Best Retirement Communities in Florida

Can we meet with the best retirement communities in Florida? Of course, yes!

You will find some best retirees in most parts of Florida. It has become the most favored hot spot to live and retire in the US. You will be welcomed by the mild winters, low taxes, friendly people, and amazing attractions to explore in Florida.

The extensive and pleasurable beaches are very appealing for spending holidays and taking a walk at night under the sky filled with stars. Sounds nice, no? Well, it is! And guess what? Your moving to Florida plan will help you provide the best-relaxed lifestyle in Florida.

Why retire to Florida?

Florida has many world-famous white sand beaches to roam, relax, and enjoy summer holidays. Therefore, it is the universal truth that you will meet with the incredible retirement communities in Florida on the beach. Also, retirees can actively participate in the social responsibilities to fulfill them.

It also makes you friendly with the active adult communities as it has a substantial senior population. However, the biggest reason to retire in Florida is hidden in its state tax benefits. You don’t need to pay taxes on social security benefits, pensions, IRAs, etc.

Which part of Florida is best to retire?

Florida is a myriad of states with many towns and cities where you will find friendly folks, a happy environment, a natural ambiance, and whatnot. However, our favorite destination is Ocala.

The place has a lower cost of living than the US national average, has the best horses, charming downtowns, and friendly folks. Similarly, retirees can easily find their homes at affordable prices after retirement.

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Best Florida Retirement Community For Your Needs

As we have mentioned, Florida is a diverse state. Thus, the cost of living in Florida is 102% based on the US national average. And that affects the retirees more to find the best retirement communities in Florida. However, we have identified and shared a few communities to live in Florida for retirees below.

1. Sarasota

The real estate rush extended Sarasota boundaries in the early Twentieth Century. Also, Sarasota includes a few keys, such as Casey Key, Longboat Key, etc.

You will meet with the best retirement communities in Florida for singles in Sarasota. Also, it has miles of long beaches, restaurants, and the best culture to welcome you.

Sarasota has a current population of 55,426 people.

Sarasota is world-famous for its white sand beaches, Ringling Museum of Art, Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, and many other attractions.

Population	55,426
Cost of Living (Family of four without rent)	$3,848 Per month
Average Home Pricesa	$333,400
Share of Population 65+	27.3%
Best For	Outdoor activities

Table References –

For Population – https://worldpopulationreview.com/us-cities/sarasota-fl-population

For share of population 65+ – https://www.realestatewitch.com/best-retirement-communities-florida/

For cost of living for family of 4 – https://bit.ly/3Rh2aJG

For average home prices – https://www.bestplaces.net/housing/city/florida/sarasota

2. Naples

In the first millennium BC, the city of Naples was founded by the Greeks. Also, it was Magna Gracia’s major part in the olden days.

Naples is known for its best relaxing atmosphere and appealing waterfront homes with snowbirds. Also, it offers modernized restaurants, clubs, shopping centers, etc.

Currently, Naples has a population of 2,180,000 people.

Naples is famous for its appealing environment on the beaches, true-to-life climates, and the giant banyan trees with friendly folks.

Population	2,180,000
Cost of Living (Family of four without rent)	$2,512 Per month
Average Home Prices (July 2022)	$725,000
Share of Population 65+	52%
Best For	Waterfront and excellent living

Table References –

For Population – https://bit.ly/3CHeDCv.

For cost of living of family of 4 – https://bit.ly/3pU1SwF

For average home prices – https://www.movoto.com/naples-fl/market-trends/

For share of population 65+ and Best For – https://www.realestatewitch.com/best-retirement-communities-florida/

3. Orlando

Everyone calls Orlando the fourth-largest city in Florida due to its population growth and the state’s largest inland city.

Orlando is no less than a bunch of fun and pleasurable activities. You can easily spend a day with your partner in the gardens, theme parks, seasonal events, and much more.

Currently, it has a population of 2,038,000 people.

Despite being a wonderful destination with Disney World & Universal, it has skyscrapers, art galleries, shopping malls, parks, and much more to enjoy.

Population	2,038,000
Cost of Living (Family of four without rent)	$3,444 Per month
Average Home Prices	$380,900
Share of Population 65+	10.1%
Best For	Outdoor activities

Table References –

For Population – https://bit.ly/3Rh3vQI

For cost of living of family of 4 – https://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/in/Orlando

For average home prices – https://www.orlandorealtors.org/housingmarketnarrative

For share of population 65+ – https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/orlandocityflorida

4. Jacksonville

In the late 18th Century, the British Colonists resolved Jacksonville as Cow Ford. However, a major improvement was made in the Nineteenth Century.

Jacksonville is a blend of beaches, restaurants, sports, and much more. The climate is milder during the year and offers top-quality healthcare services.

The current population of Jacksonville is 1,314,000 people.

Jacksonville is known for its largest urban parks, islands, national parks, state parks, and whatnot. These are enough to make it one of the best retirement communities in Florida.

Population	1,314,000
Cost of Living (Family of four without rent)	$3,576 Per month
Average Home Prices	$6283,240
Share of Population 65+	13.8%
Best For	Outdoor activity lovers

Table References –

For Population – https://populationstat.com/united-states/jacksonville

For cost of living of family of 4 – https://bit.ly/3AVL0vF

For average Home Prices – https://www.rockethomes.com/real-estate-trends/fl/jacksonville

For share of population 65+ – https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/jacksonvillecityflorida

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5. Daytona Beach

Daytona Beach is part of the Deltona-Daytona Beach – Ormond Beach Metropolitan Area. Also, it stands as Florida’s fun coast region’s main city.

Daytona is one of the best destinations for spending your retirement life in beachfront areas. Also, you can easily meet with the best retirement communities in Florida on the beach.

Currently, it has a population of 497,000 people.

Although Daytona Beach is famous for its large and wide beaches, the automobile testing, racing, and thousands of motorsports make it more enjoyable.

Population	497,000
Cost of Living (Family of four without rent)	$3,258 Per month
Average Home Prices	$240.000
Share of Population 65+	20.8%
Best For	Motorcars and racing

Table References –

For Population – https://populationstat.com/united-states/daytona-beach

For cost of living of family of 4 – https://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/in/Daytona-Beach

For average home prices – https://www.rockethomes.com/real-estate-trends/fl/daytona-beach

For share of population 65+ and Best For – https://www.realestatewitch.com/best-retirement-communities-florida/

6. The Villages

The Community Development Districts are involved in The Villages, and The Board of Supervisors controls it. It is also a Census Designated Place in Florida.

You won’t believe it, but The Villages stand among the top retirement communities in the World. You will meet with many social clubs, night entertainment, recreational areas, golf courses, etc., in one place.

Currently, The Villages has a population of 84,605 people.

The Villages are known for their luxury retirement communities in Florida. Despite that, you can see Florida’s longest golf-cart parade and massive collection of amenities.

Population	84,605
Cost of Living (Family of four based on housing)	$807 to $1,262 Per month
Average Home Prices	$422,900
Share of Population 65+	84.2%
Best For	Social clubs & Night entertainment

Table References –

For Population – https://worldpopulationreview.com/us-cities/the-villages-fl-population

For cost of living of family of 4 – https://bit.ly/3wAJj4r

For average home prices – https://www.zillow.com/the-villages-fl/home-values/

For share of population 65+ – https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/thevillagescdpflorida

7. Port St. Lucie

The Metropolitan Area of Port St. Lucie includes St. Lucie and Martin counties 2016. Also, it was previously known as St. Lucie.

If you want to experience adventurous activities after retirement, you can choose Port St. Lucie. It has endless outdoor activities that will make your retirement – the best place to complete your dreams.

Currently, Port St. Lucie has a population of 545,000 people.

Port St. Lucie is home to many thrilling activities, such as Adventurous Scavenger Hunt, Clover Park, Savannas Preserve State Park, Treasure Coast Model Railroad, etc.

Population	545,000
Cost of Living (Family of four without rent)	$3,715 Per month
Average Home Prices	$355,127
Share of Population 65+	20.5%
Best For	Adventurous activities

Table References –

For Population – https://bit.ly/3CFiCiG

For cost of living of family of 4 – https://bit.ly/3PWdXvP

For average home prices – https://www.rockethomes.com/real-estate-trends/fl/port-saint-lucie

For share of population 65+ –https://www.realestatewitch.com/best-retirement-communities-florida/

8. St. Petersburg

The city of St. Petersburg was founded in the Nineteenth Century and listed in June 1903. After that, it slowly got populated.

St. Petersburg is one of the biggest cities in Florida to live a comfortable life with many benefits.

The current population of St. Petersburg has 261,016 people.

St. Petersburg is known for its historical, cultural, and architectural landmarks. Also, you can see the world’s most profound underground metro design in St. Petersburg.

Population	261,016
Cost of Living (Family of four)	$2,553 to $4,543 Per month
Average Home Prices	$425,000
Share of Population 65+	20%
Best For	Cultural and architectural landmarks

Table References –

For Population – https://worldpopulationreview.com/us-cities/st-petersburg-fl-population

For average home prices – https://www.movoto.com/saint-petersburg-fl/market-trends/

For share of population 65+ –https://bit.ly/3CMbJwl

9. Melbourne

Previously, Melbourne was known as Crane Creek. It was later changed to Melbourne in honor of Cornthwaite John Hector.

Melbourne is a unique space to explore the Indian River Lagoon. It allows retirees to enjoy golf, hiking, fishing, boating, and other activities.

The current population of Melbourne is only 86,400 people.

Melbourne is a well-known destination to watch the launches of satellites and spacecraft from the beach sites. Therefore, it is also known as a tourist destination for many people.

Population	86,400
Cost of Living (Family of four without rent)	$2,211 Per month
Average Home Prices	$424,000
Share of Population 65+	21.2%
Best For	Endless learning activities

Table References –

For Population – https://bit.ly/3AxyZvh

For cost of living of family of 4 – https://livingcost.org/cost/united-states/fl/melbourne

For average home prices – https://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-search/Melbourne_FL/overview

For share of population 65+ and Best For – https://www.realestatewitch.com/best-retirement-communities-florida/

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10. Ocala

The city of Ocala won the title of “World’s Horse Capital” in 2007. Also, Ocala has more than 400 thoroughbred farms and training centers to train horses.

If you love horseback riding and looking for a destination to settle down with a horse farm, there is no better destination than Ocala in Florida.

Currently, the population of Ocala is only 65,047 people.

You can enjoy the best horseback riding experience in Ocala with charming downtowns, unique shops, and a wide range of dining. You will also surely enjoy the orchestra in Ocala Symphony Orchestra.

Population	65,047
Cost of Living (Family of four without rent)	$2,399 Per month
Average Home Prices	$245,831
Share of Population 65+	18.1%
Best For	Creative individuals

Table References –

For Population – https://bit.ly/3pUz47b

For cost of living of family of 4 – https://livingcost.org/cost/united-states/fl/ocala

For average home prices – https://www.rockethomes.com/real-estate-trends/fl/ocala

For share of population 65+ and Best For – https://www.realestatewitch.com/best-retirement-communities-florida/

Pros and Cons of Retiring in Florida?

Pros

• No state income tax
• A warm climate and pleasant environment
• Better lifestyle opportunities
• Affordable cost of living
• Affordable home prices

Cons

• Problematic traffic
• Home to hurricanes and storms
• Global warming problems

Read more if you are interested in “How to become a Florida resident.”

Best Retirement Communities in Florida FAQs

Conclusion

Retirees want to spend their time with their favorite activities or in a peaceful environment with a natural ambiance. Considering these points, this blog has mentioned the best retirement communities in Florida, including Sarasota, Orlando, The Villages, Ocala, and many others. All these places are rich with friendly people, adventurous activities, natural appearance, and shopping centers, and the list is quite long.

Therefore, you can easily spend your day doing many activities that leave a smile on your face. Also, it will show that your decision to relocate to Florida was not a big mistake.

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