Florida is an iconic retirement destination with abundant attractions and outdoor activities. Drawn by great weather, unbeatable golf courses, swaying palm trees and white sand beaches, retirees love the simultaneously exciting, active, and relaxing lifestyle perks that Florida has to offer residents.
Thinking of an appealing yet reasonable destination where you can enjoy your golden years? Consider starting the next chapter of your life in the Sunshine State. With the amazing amenities geared towards retirees, it’s no wonder that some of the best cities to retire in America are in Florida.
Top 10 Cities to Retire in Florida
1. Fort Pierce
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 17.9%
Median Home Value: $113,600
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 260
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 1,377
Number of Hospitals Within One Mile of the City: 5
If you spent your days at the office dreaming of a beach side retirement, Fort Pierce is the perfect community for you. This idyllic coastal town in the Port St. Lucie Area has an incredibly low median home price, so get ready to embrace your inner beach bum and enjoy fun in the sun during your golden years.
2. Lauderdale Lakes
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 16.6%
Median Home Value: $119,800
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 331
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 975
Number of Hospitals Within One Mile of the City: 26
Lauderdale Lakes is an affordable and safe community in the Fort Lauderdale area. Retirees can take advantage of its low median home price and reasonable cost of living, so you can make a fixed income last longer while still getting to enjoy the luxurious beach retirement without a downright scary price tag.
3. Largo
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 25.9%
Median Home Value: $124,700
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 329
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 2,348
Number of Hospitals Within One Mile of the City: 20
If you want to live in a beautiful oceanfront town that is off the beaten path, and will allow you to remain within your budget, then check out Largo. Seriously, this charming city in Pinellas County has something for everybody, except for couch potatoes who never want to have any fun.
4. Haines City
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 13.8%
Median Home Value: $141,400
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 45
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 493
Number of Hospitals Within One Mile of the City: 8
Haines City is a comfortable under-the-radar suburb of Orlando that fosters a welcoming community for retirees. This affordable town on the banks of Lake Eva offers you the chance to live a life you love outside of an amazing metropolitan hub in central Florida.
5. Ocala
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 18.1%
Median Home Value: $142,200
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 514
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 2,554
Number of Hospitals Within One Mile of the City: 3
Active adults will love retiring in Ocala. Easy access to the scenic wonderland of Ocala National Forest and Florida’s West Coast mean you can enjoy the best of the state’s natural setting. If you are looking for the ultimate horse show adventure, you are in luck; the city is home to the World Equestrian Center. But that’s not all; pristine natural mineral springs are the jewels of Ocala. Here you will find it easy to get outdoors, stay active, and have a healthy lifestyle well into your golden years.
6. Titusville
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 22.5%
Median Home Value: $143,700
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 377
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 1,492
Number of Hospitals Within One Mile of the City: 4
Titusville is a charming historic town on the Atlantic seaboard which many Floridians refer to as NASA’s gateway to space. This down-to-earth city offers retirees a low cost of living, especially for a coastal community. Get ready to enjoy the white sand, beach retirement you always wanted when you retire to Titusville.
7. Palm Springs
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 12.3%
Median Home Value: $148,800
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 164
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 962
Number of Hospitals Within One Mile of the City: 13
Lake Worth has a wonderful city for retirees in Palm Springs; warm weather fans never tire of its abundant outdoor activites. It offers easy access to numerous wooded parks, and as well as to marinas and boat launches on Lake Worth. You can stay active and healthy when you make your retirement home in paradise – also known as Palm Springs.
8. Lakeland
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 22.2%
Median Home Value: $149,500
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 395
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 3,235
Number of Hospitals Within One Mile of the City: 7
Lakeland is a retiree-friendly Western Florida community. This thriving city boasts a low median home price, making it a smart choice for people who want to settle into their next adventure. Nearby Tampa and beaches let you sample the best that Florida has to offer, without inserting yourself into the constant hustle and bustle.
9. Winter Haven
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 25.3%
Median Home Value: $154,100
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 187
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 1,126
Number of Hospitals Within One Mile of the City: 7
Winter Haven is a popular haven for retirees who want to escape cold winters This centrally located city is notable for its Chain of Lakes, many of which are connected by canals. Explore the wetlands and swamps by foot or during a leisurely boat ride. Winter Haven is also home to Legoland, which includes a resort and botanical gardens. Whether you’re out and about or enjoying a quiet day on the water, you’re sure to love all Winter Haven has to offer.
10. Daytona Beach
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 20.8%
Median Home Value: $153,000
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 795
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 2,842
Number of Hospitals Within One Mile of the City: 6
Daytona Beach is located along Florida’s east coast. Enjoy miles of sand and boardwalks at the beach or spend your days savoring the city life, such as the museums and Daytona International Speedway. The city encompasses state parks, golf clubs, and there’s no shortage of retail centers or divine seafood restaurants.
NewHomeSource pulled data from the FBI Uniform Crime Reporting Services, Medicare’s Hospital Compare and the U.S. Census Bureau. In the event exact crime data was unavailable, estimates were used. Median home price, number of hospitals, 65+ population, and crime rates were entered into an algorithm to calculate a score for each city whose population is at least 10,000.
Common Questions About Retiring in Florida
Retirees looking to live comfortably in Florida need to have about $1.2 million dollars saved, slightly higher than the national average.
Retirees can enjoy a life they always dreamed about while working in the office! Some of the benefits of retiring in Florida include amazing weather, perfect for golfing or beachfront living, no state income taxes, and no estate taxes.
Seniors and retirees can defer most or all of their property taxes. If you are over the age of 65 and have a primary residence in Florida for at least 25 years, you can defer all your property taxes.
| City Name | People Over 65 | Violent Crimes | Property Crimes | Access to Doctors | Median Home Price |
| Fort Pierce | 17.9% | 260 | 1,377 | 5 | $113,800 |
| Lauderdale Lakes | 16.6% | 331 | 975 | 26 | $119,800 |
| Largo | 25.9% | 329 | 2,348 | 20 | $124,700 |
| Haines City | 13.8% | 45 | 493 | 8 | $141,400 |
| Ocala | 18.1% | 514 | 2,554 | 3 | $142,200 |
| Titusville | 22.5% | 377 | 1,492 | 4 | $143,700 |
| Palm Springs | 12.3% | 164 | 962 | 13 | $148,800 |
| Lakeland | 22.2% | 395 | 3,235 | 7 | $149,500 |
| Winter Haven | 25.3% | 187 | 1,126 | 7 | $154,100 |
| Daytona Beach | 20.8% | 795 | 2,842 | 6 | $153,000 |
| Deltona | 15.6% | 234 | 906 | 8 | $155,000 |
| Pinellas Park | 21.6% | 206 | 2,038 | 20 | $154,700 |
| Lauderhill | 13.9% | 573 | 2,151 | 26 | $154,400 |
| Palm Bay | 18.5% | 296 | 1,981 | 7 | $155,200 |
| Panama City | 18.9% | 228 | 1,917 | 2 | $155,800 |
| Sanford | 11.8% | 497 | 2,127 | 8 | $156,600 |
| Casselberry | 15.6% | 90 | 936 | 8 | $159,300 |
| Greenacres | 16.1% | 122 | 749 | 13 | $162,600 |
| Crestview | 10.5% | 118 | 644 | 3 | $164,300 |
| Gainesville | 10.8% | 958 | 5,046 | 2 | $161,000 |
Access to Doctors is calculated by finding the number of hospitals, discounting children’s hospitals and VA hospitals within one mile of the city.
Other Florida Resources
Sarah graduated from Trinity University in 2012 with a degree in International Relations and Political Science. She writes blogs on new homes, decor, communities, and more for NewHomeSource. When she’s not writing, you can find her spending time with her three cats.
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