Southwest Florida is always one of the more popular places readers are searching for on the site.
So as sort of a riff on our 25 Best Places to Retire list, here are the 7 best places to retire in Southwest Florida today.
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
Discover Valencia Harbor by GL Homes in Fort Myers – a new 55+ community featuring a clubhouse, resort pools, fitness centers, sports courts, dining, and social activities. New single-family homes start from the high $300s. Join the VIP Interest List to be the first to explore this premium active adult community.
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 Sky, GL Homes' newest 55+ community, combines luxury living with coastal convenience just 6 miles from downtown Naples. This Valencia community features a state-of-the-art clubhouse with pools, pickleball and tennis courts, gym, restaurant/bar, sports lounge, and event hall. Located minutes from 5th Avenue South shopping and Naples Pier. Request information today to learn more.
Port Charlotte
Located almost exactly halfway between Sarasota and Fort Myers, Port Charlotte is one of the true hidden gems of Florida's Gulf Coast, which makes it a natural destination for many boomers looking to enjoy their retirement years.
This small town community is located right on the water of Charlotte Harbor and offers access to more than 165 miles of waterways, so all kinds of water activities are extremely popular here.
Where to Retire in Port Charlotte
Located in the popular Port Charlotte/Punta Gorda area of Florida, Kings Gate offers easy access to beaches, marinas, wildlife sanctuaries, airports, and more, many within a 15-minute drive or less. A friendly, gated neighborhood community for residents age 55 and up, Kings Gate homeowners enjoy access to a recreation center, Olympic-sized swimming pool and spa, tennis courts, on-site activities director, and a variety of resident clubs and social events. Membership to the 18-hole golf course and facilities are additionally available. Prices start in the $200k’s.
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 opened there in 2023 called Regency at Babcock Ranch.
Englewood
Englewood is a popular retirement destination located in Southwest Florida. Retirees like it because they can enjoy a coastal retirement location but the home prices and cost of living tend to be a little lower than they are in places like Sarasota, Fort Myers, and Naples.
Like most places in Southwest Florida, Englewood has hot and humid summers and mild winters.
Englewood is a popular destination for fishing and boating enthusiasts. Charter a fishing trip or rent a boat to explore the local waterways and enjoy the abundant marine life.
Where to Retire in Englewood
Located just south of Venice in Sarasota County, Boca Royale Golf & Country Club offers a rare lifestyle that feels more like a vacation than the everyday. Residents of the gated 1,000-acre community enjoy a full line of fun and fitness amenities, including an 18-hole par 72 golf course. A beautiful amenity center and clubhouse round out the community. The community offers both single-family homes and attached villas.
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
Grand Palm is truly a one-of-a-kind community! This beautiful, amenity-rich, nature-focused community in Venice, Florida is exactly what resort living should be like. Residents enjoy easy access to downtown Venice and beaches (20 minutes away) and a multitude of activities right in their own backyard with an on-site activities coordinator, state-of-the-art fitness facility, and large, resort-style pool with water slide. Attached villas and single-family homes are available.
Wellen Park
Wellen Park is a master-planned community that is home to several different neighborhoods, shops, restaurants, and lots of amenities for residents (and non-residents) to enjoy.
The Venice area on Florida's west coast has seen a lot of demand and growth in recent years and that's thanks in large part to the development of Wellen Park.
Wellen Park spans approximately 11,000 acres and it is estimated that there will be about 22,000 homes at time of completion which is many years away.
Where to Retire in Wellen Park
Discover a new brighter 55+ lifestyle at Brightmore at Wellen Park in Venice, Florida. This new gated community is nestled within popular Wellen Park, one the nation's premier master-planned communities. Brightmore will feature a rich array of resort-style amenities, including 2 pools, 8 pickleball courts and a competition court, and a 21,000 square foot clubhouse with gathering areas, bar/grill, fitness center, paw park and much more. A full activities and events calendar provides fun and social connections. Choose from 11 thoughtfully designed home plans, including villas and single-family residences.
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