There are currently more than 22 million men and 26 million women in the United States who have retired.
Are you getting ready to join either of these groups? Do you have your heart set on retiring somewhere warm and sunny?
If so, Florida might be the perfect place for you. Where at in Florida, though?
Here Are Ten Best Places to Retire in Florida
The Sunshine State has tons of cities that are perfect for retirees. Read on to learn about 10 of the best places to retire in Florida.
1. Sarasota
If you’re looking for a quiet, calm part of Florida to call home, you can’t go wrong with a place in the beautiful city of Sarasota.
With its colonial Spanish roots, you’ll find tons of unique homes here that have plenty of character. You’ll also have access to incredible restaurants, upscale stores, and one of Florida’s largest public healthcare centers, the Sarasota Memorial Health Care system.
Sarasota also features miles and miles of gorgeous beaches all along the Gulf of Mexico.
2. Gainesville
For those attracted to warm weather that doesn’t care about being right by the beach, Gainesville is a good option.
Located in the middle of the state, you’re about 75 miles from Florida’s coasts.
In this area, you’re close enough to the beaches that you can get there without too much travel time. However, you’re far enough away that you’re less likely to deal with serious issues during the state’s hurricane season.
3. Punta Gorda
Punta Gorda is another popular location for retirees, with the majority of its population being over the age of 65.
In Punta Gorda, you’ll have your pick of stunning canal-front homes, as well as several retirement communities for those who are 55 and older.
You’ll have lots of opportunities to shop, enjoy delicious food, and play golf here. There are also miles and miles of biking and walking paths perfect for active seniors.
4. Orange Park
Located near Jacksonville and boasting a population of fewer than 10,000 people, Orange Park is a good option for those who want to live inland and prefer a small-town feel over the bustling city vibe.
In Orange Park, you’ll have easy access to a variety of amenities, with several recreation centers and a highly ranked medical center to ensure you have all your healthcare needs met.
5. Brooksville
Brooksville is another popular city for those who prefer small-town living and want to enjoy a more historic retirement destination.
Located near Tampa, Brooksville is home to fewer than 8,000 people, but it still has plenty of amenities to make it a good option for your retirement location. From recreation centers and retirement communities to several medical centers, you’ll be able to find everything you need here.
6. Inverness
Inverness is not a coastal city, but it still offers plenty of water access.
Located close to the Flying Eagle Preserve that spans more than 11,000 acres, Inverness offers plenty of recreation opportunities and a lower-than-average tax burden.
With more than a third of the city’s population being senior citizens, you’ll also have an easy time meeting folks who are close to your age once you move here.
7. Venice
For beach lovers, Venice is a great retirement location to consider.
The city is often referred to as the world’s “shark’s tooth capital” and is home to the annual Shark’s Tooth Festival. Located along the Gulf Coast, you’ll find tons of retirement communities here that are perfect for seniors who want to be close to the beach.
Whether you want to stay here year-round or only come down for the winter, you’ll find that you never have a shortage of activities available to you.
8. St. Petersburg
St. Petersburg offers retirees several different types of houses in several different price ranges.
Whether you’re interested in a bungalow, a ranch-style home, or a Craftsman cottage, you’ll be able to find something that fits your taste and your budget here.
St. Petersburg offers easy access to tons of unique restaurants and bars, and the city also has a thriving art scene with tons of theaters, museums, and concert halls to keep you engaged and entertained.
9. Naples
Naples is one of the most popular retirement destinations in Florida and the entire United States.
Located right along the coast of the Gulf of Mexico, Naples is a very senior-friendly city perfect for retirees. The median age for Naples residents is 65.6 years.
Here, you’ll have easy access to the beach, as well as several golf courses and other activities that active retirees will be sure to love.
10. Tallahassee
Tallahassee isn’t the most popular retirement destination in Florida, but the city is working hard to increase its population and bring in more retirees. Tallahassee has even offered to subsidize the transition for some retirees to help bolster its growth and keep up with other Florida cities.
There are plenty of luxury homes for sale here, as well as more modest options for those who are on tighter budgets. You’ll find lots of amenities, too, including unique restaurants and lots of local music events.
Which of the Best Places to Retire in Florida Will You Choose?
As you can see, there are plenty of cities throughout the state of Florida that make great retirement destinations.
Whether you want to be close to the beach or in a luxury home in a quiet neighborhood, you can have your pick when you decide to relocate to Florida.
Now that you know more about the best places to retire in Florida, do you know which city you’re going to choose? Or, would you like to learn a bit more about the state before making a decision?
If the latter option appeals to you, don’t forget to visit the Travel and Entertainment section of our site to dive deeper into Florida and other popular places for retirees.
