11 Small Towns Getaways on Florida's Emerald Coast for Retirees
Florida’s Emerald Coast boasts one of the most charming natural sceneries in the country. The calm turquoise waters, silky-smooth sandy beaches, cozy sunny weather, and refreshing sea breeze; who wouldn’t want to wake up to such an atmosphere in their retirement life? It doesn’t get better than the small-town getaways, where the pace of life is laidback, shielded from the jammed theme parks in Orlando and rowdy nightlife in Miami.
These tiny, unknown destinations are some of the best-kept secrets in the Sunshine State, offering pensioners the perfect landing spot after calling time on their careers. From secret beaches and overlooked state parks to unique historical and cultural delights, these towns provide seniors with enough activity to keep them healthy and fulfilled. They are also near quality healthcare and social amenities to address elderly needs.
So, if you are considering establishing a retirement home on Florida’s Emerald Coast, these small-town getaways are an excellent option.
Okaloosa Island
Sandwiched between Destin and Fort Walton, Okaloosa Island is a quiet beachside community of about 23,000 residents. It has spectacular natural scenery and fun outdoor pursuits tailored to retirees who fancy an active lifestyle. A lazy stroll on the scenic Okaloosa Island Pier is an excellent way to stay fit while savoring unprecedented vistas of the Gulf of Mexico. Alternatively, you can head to the Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park to admire exotic marine species and enjoy delightful interactions with other visitors.
With over 16% of the population being 65 years or older, seniors won’t have to search far or wide to meet their peers. Although the median home listing in the town is upwards of $400,000, the community watches out for its elderly population with affordable senior living housing, 12 in the larger Okaloosa County region. Furthermore, the crime rate is significantly lower than the national average.
Niceville
Life in this charming Okaloosa County is precisely what the name suggests: nice! This is a credit to its beautiful natural landscapes, comprising two state parks with scenic trails and other fun outdoor opportunities. If you like natural surroundings, it doesn’t get better than the Fred Gannon Rocky Bayou State Park. This 357-acre space beckons trekkers, boaters, campers, and bikers to make the most of exciting adventures. Pensioners here have various options for staying in shape, including enrolling for classes at BlackSmith Jiu Jitsu or signing up for a gym membership at Workout Anytime Niceville.
SafeWise ranked Niceville as Florida’s safest city in 2022, meaning retirees don’t have to keep on looking over their shoulders when they choose to settle here. Furthermore, the cost of living is almost in line with the national average, with access to several quality healthcare facilities, such as HCA Florida Twin Cities Hospital.
Destin
The crown jewel of the Emerald Coast, Destin is a haven for retirees, which explains the over 17% senior population in the famous resort town. Besides stunning beach scenery, endless outdoor pursuits result in a high quality of life for pensioners. An excellent example is Henderson Beach State Park, which hosts beautiful white beaches with a serene atmosphere, perfect for relaxing and unwinding. There are also several fine courses where you can meet up with your old acquaintances for an easygoing game of golf, such as the Kelly Plantation Golf Club.
At over $660,000, Destin’s median home price is significantly higher than the national average. However, pensioners who can afford it will appreciate the small-town feel and safety of the town, especially during the off-season. Not to mention that you can readily access all your fresh groceries and home supplies at the all-encompassing Destin Commons.
Rosemary Beach
Rosemary Beach is a charming village on the far end of Scenic 30A, which CNN named among “America’s Most Romantic Small Towns.” This speaks to the idyllic atmosphere of this Dutch West Indies-style community. Wandering its quiet cobblestone streets is an excellent way to explore the town, where quaint joints like Edward’s Fine Food and Wine serve delectable dishes with award-winning wines.
Newcomers will easily fall for the laid-back, close-knit community of Rosemary Beach. The locals are friendly and constantly converge for fun family games, festivals, and art shows, such as the Rosemary Beach Sculpture Exhibition. Retirees who envision an active lifestyle can learn a new sport at the Rosemary Beach Racquet Club, an excellent place to meet other seniors. Also, you can shop for fresh and healthy groceries at the 30A Farmers Market every Sunday.
Navarre
Famous for its beautiful natural environment, pristine swimming spots, and fun water-based adventures, Navarre presents a laid-back setting for smooth sailing into the sunset years. This quaint community of about 40,000 boasts numerous open spaces, highlighted by the Navarre Beach Marine Park. Retirees can relax on the sand, stroll along the scenic shores, snorkel in the toasty waters, or visit the Navarre Beach Sea Turtle Conservation Center. Also, Navarre Family Watersports is another popular spot where they can join the community for family-friendly activities.
Besides its strong community ties, Navarre is affordable to reside in, with the cost of living 5% cheaper than the country’s average. The town also records low crime rates of just 10 incidents per 1,000 residents, making it a safe and viable option for retirement life.
Grayton Beach
Grayton Beach offers more than coastal delights, unlike many other towns on Florida’s Emerald Coast. Besides the emerald-green waters of the gulf, you can move further inland to explore lush pine forests. Among the town’s highlights is Grayton Beach State Park, a picturesque stretch of smooth sand with hiking, picnicking, camping, and lounging opportunities. This is an excellent place to dip in the toasty waters and explore the Underwater Museum of Art, where unique sculptures decorate the sea floor.
The small town is dotted with Old Florida-style architecture that will take you back to the 19th century, and residents maintain close ties. Although the cost of living here is slightly higher, retirees will appreciate the easygoing setting with no rowdy crowds to disturb the peace.
Miramar Beach
Miramar Beach’s diverse outdoor offerings are one of the many reasons why some people consider it among the best getaways on the Emerald Coast. Pensioners can choose from a long list of pastimes to remain active, from playing beach volleyball and parasailing to jet skiing and strolling along its scenic shores. All this is possible at Miramar Beach Regional Access, which presents 400 feet of white sands for recreational pleasure. Not too far away, you’ll run into Pompano Joe’s, a trendy seafood joint where locals converge to socialize over tasty Caribbean-style delights.
The area is also relatively safe, with the crime rate below the national average for both violent and property crimes. While the cost of living is 25% higher than America’s average, senior citizens can look forward to a higher quality of life thanks to several senior living communities, including the Blake at Miramar Beach.
Seaside
Seaside boasts a unique, sophisticated vibe that can’t be replicated in other towns on the Emerald Coast. Peaceful brick streets and architect-inspired walkways define this quaint community, featured in the 1998 film “The Truman Show.” Pensioners can experience the local community's hospitality at the Seaside Farmers Market, a nice place to make friends and shop for fresh groceries and pastry goods. Central Square is another popular spot where residents bring their blankets to enjoy a family movie under the stars. The median age of the almost 3,000 residents of Seaside is 62, meaning retirees will easily fit into the community. They will also enjoy easy access to quality healthcare, with the availability of facilities like the Seaside Health and Rehabilitation Center.
St. George Island
St George Island is one of the most scenic towns on Florida’s Emerald Coast; this quiet barrier island in the northern Gulf of Mexico delights with long stretches of sandy beaches and exciting outdoor pursuits. Dr. Julian G. Bruce St. George Island State Park offers a snapshot of the stunning natural scenery in the town, and seniors can take advantage of camping, hiking, and swimming opportunities to stay active. If you fancy angling excursions, the island waters host diverse species, such as flounder, whitefish, and speckled trout.
Meanwhile, St. George Island is a safe community, experiencing 17 incidents of violent crime per 100,000 residents, which is lower than the national average. But even with a high median housing price of over $700,000, living costs are still lower than the national average.
Fort Walton
Fort Walton is a small community of about 21,000, renowned for its endless recreational opportunities. From fishing and kayaking to jet skiing and golfing, seniors can look forward to an active life after retirement. It has numerous open spaces for those who like to explore the outdoors, and walking along the edge of the water at Lisa Jackson Dog Park with your furry friend is a great way to spend time in the town. When the grandkids visit, you can take them to the Emerald Coast Science Center for fun lessons and events.
Meanwhile, the senior population in the town is over 18%, making it easy for retirees to blend in. Conveniently, multiple assisted living communities care for older adults, including Meridian at Westwood and Brookdale Fort Walton Beach.
Panama City
Beautiful Panama City is the quintessential coastal getaway, boasting 27 miles of sugar-white sands for endless sessions of hanging by the beach. The area houses countless attractions that will keep retirees on the move. For those who prefer the outdoors, Oaks by the Bay Park is an excellent escape, and its massive oak trees provide a serene, shaded atmosphere for relaxing. Meanwhile, art lovers will gravitate towards the Panama City Center for the Arts, which exhibits a charming collection of pieces by local artists.
Panama City has a 106 cost of living index, among the more affordable places on the Florida coast. The people are nicer than you would expect, and there is no state income tax, so pensioners have more than one reason to want to settle here as their retirement plan.
Wrapping Up
With so much to offer, Florida’s Emerald Coast remains an enticing prospect for retirees looking to settle down. From gorgeous sunny weather and beautiful natural scenery to quiet, close-knit communities that don’t shun newcomers, the towns discussed provide senior citizens with the perfect setting to spend their sunset years.
