the beaches beautiful? What about amenities, hospitals, shopping, culture?
You are right about New Smyrna Beach! Fantastic beaches, action packed Flagler Ave. for the night scene and Sugar Mill CC is the best value private club in all of Central Florida not to mention 27 holes of world class golf!
What about the quaint little town of Okeechobee?
Any good places for young retirees in their 30s or 40s?
Ormond Beach has all the advantages. Same great beach and much less crowded than Daytona just next door. Vibrant restaurant scene, growing arts district, strong local history, nice local shopping. This is a place where people come to live and participate, not just visit. If you want to get away and enjoy something different we are only 25 minutes from New Smyrna Beach, 35 from St. Augustine and an hour from Orlando
I can’t believe they left out Bonita Springs, best kept secret in Florida!!!
We have been going to Flagler Beach and love it there. Looking to retire somewhere near the ocean!
We are from New Jersey and just purchased a home in Vero Beach a month ago. Wrm
We looked in other areas Florida from the east coast to the west coast and something drew us to deciding on Vero Beach. It is quiet and clean everywhere we go here. Everything we need is within a few minutes drive. We have met many nice, friendly people here in this past month. The beaches are beautiful and relaxing, there are so many restaurants and activities. We couldn’t be happier with our choice in making Vero Beach our vacation home for now and our future retirement home. So glad Vero Beach made your list!
We’ll take the Englewood Rotonda area. Not super busy, yet close to route 41 and close to i-75. Also we have a beautiful beach, Englewood Beach We are right next to Stump Pass, easy access to the gulf. And then Venice in Port Charlotte are just a few miles away.
I have a house on a canal in Hudson Florida, goes right out into the Gulf, best place to go out to the islands and people that love to fish! Prices are good there too! I already live in Florida inland, can wait to sell everything here and move there permanently!
We loved Zephyrhills FL as there were no palmetto bugs there like there are along the coastal areas. If we wanted to go to the beach for the day, it took less than an hour. We were 1/2 hour from Tampa and 45 minutes from Kissimmee. Perfect!