The 5 Best Places to Retire in Florida
January 26, 2022 | Lifestyle
Are you dreaming about retiring to a city where you can create your ideal lifestyle? If you’re not already considering a few cities in Florida, you’ll undoubtedly want to add the Sunshine State to your list.
Florida has easily been considered one of the best places to retire with its sunny weather and world-class beaches, drawing retirees and snowbirds who want to spend their golden years away from cold and snowy winters. Low housing prices, no state income tax, and access to quality healthcare also make Florida a desirable place to retire.
So if you’re planning for how and where you’ll spend your retirement years, here are five of the best places to retire in Florida to learn more about.
1. Sarasota
Sarasota is located on the southwestern coast of Florida and is not only one of the best places to retire in Florida but also made the U.S. News and World Report “Best Place to Retire in the United States.” The retirement community in this Garden State oasis has recently grown from 27.3% of the population to 37.3%.
U.S. News & World Report notes that Sarasota “has a distinct vibe that’s different from Florida’s relative coastal cities, with its own vibrant arts scene, beachy atmosphere, and burgeoning food culture.” The amenities and features recognized as making the region special are beautiful beaches, a vibrant arts and culture scene, and affordable housing options.
Retirees also enjoy multiple golf courses, a range of shopping venues, hiking trails, stimulating academic offerings, expansive healthcare options, farmers’ markets, and stunning Sarasota beach sunsets.
2. Fort Myers
Located along Florida’s Gulf Coast and the Caloosahatchee River, Fort Myers is one of the best places to retire, thanks to its budget-friendly housing options. The white sand beaches, first-class golf courses, deep-sea fishing, and endless dining and shopping options attract older demographics searching for warmer climates.
Retirees choose Fort Myers for many reasons, including its proximity to the stunning Captiva and Sanibel Islands (about an hour from Fort Myers) and home to some of the best beaches in Florida. These include Tarpon Bay Beach, Lighthouse Beach & Fishing Pier, and Bowman’s Beach.
For a change of scenery, retirees who love to spend time outdoors enjoy kayaking and canoeing at Caloosahatchee National Wildlife Refuge, Powell Creek Preserve, and Estero Bay Aquatic Preserve.
If you’re an avid golfer and interested in retiring in a 55+ community that offers a variety of organized events, clubs, and opportunities for making new friends all year round, then be sure to explore Fort Myers.
3. Tampa
The Tampa Bay metro area is a sprawling and diverse region encompassing three cities – Tampa, St. Petersburg, and Clearwater – each with a distinct personality. Located north of the bay, Tampa is the third-largest city in Florida. As a result, retirees love living in Tampa to enjoy excellent health care options, the big-city arts and culture scene, and of course, the climate.
Moreover, sports fans often choose Tampa over Orlando because it has more professional sports teams, including NHL’s Tampa Bay Lightning, MLB’s Tampa Bay Rays, NFL’s Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and USL’s Tampa Bay Rowdies.
Known as the “Sunshine City” for averaging 361 days of sunshine, another perk that makes Tampa one of the best places to retire in Florida is that you’re never far from some of Florida’s award-winning beaches. The sparkling waters, white sand, and palm tree-shaded shores attract retirees from around the globe.
4. Orlando
Located in central Florida, Orlando is home to more than a dozen theme parks, making this ideal for retirees who are kids at heart or have grandchildren. Residential Orlando started development during the 1920s’ with canopied oaks and lakefront bungalows.
Florida is home to the highest number of cities that rank as the most desirable places to retire in the country, and Orlando is no exception. The City Beautiful ranked #16 on U.S. News & World Report’s Best Places to Retire in the U.S.
Retirees look to Orlando with a focus on several factors, including the affordability of homes, access to quality hospitals and healthcare, and overall happiness and quality of life.
Combine these benefits with world-class golf courses, and Orlando checks all of the boxes as one of the best places to retire in Florida.
5. Naples
Located on Florida’s Gulf Coast about an hour south of Fort Myers makes Naples the southernmost metropolitan area along the Gulf Coast of Florida. Naples is a tropical playground that attracts retirees and snowbirds who enjoy high-end shopping, dining, and championship golf courses.
If you think of Italy when you hear Naples, you wouldn’t be that far off. It turns out that one of the best places to retire in Florida shares similarities to the city of Naples in Italy, known for its waterfront location and mild climate.
Naples also shares a spot alongside Sarasota and Fort Myers as two of Florida’s best places to retire. Naples, Marco Island, and the Everglades are part of Florida’s Paradise Coast and have a higher cost of living though.
When you’re ready to venture away from your beachside community, you can travel to Miami in around two hours and up to Tampa in a little under three hours.
Plan for Your Florida Retirement
Whether you’re planning to retire to Florida or downsize your Florida home, Metro Self Storage has clean and reliable Florida storage facilities in Fort Myers, Tampa, Orlando, and Pinellas County.
For a stress-free move, consider storing your items in self storage while you house hunt. When you choose Metro Self Storage, our friendly storage team will help you find the suitable unit for your needs with plenty of convenient amenities like easy online bill pay, free package acceptance, drive-up access units, and climate-controlled storage to protect your items from Florida’s hot and humid summers.
Choose from one of our great storage facilities in Florida and find out how we can make room for you today!
