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?
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!
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 2023
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 2023
New and Completed 55+ Communities in Naples, FL
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 New and Completed 55+ Communities in Naples, FL
New 55+ Communities in Port St. Lucie, Florida
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 New 55+ Communities in Port St. Lucie, Florida
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 2023
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 2023
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, FL
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, FL
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, FL 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, FL Retirement Guide
Retirement in Vero Beach, FL
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. In addition to … Continue Reading » about Retirement in Vero Beach, FL
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 baby boomers that want to feel like they are … 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 Boomer 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 Florida 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 Florida 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
Tampa Florida Retirement Guide
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 … Continue Reading » about Tampa Florida Retirement Guide
Retirement in Daytona Beach Shores, FL
After years and years of covering so many different parts of Florida, it’s probably time to cover where I live and some of the great places that surround it. Today I’m giving you a closer look at Daytona Beach Shores. Longtime readers may remember my two part series on Florida condo living in which I … Continue Reading » about Retirement in Daytona Beach Shores, FL
Panama City Beach Florida Retirement Guide
Despite being a completely separate municipality, it is easy to confuse the history of Panama City Beach with the larger Panama City located just inland from Panama City Beach. However, these two entities offer very distinct opportunities. Known for its 27-mile stretch of stunning white sand beaches, Panama City Beach is one of the most … Continue Reading » about Panama City Beach Florida Retirement Guide
St. Petersburg, FL Retirement Guide
Across the bay from Tampa and just south of Clearwater is where you will find the city of St. Petersburg. Known for offering the perfect combination of white sand beaches, crystal clear water, and all of the big city amenities that make life enjoyable, St. Petersburg is the perfect destination for anyone who wants a … Continue Reading » about St. Petersburg, FL Retirement Guide
New 55+ Communities in Clermont
Sitting right in the heart of Central Florida, just 20 miles west of Orlando, is where you will find the impressive city of Clermont, Florida. It has been ranked in the past as one of the Top 25 Best Places to Retire by Forbes and Money Magazines and was also voted the #1 Florida Bicycle-Friendly … Continue Reading » about New 55+ Communities in Clermont
Stuart Florida Retirement Guide
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. … Continue Reading » about Stuart Florida Retirement Guide
Retirement in Pensacola, FL
Located at the very far end of the panhandle, Pensacola is a perfect location for anyone looking to enjoy Florida’s perfect weather and those beautiful Gulf Coast beaches, without relocating to one of the popular tourist destinations. Between the outstanding fishing opportunities, the adventure of canoeing along the Blackwater River, and the history of the … Continue Reading » about Retirement in Pensacola, FL
New 55+ Communities in Kissimmee
See also:25 Best Places to Retire in FloridaUltimate List of 55+ Communities in Florida 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 … Continue Reading » about New 55+ Communities in Kissimmee
Retirement in Jupiter, FL
The Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse and Museum is a major landmark and popular tourist attraction. Image via Kimo Homes in Jupiter, FL are always in demand because the weather is great year round and there is plenty of waterfront property. The beach resort town has become a popular vacation destination and many snowbirds purchase homes to … Continue Reading » about Retirement in Jupiter, FL
Palm Coast Florida Retirement Guide
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 … Continue Reading » about Palm Coast Florida Retirement Guide
Boca Raton Retirement Guide
Considered by many to be the ultimate retirement destination, Boca Raton is located along the southeast coast of Florida just about equal distance between West Palm Beach to the north and Miami to the south. This fantastic southern Florida community boasts a tropical climate, easy access to international airports, and a nearly endless supply of … Continue Reading » about Boca Raton Retirement Guide
Retirement in Gainesville, FL
Welcome to The Swamp! Of course, the term “swamp” doesn’t have the same negative connotation here in Gainesville that it might have in other parts of Florida. That’s because this is the home of the University of Florida Gators, and “The Swamp” is where this community gathers to watch their favorite football team on Saturday … Continue Reading » about Retirement in Gainesville, FL
Destin Retirement Guide
Commonly referred to as “The World’s Luckiest Fishing Village,” Destin is located on a small peninsula along the Florida panhandle about halfway between Panama City and Pensacola. This area of Florida is known as the Emerald Coast because of the crystal clear green water of the Gulf of Mexico. In addition to its beautiful waters, … Continue Reading » about Destin Retirement Guide
Crystal River Retirement Guide
Crystal River is located right on the Gulf Coast of Florida just a little over an hour north of Tampa, a little over an hour south of Gainesville, and about and hour and a half west of Orlando. This area is commonly referred to as “The Nature Coast” because of the abundance of parks, preserves, … Continue Reading » about Crystal River Retirement Guide
Retirement in St. Augustine, FL
See also:25 Best Places to Retire in FloridaUltimate List of 55+ Communities in Florida 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 … Continue Reading » about Retirement in St. Augustine, FL
Naples Retirement Community Profiles
As one of the most popular retirement locations in all of Florida, you can definitely count on plenty of options to choose from if Naples is the ultimate destination for you. You can choose from communities that range from completely brand new to communities that have been established for years. There are communities with tons of … Continue Reading » about Naples Retirement Community Profiles
Where to Eat, Stay, and Play in Naples
With its reputation as one of the most popular tourist destinations along the Gulf Coast, there is no shortage of great places to eat, stay, and play in and around Naples. From first-class resorts and fabulous restaurants to high-end shopping and championship level golf, there is something for everyone to see, do, and eat in … Continue Reading » about Where to Eat, Stay, and Play in Naples