Florida has been a retirement scorching spot for years, providing an ideal mixture of sunny climate, beautiful coastlines and nice tax breaks. (No state revenue tax, anybody?)
From quaint cities with wealthy histories to vibrant cities with all of the city trappings, it’s simple to fall in love with Florida.
However earlier than you pack your baggage, it’s necessary to grasp your choices and discover one of the best metropolis to match your finances and your retirement goals.
15 Greatest Locations to Retire in Florida on a Price range
We’ve handpicked some hidden gems within the Sunshine State that supply a satisfying retirement expertise at a fraction of the associated fee.
We did the analysis and located one of the best locations to retire in Florida on a finances. Price of residing performed a serious position in our rating system, in fact, however we additionally thought of elements like high quality of life, proximity to parks and well being care companies, the variety of retirees in every metropolis and even the walkability rating. (Extra on that later)
Listed here are the highest 15 cities that made our record.
1. Wauchula
Welcome to Wauchula, a small nation city of 5,000 residents about 50 miles south of Sarasota in Hardee County.
Wauchula boasts a low value of residing, with a median residence record value of $277,400 and median lease of simply $799, making it probably the most reasonably priced metropolis on our record for renters.
Wauchula additionally has a low violent crime price and easy accessibility to close by hospitals.
Wauchula is a haven for nature lovers. It’s positioned close to a number of parks, together with Myakka River State Park and Peace River Botanical & Sculpture Gardens, positioned simply exterior of Wauchula.
Its quaint downtown contains a number of native eateries and vintage outlets to take a look at. You possibly can discover the native historical past on the Pioneer Park Museum or get pleasure from a leisurely stroll alongside Hardee Lakes Park.
There’s additionally a hospital on the town, AdventHealth Wauchula, which has an emergency room, orthopedic heart in addition to a talented nursing and rehabilitation unit.
2. Inverness
Nestled in Citrus County, Inverness is a pure paradise with a contact of cultural aptitude.
The town of roughly 7,400 residents is surrounded by beautiful pure landscapes, together with the Withlacoochee State Trail and Lake Tsala Apopka, an enormous lake good for fishing and boating.
There’s additionally Whispering Pines Park, which provides a number of leisure services, together with a swimming pool, tennis courts and picnic areas.
When you’re on the lookout for leisure, the Valerie Theater provides reside performances, lectures and classic movie showings all year long. Or you possibly can immerse your self in native historical past on the Old Courthouse Heritage Museum.
Inverness can be extremely reasonably priced. Median residence costs clock in at $285,000 (properly under the nationwide common) and median rents are $1,600.
HCA Florida Citrus Hospital is a 204-bed acute care hospital in Inverness that serves because the hub for emergency care in Citrus County. The hospital provides oncology companies, a coronary heart and vascular heart and an orthopedics heart.
And with 38% of Inverness residents age 65 and older, you’ll probably meet a lot of fellow retirees in your new neighborhood.
3. Sebring
Sebring is a city of about 10,800 folks nestled between Central and South Florida. It provides retirees a laid-back environment and a low value of residing.
With a median residence record value of $278,900, shopping for property right here received’t break the financial institution. And with median lease costs under the state common at $1,650, there are many reasonably priced condos, flats and cell properties to select from.
A set of eclectic boutique outlets and eating places line the Sebring downtown district, dubbed the “Metropolis on the Circle” for its distinctive format.
Race followers can try the annual 12 Hours of Sebring occasion and different races on the Sebring International Raceway, the oldest everlasting street racing observe in North America.
When you love out of doors actions, Sebring has you lined. With loads of parks and lakes, together with Highlands Hammock State Park, you possibly can get pleasure from fishing and boating all 12 months lengthy. You possibly can even seize a spherical of golf on the Citrus Golf Trail, residence to one of many world’s largest greens.
4. Crystal River
When you dream of waterfront residing and encounters with mild manatees, Crystal River is the place for you.
This coastal metropolis is famend for its crystal-clear springs and plentiful marine life. Every winter, a whole bunch of manatees return from the Gulf of Mexico searching for the city’s heat springs to flee the chilly — guaranteeing a very distinctive marine wildlife sightseeing expertise.
You possibly can glimpse these mild giants by kayaking, snorkeling or swimming alongside the temperate waters of Three Sisters Springs.
Nevertheless it’s not nearly nature. Crystal River additionally has some implausible buying choices. Take a stroll by means of the historic downtown space, and also you’ll uncover that lots of the historic properties have been transformed into artwork galleries, eating places and vintage outlets.
Crystal River’s inhabitants is simply 3,300 and about 46% of residents are retirees, making this city a fantastic place to flee the hustle and bustle of massive metropolis residing.
The town additionally provides affordable housing choices — the median residence value is $330,000 and median lease is $1,960. There’s additionally a variety of well being care companies that will help you keep wholesome in retirement.
5. Frostproof
Escape the chilly and settle into the peaceable neighborhood of Frostproof, positioned about 90 minutes east of Tampa Bay in Polk County.
Delicate winters and sunny climate impressed the city’s distinctive identify. Frostproof nonetheless serves as an agricultural hub, particularly for the citrus trade.
Frostproof could really feel a little bit remoted nevertheless it’s lower than a 90-minute drive from a number of Central Florida theme parks, together with Walt Disney World, Common Studios and Legoland.
If you wish to keep on the town, try the Ramon Theater, a neighborhood theater that provides a mixture of musicals, performs and native occasions. Or choose up your irons and head over to the Lily Lake Golf Resort for a spherical of golf. You too can hold busy exploring the attraction of downtown Frostproof or take pleasure in out of doors actions at Lake Clinch.
This small city of just below 3,000 residents gives a laid-back retirement life-style with reasonably priced housing choices. The common residence value is $219,000 whereas the median lease is simply $900, making it among the best locations to retire in Florida on a finances.
It’s additionally the most secure metropolis on our record, with simply 1.32 violent crimes reported for each 1,000 folks. And with one out of each three residents over the age of 65, you’ll benefit from the quiet change of tempo.
6. Palatka
Positioned on the St. Johns River south of Jacksonville, Palatka showcases historic structure and a wealthy heritage.
Palatka has been rising lately as residents from different Florida cities like St. Augustine and Jacksonville search a quieter life-style at a extra reasonably priced value, in accordance with the Gainesville Sun.
It’s sparked funding not solely in actual property, but in addition the downtown space. You possibly can stroll alongside St. John’s Avenue to discover native outlets, vintage shops, bars and eating places. On the finish of the street, you’ll be greeted with a implausible panoramic view of the St. Johns River and Riverfront Park.
Palatka earned a walking score of 75, so it’s simple to discover the city on foot. You possibly can try the Palatka Mural Walk or go to the Bronson-Mulholland House Museum to immerse your self up to now. Cease by Angel’s Dining Car for a chew to eat — it’s the oldest diner in Florida.
Every March, Palatka hosts the annual Blue Crab Festival in downtown, providing music, meals, craft beer and leisure.
Palatka, a city of about 10,400 residents, is absolutely reasonably priced. The median residence value is $250,000 and the median lease is $1,095.
7. Lake Wales
Embrace the fantastic thing about Florida’s pure panorama in Lake Wales, located in Polk County about an hour south of Orlando.
This metropolis of 16,170 residents provides one-of-a-kind views from the historic Bok Tower Gardens, the place you possibly can get pleasure from summertime live shows amid among the most beautiful botanical gardens within the state.
Lake Wales can be residence to a number of artwork galleries showcasing native expertise, together with the Lake Wales Arts Center. And if you must get some buying accomplished, the Eagle Ridge Mall options tons of outlets, meals and a movie show.
Reasonably priced housing choices are simple to search out, with median residence costs of $299,000 and median rents of $1,200. Lake Wales additionally scored excessive for its entry to high quality well being care services, making this city an idyllic place to retire.
8. Daytona Seaside
Retirees, begin your engines and head to Daytona Seaside!
With one of many largest NASCAR tracks within the nation, this metropolis provides an reasonably priced coastal residing expertise by the Atlantic Ocean with iconic seashores which can be exhausting to withstand.
From oceanfront condos with a median lease of $1,700 to cozy inland properties with a median value of $310,000, there’s a housing choice for each style.
Daytona Beach has a much bigger inhabitants than many cities on our record, with about 71,000 residents. (However you possibly can anticipate that quantity to double throughout particular occasions just like the Daytona 500 and Bike Week.)
It’s additionally one of many few seashore cities to make our record as a result of, properly, properties close to the seashore are typically dear. And don’t overlook to consider larger prices for householders insurance coverage and flood insurance coverage when you’re dead-set on shifting to a coastal metropolis.
{Golfing}, fishing and exploring the colourful arts scene will hold you busy in retirement. You too can try the Halifax Art Festival in November, the second oldest continuous artwork competition in Florida.
Plus, with loads of close by well being care services, together with the award-winning Halifax Health Medical Center, Daytona Seaside checks all of the containers for an thrilling and cozy retirement.
9. Inexperienced Cove Springs
Nestled alongside the west financial institution of the St. Johns River, Green Cove Springs provides retirees scenic Sunshine State magnificence at a value that’s exhausting to beat.
The town is residence to quite a few parks and inexperienced areas, together with Spring Park, which contains a effervescent spring that’s been drawing guests for generations.
Historical past buffs will benefit from the Military Museum of North Florida, which showcases a powerful assortment of artifacts, uniforms, weapons and gear.
This city of about 9,350 residents contains a median residence value of $355,500 and median lease of $2,000.
Regardless of its small dimension, Inexperienced Cove Springs provides a variety of important companies, together with grocery shops, pharmacies and medical services.
Whereas facilities might not be as intensive as in bigger cities, Inexperienced Cove Springs is simply 28 miles south of Jacksonville, so that you’ll have easy accessibility to a world airport and different features of metro life.
10. Margate
Located in Broward County about 45 minutes north of Miami, Margate combines suburban seclusion with easy accessibility to South Florida metropolis residing.
This city of about 58,300 folks contains a very low crime price and about 23% of residents are aged 65 or older, so that you’ll be in good firm.
One of many standout options of Margate is the city’s proximity to beautiful seashores. Only a quick drive away, you’ll discover the gorgeous shores of Pompano Seaside and Fort Lauderdale, the place you possibly can dip your toes within the Atlantic Ocean, take leisurely walks alongside the shoreline and even attempt your hand at paddleboarding.
About 78% of residents are a 10-minute stroll or much less away from parks and climbing trails. So when you get bored with the seashore, you possibly can try one of many 20 different parks, recreation facilities and marinas on the town.
House costs in Margate are a lot decrease than many neighboring South Florida cities, with a median value of $206,000. Rental properties are additionally inside attain, averaging $2,300 a month.
11. Mount Dora
Put together to fall in love with Mount Dora, a picturesque lakefront city identified for its Southern attraction and creative spirit.
The town of about 15,800 residents is understood for its well-preserved historic downtown space, full with brick-lined streets, distinctive outlets, Spanish moss-covered oak timber and Victorian-style buildings.
Mount Dora additionally scored an 81 strolling rating — the very best of any metropolis on our record — so taking a leisurely stroll is a good way to see all the pieces the city has to supply.
Farmers markets and craft festivals are simple to search out all 12 months lengthy, and the annual Mount Dora Arts Festival attracts guests from everywhere in the state every February.
It’s simple to see why Mount Dora has earned its unofficial nickname as “the New England of the South.”
Vintage lovers and cut price hunters will fall in love with Renningers, an enormous 117-acre vintage mall on the outskirts of city. There’s additionally quite a few 55 and older retirement communities positioned in Mount Dora and surrounding Lake County.
Lake Dora is the guts and soul of the city. When you love fishing and boating — or simply need to take in the picture-perfect views at sundown — there are many parks and docks alongside the lakefront.
With median residence costs of $385,940, Mount Dora is a little bit pricier to reside in than another cities on our record. In any case, Mount Dora has been a classy retirement vacation spot for some time.
An upside: Property taxes are low, averaging round $1,266 per 12 months. Median lease clocks in at $2,188.
12. Pensacola
Welcome to Pensacola, a metropolis on Florida’s Gulf Coast famend for its beautiful seashores.
The median residence value is $350,000 however the city has very low property taxes, averaging simply $1,097. Renting is extra reasonably priced, averaging round $1,850 monthly.
With its dazzling seashores and plush pure environment, Pensacola Seaside and Perdido Key are a haven for leisure. You possibly can sink your toes into the sugar-white sand or embark on a fishing tour within the Gulf of Mexico.
This city of about 53,800 has easy accessibility to all the pieces you want, together with well being care services, eating places, grocery shops and leisure. Plus, 83% of residents are a 10-minute stroll or much less from a park.
13. Jacksonville
Not solely is Jacksonville the largest metropolis on our record, it’s additionally the largest metropolis in Florida!
One of many predominant perks of Jacksonville is its sheer dimension and variety. With a inhabitants of over 937,000, Jacksonville boasts a thriving economic system with lots to see and do.
The town’s cultural scene is residence to quite a few world-class venues, together with the Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts, the place you possibly can catch Broadway reveals, live shows and ballet performances.
Jacksonville can be a giant sports activities city. Soccer followers can cheer on the Jacksonville Jaguars at TIAA Financial institution Discipline, whereas golf aficionados can go to the Gamers Championship held on the iconic TPC Sawgrass.
The town provides entry to top-notch well being care services and specialised medical companies — together with Mayo Clinic. It’s additionally residence to quite a few senior facilities, leisure services and social golf equipment that cater particularly to retirees.
The median residence value in Jacksonville is $314,900 and median lease is $1,750, making it a less expensive place to reside than different massive cities in Florida, like Miami.
14. Altamonte Springs
Combining one of the best of each worlds, Altamonte Springs provides city comfort and pure magnificence.
This rising Central Florida suburb of about 45,700 simply north of Orlando gives easy accessibility to world-class facilities, airports and cultural sights. You possibly can spend a leisurely day at Cranes Roost Park or discover the Altamonte Springs Artwork Stroll.
The median residence value in Altamonte Springs is $275,000 and median lease clocks in at $1,800 making it an reasonably priced place to purchase or lease.
Altamonte Springs contains a well-planned infrastructure, with loads of buying facilities, malls, grocery shops and medical services conveniently positioned all through the realm.
You too can catch a experience on SunRail, Central Florida’s commuter practice, to discover close by cities, together with Orlando, Winter Park and Kissimmee. Prepare rides begin at simply $2 per journey (and seniors get a 50% low cost on fares).
15. Lake Placid
Lake Placid is a small city in Highlands County with simply 2,430 residents. It’s surrounded by 29 freshwater lakes, making it a fantastic place for fishing and water sport fans on the lookout for a peaceable escape.
Discover one of many city’s 40 colourful murals, get pleasure from fishing and boating on Lake Placid or savor native flavors on the annual Caladium Festival (in any case, Lake Placid produces about 90% of the world’s caladium bulbs).
Lake Placid’s affordability, coupled with its pure magnificence, earned it a spot on our record.
The median residence value is $315,000 however the city options low property taxes, averaging simply $1,003. Renting can be reasonably priced, with median costs at $1,525.
How We Picked the Greatest Locations to Retire in Florida
We chosen the highest 15 greatest locations to retire in Florida from the 412 cities listed by the League of Florida Cities. We narrowed the record to 30 utilizing median rents and median record costs.
Subsequent, we checked out affordability, high quality of life and entry to well being care to select the ultimate 15. Affordability was measured by median lease, median record value, common property taxes by county and Sperlings’ Price of Residing Index. For high quality of life, we thought of violent crime charges; the proportion of residents who’re 65 or older; the proportion of parks inside strolling distance; and bike, stroll and transit scores. We gauged entry to well being care by the variety of staffed grownup hospital beds per 1,000 adults in a county.
We analyzed information from the next sources:
Rachel Christian is a Licensed Educator in Private Finance and a senior author at The Nourishmoney. She focuses on retirement, Medicare, investing and taxes. Multimedia Content material Creator Chris Zuppa supplied information evaluation for this text.
