Every year, countless Americans choose to relocate to Florida for a peaceful retirement. Florida offers a range of benefits for retirees, including no state income tax, affordable property values, and a high standard of living. It’s an ideal destination to enjoy a comfortable retirement. Continue reading to find out about the top ten retirement destinations in Florida, taking into account factors such as cost of living, availability of healthcare, and overall senior-friendly environment.
Best Places to Retire in Florida
Naples
Naples, located on the southwest coast of Florida, is widely regarded as the ideal place to retire. It offers a peaceful and serene retirement community. This district in the US is known for its wealth, with a high concentration of billionaires per capita. Although there are some expensive properties, there are also plenty of affordable condos available in various parts of the city.
Naples is fortunate to have the NCH Healthcare System, a not-for-profit organization that includes two hospitals. These hospitals are the Baker Hospital located in downtown Naples and the North Naples campus. With over half the population being over 65, retiring there will make you feel right at home. Naples is known for its fantastic high-end shopping, golf courses, and beautiful sandy beaches.
Venice
Venice is another top choice for retirement in Florida. This retirement community, located just outside Sarasota, provides residents with access to beautiful beaches, pleasant weather, and a wide range of activities. This place is famous for its abundance of fossilized shark teeth that can be found along the beaches.
Retirees will find a wealth of activities in Venice, including numerous museums and landmarks in the city’s historic district. Additionally, the Venice Theatre, known as the largest per capita community theatre in the US, provides plenty of entertainment options. There are numerous well-regarded hospitals in Venice and a plethora of options in the nearby city of Sarasota.
Gainesville
Gainesville is a top choice for retirees in Florida. Gainesville is a unique city that caters to both students and retirees, thanks to its close association with the University of Florida. Gainesville offers a wide range of options to suit everyone’s interests. The city boasts a vibrant local music scene, exciting college sports, and a diverse range of annual cultural events. Seniors can enjoy a low cost of living and access to top-notch healthcare in the area. In 2003, the Wellness Council of America recognized it as the healthiest community in America. UF Health, the medical network affiliated with the University of Florida, holds the distinction of being the second-largest employer in the city.
The Villages
The Villages in Central Florida is a popular choice for retirees looking for a great place to retire in Florida. The Villages, a popular retirement spot for baby boomers, experienced rapid growth between 2010 and 2018, making it the fastest-growing metropolitan area in the US. The city is divided into 17 community development districts, each governed by a board of Supervisors. Residents of The Villages must be at least 55 years old. Long-term residency is limited to individuals under the age of 19, while visitors are welcome to stay for a maximum of 30 days.
Clermont
Clermont is considered one of the top towns to retire in Florida. This up-and-coming town is located in Central Florida, just a short distance west of Orlando. It has consistently been recognized as a top retirement destination due to its affordable living costs and laid-back ambiance. This city in Florida has experienced rapid growth over the years, with its population skyrocketing by 207% between 2000 and 2010, and an additional 40% since the most recent census.
Residents can conveniently access Orlando’s vibrant city life without the inconveniences typically associated with living in a popular tourist destination. A significant portion of the local economy revolves around tourism and hospitality, yet the influx of visitors and the cost of living remain relatively moderate.
Ocala
Ocala is widely regarded as one of the top retirement destinations in Florida. This charming town in Northern Florida showcases stunning freshwater streams and beautiful grassy hills instead of sandy beaches. This place is famous for having a large number of horse stables and was once considered the horse capital because it was home to the first thoroughbred farm in Florida in 1934.