11 Best Small Towns to Retire in Florida in 2024
With its gorgeous sunny weather, friendly tax policies, stunning beach scenery, and a wealth of exciting outdoor opportunities, Florida continues to draw a good fraction of fresh retirees looking for the perfect space to spend their golden years. While settling in big cities like Miami and Orlando might seem enticing, the choking crowds and urban commotion may prove too much for senior citizens. The little-known locations away from the metro areas present the perfect alternative, with a slow pace of life and a relaxed rural environment.
From scenic coastal villages to sleepy riverfront towns, these hidden gems showcase a strong sense of community that allows newcomers and strangers to feel at home. They also deliver plenty of outdoor opportunities, ensuring pensioners access amenities to meet all their recreational needs. Not to mention the availability of friendly assisted living communities and reliable health centers to cater to any medical needs. If you are planning to call time on your career in 2024 and settle in the Sunshine State, these small towns in Florida should rank in your list of options.
Gulf Breeze
The name “Gulf Breeze” is symbolic of the breezy sailing into the sunset years retirees can look forward to in this Santa Rosa County gem. A Pensacola suburb with unprecedented views of Pensacola Bay, Gulf Breeze offers endless outdoor and aquatic adventures at the Gulf Islands National Lakeshore, from hiking and swimming to snorkeling and bird-watching. Inside the 50-acre Gulf Breeze Zoo, seniors can admire over 1,000 exotic animals, such as hippos, gorillas, giraffes, and rhinos. However, environmentalists who prefer greenery in their space will appreciate the Naval Live Oaks Preserve, which delights with isolated hiking trails through a wooded forest.
The town’s proximity to bigger cities like Pensacola and Milton ensures easy access to higher-quality social and health facilities. Its crime rate is almost the same as the national average and homes here sell for an average of about five hundred thousand dollars.
Naples
Senior citizens in Naples are rewarded with the charm of small-town living without missing out on all the contemporary urban comforts. From a scenic coastal landscape and relaxed rural atmosphere to luxury shopping opportunities, this adorable town delivers all the ingredients for a comfortable retirement life. The 170-acre Naples Botanical Gardens has the ideal setting to unwind and meditate in an urban oasis dotted with diverse tropical plant species. Those who prefer indoor attractions can get an insightful look into the town’s history at the Naples Historical Society, whereas pensioners yearning for a little bit of activity can have a stress-free walk along the lovely Naples Pier.
Downtown Naples is a vibrant corridor with plenty of shopping opportunities. It also hosts the NHC Downtown Naples Hospitals, which provides residents with quality health care. The crime rate is lower than the national average and $1,000 is more than enough to handle all your living necessities for a month.
Winter Park
Sitting about 15 minutes from Orlando, Winter Park shields retirees from the crowds and commotion in the big city while keeping them within striking distance of all the superior amenities it has to offer. This cute inland locality delights with a laid back environment, best experienced in the lush grounds of Mead Botanic Garden. The local cultural scene is abuzz, with venues like the Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art allowing connoisseurs to explore an impressive collection of ancient artworks.
Senior citizens have little to worry about their safety in Winter Park, especially with the odds of being a victim of violent crime being 1 in 343. Instead, they can focus on making new friends and establishing lifelong connections at the Winter Park Farmers’ Market. The town’s proximity to Orlando comes in handy when grandkids visit, with a chance to check out the popular theme parks in the city.
Vero Beach
Another coastal community with all the charm you can ask for, Vero Beach promises fresh retirees rest, relaxation, and rejuvenation in the sunset years. The town is famous for its beautiful beaches with sandy shores and crystal-clear waters, but many consider the Round Island Oceanside Park to be the best among them. Away from the coast, McKee Botanical Gardens presents a quiet, green atmosphere with rich biodiversity, perfect for a lazy stroll. Meanwhile, theater enthusiasts can join peers at Riverside Theater to enjoy an entertaining live performance in a family-friendly venue.
It takes less than $300,000 to own a home in Vero Beach, so pensioners don’t have to worry about burning through their savings. The crime rate is below the national average and several eateries invite you to sample sumptuous local cuisine, highlighted by seafood at Citrus Grillhouse.
Apalachicola
If you fancy spending your golden years in a sleepy fishing village with a one-of-a-kind charm, Apalachicola is one of the best towns in Florida you can settle in. Home to less than 2,500 residents, this laidback community welcomes new retirees to savor its rural coastal atmosphere with luscious views of the Gulf of Mexico. Chill-out spaces like Lafayette Park allow pensioners to meditate and commune with nature, while historical markers like Orman House Historic State Park present a solemn journey into the town’s eras gone by.
Apalachicola is a safe and affordable option for senior citizens. The town is twice as safe as America as a whole and $300,000 is enough to buy you a more-than-decent abode. Unlike other Florida destinations where the weather can get too humid for comfort, Apalachicola is relatively mild and cozy.
Punta Gorda
Punta Gorda doesn’t get enough recognition as a top retirement destination, but this hidden Southwest Florida gem has the charm to grab your attention. From its small-town vibe to its captivating history and beautiful waterfront parks, it is the ideal environment for after-work life. The town’s lush flora and fauna shine through Laishley Park, a popular gathering spot with a memorial garden and a serene fishing pier. It is not too far from the Peace River Wildlife Center, a sanctuary that serves to heal and rehabilitate various kinds of animal species.
The cost of living in Punta Gorda is significantly below the national average and the home median price is under $400,000, providing pensioners with an affordable retirement option. Meanwhile, the town has one of the lowest crime rates in the region and boasts quality healthcare facilities like ShorePoint Health.
Mount Dora
Mount Dora is about 30 minutes from Orlando in Central Florida, housing a tight-knit community of about 17,000. It has a vibrant arts and culture scene, hosting several craft fairs and festivals throughout the year. One of the most anticipated social events is the Mount Dora Arts Festival, bringing the community together for fun family-friendly activities. You can get familiar with its colorful history inside the Mount Dora History Museum, which features artifacts dating back to the 1880s. Elsewhere, Mount Dora Marketplace helps cement the ties in the community as members gather to shop for fresh produce and sample craft beer, street food, and home-baked goods.
With a cost of living 2% below the national average, pensioners can stretch their savings into the later years of their retirement life. They also enjoy access to several healthcare facilities, including UF Health Leesburg in nearby Leesburg.
Clermont
Forbes Magazine once recognized Clermont as a top place to retire in the country, which speaks to the impressive mix of senior-friendly features that the town offers. It has a rural atmosphere that allows retirees to stay active and healthy by hiking and biking in open spaces like Waterfront Park. This cute nature center further presents recreational opportunities for swimmers, picnickers, and anglers. While there is no shortage of attractions in Clermont, the Presidents Hall of Fame is easily the most noteworthy. This interesting museum chronicles the lives and legacies of former United States presidents, including their families, careers, and achievements.
With less than 2 violent crime cases reported per 1,000 residents, Clermont has a relatively safe atmosphere compared to the national average. It is also a short distance from Orlando, allowing easy access to its high-quality health and social amenities, such as the Orlando Health South Lake Hospital and multiple world-class theme parks.
Destin
Destin is the embodiment of Florida’s Emerald Coast's sheer beauty, surrounded by sugar-white shores and picturesque Gulf of Mexico views. The relaxed beach scenery and cozy atmosphere are more than a retiree could ask for. This friendly community assures seniors a cheap and safe way of life, with a cost of living and crime rate lower than the national average. Outdoor opportunities abound for any time you want to explore the open spaces. A stress-free walk on the smooth shores of Henderson Beach State Park is an excellent way to stay active and unwind. Meanwhile, the Destin History & Fishing Museum is a worthy indoor pursuit for those curious about the colorful history of the town.
Seniors will find a charming community to interact and mingle with at the vibrant HarborWalk Village. This lively neighborhood best exemplifies local community ties, allowing retirees to attend festivals, shows, and concerts while making lifelong friends. In case of any health emergencies, several medical centers, including HCA Florida Destin Emergency ensure that reliable health care is a stone's throw away.
St. Augustine
Retirees who appreciate the beauty of nostalgia won’t think twice about settling in this charming northeast Florida town. The oldest town in Florida is a rich tapestry of state and national history, punctuated with Spanish colonial architecture on a treasure trove of captivating sites. There is immense history to absorb, starting at the Castillo de San Marcos. This national monument dates back to the 17th century, built by the Spanish to protect strategic trade routes. The Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine is a prominent landmark in the town worth checking out, showcasing the architectural prowess of the period’s civilization. Other historical markers to stop by include the Old Jail Museum and Lightner Museum. To break the monotony, retirees can head to the Alligator Farm & Zoological Park and observe an interesting mix of local and exotic wildlife, including reptiles, birds, and mammals. Pensioners don’t have to burn through their savings to lead a decent life in St. Augustine. Homes go for an average of less than $500,000, while the cost of living is more or less the national average. They also enjoy access to senior living centers like Allegro Senior Living.
Venice
Enjoy Amalfi Coast vibes in this little piece of seaside paradise along the Gulf Coast. Boasting nearly 14 miles of pristine shoreline, Venice presents seniors with the ultimate beach scenery to revel in their retirement. There are numerous beaches to choose from, including Caspersen Beach, known for shark teeth treasures, and Venice Beach, which stuns with colorful coral reefs. Further inland, the calm streets through Historic Downtown Venice beckons you to explore an easygoing neighborhood showcasing the town’s storied beginnings.
With a 1 in 85 chance of suffering a violent crime, Venice’s crime rate is almost at par with the national average. Also, the home median price is just over $400,000 but you can find cheaper accommodation options at the multiple senior living communities in the town, including Village On The Isle.
The Takeaway
Whether you're looking for beach living, affordable pricing, or a tight-knit community, these small towns in Florida have a lot to offer retirees in Florida. While large metro areas will always be popular retirement considerations, they allow residents to enjoy many benefits of the Sunshine State in a more low-key environment. Their charming downtown areas, plethora of outdoor activities, and overall high quality of life make them great places to spend your golden years. With so many great 2024 small-town options across Florida, you're sure to find the perfect place to call home.
