8 Budget-Friendly Towns in Florida for Retirees

Americans love Florida. The Sunshine State consistently ranks among the most popular states to visit and was ranked by WalletHub as the best state for retirement earlier this year, thanks to favorable tax policies, affordable healthcare, and the abundance of leisure activities such as top-notch golf courses, country clubs, and beaches. This article will explore eight budget-friendly towns in Florida in which to retire.

Venice

Venice is a dream city for retirees. It boasts several premier beaches, mouthwatering seafood restaurants, and a charming small-town vibe. A few local favorite beaches include Caspersen Beach, Venice Beach, and Nokomis Public Beach. Caspersen is particularly notable for beachgoers finding shark teeth, which is appropriate given that Venice is known as "the Shark Tooth Capital of the World." In addition, the 700-foot Venice Fishing Pier is a popular spot for catching fish and unwinding at the end of the day while watching mesmerizing views of the sunset. And just minutes away, grab a bite at Sharky's On the Pier, a popular seafood restaurant with stunning ocean views. To join this thriving community, the average home costs $436K per Zillow, and for budget-conscious individuals looking to spend less money upfront, rent averages $1.9K, according to RentCafe.

The Villages

The Villages stands out as one of the most sought-after retirement destinations in Florida. This census-designated place boasts a population of around 80,000 residents, with seniors making up the largest majority to make it easy to meet new people and forge new friendships. The Villages is known as the "Golf Cart Capital of the World," thanks to an extensive network of over 100 miles of golf cart paths—unleash a drive at one of many courses, including the Sarasota Golf Practice Center and the Havana Golf & Country Club. Additionally, this town is home to multiple recreation centers for swimming, tennis, and pickleball. Not to be outdone, experience the Isenhower Regional Pool & Recreation Center, a famous avenue featuring a pool basketball court, theater, and a relaxing pavilion equipped with charcoal grills to cook up a tasty meal and share with other parkgoers. Making The Villages your home will cost $375K based on 640 homes for sale on Realtor, while the average rent is $1.5K, according to RentCafe's data.

Ocala

Like The Villages, Ocala is also home to a vibrant senior community, with the bonus of more natural beauty given its proximity to the Ocala National Forest, Indian Lake State Forest, and Rainbow Springs State Park. The aforementioned offers excellent campgrounds along the Rainbow River, a swimming area, bird and wildlife viewing opportunities, and fishing spots. Furthermore, Ocala is known as "The Horse Capital of the World," so take advantage of the 1,200 horse farms in the county to ride the gentle giants, in addition to seeing them race at the various competitions hosted in and out of town. As of June 2024, median listings in Ocala stand at $299K—a bargain compared to the national price of $412K. For those seeking less commitment without the hassle of buying, renters can expect to fork out $1.4K based on RentCafe's research.

Palm Coast

Palm Coast is the 39th safest city in the United States and offers some of the finest beaches in the state. Tour the esteemed Jungle Hut Road Park, which offers two acres of beach access. What's more, the water currents there are strong, making the beach less crowded to give you a serene place to kick back and relax as you hear the sound of the waves crashing. Just a short seven-minute drive away lies the Washington Oaks Gardens State Park, which delivers access to a magnificent garden featuring a wide variety of exotic plants, not just from Florida, but from all over the world. The garden is particularly renowned for its excellent roses, camellias, and azaleas, as well as its nature trail for hiking, ten picnic tables, and a gift shop. To take up residence here, average homes sell for $355K according to Zillow, while rent stands at $1.7K as reported by RentCafe.

Lakeland

Florida is mainly known for being a coastal state, but it also boasts a wide array of stunning lakes! This town appropriately got its name from the many nearby bodies of water, allowing residents to enjoy a peaceful atmosphere year-round. Lake Parker, Lake Bonnet, and Banana Lake all provide scenic views, with the added luxury of walking paths and gardens. In addition, explore the vibrant Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art at Florida Southern College, where you can mingle with other art lovers and seniors through exhibitions and events such as the After Hours at the Museum, Gallery Perspectives, and Curator Tour. Living here is surprisingly affordable, with rent costing only $1.5K per RentCafe, while the average price of homes stands at $324K based on Zillow's findings.

Dunedin

Dunedin is recognized as a retiree dream town for its world-class sandy shores, rejuvenating pine woods, and majestic birds that hover over the sky at Honeymoon Island State Park, where you spot colonies of ospreys and pelicans with breathtaking vistas and sounds of the surrounding area. And be sure to check out Edgewater Park nearby, a cozy tree-filled park by the marina where you can gaze at captivating views at twilight and dawn. Additionally, Dunedin features several historic shops and restaurants in its downtown area, as well as the annual festivals including the Art Harvest, Festival of Bubbles, and Downtown Dunedin Craft Festival. To become a resident here, Realtor's data indicates a median price of $399K, while RentCafe's findings suggest $1.9K for rent.

Port St. Lucie

Port St. Lucie has risen as one of the most popular retirement spots in the state in recent years, thanks to its vibrant and dynamic community. What's more, it's close to a vast network of natural areas and preserves, including the Spruce Bluff Preserve, North Fork Saint Lucie River Aquatic Preserve, and the esteemed Fort Pierce Inlet State Park, a half-mile beach with ample space to explore and swim, fish, surf, and even scuba dive. Given all the outdoor parks, residents here take pride in being a family-friendly atmosphere that keeps their city clean, while forming a strong sense of community together. Becoming a part of this community comes with a hefty tag of $445K per Realtor's findings, but if you're cash-strapped, median rent costs $1.8K according to RentCafe.

Sebring

Sebring is steeped in natural beauty and is surrounded by various captivating landscapes, such as wetlands, prairies, and pine forests. Explore and get to know the surrounding area by touring the Highlands Hammock State Park, Hidden Beach Park, and Lake Jackson Fishing Pier. The latter provides dazzling views of Lake Jackson and is within walking distance to a plethora of delicious eateries, including BrewHaha's Burger Emporium, Ranchero Cafe Restaurant, and La Hacienda Restaurant—in addition to the Highlands Art League Inc., showcasing an array of art displays, a gift shop with unique gifts, and occasional workshops to keep you coming back for more. Learn about the local area's history and explore the Sebring Historical Society Museum, where you can see their vast collection of historical documents detailing Sebring's past, as well as early photographs and video tapes. Based on 124 listings on Zillow, median home prices cost $246K, while rent costs $1.6K per Zumper's data.

In conclusion, these eight towns all offer charming small-town vibes, friendly communities, and access to top-notch beaches and parks. Whether it's Port St. Lucie, where you can scuba dive and uncover hidden treasures beneath the crystal clear water, or the delicious seafood restaurants at Venice as you spectate the mesmerizing ocean, these towns all offer extensive perks and amenities to move and enjoy your golden years and forge new lasting friendships.