At Florida for Boomers, I've written about many of the best places to retire in Florida and I cover 100+ of them in The Florida Retirement Handbook.
But every year I take a look at our website analytics and go through the hundreds of emails I get from readers to figure out the places that people are reading about and asking me 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. Lakewood Ranch
Lakewood Ranch earns the top spot on our list for 2023. It has an in-demand central west coast location and proximity to popular cities like Sarasota and Bradenton, and offers a variety of 55+ and all-ages neighborhoods, making it suitable for a variety of retirement tastes.
Main Street at Lakewood Ranch offers residents the ideal downtown experience filled with an eclectic collection of boutiques and eateries. Main Street is also the home of Lakewood Ranch Cinemas, as well as regular concerts and festivals throughout the year.
Waterside Place is the newest commercial destination at Lakewood Ranch, and it offers a wide range of restaurants and retail stores that are perfectly integrated with apartment living, all right on the water.
Where to Retire in Lakewood Ranch:
Though Lakewood Ranch is considered a multi-generational community, there are certain neighborhoods that are 55+, such as Cresswind at Lakewood Ranch and Del Webb at Lakewood Ranch.
You can request more information about Lakewood Ranch here.
2. 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 two in particular stand out among the crowd.
The first is On Top of the World. Leisure amenities here 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, a fitness center, a 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 23 floor plans available with prices ranging to suit every budget starting from the $200k's. You can request more information about On Top of the World here.
The other Ocala area community you should check out is Del Webb Stone Creek, which is right next door to On Top of the World. It has all of the amenities most people have come to expect from Del Webb communities. Very few new Del Webb's in Florida have golf courses, but Del Webb Stone Creek does. You can learn more about Del Webb Stone Creek here.
3. The Villages
Located about an hour north of Orlando, The Villages is consistently one of the best-selling communities, retirement or otherwise, in the country.
Because of its sheer size and scale, The Villages is unlike any other place or community you'll encounter in Florida. 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. Perhaps best of all, nearly everything is golf cart accessible.
Learn more about The Villages here.
4. 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:
Valencia Del Sol’s convenient Tampa location makes it easy to enjoy having fun in the sun along Florida’s Gulf Coast. Offering a robust and extraordinary 55+ lifestyle, Valencia del Sol caters to residents looking to socialize and stay physically active.
Kings Point, with over 5,200 homes, is a snowbird's paradise. This gated community offers over 200 clubs to keep anyone and everyone entertained. The two large clubhouses contain 3 indoor pools and 2 outdoor resort-style pools. Kings Point offers its residents free scheduled transportation throughout Sun City Center. All of the homes are paired villas and the price point can be from mid $100k's to high $400k's.
5. 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 Walk at Riverland is the third 55+ community to be built as a part of the overall 4,000-acre Riverland masterplan. Valencia Walk will offer the next generation of new home designs, incredible amenities, and is located in very close proximity to Riverland’s 5-acre Arts & Culture Center, as well as the future City Parks and Town Center.
Request more information about Valencia Walk here.
Tradition is a master-planned community in Port St. Lucie. The Town Center creates a natural community hub for residents to meet and socialize, where events like a weekly farmers market invite one and all to gather. The extensive Tradition Trail winds through the community connected to over 300 acres of parks, inviting residents to explore the outdoors, meet up with friends, or enjoy a casual stroll and visit the Town Center.
Tradition is comprised of several different neighborhoods. While some neighborhoods are open to residents of all ages, Tradition also includes several 55+ neighborhoods.
Request more information about Tradition here.
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6. Babcock Ranch
Babcock Ranch is a solar-powered town located near Fort Myers in Southwest Florida. It is designed with walkability and bike-ability in mind, and much of it is golf cart accessible.
Babcock Ranch gained a lot of national notoriety in 2022 after news stories from CNN and 60 Minutes covered how well the community fared during Hurricane Ian.
Situated on approximately 18,000 acres, adjacent to an extensive wilderness preserve, an 870-acre solar farm powers some of the community. There are clubhouses, pools, a golf course, hiking and biking paths, greenways, and lakes perfect for outdoor adventures.
Where to Retire in Babcock Ranch
There are several great single-family home and condominium neighborhoods retirees might like in Babcock Ranch, but the first 55+ neighborhood is opening there in 2023 called Regency at Babcock Ranch.
7. 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 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.
Venetian Bay has 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.
8. Jacksonville
Located 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 other popular retirement destinations in the state.
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 in Jacksonville
There are so many great places to retire here that it's probably best to point you to our list of 55+ communities in Jacksonville, but one of our favorites is Del Webb eTown.
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.
Get more information about Del Webb eTown here.
9. Watersound
Watersound is located near Panama City Beach on Florida’s Gulf Coast and is a place that you are going to hear A LOT about in the coming years. That’s because it's the location of the 3rd Jimmy Buffett-inspired Latitude Margaritaville retirement community, after Daytona Beach (1st location) and Hilton Head (2nd location), Latitude Margaritaville Watersound.
Watersound is located in the Florida Panhandle, right off Scenic Highway 30-A in the heart of South Walton county, about 17 miles northwest of Panama City Beach, and 30 miles east of Destin.
With the amount of land the developer has assembled, Latitude Margaritaville Watersound “could” get as big or even bigger than The Villages. That would take decades of course, but the space is there to do it.
Where to Retire in Watersound
Most people headed to this area are probably going to be interested in Latitude Margaritaville Watersound.
The list of amenities coming to Latitude Margaritaville Watersound is very similar to what we’ve seen in other Latitude Margaritaville communities. Home prices range from the $200k’s to the $400k’s.
You can request more information about the community here.
10. 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
Parkland Preserve at World Golf Village is an active adult neighborhood offered by Freedom Homes (a D.R. Horton company). Community features include a gated entrance, an amenity center with a pool, and a Lifestyle Director to help residents meet their neighbors, stay active and make new friends.
Also, Reverie at Trailmark is a 55+ community developed by Dream Finders Homes, located in St. Augustine between the St. John's River and the Atlantic Ocean.
11. 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:
GL Homes has developed 8 of their “Valencia 55+ Communities” in Boynton Beach alone, and their newest is called Valencia Grand.
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, spacious outdoor living areas, and more.
You can request more information right here.
12. Naples
Like many southwest Florida communities, Naples brings together the best of shopping, recreation, and beautiful beaches. But residents here would definitely argue that Naples offers the best versions of all three.
Historic downtown Naples is filled with high-end shops 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 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.
You can request more information right here.
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13. 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.
Where to Retire in Winter Garden
Del Webb Oasis in Winter Garden is located just minutes from Orlando area theme parks and attractions. This community is slated to include a 14,000-square-foot clubhouse that will be situated to provide an excellent view of theme park fireworks. Del Webb Oasis is offering a selection of single-family homes and villas.
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14. Melbourne
Considered part of the Space Coast on Florida's East Coast, Melbourne is seeing an uptick in interest among readers in part due to all of the activity surrounding the fast-growing commercial space program.
Where to Retire in Melbourne
Situated over 500 acres, with plans for approximately 1,300 homes, Del Webb at Viera will offer retirement living in an acclaimed master-planned community known for its robust amenities and proximity to beautiful beaches, fine dining, and shopping.
Opening in early 2023, Del Webb at Viera will offer single-family and villa homes similar to those available in other Del Webb communities. At the time of this writing, pricing has yet to be released.
15. Fort Myers
Known for offering the perfect combination of recreation and relaxation, Fort Myers contains an endless amount of options including great 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
Opened in 2022, Del Webb Oak Creek in Fort Myers is yet another addition to the long list of Del Webb communities in Florida. Like most Del Webb communities, Del Webb Oak Creek will have a long list of amenities for residents to enjoy, including a 6-acre resort-style amenity center.
16. The Nature Coast
Located along the inside curve of Florida’s coastline, the Nature Coast region connects the Sun Coast counties with the areas located further west along the Florida Panhandle.
It is comprised of nine counties that include Wakulla, Jefferson, Taylor, Dixie, Levy, Citrus, Hernando, Pasco, and the city of Dunnellon, which is a part of Marion County.
This area of Florida is known for being a nature lover’s paradise with some of the best collections of state parks and wildlife populations that you will find anywhere in the country.
Where to Retire on The Nature Coast
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. A wide variety of homes and homesite packages are available.
You can request more information right here.
17. 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. The state’s official tourism website 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 is a new 55+ community in Delray Beach with 105 single-family homes and 208 attached villas.
18. 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 fantastic 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
Del Webb Sunbridge is a new 55+ gated community in St. Cloud.
The 27,000 sf. clubhouse will feature luxurious indoor and outdoor amenities like a zero-entry pool, resistance pool, pickleball and tennis courts, a fitness center, a movement studio, and more. Single-Family Homes and Villas start from the high $300k’s.
You can request more information right here.
19. 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 at times 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 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
Palms at Serenoa – Clermont, FL
Located just west of Orlando, Palms at Serenoa is a gated, active adult community of 570 attached villas and single-family homes that began construction in 2018. Residents here enjoy access to amenities like a community clubhouse, fitness center, resort-style pool, and more than 16 acres of parks and green spaces around the community.
The attached homes at Palms at Serenoa are a 1,608 square foot floorplan with two bedrooms and two bathrooms. The single-family homes range in size from 1,402 to 2,034 square feet and come in six different models. Prices start in the $300k’s.
Del Webb Minneola is a new 55+ community scheduled to open soon just north of Clermont. The community is only one mile from the Florida Turnpike, which makes getting just about anywhere you need to go in the greater Orlando area extremely easy. You can expect to see the same types of homes and amenities offered in other Del Webb communities here in Florida.
20. 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 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.
Where to Retire in Venice
For retirees seeking an active lifestyle on Florida’s Gulf Coast, Wellen Park in the Venice area is a next-generation community made up of friendly neighborhoods and a vibrant downtown. Wellen Park is currently the third best-selling community in Florida, trailing only The Villages and Lakewood Ranch.
There aren't any 55+ neighborhoods in Wellen Park yet, but the wide range of community amenities, proximity to great Venice area beaches, great restaurants, and Braves Spring Training baseball more than make up for that fact.
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21. 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.
Where to Retire in Kissimmee
Popular 55+ communities here include Solivita and Four Seasons at Orlando.
22. Palm Beach County
It's rare for readers to ask me about communities in specific counties in Florida, but for whatever reason, Palm Beach County is an exception to that rule.
Palm Beach County is the largest county in Florida by area, has 47 miles of coastline on the Atlantic Ocean, and in my estimation has more 55+ communities than any other county in Florida.
I've listed a few cities in Palm Beach County on this list already, but other cities like Boca Raton, Palm Beach Gardens, and Westlake also deserve recognition.
23. The Florida Keys
There are some places that are nice to visit, but you wouldn’t want to live there.
The Florida Keys are perfect whether visiting for a weekend or deciding to make it a permanent home.
An idyllic tropical setting at the tip of the United States combined with a myriad of recreation, entertainment, and cultural opportunities create the ideal place to spend the next stage in life.
24. 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
Latitude Margaritaville is a new 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 $200k’s.
Get More Information About Latitude Margaritaville Daytona Beach Here.
25. Amelia Island
Located in the far northeast corner of the state, just north of Jacksonville, Amelia Island is stunningly beautiful and filled with history, culture, great shopping, championship-level golf, world-class resorts, and a collection of incredible restaurants.
People who make their homes on Amelia Island have been quoted saying things like, “It’s the kind of place that captures your soul.” They describe the area as “the type of place you feel like you spent your whole life searching for.”
Where to Retire Near Amelia Island
Del Webb Wildlight is a new 55+ community scheduled to open soon in the Amelia Island area. For those who plan to travel frequently, the community is only about 15 minutes from Jacksonville International Airport. You can expect to see the same types of homes and amenities offered in other Del Webb communities here in Florida.
What Did I Miss?
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 I am constantly updating this page.
Better yet, sign up for our Florida retirement newsletter and I'll let you know whenever we update this list.
Know a great place in Florida that I should consider adding to the list in the future?
Let me know in the comments section below!
Little bit of heaven in the middle of the Indian River in Grant-Valkaria! Our island has no cars and stores and keeps the rest of the world at a distance! Live Island Life!
How about beautiful Winter Park
With beautiful tourist boats going from lake to lake
Amazing dining & shopping
Rollins College is also here
What about the Space Coast!
Like North of Titusville to Cocoa? We lived there 12 years until we had to move back to Montana.
Have been gone 7 years and miss Florida so much!!
Good grief people, stop criticizing the article. Generally speaking, almost anywhere in Florida is a nice place to retire. It’s comes down to personal preference and affordability. Great article and thank you for all your input. I’m not going to say where I’m at in Florida because I prefer everyone to move elsewhere……LOL 🙂
If I read where the Pittsburgh Steelers were the greatest team of all time and then you come out with your top twenty teams and they are not on it, I would be skeptical of your opinion and knowledge. Conversely, Dunedin comes out this month as the number one retirement town according to Zillow yet doesn’t make your top 25, I can’t help but think you have an agenda of some sort be it political, financial or whatever. Do you have a reasonable explanation?
Gotta love it when a company based in SEATTLE pontificates on the best places to retire in Florida 😉
That said, Dunedin is a great little place that we’ve written about before:
https://www.floridaforboomers.com/retirement-spotlight-dunedin/ and https://www.floridaforboomers.com/48-hours-in-dunedin/
It just didn’t make the cut for our list this year.
You may want to consider Ave Maria. They have two Golf Courses and the Del Webb Naples subdivision it a 55 + community. they also have subdivisions w/o age restrictions by the water park.
Palm Coast is closed for business thank you very much!
Great list but if you want ,shells ,sharks teeth,no crowds ,NO high rises chech out Palm Island near ENGLEWOOD Florida.
Anna Marie Island, and Boca Grande….. Most BEAUTIFUL places ever….
Let’s not forget charming Punta Gorda
Deland, best kept secret . 20 minutes from Daytona volusia Co. Seat. Very quaint college town. On st. John river.
We just bought a place near Daytona in Edgewater Landing….we love it! Definitely a bigger bang for your buck on the East coast.
Why wasn’t Marco Island listed. It’s Paradise
Just bought in Cape Coral really nice in that area too, I know it’s near Fort Meyers
What about Ft. Lauderdale?
Thank GOD you didn’t mention Crystal River,,,,keep it a SECRET !!!
Thanks for an amazing article.
Suggest researching, analyzing, and publishing an article about retirement living in Tallahassee, FL.
Glad came across this. Subscribed to the newsletter. Planning on retiring in 2-3 years and move to FL from Virginia. However, do not want to live in a retirement community. Wonder if there’s some place to find a listing/review of communities/developments in the Sarasota and Bradenton surrounding areas.
Ryan, Im considering a Place called Palm Bay. Slightly worried because there is only one bridge out to the beach and the traffic might be horrible. Any feedback on Palm Bay would be great
My husband & I are seniors & live in Palm Bay. We previously lived in Viera (north Melbourne) for about 25+ years. Although it’s very beautiful we found it too expensive for us to live.Palm Bay is just as beautiful but much more practical financially for us!
Crystal River
Cape Coral is canal city, Cheapest on the water.
Davenport. My husband and I just bought our retirement/vacation home. Quiet community and close to the attractions but not too close. Lots to see and do.
Lake Nona. Medical capital of the world. Plus excellent golf courses. Dr Philipps is a close second
Lake Placid Florida, “Town of Mural” and “The Caladium Capital of the World”
Beautiful place, around of many lakes and natural parks for these who love nature, fishing, race, and others activities.
You really must check out Mount Dora Florida and it’s adorable community downtown with many shops and restaurants 35 minutes to Disney property for those that want to take family and friends to visit and the gorgeous Dora Lake and Lake Beauclaire in Lake County it’s a must see and where we have chosen to retire.
Punta Gorda is the place to retire! Pretty clean lots to do not a honky tonk beach town many paths to walk ride a bike
i just bought my retirement land in Lithia!
Estero/Bonita Springs, great access to both Naples and Ft Myers. Easy access to airport and beaches.
Ponce Inlet
Let’s face it, the best place to BE, retired or not, in FL is Florida! Beautiful, Awesome, Diverse, Florida. I love FL from the Panhandle to the Keys, Gulf sid, Ocean side and everywhere in between!
Personally partial to So Fl, Fort Lauderdale, specifically Lauderdale by the Sea, has it all and easy to fly there but the entire state is paradise to me!
Is Punta Gorda on the Ocean? What is the beach closest? Do you need to travel highways to get everywhere?
I have been on both coasts of Florida and Punta Gorda the best. It is in between Sarasota and Naples. The closest beaches are Englewood and Ft Myers both about 40 minute drive if not less.
I’m so sad that you did not mention Amelia Island! It’s gorgeous – not to mention beautiful beaches & amazing food. 🥰🤬
FORT PIERCE AND HUTCHINSON ISLAND ALONG THE TREASURE COAST!
Crystal River and Homosassa areas are awesome……Manatee capital
Agree, how did Punta Gorda not make the list? Way more affordable than Sarasota or Naples, great downtown area, lots of biking and walking paths, great restaurants, right on the water and lots of canals for boating options, small town with so many activities and low crime rate. We love Punta Gorda. You missed on this one for sure
Punta Gorda is the hidden gem spot on the West Coast. Not too big and not too small
Pensacola is a great city with beautiful beaches and waterways and wonderful dining. There are also lots of retirees, especially military.
Very infomative
There are certainly a lot of great places mentioned here to retire.
Has to be affordable for most folks.
Sebastion
Moved to Boca Raton, Florida seven years ago from New York and so love it here. The people are warm, there are so many types of restaurants to choose from. We have a beautiful beach. There are a lot of wonderful cultural programs to attend between Florida Atlantic University and Lynn University. Our Town Mall is bright and contemporary. One of our gems is Mizner Park where there are a variety of stores, eateries with outdoor music and an amphitheater with concerts. It is a pure joy living in this fabulous town of Boca Raton.💞👏💁🏻♀️
Agreed. Puta Gorda is the best small town in Florida, and very little crime. The tiki bar is the best hang out spot in the world.
I’ve been to all of these place and think Singer Island to Jupiter area is my favorite.
The West Palm Beach area is a nice place especially Palm Beach Garden, weather is great people are friendly and plenty of Golf courses.
What about Vero Beach?
We love Vero Beach. Although it is gaining population like all of Florida, it still has that small beach town feel.
Lakeland, FL is definitely worth consideration! Cannot believe you left this beautiful community out!!
If you want affordable I think Punta Gorda is a great option. It’s location is perfect as well. If you want Other options Sarasota is only :40 to the north – Ft Myers :30 to the south.
How about Delray Beach ???
Delray is very hot . Great 55+ communities with a second to none downtown with young people . A perfect combo with Boca Raton just south .& Biynton just North . Great beaches & great retirement places to live .
What about Naples…..close to Ft Myers airport too!
What about Marco Island? The beaches are beautiful and very clean. The wildlife is amazing, burrowing owls, turtles, sea gulls and other water birds. The weather is great most the time during winter months. I have lived here for 6 years during the winter and still haven’t eaten at all the great restaurants here. I feel safer here than I have ever felt.
If you live for golf ….Black Diamond Ranch , Citrus County 45 holes Tom Fazio golf!
Pompano Beach!!
I find it very hard to believe Punta Gorda didn’t make the top 10 much less the top 25!
We recently inherited my mom’s house in Solivita. It is in Poinciana . Solivita is an amazing gated community for 55 and older. We love it! It’s like being at a resort. You must check it out! I guarantee you will not be disappointed!
What about Palm Coast? A lot of the places you mentioned have a lot of Crime and there are better places that you do not mention!
For me Punta Gorda is BEST. Has small town feel and big city downtown area. All in short driving distance,
The Villages in Central Florida, north of Orlando has over 70,000 residences for 55 and over. It is a complete “town” including 28 golf courses, shopping, dining, dancing to free music in each of the 4 “city” centers. There are hundreds of clubs and activities
Lehigh acres, is a quiet place to be ….s w f lorida.
Lakeland a rapidly growing city in Western Polk County on I-4 corridor has awesome amenities, institutions of higher learning along with a major civic center.
Plant City Lakeland’s smaller neighbor just due west on the I-4,corridor is becoming a central Florida boom town where more winter strawberries are grow than any place in America. Plant City is evolving into a suburban bedroom community from what used to be a small agricultural town with its proximity to Lakeland and Tampa. New state of the art assisted living facilities are being built in Plant City that has great appeal for senior citizens.
Looking to retire where there are no hurricanes or flooding, or alligators. Small town feel.
We love Ormond-by-the-Sea! Quiet and affordable, beautiful and convenient to everything, a perfect retirement community. But don’t tell anyone! We want to keep it just as it is.
How about Tarpon Springs? Love it there!
What about Lady lakes
Mount Dora!
Lots of comments about missed towns / cities so I think what can be gained here is that FLORIDA is a great place to live and retire. Enjoy Florida.
Thank you everyone. We live in Washington State. Have no idea where to start looking. We want small and quite but also close to medical facilities, groceries, etc. 50,000 people or less….. Will gladly drive for more people!
Look into Sarasota. It has all that!!
Try Mexico Beach area. Very small and beautiful.
New Smyrna Beach is perfect. To me there is no other beach or town in the world that tops this beautiful area!
don’t say that too loud we don’t need the crowds and traffic that plague south Flodida
Just the info I have been looking for
We are in Solivita (Kissimmee area). Very beautiful. Lots of amenities. Reasonably priced.
Palm Coast and Flagler Beach We are south of St Augustine And north of Daytona Affordable housing close to the beach quiet neighborhoods.
Totally agree, Palm Coast is a well kept secret!
Love it here. Bike paths everywhere.
What about Marco Island
Marco Island is paradise…love it there.
Again, pretty expensive! Although so is Naples. But I have seen nice houses in the low $200,000.
This article is speaking a lot about 55+ communities!
Love Marco Island! Been going there for 10 years. I plan on buying a home there. Beautiful!!!
Amelia Island!! Fernandina Beach!!!
Agree 100%!! How could they put Jacksonville on here and not AI??
I believe because of the prices on Amelia Island. A lot of retirees are looking for moderately priced housing because they usually live on a fixed income! AI is pretty expensive!
Northwestern panhandle. Many wonderful beach cities.Pensacola/Pensacola Beach Navarre, Panama City Beach, Destin.
Very cold in winter. Moved to Sarasota area. Best move we’ve ever made.
We just did as well! Love it! 💕
I have lived in South Walton for 25 years, between Destin and Panama City Beach about a block from the Gulf, and feel so blessed to be here. The beaches are like sugar and the water is an
Emerald Green. Absolutely beautiful.
Ive lived different places in Florida and you can’t beat Pensacola.
JUPITER
Jupiter is nice!
Looking to move to the Lighthouse Point area.
Enjoyed reading about the different places to live .Iam looking to move sometime
In the near future. I live in Ohio.and the weather is terrible I need to be where it is Warm year round. Just very co fused where to go
My parents live in St. Pete Beach, and it is a great area…..close to Tampa and St. Petersburg, but still has a small town feel.
But very expensive!
My favorite place!
I am in the same boat as many future retirees. I have been doing research where to retire. I’ve been reading on line; pricing homes, rentals., etc. First I was interested to retire in AZ. Now I’m interested to retire in FL.
It’s so confusing when you don’t get the change to visit and spend at lest a week time in every place in state.
Hi Melinda I understand how you feel I’m from Maryland and I’m tired of the cold snowy weather looking to move south and warmer climate I have a lot in Port Charlotte Florida trying to decide to build a house on it or somewhere else south Florida I hope you find your special place in Florida. Mike
You missed treasure island it has everything you would ever need
What about Miromar Lakes in Estero Florida? I’ve heard wonderful things about that community. I’d like to hear thoughts on that area.
What about Stuart?
Stuart is fun but very expensive and very crowded. My wife enjoyed our stay there in an AirBNB, but the real estate was we felt over priced.
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!
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’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.
Ken,
I have to agree, Like a lot of others from my home up in the PA. NY area, I have had a lot of friends “Move to Florida” it wasn’t until I became serious about looking that I found a large amount of them had moved to the Tampa to Fort Myers areas of Florida.
After spending sometime looking I had decided on the Punta Gorda area but found that having a newer open floor space house built would be a 18 to 24 month wait. Approximately 2 months later I received a phone call from one of the builders indicating that a house close to completion would be available due to the buyers unexpected financial situation, I signed an agreement of sale that day just by looking at the plans.
I’m now staying with friends in the area and expecting settlement in about a week, But LOVE the area all along 41 and I-75.
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 have been going to Flagler Beach and love it there. Looking to retire somewhere near the ocean!
I can’t believe they left out Bonita Springs, best kept secret in Florida!!!
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
Any good places for young retirees in their 30s or 40s?
What about the quaint little town of Okeechobee?
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!
I was wondering about Mexico Beach and Port St Joe area…. are the beaches beautiful? What about amenities, hospitals, shopping, culture?
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.
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!!
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.
Looking to move around Clearwater area.
We have a place in Daytona Beach Shores and love it !!!
Consider Sandestin, Florida. NW Florida Coast
I live there, Keep it off the list, to many people are finding our sleepy fishing village!
Just Glad Okeechobee did not make the list,
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!
Forgotten Coast is perfect… no high rises, no water parks, beautiful ocean,
Hope it stays forgotten.
Treasure island it is a true treasure on the west coast
Charlotte county and Port Charlotte area wonderful place to retire and still very reasonable for Real Estate!!
You should look at Palm Beach Gardens. The town has beautiful communities, big city amenities while not as congested and beautiful beaches.
we’ve been in barefoot bay for 8 yrs. the most affordable community in Fla with all the amenities.
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.
Check out The Villages!
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!
We moved from Ft. Myers six years ago to Englewood. It is beautiful there and not busy! It is a best kept secret right now!!
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!
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!
I went to college in Daytona Beach 1978-1979. Loved Daytona Beach.
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.
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.
Look into Palm Coast area Debora. It is fantastic “old” Florida 🙂
Melbourne is a great place to live!
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.
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.
I moved from NY to Boca Raton. Love it! This town should be on your floridaforboomers list as well.
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 wish there were 55+ communities in the Tallahassee area. Do you know of any?
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.
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
I’m glad he didn’t include our little slice of paradise in the list. Let’s keep it our secret.
Excellent article!
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 !❤️
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.
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.
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 ❤️❤️
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.
Hi, I don’t drive either & we just purchased at On Top of The World…..It has everything for someone who doesn’t drive….we looked at almost all of the places that are mentioned…..but none matched up to On Top of The World.
If you want I can give you the women’s name I am dealing with, she is wonderful. Good luck
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.
FYI….As a PGA Professional living just North. Palm Beach County has a confirmed 160 golf courses! Really an astounding figure!
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.
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
You missed DeLand, FL
Dunedin or Tarpon Springs.
Connie, what do you like about Dunedin? Will be going there next week.
We just moved to Dunedin – there is always something to do, it’s quaint, many restaurants, shops and the water!!!!! I feel like I am on a permanent vacation!
Try Brooksville. Very quaint and old town. Lived there for awhile.
Appalachacola Fl. Excellent place!
I would like information on Vero Beach area
I have lived in Vero for 21 years. It has grown a lot over that time and will continue to do so. I am now in an over 55 gated community of condos and villas. The HOA fee is relatively low so it is an appealing place for many. However, I will be retiring next year and hoping to move to the Nature Coast described in the article. I look forward to visiting many of the natural springs in the area.
Vero used to be called Florida’s best secret but I don’t think that applies anymore.
Vero Beach/Indian River County has long been a hidden gem. During seasonal months, population is 150k. I am yet to deal with traffic. Public beach access feels like private compared to any other city in FL. Incredible theater, places to eat, golf Mecca, fishing, kayaking, pickle ball, MLB’s Dogertown, airport, Cleveland Clinic, Community College, and the amenities of a high end city with the beach and ability to build or buy a home in a country life setting with a 2mile drive to the city and 12 miles to the beach. There are very distinct building codes on the beach along A1A which truly separates this place from any other. While there are less than a handful of high rises along the beach and on the island, building codes do not allow more than two stories, no franchise restaurants, no tall signs, no late night party clubs, & it preserves the area for years to come. You will find homes in gated communities from 330k and up, River homes 600k & up, ocean 1.5. This is a wonderful place that’s only one hour north of West Palm Beach, 30 Mins South of Melbourne FL, 1 hr 20 mins from Orlando, which makes access to big city life and major airports a short drive.
Fully agreeing with above comments. Had a vacation place in Vero Beach for 12 years before moving here full time 8 years ago. Couldn’t be happier. The least tourist y beach in Florida. Great place to retire. Somehow it gets spared from hurricanes more than other Florida beaches. It is the start of the tropics without being actually tropical. Not much to do for the younger generation, but as it is growing there will be more and more amenities for the young too. It definitely should be on the top of the list of the places to retire in Florida. Some deservedly call it the Hamptons of Florida!
We searched around Florida when we retired 8 years ago and hit the main cities like Destin, Pensacola, Tampa, Daytona etc, but when we landed in the Vero Beach/Sebastian area 4 years ago we found our happy place. We go there January-April like many and we love it. Quieter, less traffic. Yet the beaches are easily accessible with many beautiful preserves close by. We kayak, visit botanical gardens, have easy access to the airport if needed, many fine restaurants, and have met a lot of nice people. Love the area!
Mt. Dora & Eustis area are both small towns. Great in entertainment & small town shopping. Located in central FLorida so less expensive then the coast lines & about an hour or two drive to the ocean. Retired & became Floridians 8 years ago. Summers can be brutally HOT but spend the day on the water & you’ll be fine. Your body will adjust to the heat in time. 🌴
Mont Dora in Lake County
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!
My favorite is still Daytona Beach
My hometown James!
You missed Pensacola