Best Small Cities for Retirees in Florida

Florida is a gateway to retirement paradise! Spend your golden years in a golden state full of sunshine and beaches. If you’re looking for the perfect place to settle down for retirement, check out NewHomeSource’s list of the top 10 small cities to retire in Florida.

1. Westgate

Percent of population over 65: 6.8%

Number of physicians per capita: 151

Violent crimes per capita: 30.7

Nonviolence crimes per capita: 55.7

The best small city in which to retire in Florida is Westgate! Located just outside of West Palm Beach, retirees don’t have to travel far to see the ocean. Spend an afternoon playing poker at the Palm Beach Kennel Club or take an exercise class at Westgate Park and Recreation Center. If you’re in need of fresh air, go for a leisurely morning walk through Golfview Heights Park.

2. Jan Phyl Village

Percent of population over 65: 37.4%

Number of physicians per capita: 128

Violent crimes per capita: 23.2

Nonviolence crimes per capita: 42.1

Jan Phyl Village is located east of Lakeland. If you’re looking for a place to relax, check out Simmers-Young Park; this city park contains 200 acres where you can enjoy a picnic, watch sports, and fish at the onsite lake. If you enjoy car racing, you can catch the latest race at Auburndale Speedway. 

3. Brooksville

Percent of population over 65: 29.3%

Number of physicians per capita: 136

Violent crimes per capita: 5.38

Nonviolence crimes per capita: 25.93

Brooksville resides in an area of Florida known as Florida’s Nature Coast, making it a great retirement location for outdoor enthusiasts. State forests and nature reserves surround the city, so you have your pick of outdoor destinations. In the city itself, enjoy activities like playing golf at the Southern Hills Plantation Club or taking a ghost tour at the May-Stringer House. Take a morning walk along Good Neighbor Trailhead and check out the 1885 Brooksville Train Depot while you’re there!

4. Beacon Square

Percent of population over 65: 20%

Number of physicians per capita: 129

Violent crimes per capita: 25.3

Nonviolence crimes per capita: 46.2

Beacon Square is a coastal town located approximately 40 miles northwest of Tampa. Enjoy digging your toes in the sand or going on a fishing charter along the waters. If you want more of the great outdoors, visit Pasco Palms Preserve, a 116-acre outdoor space that’s great for hiking and observing wildlife. Amenities like restaurants and grocery stores are all within a reasonable driving distance, so you don’t have to travel far for the necessities.

5. South Highpoint

Percent of population over 65: 10.7%

Number of physicians per capita: 273

Violent crimes per capita: 29.1

Nonviolence crimes per capita: 53.1

South Highpoint is a census-designated place with a population of just over 5,000 residents. Enjoy local amenities like the farmer’s market, fishing pond, and restaurants. Old Tampa Bay is a short drive away if you want to spend a day along the water. 

6. South Bay

Percent of population over 65: 20.2%

Number of physicians per capita: 254

Violent crimes per capita: 55

Nonviolence crimes per capita: 43

The city of South Bay is located just south of Lake Okeechobee. Although the city is small, you’ll find everything you need within South Bay; from grocery stores, places of worship, restaurants, and shopping plazas, South Bay has it all. Along the city’s northern border, enjoy fishing, camping, and boating along the water.

7. Combee Settlement

Percent of population over 65: 11%

Number of physicians per capita: 128

Violent crimes per capita: 31.1

Nonviolence crimes per capita: 56.5

Combee Settlement resides along the shores of Lake Parker. Make the most of the lake’s proximity by fishing, boating, or walking along the water. Saddle Creek Park is located east of Combee Settlement, and its 740 acres provide even more opportunities to enjoy nature and get fresh air. Within the city itself, you’ll find grocery stores, boutiques, city parks, and places of worship.

8. Tice

Percent of population over 65: 28.4%

Number of physicians per capita: 173

Violent crimes per capita: 31.20

Nonviolence crimes per capita: 56.60

Tice is located along the Caloosahatchee River, approximately five miles northeast of Fort Myers. Visit Schandler Hall Community Park, where you can take your dog for a walk, enjoy a picnic, or even play a sport. If you want an excellent view of the river, check out Royal Palm Park! Leave all your troubles back on shore by taking advantage of the boat ramps available along the Caloosahatchee River.

9. Southeast Arcadia

Percent of population over 65: 12.3%

Number of physicians per capita: 62

Violent crimes per capita: 28.4

Nonviolence crimes per capita: 51

Southeast Arcadia is in DeSoto County and is home to over 6,000 residents. Whether you’re going for a walk in Brewer Park or visiting the local deli, you’ll enjoy quiet living in these neighborhoods. Southeast Arcadia is also home to its own municipal airport!

10. Fort Meade

Percent of population over 65: 27.7%

Number of physicians per capita: 128

Violent crimes per capita: 2.14

Nonviolence crimes per capita: 8.16

Last but certainly not least is Fort Meade. This city has a variety of parks, stores, and restaurants to explore. Go for a hike along the Peace River Trail, watch wildlife at Fort Meade Outdoor Recreation Area, or hold a community event at Fort Meade Community Center. If you want to learn more about the area’s local history, check out the Historical Society of Fort Meade.