7 Great Places to Retire in Florida

Every year, more and more people choose to retire in Florida, and for good reason. American residents love relocating to warmer weather, sandy beaches, and a lower cost of living. So, Florida has become a retirement paradise. It’s impossible not to love the state because even in the coldest months of the year, the temperature rarely dips below 50. There’s no wonder it’s called the Sunshine State.

One of the main reasons seniors keep choosing Florida as a retirement destination is because it’s one of the most tax-friendly states in the country. Did you know there is no income tax if you can establish residency in Florida? Or are permanent residents eligible for a homestead exemption of up to %50,000? There are various benefits seniors take into consideration when considering relocating. Another one is the plenty of pleasant cities and towns on both the Atlantic and Gulf coasts or inland.

Yes, Florida is by far one of the most popular and loved retirement destinations, but there are also some disadvantages. Let’s mention them before getting to the list of the most beautiful and appropriate cities to retire in 2025.

Hurricanes are a huge concern in the state. Unfortunately, Hurricane Milton, a Category 3 storm, hit the state not so long ago. At least 24 people were confirmed dead. However, even though the entire state is vulnerable to natural disasters, not all of Florida’s territory is at risk. The risk is highest in Northwest Florida.

Before discovering the cities, check out this book: Enjoy Retirement: A Simple Guide to Discovering Fun, Satisfaction, and New Adventures in Your Golden Years 

Are you retiring soon? Consider these 7 cities

1. Tampa

Tampa is a great location for retirees who love to be near the beach. Waking up daily in a location that looks like a holiday destination gives seniors a boost of confidence and significantly improves their mood. The possibility of taking daily walks on the beach or enjoying water sports truly feels rewarding after a life of hard work.

Florida is special for those who didn’t experience high temperatures all year round and are now ready to enjoy their limitless vacation. Just think about relocating to a summer paradise and living your best life, like every day is a holiday. Incredible!

But that’s not all about Tampa! There are also a lot of other exciting activities seniors can do. For example, The Straz Center for the Performing Arts hosts Broadway shows, music, and rock concerts. So, no matter your interests, you’ll definitely find something that suits your style!

The home prices vary; as you probably expected, the higher ones are, the closer you are to the waterfront. But if you do your research and work with a professional, you’ll be able to find something for your budget. There are a lot of beautiful spots in Tampa; you don’t really need to live near the water. You’ll still be able to benefit from all the advantages of the ocean, even though you live inside the city.

2. Sarasota

Sarasota is located about 60 miles south of Tampa and is one of Florida’s most popular retirement destinations. The city offers a unique atmosphere with gated communities and waterfront homes.

One of the most popular attractions in the city is the St. Armands Circle, where many park benches, sculptures, and plenty of stores can be found. The best part about this circle is that there are a lot of activities held, day and night, indoors and outdoors, so seniors can never really get bored.

Another spot seniors love is the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, a tropical wonderland for all nature lovers.

Basically, if you choose Sarasota for your retirement, you can enjoy your golden years in a beautiful place with sandy beaches, luxury, and incredible spots filled with history.

3. Fort Myers

The city is located on the southwestern Gulf Coast and is considered affordable for seniors. The cost of living is much lower than other Florida cities, and another advantage is that the famous Gulf Coast Medical Center is also in the city. So, retirees feel safe knowing they are near an important healthcare provider.

Tourists also visit Fort Myers for its water sports and breathtaking beaches. The city was once known as the winter home of Thomas Edison and Henry Ford, and their estates are now open for tours.

The Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall is also a famous performance hall in the city. It hosts many Broadway musicals and entertainment year-round.

4. Orlando

The city is rapidly expanding with properties of all kinds. The population is significantly increasing, and it’s clear that retirees prefer this city for their golden years. Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando are located in the city. Seniors can have unforgettable experiences with their grandkids near their homes, so it’s a huge advantage to keep the little family members entertained.

The city is full of theme parks. Some are very famous, while others are still waiting to be discovered.

The highly rated AdventHealth Orlando is another reason retirees opt for this destination. The cost of living is low compared to other Florida cities, and many housing options are available. So, if you are retiring soon, make sure to check the availability. This way, you’ll know exactly where to go as soon as you officially retire.

5. St. Petersburg

Are you looking for affordability? Then, St. Petersburg might be the right place for your golden years. It’s sometimes called “Sunshine City” and is very senior-friendly.

After a life of hard work, no one wants to stress about finances. Therefore, the city’s affordability compared to others is a major factor in retirees’ decisions about where to relocate.

Some of the most popular museums are The Dalí Museum, the Museum of Fine Arts, The Florida Holocaust Museum, and the Great Explorations Children’s Museum. There are also various restaurants and shops all over the city, so retirees can live their best lives while enjoying their golden years. Isn’t that cool?

Last but not least, many famous hospitals in St.Petersburg offer seniors peace of mind. Knowing where to go in case of emergency is very comforting

6. Jacksonville

Jacksonville’s cost of living is lower than the national average. It is also one of Floria’s largest cities, with unlimited housing options. Thus, its popularity is seriously increasing among seniors.

Locals call it “Jax,” and the atmosphere there is very entertaining and senior-friendly. The city offers many water sports, golf classes, and even cultural attractions

Jacksonville holds visual arts festivals annually. Ifseniors are passionate about Athe rts, they should seriously consider Jvisiting acksonville. There are many beautiful art museums open for visits, and they can be truly inspiring, no matter one sage.

7. Key West

Key West is one of the most aesthetically pleasing spots in the United States, and retirees are in love with the idea of a laid-back lifestyle.

The old town is truly unique, filled with restaurants, shops, bars, and cafes. However, Key West is far from affordable. Depending on the budget, many residences,  including apartments, private homes, and condos are available.

Even though it’s not a cheap option, retirees are captivated by the city’s beauty and are increasingly interested in discovering its secrets.

We’ve come to an end. Now, as the list is over, let us know your retirement plans. Are you considering relocating? If the answer is yes, would you consider any of these options?

Feel free to share your journey as a retiree with us, and let’s make the comment section a beautiful chat about our future plans.

Are you interested in learning more about retirement? You should also read: These 6 Mistakes Could Cost You More Money in 2025!