Florida’s warm weather, easy beach access, relaxed lifestyle, and lack of a state income tax make it a popular place to retire. But with so many cities to choose from, how do you decide where to settle?
Each year, U.S. News & World Report reviews major metropolitan areas across the country to create its list of the “Best Places to Retire.” As usual, its 2022 rankings include plenty of Florida cities.
If you’re thinking about moving to the beach or settling somewhere else in the Sunshine State after retirement, this list is a great place to start. Here are some of the best places to retire in Florida.
How Are They Ranked?
U.S. News surveyed retirees and people approaching retirement to find out what mattered most when choosing a place to live. The rankings are based on six main factors:
- Quality of Life – how satisfied residents are with their daily lives;
- Housing Affordability – the cost of buying or renting a home;
- Health Care Quality – access to high-quality medical care;
- Retiree Taxes – local sales and income tax rates;
- Desirability – how interested people are in retiring in the city;
- Job Market – the overall strength of the local job market.
You might be surprised to see the job market included on a retirement list, but retirement doesn’t look the same for everyone. Some people leave their longtime careers but continue working in a less demanding role. Others shift from full-time work to part-time hours.
Best Places to Retire in Florida
Whether you’d rather spend your time exploring state parks or theme parks, living in a small town, or settling into a gated community, Florida has plenty of options. Here are some of the best places to retire in Florida, according to U.S. News.
1. Pensacola
With more than one-fifth of the population over age 60, Pensacola is a popular place to begin retirement. Its close proximity to the Gulf of Mexico, combined with relatively affordable housing, means you can enjoy white sand beaches without giving up city conveniences.
Pensacola offers a nice balance between big-city amenities and a small-town feel. Its walkable downtown hosts a weekly farmers market, and the overall cost of living is about 5% lower than the national average. According to Market Watch, retirees may be able to live comfortably in Pensacola on around $40,000 a year.
2. Tampa
Want to live near the beach without giving up entertainment, restaurants, sports, or city life? Tampa offers a little bit of everything.
It’s easy to see why Tampa is considered one of the best places to retire in Florida. You can take the grandkids to Busch Gardens, catch a Tampa Bay Rays or Buccaneers game, visit ZooTampa at Lowry Park or the Florida Aquarium, and still make it to the beach for an afternoon in the sun.
Tampa has nearly as much to do as Orlando, but its cost of living is slightly lower.
3. Naples
Naples is already a favorite among retirees, with about 40% of its residents age 60 or older. That means you’ll have plenty of opportunities to meet people who are in a similar stage of life.
The cost of living is higher than the national average, but Naples offers plenty in return. The weather stays mild throughout the year, the city has a low crime rate, and there are countless ways to stay active. Add in the shopping, dining, golf courses, and Gulf Coast beaches, and it’s easy to understand the appeal.
4. Daytona Beach
The World’s Most Famous Beach ranked seventh on the national list of best places to retire, so you certainly won’t be the only retiree calling it home.
Located directly on the Atlantic Ocean, Daytona Beach has more energy than the average coastal town. Events like Biketoberfest and races at Daytona International Speedway are a major part of the area’s tourism scene, so there’s almost always something happening on the weekends.
5. Sarasota
Sarasota combines a thriving arts and cultural scene with white sand beaches, mild weather, wildlife, and a wide range of housing options.
If you’re trying to stay within a budget but still want to enjoy coastal living, Sarasota may be a good fit. The area has 13 public beaches with powdery sand, clear water, and plenty of opportunities to spend time outdoors. You can try fishing, snorkeling, boating, or simply enjoy a quiet day by the water.
6. Melbourne
One of the biggest reasons people move to Florida is the chance to spend more time near the beach. Of course, that also means many popular beach towns can feel crowded.
If you want coastal living without the same level of activity you’d find in Daytona, Melbourne may be worth considering. Located along the Space Coast, it offers relatively affordable housing and plenty of ways to enjoy the outdoors, both on Earth and in space.
When you’re ready for a vacation, Port Canaveral is also close by, making it easy to hop on a cruise ship.
7. Lakeland
Lakeland lives up to its name, with at least 38 named lakes throughout the area. That creates plenty of opportunities for waterfront living, fishing, walking, and enjoying the outdoors.
Housing prices are also generally lower than they are in Tampa or Orlando, both of which are about an hour away.
Life in Lakeland tends to move at a quieter pace, and you won’t find many high-rises. For some retirees, that’s exactly the appeal. LEGOLAND is the only major theme park within 30 miles, and it attracts far fewer visitors than Disney World.
8. Ocala
Ocala is one of Florida’s largest equestrian communities. While it doesn’t offer quick access to the beach, it makes up for it with beautiful scenery, open spaces, and a slower pace of life.
The Ocala National Forest and nearby state parks give residents plenty of opportunities to explore Florida’s natural side. The University of Florida is also a short drive away, which can be convenient if you have children or grandchildren attending school in Gainesville.
9. Port St. Lucie
As one of the fastest-growing cities in the country, Port St. Lucie has become an increasingly popular retirement destination.
The city scored well for happiness, affordability, and desirability. Its coastal location and relaxed atmosphere add to the appeal. With nearly one-third of residents age 60 or older, you’ll also be surrounded by plenty of people who are enjoying retirement too.
10. Orlando
No list of Florida cities would feel complete without Orlando.
Orlando is best known for tourism, but it also offers plenty of benefits for retirees. Its central location makes it easy to reach either coast when you want a beach getaway. Winters are mild, and the inland location may offer more protection from coastal storm impacts.
Living close to Disney World and the area’s other attractions also gives the grandkids an extra reason to visit.
11. Jacksonville
Jacksonville is one of the fastest-growing cities in the country, and it’s easy to understand why so many people are choosing to move there.
Jacksonville offers a comfortable middle ground when it comes to weather, lifestyle, housing costs, and things to do. Because the city covers most of Duval County, you’ll find a wide variety of neighborhoods, activities, restaurants, and outdoor spaces within its borders.
12. Ft. Myers
Fort Myers residents reported high levels of satisfaction with their lifestyle, while non-residents gave the city a strong desirability score.
The area has a charming downtown, lush golf courses, a lively arts community, and easy access to the beach. More than one-third of residents are age 60 or older, so retirees will find plenty of company. The median home price was also around $200,000 at the time of the rankings, making it a relatively affordable place to put down roots.
Honorable Mentions
If moving to Florida would take you too far from friends and family, these other cities also made the list:
- Lancaster, PA
- Harrisburg, PA
- York, PA
- Ann Arbor, MI
- Allentown, PA
- New York City, NY
- Ft. Wayne, IN
- Manchester, NH
- Asheville, NC
- Eugene, OR
- Green Bay, WI
- Raleigh/Durham, NC
Start Planning Your Move
Florida is a big state, but you don’t have to research every city to find a place that fits your retirement goals. Each of these destinations offers something different, whether you’re looking for beaches, outdoor recreation, entertainment, affordability, or a quieter pace of life.
Once you’ve decided where you’d like to retire, downsized your home, and started planning your move, Cento Family Moving is ready to help. Our team will work to make sure your move is handled safely, efficiently, and with as little stress as possible.
We offer a full range of moving services, so you won’t have to manage every detail on your own. Contact us today for a free quote.
