Are you searching for the best places to retire in Florida? You’re in the right place! With excellent weather the entire year, low taxes, and 1350+ miles of coastline, Florida offers plenty for retirees! Amenities are teeming in Florida, from beautiful parks to museums, shopping, golf, and much more. Plus, if you’re a recent retiree who’s big on fishing and boating, Florida will be a delight indeed!
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If you’re having trouble deciding on which place is best to retire in Florida, Hide-Away Self Storage has your back. We know the Sunshine State better than anyone, as we have self-storage facilities throughout the state. From Orlando to Miami, Tampa on the Gulf Coast, and more, all the best Florida retirement cities are below! Read on to find the Florida town that meets and exceeds all your retirement expectations!
The Top 5 Reasons to Retire In Florida
Before listing the best places to retire in Florida, we wanted to show why Florida is so popular among retirees. There are, to be sure, many reasons why Florida is enticing to those on permanent vacation. Below are a few of the best, including:
#1: Sunny, Dry, and Warm Weather
They don’t call Florida the Sunshine State for just anything! Due to its subtropical climate, there are over 230 days a year in Florida with sunshine! Yes, summer can get brutally hot, but winter is mild at worst and gorgeous at best. Spring and Autumn are practically perfect in most parts of Florida, too. In other words, you’ll be able to fully enjoy the outdoors as a retiree when living in Florida.
#2: Airports Aplenty
Just because you’re retired doesn’t mean you won’t travel. Also, you can be sure your kids and grandkids will want to travel to see you in Florida! The good news is that Florida has 13 international airports to choose from and many smaller airports also. They make getting around and visiting other places a breeze.
#3: Outdoor Activities are Everywhere
There’s no lack of outdoor activities in Florida; it’s true! Remember, we’ve got 1350+ miles of coastline! That means miles and miles (and miles!) of beaches. It also means plenty of chances for boating and fishing. Hiking, biking, and other fun activities are possible with ease too from most Florida locations. Then, of course, there’s golf, which you’ll find everywhere in the Sunshine State.
#4: Top Medical Care
Because Florida has such a high number of retirees, many top doctors have migrated here. That’s led to some of the finest healthcare for seniors in the country. Healthcare is also more affordable in Florida, another definite perk of living here.
#5: Excellent, Inviting Senior Communities
If finding new friends and living an active social life are what you desire, Florida is perfect. There are more 55-and-over active communities here than any other state in the U.S.! That makes finding new friends a lot easier and creates a stronger sense of belonging.
#6: Tax Breaks Abound in Florida
Florida is one of the lowest states for taxes in America, a big boon for retirees. For example, there’s no state income tax, which is fantastic. More importantly for retirees, though, Social Security and retirement income aren’t taxed, either. That goes for inheritance and estate taxes, making Florida attractive for retirees looking to keep more of their hard-earned money.
Best Places to Retire in Florida: Orlando
We start our list with Orlando, the home of Disney World, and many other top-tier amusement parks and attractions. One of the most popular cities in Florida, there are a wide variety of entertainment and dining choices here. Orlando is also away from the coast, which does a lot to protect the city from yearly hurricanes. As with all Florida cities, Orlando offers mild temperatures year-round and a relatively low cost of living. Plus, with all those theme parks nearby, your grandkids will be begging to visit you. That makes Orlando one of the best places to retire in Florida, no question.
- Population Aged 60 or Over- 20%
- Median Home Cost- $294.400.
- Overall Cost of Living Index- 104/100
- Comfort Index- Summer = 2.2/10 Winter= 9.1/10
Best Places to Retire in Florida: Pensacola
If living in one of the more affordable cities in Florida is your goal, Pensacola is a good choice. Near the northwest tip of the state, the weather is also less extreme here. There are many places to visit and enjoy the outdoors, also. That includes Pensacola Beach and the Gulf Islands National Seashore. Pensacola fits the bill nicely if an affordable Florida city is your goal.
- Population Aged 60 or Over- 23%
- Median Home Cost- $183.800.
- Overall Cost of Living Index- 87/100
- Comfort Index- Summer = 3.5/10 Winter= 8.0/10
Best Places to Retire in Florida: Daytona Beach
If you’re a retiree looking for more excitement and nightlife, Daytona Beach is a great choice. However, one caveat is that it’s not a quiet, tranquil city. That’s because, throughout the year, there are auto and motorcycle events here. That includes the Daytona 500, NASCAR races, and much more. The city is more affordable, though, which is a big plus. Indeed, many folks live on the water in Daytona Beach, even if they’re on a budget.
- Population Aged 60 or Over- 33%
- Median Home Cost- $194.500.
- Overall Cost of Living Index- 86/100 (One of the most affordable Florida cities!)
- Comfort Index- Summer = 3.7/10 Winter= 8.9/10
Best Places to Retire in Florida: Tampa
There are many excellent retirement communities in Tampa, Florida, no doubt. Most are affordable, liveable, and safe, three things many retirees seek out in a new town or city. Tampa also boasts world-class amenities and entertainment options for seniors and their families. (The Florida Aquarium is one of the best in the state!)
- Population Aged 60 or Over- 26%
- Median Home Cost- $306.900.
- Overall Cost of Living Index- 100/100
- Comfort Index- Summer = 2.3/10 Winter= 9.1/10
Best Places to Retire in Florida: Fort Myers
Located in southern Florida on the Gulf Coast, Fort Myers is quite popular for retirees. Housing prices are reasonable, and there are many excellent retirement communities in Fort Myers. That means a relaxing and affordable retirement for many, even if they don’t have a big budget. Plus, several top-tier retirement communities in Fort Myers, FL, are waiting for your arrival!
- Population Aged 60 or Over- 35%
- Median Home Cost- $269.700.
- Overall Cost of Living Index- 100/100
- Comfort Index- Summer = 1.8/10 Winter= 9.3/10
Best Places to Retire in Florida: Naples
One thing to know about Naples is that, compared to many other Florida cities, it’s rather expensive. However, most residents will tell you they don’t mind, thanks to the high quality of life found here. Naples is also a Gulf Coast town, which means fewer hurricanes affect it negatively. For that reason, it’s one of the best places to retire in Florida (if you can afford it).
- Population Aged 60 or Over- 20%
- Median Home Cost- $294.400.
- Overall Cost of Living Index- 104/100
- Comfort Index- Summer = 2.2/10 Winter= 9.1/10
Best Places to Retire in Florida: Sarasota
One of the top-rated cities for retirees in Florida, Sarasota offers reasonable housing and beautiful, white-sand beaches. There’s also a higher feeling of safety here and one of the best hospitals, namely Sarasota Memorial. What retirees love most about Sarasota, though, is they can live on (or near) the water more affordably here.
- Population Aged 60 or Over- 40%
- Median Home Cost- $333.400.
- Overall Cost of Living Index- 103/100
- Comfort Index- Summer = 2.5/10 Winter= 9.2/10
Best Places to Retire in Florida: Lakeland
Our last Florida city to retire today is one of the most affordable; Lakeland. The name comes from the nearly 40 lakes here, most of which are gorgeous and inviting. Lakeland is also one of the quieter cities in Florida and one of the most affordable. Are you a fan of incredible architecture? If yes, be sure to visit Florida Southern College in Lakeland. It boasts one of the largest Frank Lloyd Wright architecture collections on the planet! That, and much more, makes Lakeland one of the best places to retire in Florida.
- Population Aged 60 or Over- 26%
- Median Home Cost- $221.200.
- Overall Cost of Living Index- 86/100
- Comfort Index- Summer = 2.2/10 Winter= 9.2/10
Florida Offers many Excellent, Affordable Places to Retire!
We think you’ll agree, Florida has many attractive places to retire! From our northern to our southern tip, you’ll find a wide range of places to enjoy your Golden Years. Most of them are affordable, safe, and offer a wide range of amenities and attractions.
Hide-Away Self Storage offers a wide range of amenities, also. As one of the biggest providers of storage units in Florida, that’s no surprise. Clean, safe, and secure, you can find Hideaway self-storage facilities all over the Sunshine State. Indeed, many retirees reserve a Florida storage unit online before they arrive. That gives them time to search for their new Florida retirement community with much less stress.
Questions about renting a storage unit in Florida? If yes, you can chat with Hideaway online 7 days a week. You can also visit the Hide-Away self-storage facility closest to your new Florida town. The on-site manager will help you choose the best storage unit in Florida for your exact needs. Until then, we wish you the very best of luck finding your new forever home in Florida! We’re sure that, with so many wonderful cities to choose from, you’ll find one that fits your lifestyle perfectly!
Check out more articles about the cost of living in Florida.
