There are so many reasons to live in Florida – warm weather, no state income taxes, a low cost of living, and, of course, lots and lots of golf courses!
If you’re looking for a great place to retire, Florida is a great state in which to retire. Keep in mind, of course, that it’s a big state, so you’ll want to make the decision that’s right for you.
As your trusted advisor, Golf Life Navigators constantly looks for ways to help you with one of life’s biggest decisions. That’s why we turned to The Penny Hoarder, one of the largest personal finance websites in America, receiving millions of visitors each month looking to make and save extra money.
They analyzed U.S. Census Bureau data to identify retirement spots in Florida based on their share of retirees, median home values and overall economic health.
Here are eight retirement areas in Florida that are worth your consideration, according to The Penny Hoarder, which is based in St. Petersburg, Florida:
Fort Myers
Located in southwest Florida, Fort Myers is a riverside city known for its rich history. You can visit the expansive Edison and Ford Winter Estates, where Thomas Edison and Henry Ford created a garden escape in the early 1900s to conduct research and create new inventions. The city also offers all kinds of entertainment – from relaxing on the beach, to taking a historic tour, to fishing or strolling through one of its many parks.
Median home value: $171,100
Population of retirees: 26.3 percent
Melbourne
Nestled along the Indian River on the East Coast of Florida, Melbourne offers a historic downtown and gorgeous beaches. Melbourne is also part of Florida’s Space Coast, as it’s only an hour away from the Kennedy Space Center at Cape Canaveral.
Median home value: $150,500
Population of retirees: 22.5 percent
Punta Gorda
Located on the southwest coast of Florida, Punta Gorda is, as The Penny Hoarder describes it: a waterfront beauty with a small-town feel. Appoximately 38 percent of the Punta Gorda population is 65 or older, and the city is known for its waterside entertainment hub called Fishermen’s Village, where you can eat, shop, enjoy a free concert or take a relaxing sunset cruise. Punta Gorda is often referred to as a boater’s haven.
Median home value: $154,400
Population of retirees: 37.6 percent
Ormond Beach
Located on Florida’s East Coast just above Daytona Beach, Ormond Beach is ideal for nature enthusiasts and all kinds of water activities. You can visit Bulow Creek State Park and enjoy a hiking trail or spot some manatees at Tomoka State Park. Ormond Beach has the second lowest median home value on the list, which is quite a deal for picturesque beaches and thousands of acres of nature.
Median home value: $147,000
Population of retirees: 24.1 percent
Sarasota
Known for being Florida’s “cultural coast,” Sarasota is full of life. It was once home to the Ringling Brothers Circus and boasts The Ringling, which has art and circus museums, beautiful gardens and a mansion on the grounds. Sarasota is also home to some of the best beaches in Florida, such as Siesta Key and Lido Beach.
Median home value: $189,400
Population of retirees: 30 percent
Vero Beach
This is a beautiful stretch of beaches on Florida’s East Coast. Although it has one of the smaller populations on this list, it’s not short on entertainment. There’s a professional theater, community theater and art museum.
Median home value: $160,900
Population of retirees: 30.2 percent
The Villages
Often referred to as Disney World for adults, The Villages is a huge retirement community located about an hour’s drive west of Orlando. This is a rapidly growing retirement community that’s geographically larger than Manhattan and offers over 2,000 activities, including Championship & Executive golf courses.
Median home value: $227,000
Population of retirees: 53.1 percent
Winter Haven
Located in Central Florida, Winter Haven is known for its chain of lakes, which are connected by canals. This chain was created to transport citrus groves, but now serves as waterways for fishermen and fans of water sports. The best part about Winter Haven, according to The Penny Hoarder, is the median home value, which is the lowest on this list. It also has the smallest retiree population of the cities listed, so you will live among people of all ages.
Median home value: $110,400
Population of retirees: 19.5 percent
