Best Places to Retire in Florida
From the Florida Panhandle all the way to the Florida Keys, you’ll find plenty of beautiful places in Florida to spend your golden years.
Written by Mariza Morin
Reviewed by Melanie Reiff
Looking to retire in
Florida
? Known for its world-famous white-sand beaches, year-round warm temperatures, and active senior communities, the Sunshine State is also one of the most tax-friendly states for retirees—making it a wildly popular retirement destination.So you’ve worked hard your entire adult life and now you’re ready to enjoy your golden years basking in the sun. Well, you’re in luck as Florida has long been considered a retirement mecca for seniors due to its sunny, tropical climate and low cost of living. From the Panhandle all the way down south to the Keys, there are plenty of retirement options to choose from in Florida.
But where will you go?
Jerry
, the car insurance
comparison super app
built to save you money, is here to help guide you on one of the greatest retirement paradises in the nation. We’ve put together a list of some of the best places to retire in Florida, including average home and rent prices.Orlando
Population: 307,573
Average home price: $345,541
Average monthly rent: $2,086 (two-bedroom)
One thing is for sure, you’ll never be alone when living in
Orlando
. With mild winters, sunshine, and an abundance of local entertainment with easy access to popular theme parks like Disney World and Universal Studios, expect your grandchildren to become regular visitors. Retirees can take advantage of the relatively low cost of living in Orlando and you’ll also be in close proximity to Advent Health Orlando, the #1 hospital in Central Florida. If the college town, home to the University of Central Florida, isn’t quiet enough for you, consider nearby suburbs like Windermere or Winter Park. That way you can be close to the action in Orlando but still enjoy serene nights at home.
Sarasota
Population: 54,842
Average home price: $447,009
Average monthly rent: $1,412 (two-bedroom)
Sarasota
is considered the best place to retire, according to the latest study by U.S. News & World Report. And it’s easy to see why, with its delicious local cuisine, upscale shopping, and world-class beaches like Lido Key and Siesta Key. There’s also a lively arts scene with the Sarasota Orchestra
, the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art
, and the Asolo Repertory Theatre
all within reach for your cultural needs. Along the Gulf Coast, the charming beach town also has access to two hospitals, including the Sarasota Memorial Hospital and Doctors Hospital of Sarasota. While Sarasota isn’t the cheapest place to live, the cost of living is reasonable enough for retirees. But overall, the quality of life is high among Sarasota residents, according to the Sharecare Community Well-Being Index.
Fort Myers
Population: 86,395
Average home price: $351,125
Average monthly rent: $1,967 (two-bedroom)
If you’re looking for equal parts recreation and relaxation,
Fort Myers
might be calling your name. The “City of Palms” has plenty of outdoor activities like fishing, hiking, and biking with nearby golf courses and tennis courts. But if you need a relaxing day at the beach, Fort Myers Beach, and nearby islands, including Sanibel Island, are close by. Though housing prices in the retirement town have gone up over the last few years, it’s still less expensive than other nearby cities, like Fort Lauderdale. There are also plenty of active retirement communities such as the Pelican Preserve which offers a fitness center, butterfly garden, art studio, and so many more amenities with the opportunity to socialize with other retirees.
Miami
Population: 442,241
Average home price: $492,246
Average monthly rent: $3,620 (two-bedroom)
If you’re looking for a little excitement in your golden years, you’ll never be bored in
Miami
. The “Magic City” is home to a vibrant nightlife, beautiful weather, world-class dining, and countless cultural opportunities like the highly anticipated annual Art Basel Miami Beach
fair. But you’re also close to top-rated beaches and other nearby natural attractions like the Everglades. One of the biggest perks of living in Miami is that residents over 65 years old can ride public transit for free! The beach city also has plenty of retirement communities to choose from, like The Miami Palace Group which offers several independent living options and tons of social opportunities for its senior residents.
Ocala
Population: 63,591
Average home price: $233,821
Average monthly rent: $1,446 (two-bedroom)
Do you love horseback riding?
Ocala
, known as the “Horse Capital of the World'' due to surrounding horse farms that have produced Kentucky Derby winners, provides regular horse shows and equestrian events all year long for horse lovers. But if horses aren’t your thing, make sure to visit the busy historic downtown area with colorful Victorian-era homes and a lively food and arts scene. Ocala is one of the best places to retire thanks to its housing affordability and the high quality of healthcare for seniors. The equestrian town is also home to top retirement communities, like On Top of the World in Ocala.
Venice
Population: 25,463
Average home price: $440,630
Average monthly rent: $2,442 (two-bedroom)
Venice
is an outdoor lovers' paradise with close proximity to stunning beaches, and more than 40 parks with tons of recreational fishing spots. The beach town also hosts an annual Shark Tooth Festival as it's known as the “shark’s tooth capital of the world.” Venice attracts retirees due to its high-quality healthcare with access to the Venice Regional Bayfront Health hospital and top medical groups like Venice Health Park. There are also plenty of retirement communities to choose from, like Village on the Isle, which provides countless amenities as well as social and wellness activities for seniors.
Tampa
Population: 384,959
Average home price: $387,130
Average monthly rent: $1,846 (two-bedroom)
Located along Florida’s Gulf Coast,
Tampa
is another great option for active seniors. In addition to multiple laid-back beaches, the large metropolitan area offers plenty of entertainment options for everyone, from the renowned Dali Museum
to ZooTampa at Lowry Park
. It’s also rich in diverse culture, particularly in Ybor City which has deep Cuban roots with authentic cuisine and a vibrant music scene. Tampa is a great place to retire due to its reasonable cost of living, and you’ll also have access to several health care providers, including the Tampa General Hospital. Choose from an abundance of active retirement communities, including Del Webb, known for resort-style amenities and social activities for retirees 55 and over.
Naples
Population: 19,115
Average home price: $546,165
Average monthly rent: $2,738 (two-bedroom)
Calling all golf lovers! Besides being the “golf capital of the world,”
Naples
is also one of the most desirable places in the nation to retire. In fact, the golf capital was ranked #2 for best places to retire, according to the latest survey by U.S. News and World Report.Naples is more expensive than many parts of Florida, but the high quality of life is worth the cost for many residents. There are a couple of nearby hospital options, like the exceptional NCH Healthcare System that includes the Baker Hospital in downtown Naples and the North Naples campus. You’ll also have your pick of retirement communities, such as The Glenview at Pelican Bay which has a three-mile private beach for you and other retirees to enjoy.
Pensacola
Population: 54,312
Average home price: $228,728
Average monthly rent: $1,530
Located in the Florida Panhandle,
Pensacola
is rich in natural beauty with extensive beaches along the Gulf of Mexico, tons of public parks to choose from, and it's in close proximity to the Gulf Islands National Seashore. Military history is big here too, so don’t forget to catch the iconic U.S. Navy Blue Angels
show or hit up the National Naval Aviation Museum
. Pensacola also attracts retirees on a budget who want to take advantage of the region’s low cost of living and excellent healthcare. There are also plenty of retirement communities, like the Summer Vista Assisted Living, that cater to all lifestyles and tastes as well.
Key West
Population: 26,444
Average home price: $945,622
Average monthly rent: $3,025
If money is no object for you, there is no better place to retire than
Key West
. Resting on the tip of Florida, enjoy some fun in the sun with endless beaches and tons of outdoor recreation from fishing and snorkeling to hiking and birdwatching at nearby state parks, Lignumvitae Key Botanical State Park
or Fort Zachary Taylor State Park
. The tropical paradise also has top-rated medical facilities nearby, like the Lower Keys Medical Center.Finding cheap car insurance for retirement
No matter where you decide to retire in Florida, just make sure you’re saving your retirement money and not overpaying for car insurance during your golden years in the Sunshine State. And car insurance comparison super app
Jerry
is here to help you find the best rates around!Here’s how it works: Just download the Jerry app, enter your information, and within 45 seconds you will be provided with multiple customized rates from top insurance providers. Jerry’s team of expert agents will handle all the paperwork, including helping you cancel your old policy. And all you have to do is sit back and enjoy Florida’s warm weather and relaxing beaches.
How much can you save? On average, our customers save $887 per year on insurance when they switch providers with Jerry!
“I had limited time to find a new insurance plan in Florida, so I triedJerry. My experience was personalized and professional, and they found me a plan that fits my portfolio. You should give them a try.” —Valencia T.
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Why is Florida such a popular retirement destination?
Besides the year-round warm temperatures, relaxing beaches, and active senior communities, Florida doesn’t have a state income tax. The state also doesn’t tax retirement income or social security benefits, making it a very desirable place to retire if you’re on a budget.
Where are the best places to retire in Florida?
Sarasota and Fort Myers are two of the top places to retire in Florida due to the high quality of living.
Is Florida tax-friendly for retirees?
Very much! Florida has no state income tax, so don’t worry about paying state taxes on Social Security benefits, 401(k)s, and other retirement income.
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