Summary
- Miami is a vibrant city with high living costs that's better for vacations than retirement due to its fast-paced lifestyle.
- Orlando is a theme park capital that attracts tourists, has high living costs, and is less walkable for seniors.
- Fort Lauderdale is a boater's paradise with a high cost of living, and bustling nightlife that's more suitable for vacations.
Retirement in Florida is popular for many people, but not all places in Florida are equally good to retire in. It can cost even more to retire in Florida than the real cost of retiring in an RV. Still, Florida's at the top of most people's list of places in the country to retire, and not without reason. Florida is one of the warmest states, and it has lots of activities for older people.
Unfortunately, due to a number of factors, some cities in Florida aren't the retirement havens that they used to be. The combination of a high cost of living and housing costs alongside potential crime makes these locales undesirable for retirees. These seven locations in Florida can be great for vacations but might be worth reconsidering for retirement.
To evaluate a city's retirement outlook we used trusted sources like Best Places, World Population Review, and Zillow.
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7 Miami
Vibrant nightlife and diverse culture
Miami, FL
Miami is a bustling metropolis known for its vibrant nightlife, diverse culture, and beautiful beaches. However, the high cost of living and expensive real estate make it less ideal for retirees on a fixed income. Additionally, the city's fast-paced and crowded tourist areas can be overwhelming for those seeking a quieter lifestyle.
On the flip side, these aspects make Miami an excellent vacation spot, offering endless entertainment, dining, and cultural experiences.
Cost of Living Index | 118.9 |
|---|---|
Population | 460,289 |
Average Home Cost | $581,538 |
6 Orlando
The theme park capital of the world
Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando
Orlando, famous for its world-renowned theme parks like Disney World and Universal Studios, is a magnet for tourists. This constant influx of visitors can lead to high living costs and crowded conditions, making it less appealing for retirees. The city is also the least walkable city in Florida, making it even less palatable for senior citizens.
Moreover, the city's youthful and family-centric vibe may not align with the lifestyle preferences of many seniors. Conversely, these attractions and the city's warm climate make it a fantastic vacation destination.
Cost of Living Index | 106 |
|---|---|
Population | 325,044 |
Average Home Cost | $389,090 |
5 Fort Lauderdale
A boater’s paradise with bustling nightlife
The skyline of Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Fort Lauderdale, known for its boating canals and vibrant nightlife, attracts many tourists. However, the high cost of living and real estate prices make it less suitable for retirees on a budget.
The city's busy tourist areas and younger demographic can also detract from a peaceful retirement environment. Nonetheless, these factors contribute to making Fort Lauderdale a great vacation destination, offering numerous water activities, some of the best beaches around, and entertainment options.
Cost of Living Index | 110.5 |
|---|---|
Population | 184,709 |
Average Home Cost | $529,097 |
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4 Tampa
A cultural hub with sports and entertainment
Tampa, Florida, USA downtown skyline.
Tampa is a cultural hub with a thriving arts scene and numerous sports teams. However, its high crime rate and hot, humid climate can be challenging for retirees. The city's lively entertainment districts attract a younger crowd, which might not align with a quieter retirement lifestyle.
For those living in Tampa, there are a few things that stand out that make it an appealing place to live. For vacationers, Tampa offers diverse attractions, including museums, theaters, and a bustling nightlife, making it an exciting destination.
Cost of Living Index | 104.2 |
|---|---|
Population | 408,510 |
Average Home Cost | $385,025 |
3 Sarasota
A cultural capital with beautiful beaches
Siesta Key Beach in Sarasota, FL, Florida, USA
Sarasota is known for its cultural scene and beautiful beaches. However, the high cost of living and expensive real estate make it difficult for retirees on a fixed income. The city's popularity among tourists can lead to crowded conditions and higher prices.
Despite these drawbacks for permanent residents, Sarasota's cultural attractions and picturesque beaches make it an excellent vacation destination. There's always a slew of things to do in Sarasota for vacationers.
Cost of Living Index | 105.3 |
|---|---|
Population | 58,406 |
Average Home Cost | $457,900 |
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2 West Palm Beach
Luxury living with upscale amenities
Peanut Island Sandbar, West Palm Beach, Florida
West Palm Beach offers luxury living with upscale amenities and beautiful beaches. However, the high cost of living and real estate prices make it less accessible for retirees on a budget. The city's vibrant nightlife and younger population can also detract from a peaceful retirement environment.
Nonetheless, these aspects contribute to making West Palm Beach a fantastic vacation spot, offering numerous entertainment options and a luxurious atmosphere.
Cost of Living Index | 114.1 |
|---|---|
Population | 126,337 |
Average Home Cost | $405,399 |
1 Naples
Exclusive and a scenic coastal town
Sunset Near the Naples Pier, Naples, Florida
Naples is an exclusive coastal town with scenic views and high-end shopping. Unlike its European counterpart, it's somewhere relatively inexpensive for locals to visit. However, its high cost of living and expensive housing market make it less suitable for retirees on a fixed income.
The town's focus on luxury and tourism can also lead to crowded conditions and higher prices. For vacationers, Naples offers a picturesque and upscale environment, perfect for a luxurious getaway.
Cost of Living Index | 113 |
|---|---|
Population | 19,894 |
Average Home Cost | $595.693 |
