Florida has always been an attractive destination for retirees due to its warm weather and beautiful beaches. We have compiled a list of the best places to retire in Florida, based on a study by WalletHub and the median home prices in the area.
The 12 Best Cities to Retire in America
Best Cities to Retire in Florida
1. Tampa, FL
Tampa ranks as the best city to retire in Florida and the number one city to retire in the nation. Retirees can enjoy a high quality of life in Tampa at an affordable cost. It’s also relatively affordable to buy a house in Tampa with a median home price of $418,242.
Tampa offers a diverse range of activities, including museums, theaters, and art galleries. There are also many outdoor recreational opportunities, such as beautiful beaches and lush parks where retirees can enjoy fishing, boating, and beachcombing.
Retirees also have access to quality healthcare through Tampa’s robust healthcare system.
Check out the Most Affordable Florida Beach Towns on the Gulf of Mexico
2. Fort Lauderdale, FL
Fort Lauderdale is the second best city to retire in Florida. Retirees in Fort Lauderdale can enjoy miles of warm sandy beaches and a paradise for boating and beach enthusiasts. The city also has many art galleries and museums to explore.
The only downside of retiring in Fort Lauderdale is that it is relatively expensive, with a median home price of $521,783.
Find out: Top 4 Florida Cities Americans Want to Move To
3. Orlando, FL
Orlando ranks as the third best city to retire in Florida. The city is one of the more affordable places to live on the list, with a median home price of $369,414.
Retiring in Orlando is never boring, thanks to its world-famous theme parks such as Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, and SeaWorld. There are also theaters, museums, and art galleries to explore. Access to top-notch healthcare is readily available through renowned hospitals and medical centers.
Check out the Cheapest Beach Towns to live in near Orlando
4. Miami, FL
Miami ranks fourth on the list of best Florida cities to retire in. The city is vibrant with a great restaurant scene, theaters, museums, and art galleries. Miami is also world-renowned for its beaches, offering plenty of opportunities for seniors who want to stay active outdoors.
Access to quality healthcare is readily available in Miami. However, it is relatively expensive to live in Miami, with a median home price of $566,785.
Check out the Cheapest Beach Towns near Miami
5. St. Petersburg, FL
St. Petersburg ranks fifth on the list of best Florida cities to retire in. The city is a popular retirement destination with miles of coastline, making it ideal for beach lovers. St. Petersburg is also home to numerous art scenes, performing art venues, and art galleries.
The city is relatively affordable compared to other Florida cities on the list, with a median home price of $418,275. Retirees living in St. Petersburg have access to quality healthcare facilities.
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6. Cape Coral, FL
Cape Coral ranks as the sixth-best place in Florida to retire in. The cost of living is lower than other Florida cities on the list, making retirement affordable. It’s also affordable to buy a house in Cape Coral, with a median home price of $398,780.
Living in Cape Coral means retirees can enjoy a wide variety of outdoor activities, including white sandy beaches, warm Gulf waters, public parks, hiking trails, and waterparks. Cape Coral is also known for its extensive canal network, making it a paradise for water enthusiasts.
Cape Coral retirees have access to quality healthcare with close proximity to leading hospitals and healthcare facilities.
7. Pembroke Pines, FL
Pembroke Pines is ranked as the 7th best place to retire in Florida. Retirees who choose to live in Pembroke Pines can enjoy a good quality of life as it ranks as the 15th best city for quality of life in the nation. The city has a low crime rate and offers the convenience of city amenities while maintaining a relaxed suburban lifestyle.
With a warm Florida climate, residents can participate in outdoor activities all year round, including leisurely walks and tennis. The city is also close to medical centers and hospitals, ensuring that residents have reliable healthcare services nearby.
However, Pembroke Pines is not the most affordable place to live in and is as expensive as living in Miami. Buying a house in Pembroke Pines is also not as cheap as other Florida cities on this list with a median home price of $428,188.
Check out: 7 Worst States to Retire In
8. Jacksonville, FL
Jacksonville is ranked as the 8th best city to retire in Florida. It is the most affordable city to retire in, ranking as the 16th best city for affordability in the nation. It is also relatively affordable to buy a house in Jacksonville with a median sale price of $299,379, which is the second cheapest place to buy a house compared to cities on this list.
Retiring in Jacksonville means you can enjoy a mix of beach fun and city life- from relaxing at the beach to antique shopping to live music. The city’s youthful vibe keeps retirees engaged and active, and retirees also have access to quality healthcare facilities.
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9. Port St. Lucie, FL
Port St. Lucie is ranked as the 9th best place to retire in Florida. It ranks high in affordability, being the second most affordable Florida city on this list. Buying a house in Port St. Lucie is also affordable with a median home price of $392,360.
Port St. Lucie offers plenty of recreational opportunities for retirees like exploring natural walking trails, playing golf, or strolling through a beautiful botanical garden. The beautiful beaches along the Treasure Coast are inviting- perfect for swimming, fishing, boating, and sunbathing. Retirees also have reliable healthcare options.
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10. Hialeah, FL
Hialeah is ranked as the 10th best place to retire in Florida. Retirees living in Hialeah enjoy a good quality of life with a low crime rate. Buying a house in Hialeah is affordable with a median home price of $434,642, which is more affordable than other places in the Miami-Dade county.
Retirees also enjoy lots of activities as Hialeah is just 19 minutes away from Miami. Aside from Miami’s cultural and culinary scene, Hialeah offers many parks and green spaces. Plus, its convenient location allows easy exploration of all that South Florida has to offer.
Check out: 7 Best States to Retire
11. Tallahassee, FL
Tallahassee is ranked as the 11th best place to retire in Florida. Compared to other Florida cities on this list, it is the second most affordable place to retire. It is the cheapest place to buy a house in Florida on this list with a median home price of $261,804.
While avoiding the hustle and bustle of a big city, retirees still have access to all the events and resources of a larger metropolis with an international airport. Tallahassee is home to Florida State University (FSU), which brings a vibrant cultural scene. Enjoy concerts, theater performances, and art exhibitions. It’s a great place to retire for anyone on a budget.
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