Lifestyle
When you think of retirement states, Florida probably naturally comes to mind. The mild winters and miles of beaches make Florida popular with retirees eager to enjoy life. Whether you’re looking for city life, a suburban home, or a dedicated retirement community, there are tons of options geared towards seniors.
Adam Cecil
Published February 23rd, 2021
Updated January 23rd, 2024
Adam Cecil
•
Published February 23rd, 2021
•
Updated January 23rd, 2024
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
When you think of retirement states, Florida probably naturally comes to mind.
Attractions and amenities can vary dramatically from one Florida town to the next.
It’s important to look at the 65-plus population while also considering basics like access to restaurants, shopping, and healthcare
When you think of retirement states, Florida probably naturally comes to mind. The mild winters and miles of beaches make Florida popular with retirees eager to enjoy life.
Is Florida a good place to live for retirees?
Yes, Florida rates consistenly as one of the best places to live for retirees. Whether you’re looking for city life, a suburban home, or a dedicated retirement community, there are tons of options geared towards seniors.
We rank Florida as the third best state to retire in our annual Best & Worst States to Retire Report.
Is Florida tax-friendly for seniors?
Florida is one of the most tax-friendly states in the country for retirees. That’s in large part thanks to the state’s lack of income tax. That means you won’t pay state taxes on Social Security income, payments from public or private pensions, or withdrawals from accounts like 401(k)s or IRAs. Snowbirds take note—you’ll have to make Florida your residence for over half of the calendar year to qualify.
Another benefit for full-time Florida residents: no inheritance or estate tax.
Do seniors in Florida pay property taxes over 65?
Permanent residents of Florida typically qualify for the Florida Homestead Exemption, which lowers the taxable value of your property by $50,000. Seniors may qualify for an extra $50,000 if they meet certain income requirements, though these will vary county by county. Another warning to snowbirds—the property isn’t your permanent residence, you likely won’t qualify for any exemptions.
What benefits do seniors get in Florida?
Florida’s Department of Elder Affairs offers a number of services to the state’s sizable retiree community, including disaster preparedness programs (useful for a state that is often hit by hurricanes both big and small), multiple nutrition programs and food services, memory disorder clinics and Alzheimer’s disease initiatives, and your typical programs such as Medicaid and Medicare.
Where is the best place to retire in Florida?
The best places to live in Florida aren’t necessarily the best places to retire in Florida. What makes a great retirement city? Great weather is important, but access to healthcare, amenities, and affordable living are three top features.
Here are the top 15 cities to consider for your retirement years.
Sarasota
CITY POPULATION: 54,842
SHARE OF POPULATION 65+: 29.6%
COST OF LIVING FOR RETIREES: 8.1% above the national average
MEDIAN HOME VALUE: $456,741
MEDIAN RENT: $3,000
TAX RATING FOR RETIREES: Tax Friendly
If you’ve always dreamed of retiring to a beachfront community, Sarasota should top your list of the best cities to live in Florida. Miles of award-winning beaches combine with retail, restaurants, and culture to make it an all-around great place to live.
Orlando
CITY POPULATION: 307,573
SHARE OF POPULATION 65+: 11.8%
COST OF LIVING FOR RETIREES: 4.2% below the national average
MEDIAN HOME VALUE: $373,927
MEDIAN RENT: $2,100
TAX RATING FOR RETIREES: Tax Friendly
Orlando is best known for being home to Disney World, but there are other reasons it’s one of the best places in Florida. There are plenty of restaurants and attractions, and you can even enjoy senior discounts in the off season. If you like the amenities of a retirement community, Orlando is packed with plenty of those, as well.
Jacksonville
CITY POPULATION: 949,611
SHARE OF POPULATION 65+: 15%
COST OF LIVING FOR RETIREES: within 0.1% of the national average
MEDIAN HOME VALUE: $293,901
MEDIAN RENT: $1,631
TAX RATING FOR RETIREES: Tax Friendly
Jacksonville is one of the best cities in Florida overall because it has a little of everything. Sports, beaches, retail, restaurants, and more. The weather is also a little milder than you’ll get in other areas of the state. But one of the biggest benefits of Jacksonville living is access to top-quality healthcare, which is a priority for many retirees.
Daytona Beach
CITY POPULATION: 72,647
SHARE OF POPULATION 65+: 21.9%
COST OF LIVING FOR RETIREES: 2.1% below the national average
MEDIAN HOME VALUE: $258,093
MEDIAN RENT: $1,600
TAX RATING FOR RETIREES: Tax Friendly
Another option for your beachfront Florida retirement living is Daytona Beach. The area definitely has a tourist population, but if you don’t mind the crowds, you can carve out a nice life. Daytona Beach is especially appealing to car and motorcycle enthusiasts, thanks to the many automotive events held there, including the legendary Daytona 500.
The Villages
CITY POPULATION: 79,077
SHARE OF POPULATION 65+: 81.6%
COST OF LIVING FOR RETIREES: 3.6% above the national average
MEDIAN HOME VALUE: $407,790
MEDIAN RENT: $2,988
TAX RATING FOR RETIREES: Tax Friendly
Located just a half an hour north of Orlando, The Villages is not only one of the best retirement communities in Florida. It’s often named as one of the top retirement communities in the world. With more than 3,000 social clubs, three town squares with nightly entertainment, and numerous recreational centers and golf courses, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a similar large-scale community dedicated to retirees.
Port St. Lucie
CITY POPULATION: 204,851
SHARE OF POPULATION 65+: 22.2%
COST OF LIVING FOR RETIREES: 6.4% above the national average
MEDIAN HOME VALUE: $391,638
MEDIAN RENT: $2,575
TAX RATING FOR RETIREES: Tax Friendly
If you love golf, one of the best places in Florida is Port St. Lucie. The city is packed with golf communities, and you’ll find more than 20 courses located throughout the city. You’ll also have access to miles of beautiful beaches and plenty of restaurants and shops.
St. Petersburg
CITY POPULATION: 258,308
SHARE OF POPULATION 65+: 21.5%
COST OF LIVING FOR RETIREES: 1.5% above the national average
MEDIAN HOME VALUE: $374,185
MEDIAN RENT: $2,161
TAX RATING FOR RETIREES: Tax Friendly
Between the beaches of St. Petersburg and nearby Clearwater, you’ll never be without a beach day. But what makes St. Petersburg one of the best cities in Florida for retirees are its theaters and museums. There’s also plenty of shopping and dining options, as well as multiple 55-plus communities.
Tampa
CITY POPULATION: 384,959
SHARE OF POPULATION 65+: 13.4%
COST OF LIVING FOR RETIREES: 1.3% above the national average
MEDIAN HOME VALUE: $379,142
MEDIAN RENT: $2,175
TAX RATING FOR RETIREES: Tax Friendly
Tampa has a little bit of something for every age group. But for retirees, it’s one of the best cities to retire in Florida because of its large size. The warm climate and close proximity to multiple beaches make it ideal for long walks, or just enjoying a nice dinner with a great view. If you’re hoping to be surrounded by other retirees, you can opt for one of the many active adult communities in the area.
Naples
CITY POPULATION: 19,115
SHARE OF POPULATION 65+: 54.6%
COST OF LIVING FOR RETIREES: 2% above the national average
MEDIAN HOME VALUE: $593,085
MEDIAN RENT: $6,500
TAX RATING FOR RETIREES: Tax Friendly
Naples is one of the best small towns in Florida due to its beautiful beaches and high-end shopping. There’s a high cost of living, but the city itself is geared toward the needs of the predominant 55-plus community. You’ll have access to some of the best healthcare in the country, both in Naples and throughout Collier county.
Melbourne
CITY POPULATION: 84,678
SHARE OF POPULATION 65+: 23.1%
COST OF LIVING FOR RETIREES: 2% below the national average
MEDIAN HOME VALUE: $368,900
MEDIAN RENT: $2,000
TAX RATING FOR RETIREES: Tax Friendly
If you’re looking for a beach town with a mild climate, Melbourne is one of the best places to retire. Located midway down the east coast, Melbourne has plenty of golf courses and a year-round warm climate. It’s also only an hour from Orlando, so you can take the grandkids to Disney World when they visit.
Ft. Myers
CITY POPULATION: 86,395
SHARE OF POPULATION 65+: 24.2%
COST OF LIVING FOR RETIREES: 2.6% below the national average
MEDIAN HOME VALUE: $368,386
MEDIAN RENT: $2,400
TAX RATING FOR RETIREES: Tax Friendly
Those who love the great outdoors often name Ft. Myers one of the best retirement communities in the country. The daytime temperature rarely dips below 60 degrees, allowing you to enjoy the beaches, golf courses, and other outdoor amenities. You’ll also find plenty of shops, restaurants, and cultural venues to keep you busy.
Florida Keys
COUNTY POPULATION: 82,874
SHARE OF POPULATION 65+: 25.1%
COST OF LIVING FOR RETIREES: 46.1% above the national average
MEDIAN HOME VALUE: $1,062,464
MEDIAN RENT: $5,844
TAX RATING FOR RETIREES: Tax Friendly
If you have the money to swing the high cost of living, consider the Florida Keys. It’s one of the best areas to live in Florida due to its breathtaking waterfront views and year-round warm climate. The many museums, shops, and cultural attractions make it a great place to live either part- or full-time.
Ocala
CITY POPULATION: 63,591
SHARE OF POPULATION 65+: 18.4%
COST OF LIVING FOR RETIREES: 2.6% below the national average
MEDIAN HOME VALUE: $269,841
MEDIAN RENT: $1,715
TAX RATING FOR RETIREES: Tax Friendly
Ocala is often lumped in with The Villages due to its proximity, but it has plenty to offer on its own. Often cited as one of the places to live in Florida for its large horse farms, you’ll find plenty of horseback-riding opportunities. The charming downtown square has plenty of unique shops, and you’ll find a wide range of dining options throughout the city.
St. Augustine
CITY POPULATION: 14,329
SHARE OF POPULATION 65+: 26.2%
COST OF LIVING FOR RETIREES: 2.6% below the national average
MEDIAN HOME VALUE: $452,453
MEDIAN RENT: $2,300
TAX RATING FOR RETIREES: Tax Friendly
History buffs may find St. Augustine a great option for retirement. Known as the oldest European-established town in the U.S., the city is rich with culture. Tourists come to the city each year, so you’ll find plenty of attractions, retail shops, and restaurants. Travel a little outside of the charming downtown area to get to miles of beaches.
Clearwater
CITY POPULATION: 117,292
SHARE OF POPULATION 65+: 23%
COST OF LIVING FOR RETIREES: 1.6% above the national average
MEDIAN HOME VALUE: $368,924
MEDIAN RENT: $2,350
TAX RATING FOR RETIREES: Tax Friendly
Among Florida gulf coast cities, Clearwater has several 55-plus communities, each packed with plenty of amenities. The city is home to golf courses and beautiful beaches, as well as a popular marine aquarium. You’ll also find great seafood restaurants and entertainment, making it a great option if you’re looking for that “year-round vacation” experience.
Bottom Line
We hope this list of best cities to retire in Florida serves as a helpful tool to get you started on your search. In the end, only you can determine which community is the best to fit your lifestyle. Whatever you decide, Retirable can help you set up a plan to start saving so that you can enjoy your retirement when the time comes.
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Adam Cecil is a freelance writer who has produced financial content for Retirable, Policygenius, and Donational, In his free time, he writes the weekly pop culture newsletter Night Water and produces independent fiction podcasts.
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Western U.S. Best Cities To Retire
Share this advice
Adam Cecil is a freelance writer who has produced financial content for Retirable, Policygenius, and Donational, In his free time, he writes the weekly pop culture newsletter Night Water and produces independent fiction podcasts.
