15 Best Places To Retire in Florida in 2023

Whether you’re a Sunshine State native or a snowbird, there’s a reason why so many retirees make the move to Florida. It’s a state full of amazing state parks, beautiful beaches, and you can’t beat those warm winters. Now that you’re retired and have all this time on your hands, where do you want to spend it?

We evaluated 100 cities in Florida for cost, safety, and other factors to bring you our list of the best places to retire in Florida.

 

1. Sebastian

Total population: 25,054

Percentage population ages 65+: 34.5%

Mean retirement income: $31,081

Percentage 65+ population in poverty: 6.4%

 

On the east coast of Florida, you’ll find the city of Sebastian. This city is known for Pelican Island, where you can view over 130 bird species, including endangered and threatened species. There’s also lots of beauty to explore at Sebastian Inlet State Park, where you can stroll pristine beaches, camp out, and even cast your fishing pole.

Sebastian is the best place in Florida for retirees. It shines with its safety, boasting the lowest county violent crime rate on our list. Over one-third of the population is of retirement age, and it has the seventh lowest poverty rate among the retirement-age population.

Check out homes in Sebastian today to enjoy your retirement on the beach.

2. Winter Haven

Total population: 49,219

Percentage population ages 65+: 23.3%

Mean retirement income: $33,543

Percentage 65+ population in poverty: 11.6%

 

About one hour south of Orlando in central Florida lies Winter Haven. Family-oriented retirees will love living in Winter Haven. For the kids in your life (or if you’re a kid at heart), the world’s largest Legoland is within its borders, and Disney World is less than an hour away. When you want to do something more laid-back, you can take a walk on some of the city’s 13 miles of trails.

Winter Haven is appropriately named and a true haven for retirees in Florida. It has the sixth lowest median rent, seventh lowest cost of living, and third lowest health care costs. These factors made it the seventh cheapest place to live and the second best city to retire in Florida.

Check out homes in Winter Haven to start your adventure in retirement.

3. The Villages

Total population: 79,077

Percentage population ages 65+: 86.8%

Mean retirement income: $41,127

Percentage 65+ population in poverty: 4.0%

 

You may recognize The Villages for taking home the title of safest city in Florida. This active 55+ community in central Florida is the place to be if you want to be as active as possible in retirement. The Villages is designed to have everything you need to live, thrive, and truly enjoy your retirement, from restaurants to social events and, of course, plenty of golf.

Because it’s a retirement community, 87% of the population is 65 or older, making it the city with the highest population of retirement-aged residents on our list. It also has the second lowest violent crime and lowest nonviolent crime rates on our list. However, The Villages has higher housing costs, which makes it the third best place overall to retire.

Check out homes for sale in The Villages today if you’re ready to live it up in retirement.

4. North Port

Total population: 74,793

Percentage population ages 65+: 24.6%

Mean retirement income: $30,458

Percentage 65+ population in poverty: 7.0%

 

North Port is located just east of Venice in western Florida. It’s best known for Warm Mineral Springs Park, the only natural hot spring in the state, perfect for floating around and enjoying the potentially healing mineral properties.

North Port offers the seventh lowest FEMA risk on our list, along with the 11th lowest poverty rate. It was our fourth safest city in Florida overall, and it’s also still 3.6% below the national cost of living. North Port takes home its second fourth-place title as the fourth best city to retire in Florida. 

Check out homes in North Port to find your zen in retirement.

5. Spring Hill

Total population: 113,568

Percentage population ages 65+: 22.6%

Mean retirement income: $22,262

Percentage 65+ population in poverty: 11.4%

 

Spring Hill was our sixth safest city in Florida, and you’ll find it again on our list of the best places to retire. If you’re looking to spend your retirement nurturing your aquatic hobbies, then Spring Hill is the place for you. Weeki Wachee Springs State Park offers a lot of unique experiences, from kayaking to cave diving and even a mermaid show when you want to entertain your visiting family members.

Living in Spring Hill is inexpensive, which is why it takes spot five on our list. The median monthly housing cost for people with a mortgage is the second lowest of the cities we studied, and Spring Hill has the fifth lowest health care costs.

Check out homes in Spring Hill today to see what retirement in Florida is all about. 

6. Lakeland

Total population: 112,641

Percentage population ages 65+: 21.8%

Mean retirement income: $26,403

Percentage 65+ population in poverty: 11.8%

 

Lakeland is another repeat from previous studies, where it was the 14th safest city in Florida and eighth cheapest city in Florida. For architecture buffs, Lakeland is home to 13 structures designed by Frank Lloyd Wright — all located at Florida Southern College and open for exploring. If you love classic movies, there’s something for you, too, at the Polk Theatre, which has entertained residents since 1928 and shows a mix of new releases and old favorites.

Lakeland is undoubtedly a safe and inexpensive place to live, but why else is it such a great place to retire? Nearly 22% of the population in Lakeland is of retirement age and, along with other financial factors, it has the third lowest health care costs of places we studied, making it the sixth best place overall to retire in Florida.

Check out homes and the best neighborhoods in Lakeland to help stretch your retirement fund without compromising on your quality of life.

7. Daytona Beach

Total population: 72,647

Percentage population ages 65+: 19.0%

Mean retirement income: $27,655

Percentage 65+ population in poverty: 11.4%

 

When most people think of Daytona Beach, they think of NASCAR — the Daytona 500 is held there every year at Daytona International Speedway. Daytona Beach is home to this famous race and so much more. The area is full of great restaurants, beaches, and golfing. If you have visitors, there’s plenty to keep them occupied, too, from walking around the pier to Daytona Lagoon amusement park.

Daytona Beach features the lowest median rent, second lowest cost of living, and sixth lowest health care costs on our list. However, crime rates are slightly higher, and its waterfront location gives it a higher FEMA risk rating. This makes Daytona Beach the seventh best city to move to for retirement.

Check out homes in Daytona Beach, whether you’re ready for retirement in the fast lane or beachside with a piña colada.

8. Venice

Total population: 25,463

Percentage population ages 65+: 59.6%

Mean retirement income: $85,530

Percentage 65+ population in poverty: 5.9%

 

Venice is located on the west coast of Florida. If you’re looking for a quieter place by the beach to retire, then Venice is the perfect place for you. If you’re an outdoor enthusiast, there are ample opportunities to camp, snorkel, and stargaze — or you can just look up from your own backyard if that’s more your speed. Venice offers all the comforts of an easygoing waterfront retirement.

Venice is a popular retirement destination, considering 60% of the population is retirement-aged. It also has the third lowest county violent crime rate, and third highest median retirement income. Despite its waterfront location, Venice also has the seventh lowest FEMA score on our list, which makes it the eighth best place to retire in Florida.

Check out homes in Venice when you’re ready for beachfront retirement.

9. Port Orange

Total population: 62,596

Percentage population ages 65+: 25.1%

Mean retirement income: $26,588

Percentage 65+ population in poverty: 8.5%

 

Port Orange is located between Daytona Beach and New Smyrna Beach. Locals say Port Orange is a bit more laid-back compared to Daytona Beach, so it’s great if you’re looking for a place with lots of amenities and things to do where you can also take it as slow as you’d like.

Port Orange is tied with a few cities for the sixth lowest health care costs. A quarter of its population is retirement-aged, and housing costs for people with mortgages are the 15th lowest of cities we studied, making Port Orange the ninth best city overall for retirement in Florida.

Check out homes in Port Orange when you’re looking for a more balanced retirement lifestyle.

10. Sarasota

Total population: 54,842

Percentage population ages 65+: 27.2%

Mean retirement income: $39,254

Percentage 65+ population in poverty: 7.6%

 

From fine art museums to beaches, there’s no shortage of culture to explore in Sarasota once you retire. The Ringling Museum of Art (yes — like the circus) features galleries and showcases artwork of all types and mediums. You can also explore the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens in downtown Sarasota, where you can learn about some of Florida’s most beautiful native plants.

Moving to Sarasota is slightly more expensive compared to other options on our list due to its popularity — though health care costs are on the lower side and it has more hospitals than any other city in top 15. This makes Sarasota the 10th best place to retire on our list.

Check out homes in Sarasota today to see why it’s such a popular choice for retirement in the Sunshine State.

11. DeLand

Total population: 37,351

Percentage population ages 65+: 20.2%

Mean retirement income: $29,657

Percentage 65+ population in poverty: 11.5%

 

DeLand is a popular place to retire in Florida, located just 45 minutes north of Orlando and less than 30 minutes west of Daytona Beach. DeLand has a little bit of everything — it’s close to top beaches, amusement parks, metropolitan areas, and plenty of lakes. Just outside of DeLand in Orange City, you’ll find Blue Spring State Park, where you can take a kayak, canoe, or guided tour to see the many waterfowl and manatees that live there.

Twenty percent of the population in Deland is 65 or older, so there’s a good mix of people while still being retirement-friendly. DeLand has the eighth lowest rent and 11th lowest cost of living, making it the 11th best place to retire.

Check out homes in DeLand for a chance to check out a little bit of everything in Florida.

12. Melbourne

Total population: 84,678

Percentage population ages 65+: 20.3%

Mean retirement income: $26,383

Percentage 65+ population in poverty: 8.2%

 

Melbourne is located on the east coast of Florida, around 45 minutes south of Cape Canaveral. It's close enough to get a view of the launches from Kennedy Space Center, which is an exciting draw to the area. Melbourne itself is a quieter beach town, perfect for relaxing. Lake Washington is a popular fishing spot within its borders, where you can launch your boat or simply fish off the pier. 

Melbourne features the fifth lowest housing costs if you have a mortgage and the 13th lowest general cost of living. It also has a relatively low FEMA score for a beachfront area due to the barrier islands.

Check out homes in Melbourne, whether your interests lie in exploring the sky or the sea.

13. Titusville

Total population: 48,789

Percentage population ages 65+: 22.6%

Mean retirement income: $25,316

Percentage 65+ population in poverty: 10.2%

 

Heading north from Melbourne, Titusville is directly west of Cape Canaveral. If you really want to be close to the space action, Kennedy Point Park is a smaller river park located directly across the Indian River from the Kennedy Space Center. It features a launch-watching point, giving you the perfect view. Because Cape Canaveral is so close, there are plenty of museums to check out that discuss the history of space programs in the United States.

Titusville features the fourth lowest cost of living on our list. Housing costs are a little higher, though still affordable — monthly housing costs with a mortgage and rent are the 14th and 15th lowest, respectively.  

Check out homes in Titusville today to retire with one of the most exciting views in Florida.

14. Fort Pierce

Total population: 47,297

Percentage population ages 65+: 18.6%

Mean retirement income: $29,849

Percentage 65+ population in poverty: 15.3%

 

Fort Pierce is a 30-minute drive north from Port St. Lucie, and it’s a great spot to see some of Florida’s native plants and animals up close and personal. At the Manatee Observation and Education Center, you’ll have the perfect vantage point to spot some manatees in the wild. (Don't worry — there are some indoor exhibits if the wild manatees aren’t up to saying hello.) Just a few miles away, you can also check out Heathcote Botanical Gardens, which has six different gardens, displays, and paths to explore.

Fort Pierce has the sixth lowest cost of living score. It also comes in 12th for housing costs on homes with mortgages and 16th for median rent, making it the 14th best place to retire in Florida.

Check out homes in Fort Pierce to call the area’s many trails and beautiful beaches home.

15. Ormond Beach

Total population: 43,080

Percentage population ages 65+: 30.8%

Mean retirement income: $28,879

Percentage 65+ population in poverty: 9.0%

 

Ormond Beach might be a quieter town on the Atlantic Coast, but that doesn’t mean you’ll spend your retirement with nothing to do. Locals never tire of the excellent restaurants and scenic state parks. Ormond Memorial Art Museum is a popular spot to browse exhibits and memorial gardens, and even offers adult classes and events for when you’re looking for something to do. Ormond Beach is uniquely situated to have both riverfront and oceanfront areas, so you don’t need to choose just one way to enjoy Florida waters.

Ormond Beach has the eighth highest population of retirees on our list — 31% of the population is 65 or older. Though housing costs with a mortgage are slightly higher, it has the 13th lowest rent and is tied with a few other cities for the sixth lowest health care costs. This makes Ormond Beach the final city on our list.

Check out homes in Ormond Beach to start your retirement on the right foot.

Other Best Places To Retire in Florida

Florida is one of the most popular states in the country for retirement, so it’s no surprise that 15 might not be enough to help you make your choice. Here are some other amazing options for retirement in the Sunshine State:

 

16. Tampa

17. Brandon

18. Riverview

19. Poinciana

20. New Smyrna Beach

21. Largo

22. Ocala

23. St. Petersburg

24. Pinellas Park

25. Tarpon Springs

26. Fort Myers

27. Town 'n' Country

28. Palm Bay

29. Bradenton

30. Coconut Creek

Methodology

To create our ranking of the best places to retire in Florida, we gathered data on the 100 most populous cities in the state and ranked them according to these factors:

 

• Median monthly costs for housing with a mortgage — 15%

• Median monthly rent — 15%

• Poverty rate for population ages 65 and over — 13%

• Percent population 65 and over — 10%

• Median retirement income — 10%

• Cost of living — 10%

• Health care costs — 10%

• FEMA risk index — 5%

• County violent crime rate — 5%

• County nonviolent crime rate — 5%

• Hospitals in city limits — 2%

 

Unfortunately, several cities didn’t have available data from the U.S. Census and had to be excluded from our list. However, many of these areas are near cities we discussed on our list:

 

• Ocoee

• Winter Garden

• Altamonte Springs

• Dania Beach

• West Melbourne

• Miami Lakes

• Rockledge

• Leesburg

• Casselberry

• Crestview

• Winter Park

• Temple Terrace

• Panama City

• North Lauderdale

• Greenacres

• Oakland Park

• Cutler Bay

• Parkland

• Lauderdale Lakes

• Haines City

• Cooper City

• Hallandale Beach

• North Miami Beach

• Plant City

• Riviera Beach

• Royal Palm Beach

• Oviedo

• Homestead

• Alafaya

• Doral

• Four Corners

• Palm Coast

• Horizon West

• Wesley Chapel

• St. Cloud

• Deltona

FAQ

Still have some questions about retiring in Florida? Here are your top questions, answered.

What is the nicest part of Florida to retire?

According to our rankings, Volusia County and homes on the Atlantic Coast are two areas that are the best for retirees. Cities in these areas include Daytona Beach, Port Orange, Sebastian, and Melbourne.

Where is the safest place to retire in Florida?

The safest place to retire in Florida is The Villages.

What is the best retirement community in Florida?

The Villages is a retirement community in Florida that ranks as the safest place in Florida and the third-best area to retire in Florida overall.

Kick Back and Relax Through Your Florida Retirement

Whether or not you’re ready to retire, who doesn’t want to live by the beach? Browse homes for sale in Florida to get started on your next chapter today. If you’re still unsure what would be best for you, get in touch with UpHomes to learn more about some of the best places to live in Florida.