Here Are The Best Places to Retire In The State Of Florida

For many people, the idea of heading to Florida for retirement is the dream. Fortunately, it’s far more doable than many soon-to-be retirees expect. However, choosing a city can be surprisingly tricky, as there are many excellent towns in the state. If you’re trying to decide where to go, here are some of the best places to retire in Florida.

Best Places to Retire in Florida

Lakeland

Nestled between Orlando and Tampa, Lakeland is far more affordable than many of the larger cities. Additionally, it’s home to dozens of beautiful lakes, making it a solid option for relaxing. Lakeland is also large enough to have plenty of amenities, but rents and home values aren’t as high as they are in some of the better-known cities. As a result, your retirement savings may go further here.

Naples

While Naples is more expensive than some other cities on this list, it’s a popular option for retirees. Around 39 percent of the population is aged 60 and up, so there are plenty of amenities that target that age group. Along with white-sand beaches on the Gulf of Mexico, there are golf courses. Plus, retirees often see lower taxes here, giving you more cash to spend on having fun.

Ocala

When it comes to affordability, Ocala is hard to beat. Home values and rents are lower here than in many other cities. Plus, for those who enjoy horses, this city is hard to beat. Equestrian events and horse shows are commonplace, and there are plenty of parks that allow horseback riding on the trails. While this is an inland city, there are lakes and rivers nearby that provide opportunities for water recreation, so keep that in mind.

Orlando

For those who prefer living in a major city and want attractions that will give family members more of a reason to visit, Orlando could be an excellent option. It’s a large city with a slew of amenities. Plus, it’s close to several theme parks and other attractions. And even though Orlando is a major metro area, rents are surprisingly affordable, and home prices aren’t astronomical, which can make it financially viable for many retirees.

Pensacola

For an affordable city near the beach, Pensacola is an excellent choice. It sits in the panhandle along the Gulf of Mexico and is home to many popular beaches. Plus, rent prices are more affordable than in some other cities, and a significant portion of the population is older, creating more opportunities for socialization. While the area can get its fair share of tourists, it’s also not as popular as some other Florida cities, which can be a relief for those who don’t want to get overrun by the spring break crowd.

Sarasota

Sarasota is another popular choice with retirees, with about 40 percent of the population being aged 60 and up. There are plenty of beaches and quick access to the Gulf of Mexico. Plus, there are high-performing medical facilities in the area, which is worth factoring into the equation. Renting is also reasonably affordable, so living near the water may be more practical here than in some other cities.

Tampa

Tampa is near the Gulf of Mexico, and it’s a larger city than some of the others on this list, making it a good choice for people who prefer city living but want a beachside destination. There are plenty of entertainment options, nearby theme parks, and professional sports teams, and it serves as a port for cruise ships. Plus, while rents or property values are higher in Tampa than in some other places on this list, they aren’t necessarily as expensive as you might expect.

Can you think of any other cities that should be a part of this list of the best palaces to retire in Florida? Do you live in any of the towns above and want to tell others what it’s like before they relocate to the area? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

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Tamila McDonald

Tamila McDonald is a U.S. Army veteran with 20 years of service, including five years as a military financial advisor. After retiring from the Army, she spent eight years as an AFCPE-certified personal financial advisor for wounded warriors and their families. Now she writes about personal finance and benefits programs for numerous financial websites.