Best Cities to Retire in Florida

Florida has long been one of the most popular states to retire to. SmartAsset.com recently ranked it as the No. 1 state retirees are moving to, outranking No. 2 Arizona by nearly 50,000. If you’re thinking about doing the same, consider one of these top cities for making your move to The Sunshine State.

Naples

This city has not only been called the best place to retire to in Florida, it’s been named the top spot in the entire southern region and even the country. Located along the Gulf of Mexico, just over half the population is 65 or older. It offers lots of things to do as a nature lover’s paradise, with countless white sandy beaches edged by glistening turquoise waters along with colorful gardens, parks and wildlife like dolphins. There are plenty of golf courses for golfing enthusiasts as well. The city is home to many medical centers with over 28 for every 1,000 residents, making health care easily accessible too.

Orlando

Orlando is a popular city among retirees. It’s home to a practically endless array of restaurants, in fact, one can dine around the world without having to leave its borders, not to mention the theme parks and long list of other attractions. When searching through Orlando homes for sale, some of the top safe, walkable neighborhoods with lots of good options for retiree living include South Eola, located downtown with a mix of residential, shopping and dining destinations, and the Lake Cherokee area, which hosts a number of excellent retirement communities.

Fort Myers

Located in southwest Florida, a little over a quarter of the residents in this riverside city are retirees. It has a rich history with its roots going back to 1886 and a beautifully restored downtown along the Caloosahatchee River. Enjoy taking in historic sites and exploring the Thomas Edison Museum, relaxing on beautiful beaches, spending time in one of many great parks, golfing and great fishing. There are many active adult living housing options, from quiet neighborhoods near the Gulf to high-rises and all types of gated communities too. 

Palm Beach

Palm Beach is an upscale community along the Atlantic coast, popular among those seeking a luxurious retirement home. Some of the country’s wealthiest residents live here, including quite a few celebrities, from golf stars like Tiger Woods and Jack Nicklaus to “Margaritaville” singer Jimmy Buffet. Enjoy spectacular stretches of sand, magnificent architecture, high-end restaurants and elegant shops. There are many top-notch 55-and-over adult communities if you’re looking for that type of retirement lifestyle, along with homes for the uber-wealthy.

Venice

Venice is frequently mentioned on lists of the top places to retire in the U.S., thanks to its low cost of living and tax benefits for retirees. The community of just over 20,000 is friendly and welcoming, with the feel of a small beach town, plus it’s highly walkable, enjoys a thriving art scene, a low crime rate and plenty of pristine white sand beaches. The availability and quality of medical care is excellent too.