7 Towns on Florida's Emerald Coast that Are Ideal for Seniors

Many seniors dream of a laidback coastal location with year-round sunny weather, a quiet environment, and a small, friendly community to spend their life after retirement. Fortunately, Florida’s picturesque Emerald Coast ticks all the boxes, offering pristine beach towns with the atmosphere to impress any pensioner. From stunning natural scenery and exciting outdoor opportunities to a strong sense of community, retirees can look forward to a high-quality life in their golden years. 

But proximity to the beach is not the only thing making these locations a perfect retirement home. They have access to vital social and medical amenities to cater to any elderly needs that arise. Furthermore, the cost of living is relatively manageable and favorable tax policies keep retirees from running through their savings. Here are the most charming towns on Florida’s Emerald Coast for those looking to retire in the Sunshine State. 

Destin

Destin is one of the most recognized destinations along the Emerald Coast, adored for its pristine beach scenery. The small town of about 12,000 residents delights with a serene atmosphere ideal for senior life. There are numerous ways to take it easy and unwind in Destiny, including taking a lazy stroll along the Destin Harbor Boardwalk. The bustling corridor features bars, souvenir shops, and restaurants, with the opportunity for family-friendly pastimes like fishing, snorkeling, and dolphin tours. Meanwhile, exploring the vibrant HarborWalk Village allows you to experience the spirit of the town; the neighborhood houses an eclectic mix of businesses with weekly fireworks shows. 

The HarborWalk Village is also an excellent site to meet and connect with other seniors in the town, who make up about 17% of Destin’s population. Pensioners who prefer to stay active will have enough exercise during the Destin-Emerald Coast Senior Games, an Olympic-style event for people 50 years and above. Homes in Destin cost an average of about $660,000, which is higher than the national average. However, crime is very low in the area, with about 3 cases of violence reported per 1,000 residents, and pensioners can access quality healthcare at centers such as the HCA Florida Destin Emergency. 

Fort Walton Beach

Fort Walton was designed for pensioners who want to maintain a healthy lifestyle, physically and mentally. There are numerous outdoor opportunities to keep you active, including visiting the Indian Temple Mound Museum to learn about unique Native American heritage. The town’s scenic outdoors can be experienced at the Liza Jackson Dog Park, where you can bring along a furry friend to spend quality time. Meanwhile, those who prefer to keep their minds stimulated can sign up for classes at the Center for Lifelong Learning, tailor-made for the senior population in Destin. 

Out of the population in the town, senior citizens make up about 18%, meaning pensioners will find a welcoming community of peers to make them feel at home. The town also cares well for its ageing population, thanks to an active senior living community featuring centers like the Meridian at Westwood and Brookdale Fort Walton Beach. Meanwhile, the crime rate is about 17% lower than the national average, and the median home price is less than $400,000, making it a secure and cheap option for pensioners. 

Okaloosa Island

Between Fort Walton and Destin sits the beautiful Okaloosa Island, ranked among the best places to live in Florida. It is famous for its gorgeous beach scenery and houses numerous coastal locations with a relaxed atmosphere. You can choose between Eglin Beach Park and Princess Beach for a lazy walk by the shore while soaking in the breathtaking views of the Atlantic. You can also enjoy one of the region’s top attractions at Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park, which stages thrilling shows and rare encounters with awesome species like dolphins, sharks, and rays. When the grandkids come to visit, you can take them to Wild Willy’s Adventure Zone for day-long, family-friendly fun. 

Okaloosa Island houses a sizable senior population, with about 16% of its residents being 65 years and older. Conveniently, there are multiple retirement living centers in and around the town to provide the necessary support, such as Belvedere Commons of Fort Walton Beach. The crime rate is also lower than the national average, and despite a median home price of over $400,000, those who can afford it will appreciate the overall high quality of life. 

Navarre

Navarre delights pensioners with an array of fun adventurers tailored to keep them young and entertained. This small town in Santa Rosa County is a recognized retiree haven, housing ex-military personnel and federal civil servants. There is a lot to see and do in Navarre, and exploring the Navarre Beach Marine Park allows you to appreciate the breathtaking beauty of its natural surroundings. Those who like to get on the water can hire a vessel at Navarre Family Watersports for a fascinating boat trip. At the same time, animal lovers can encounter adorable species at the Navarre Beach Sea Turtle Conservation Center. 

The senior community in Navarre enjoys a developed healthcare landscape with access to high-quality facilities like Baptist Medical Park. There are about 10 crime incidents reported per 1,000 residents in the town, and the living cost is cheaper than the national average by around 5%. Also, the median home listing is just above $400,000, which is almost at par with America’s average. Lastly, the community maintains close ties by constantly meeting and interacting at the Navarre Seafood Market, where the atmosphere is always festive and encounters are always cordial. 

St. George Island

St, George Island presents one of the most alluring beach sceneries on the Emerald Coast, where every day feels like a vacation. However, you have to save up to afford a home in this scenic town, with the median house listing costing upwards of $700,000. But once you overcome that hurdle, you can enjoy a cost of living at least $1,000 lower than the state and national averages. There is every reason to be outside on St. George Island, thanks to picturesque landmarks decorating the idyllic town. St. George Island Lighthouse is among the highlights, and climbing to the top allows you to soak in the town’s unprecedented beauty from above. Meanwhile, Dr. Julian G. Bruce St. George Island Park offers a quiet setting where you can escape to swim, sunbathe, or hike. 

Fishing is a mainstay in the local community, and several outfitters provide a fun opportunity to get on the water for a remarkable angling excursion. These include Southern Salinity Guide Service and Journeys of St. George Island, with species like whitefish, flounder, and speckled trout populating the surrounding waters. The island also boasts several retirement homes and senior living venues for pensioners who need support in the golden years, including Almost Paradise. 

Panama City

Panama City is easily among the most beautiful towns on Florida’s Emerald Coast and welcomes pensioners to be a permanent part is its vibrant community. The location stands out for its stunning natural scenery, which features 27 miles of silky-smooth sandy shores against the backdrop of the sparkly Atlantic waters. This results in endless outdoor opportunities to keep retirees active and entertained. Highlights include Oaks by the Bay Park, where you can enjoy a laidback boardwalk with a refreshing sea breeze and shaded spaces, ideal for relaxing and unwinding. 

For art lovers, the Panama City Center for the Arts in the historic downtown houses awesome exhibits by local artists, whereas Martin Theater captivates locals with moving live performances in a family-friendly atmosphere. Although the cost of living is slightly higher than the national average, your chances of being a victim of crime are only 1 in 105. Also, retirees can access a large senior living community in the town, thanks to places like Charter Senior Living of Panama City Beach and Creative Living Centers. 

Rosemary Beach 

Rosemary Beach appeared on CNN’s list of the most romantic small towns in America, which is a testament to the area’s natural allure. This tiny coastal village delights with a quiet, relaxed environment perfect for retirement life. The close-knit community invites pensioners to enjoy a high quality of life in their sunset years. It boasts a delectable dining scene, with trendy joints like La Crema Tapas & Chocolate serving the best of Spanish cuisine. Retirees who want to stay active can join the Rosemary Beach Racquet Club to maintain top shape with constant tennis sessions. 

The town’s strong community bonds are evident during the many festivals and events held, highlighted by the Rosemary Beach Sculpture Edition. Locals also meet every Sunday at the 30A Farmers Market to shop for healthy groceries and socialize in a warm environment. The crime rate in Rosemary Beach is 3 points lower than the national average and the living cost is about 9% cheaper than America’s average, making the town a safer and affordable option for the senior population. 

There are more than a few reasons why Florida is among the most sought-after retirement options in the country. From friendly tax policies and affordable housing costs to gorgeous year-round weather and adorable natural scenery, the towns on Florida’s Emerald Coast are a dream destination for seniors looking for a permanent home.