We’ve covered the many great coastal retirement towns in Florida, but for this article, let’s turn our attention to some of the great inland retirement towns in Florida. For our purposes here, we are defining “inland” as being in a county that does not touch the Atlantic Ocean or the Gulf. Here are seven great … Continue Reading » about 7 Great Inland Retirement Towns in Florida
Where to Retire in Florida
We're on a mission to cover all of the Florida retirement cities where people might want to retire. Check out the articles below and subscribe to our newsletter to be alerted when we publish new articles!
7 Best Places to Retire in Southwest Florida in 2025
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 … Continue Reading » about 7 Best Places to Retire in Southwest Florida in 2025
Top Selling Florida Communities of 2024
Two real estate consulting powerhouses, RCLCO and John Burns Real Estate Consulting, regularly release their lists of the country’s 50 top-selling master-planned communities. It should come as no surprise that many of these top-selling communities are located in or near some of Florida’s best places to retire. 2024 Fast Facts: Keep in mind that some … Continue Reading » about Top Selling Florida Communities of 2024
Florida Cities on the 2025 US News & World Report Best Cities to Retire List
U.S. News & World Report publishes an annual list of what they think are the best cities for people to retire in, and as I’ve mentioned before, sometimes it just doesn’t make a whole lot of sense. Last year they had SEVEN Pennsylvania cities in the Top 10, but only one Florida city (Daytona Beach) … Continue Reading » about Florida Cities on the 2025 US News & World Report Best Cities to Retire List
New 55+ Communities Added in Fall 2024
It’s been a while since we’ve done a roundup of all the new 55+ communities we’ve recently added to the site, so without further delay, here are the latest additions: Introducing the newest GL Homes Valencia 55+ community, Valencia Sky! Valencia Sky combines the best of the world-famous Valencia and Naples lifestyles to offer an … Continue Reading » about New 55+ Communities Added in Fall 2024
Melbourne Retirement Guide
Melbourne offers a relaxed coastal lifestyle that is perfect for those looking to enjoy their retirement years in style without breaking the bank. Read on for some of the things we think are most attractive about Melbourne Florida, earning it a spot on our list of the best places to retire in Florida. Location Melbourne … Continue Reading » about Melbourne Retirement Guide
Top Selling Florida Communities of 2023
Two real estate consulting powerhouses, RCLCO and John Burns Real Estate Consulting, regularly release their lists of the country’s 50 top-selling master-planned communities. It should come as no surprise that many of these top-selling communities are located in or near some of Florida’s best places to retire. 2023 Fast Facts: Keep in mind that some … Continue Reading » about Top Selling Florida Communities of 2023
Ocala vs. The Villages for Retirement
Two of the most popular retirement destinations in Florida right now are Ocala and The Villages. While both offer a unique retirement experience, they cater to slightly different preferences and lifestyles. If you are choosing between these two places for retirement, I don’t envy you. You’ve got a heckuva decision on your hands, as they … Continue Reading » about Ocala vs. The Villages for Retirement
Florida Cities on the 2024 US News & World Report Best Cities to Retire List
U.S. News & World Report publishes an annual list of what they think are the best cities for people to retire in, and to be quite honest, sometimes it doesn’t make a whole lot of sense. This year they have SEVEN Pennsylvania cities in the top 10 (that’s up from five last year), and to … Continue Reading » about Florida Cities on the 2024 US News & World Report Best Cities to Retire List
Wimauma FL Retirement Guide
Wimauma is a place that most people…even those who live here in Florida…have probably never even heard of. But in the Florida retirement world, it is a big name and a hotbed for 55+ communities. Wimauma was founded in 1902 when the railroad came through the area. Legend has it that the name Wimauma is … Continue Reading » about Wimauma FL Retirement Guide
10 More Great Coastal Retirement Towns in Florida
A few months back I shared this article highlighting 10 great coastal retirement towns in Florida, but if 10 great coastal retirement towns are all you think we’ve got, you don’t know Florida! So here are 10 more great coastal retirement towns in Florida you might want to consider. Venice Located just south of Sarasota, … Continue Reading » about 10 More Great Coastal Retirement Towns in Florida
Best Fort Myers Area Retirement Communities for 2025
Today we are looking at the best 55+ and active adult communities in Fort Myers. 19.44% of our reader survey respondents say Fort Myers is the place they are MOST interested in retiring to in Florida, and it’s easy to see why. We like it because it has: Here are some of our favorite communities … Continue Reading » about Best Fort Myers Area Retirement Communities for 2025
The Villages vs. Port St. Lucie
In previous articles I’ve compared The Villages to several other popular communities such as On Top of the World, Latitude Margaritaville, the Villages of Citrus Hills, and others, but the more I think about it, as big as The Villages is getting, it’s almost not really fair to The Villages or these other communities to … Continue Reading » about The Villages vs. Port St. Lucie
55+ Homes for Sale in Boynton Beach
Boynton Beach is a popular retirement destination in Palm Beach County, and there are a lot of 55+ communities there. The only one I know of that is still currently building/selling new homes is Valencia Grand: Valencia Del Mar elevates the renowned Valencia 55+ living experience in Boynton Beach, Florida. This luxurious new community offers … Continue Reading » about 55+ Homes for Sale in Boynton Beach
55+ Homes for Sale in Port Charlotte
Port Charlotte is a popular retirement destination in Southwest Florida, and there are a handful of 55+ communities there. One that is still currently building/selling new homes is Kings Gate: 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 … Continue Reading » about 55+ Homes for Sale in Port Charlotte
5 Underrated Places to Retire in Florida
Florida has so many great retirement destinations, and while popular cities like Sarasota, Naples, and Orlando may come to mind, there are lots of underrated places that don’t get nearly as much media coverage that are worth considering. Here are five underrated places to retire in Florida: St. Augustine Located on Florida’s northeastern coast, St. … Continue Reading » about 5 Underrated Places to Retire in Florida
10 Great Coastal Retirement Towns in Florida
Florida offers a variety of coastal towns that are popular choices for retirement. Here are ten great coastal retirement towns in Florida. Naples Located on the Gulf Coast, Naples is known for its beautiful beaches, upscale shopping, and golf courses. It offers a relaxed atmosphere and a vibrant cultural scene. One nearby retirement option: Sarasota … Continue Reading » about 10 Great Coastal Retirement Towns in Florida
Orlando vs. Jacksonville: Which City is Right for Your Retirement?
Some people just know. Right from the start, they know exactly where they want to live when they retire. Those are the lucky ones. For the rest of us (which is pretty much all of us), the process involves a lot of time spent weighing the different pros and cons of various retirement destinations. Time … Continue Reading » about Orlando vs. Jacksonville: Which City is Right for Your Retirement?
Top Selling Florida Communities of 2022
I recently released my updated list of what I think are the best places to retire in Florida, but two real estate consulting firms, RCLCO and John Burns Real Estate Consulting, recently released their 2022 lists of the country’s 50 top-selling master-planned communities. It should come as no surprise that many of these top-selling communities … Continue Reading » about Top Selling Florida Communities of 2022
Best 55+ Communities in Tampa for 2025
Tampa and the surrounding areas are exploding with new 55-plus communities. And for good reason. First off, what’s not to like about Florida’s West Coast, and Tampa is in the heart of it. It’s got great weather year-round, is easily accessible from most other parts of the country, particularly the Northeast where most retirees are … Continue Reading » about Best 55+ Communities in Tampa for 2025
Best Places to Retire in Naples in 2025
Naples comes up quite frequently in discussions of the best places to retire in Florida, and for good reason. Like most cities on the west coast of Florida, Naples is a popular vacation spot with people from the midwest, and many of them simply decide that this is where they want to move after they … Continue Reading » about Best Places to Retire in Naples in 2025
Port St. Lucie 55+ Communities and Homes for Sale
Port St. Lucie sits in the northern part of what most people consider South Florida, but home prices here are not quite as high as those you will find in places like Palm Beach County. Because of this, Port St. Lucie is very attractive to retirees right now, and developers are building several 55+ communities … Continue Reading » about Port St. Lucie 55+ Communities and Homes for Sale
New 55+ Communities in Palm Beach County, FL
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. Some of the most popular towns and cities in Palm Beach County include Jupiter, Palm Beach Gardens, West Palm Beach, Boynton Beach, Delray Beach, and Boca Raton. Palm … Continue Reading » about New 55+ Communities in Palm Beach County, FL
Oak Run in Ocala 55+ Community Review
Oak Run is a gated, active adult community in the Ocala area that offers reasonably priced homes for resale and a variety of opportunities to engage with other retirees. While we tend to focus on communities that are still building and selling new homes, we make the occasional exception for notable communities that have sold … Continue Reading » about Oak Run in Ocala 55+ Community Review
Floridian Club of Sarasota Virtual Community Tour
The Floridian Club of Sarasota is the destination for Sarasota luxury Villa living, located just 6 miles to pristine gulf coast beaches. This modern, single-level Villa home community is for lease only and features nine unique floor plans between $1690-$1920 per month, with spacious, open layouts, modern finishes, and several standard design packages to choose … Continue Reading » about Floridian Club of Sarasota Virtual Community Tour
Best 55+ Communities in Ocala for 2025
There are a number of 55+ communities in Ocala, FL and on this page we offer information about some of the best ones selling new homes in Ocala today. If you are seriously considering making the Ocala area your home in retirement, be sure to check out our Ocala Retirement Guide. And, if you are … Continue Reading » about Best 55+ Communities in Ocala for 2025
The Villages vs. On Top of the World
Of all the community comparison articles I’ve written, this is probably the one people have focused on the most. Some people describe On Top of the World in Ocala as a miniature version of The Villages, and that’s a fairly good description. “The Villages Light” if you wish. I think that most people living in … Continue Reading » about The Villages vs. On Top of the World
Retirement in Winter Garden, FL
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 … Continue Reading » about Retirement in Winter Garden, FL
St. Cloud Florida Retirement Guide
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 … Continue Reading » about St. Cloud Florida Retirement Guide
Retirement in Lakeland, FL
Located right off of I-4 about 40 minutes east of Tampa and around an hour southwest of Orlando, Lakeland is a unique destination that combines a historic “Old Florida” feel with some modern accents. Whether you are drawn to the local history and world-famous architecture, the spring training baseball, or the outstanding collection of shopping … Continue Reading » about Retirement in Lakeland, FL
New 55+ Communities in Winter Haven
Located just 50 miles east of Tampa and about the same distance southwest of Orlando, Winter Haven is the perfect location for retirees who are looking to get away from the big cities but still be close enough to visit whenever they want. Winter Haven is also home to exciting outdoors and water sports opportunities, … Continue Reading » about New 55+ Communities in Winter Haven
48 Hours in Ocala
Ocala is known around the world for being the ultimate destination for horse lovers, but it also offers a wide range of other experiences, from art and culture to drag racing and foodie destinations. No matter what gets you excited, there is something to spark that flame here in Ocala. If you are thinking about … Continue Reading » about 48 Hours in Ocala
Orlando Retirement Guide
Everyone knows that Orlando is the theme park capital of the world, but there is a lot more to this beautiful city than those popular vacation destinations. Local residents enjoy a wide variety of outdoor activities, cultural attractions, excellent shopping, and delicious restaurants. Of course, residents of Orlando also have the added perk of being … Continue Reading » about Orlando Retirement Guide
Daytona Beach Retirement Guide
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 … Continue Reading » about Daytona Beach Retirement Guide
New Jacksonville Area 55+ Retirement Communities
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 … Continue Reading » about New Jacksonville Area 55+ Retirement Communities
Venice Florida Retirement Guide
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, … Continue Reading » about Venice Florida Retirement Guide
Retirement in Cape Coral
When most people think about Southwest Florida, they typically associate it with Fort Myers, Sanibel Island, or Naples. But just across the way from Fort Myers is the quiet community of Cape Coral, which offers up the ideal destination for many retiring baby boomers. With more than 400 miles of canals and an equally impressive … Continue Reading » about Retirement in Cape Coral
Retirement in Leesburg, FL
Located in peaceful Lake County, Florida, Leesburg is a popular destination for anyone who appreciates a rich history combined with lake-based water sports. Add in a focus on high-end cuisine in casual settings and it’s no wonder that this is quickly becoming one of the most popular Florida destinations for relocating baby boomers. Let’s jump … Continue Reading » about Retirement in Leesburg, FL
Port Charlotte Retirement Guide
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 … Continue Reading » about Port Charlotte Retirement Guide
Dunedin Retirement Guide
Located west of Tampa and just north of Clearwater, Dunedin offers residents the perfect hybrid lifestyle that allows them to be close to the big city action, but also far enough removed that they can find some peace and quiet as well. As one of the oldest cities along the West Coast of Florida, there … Continue Reading » about Dunedin Retirement Guide
Retirement in 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 those looking to pack some adventure into their retirement years. In addition to all kinds of … Continue Reading » about Retirement in Vero Beach
Clearwater Retirement Guide
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 those who want to feel like they are forever … Continue Reading » about Clearwater Retirement Guide
Boynton Beach Retirement Guide
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. If you are the type of person who is looking to spend your retirement years enjoying the … Continue Reading » about Boynton Beach Retirement Guide
Is Bonita Springs Southwest Florida’s Best Kept Secret?
Located about halfway between Fort Myers and Naples, Bonita Springs is a beachfront community along the southern Gulf Coast of Florida that is perfect for dog lovers, fishing enthusiasts, and anyone looking to embrace outdoor activities. Because it fits somewhere in between small-town community and booming tourist destination, Bonita Springs offers a unique hybrid of … Continue Reading » about Is Bonita Springs Southwest Florida’s Best Kept Secret?
Fort Pierce Retirement Guide
Located along Florida’s “Treasure Coast” just north of Port St. Lucie and a bit south of Vero Beach, Fort Pierce offers residents an Old Florida feel without sacrificing any of the benefits of modern living. Like many communities along the Atlantic Coast, residents here enjoy a wide range of water activities, several parks and preserves, … Continue Reading » about Fort Pierce Retirement Guide
Retirement in New Smyrna Beach, FL
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 live in Daytona … Continue Reading » about Retirement in New Smyrna Beach, FL
The Villages Florida Retirement Guide
As far as retirement communities go, The Villages is the 800-pound gorilla. Not just in Florida, but on the national and international level. In this article we’ll explore all of the things that make life in The Villages so appealing to so many baby boomers. See also: Located about an hour north of Orlando, The … Continue Reading » about The Villages Florida Retirement Guide
Retirement in Ponce Inlet, FL
Located just minutes south of Daytona Beach and about an hour northeast of Orlando is the quaint seaside town of Ponce Inlet. Ponce Inlet is known for its rich history and small town atmosphere, but it still offers up all of the essentials for living right along the Atlantic Coast, as well as access to … Continue Reading » about Retirement in Ponce Inlet, FL
Retirement in Port Orange, FL
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 readers know that I used to live in Port Orange, and … Continue Reading » about Retirement in Port Orange, FL
Lake Nona Retirement Guide
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 … Continue Reading » about Lake Nona Retirement Guide