Florida's 8 Best Retirement Towns Ranked

With abundant sunshine, no state income tax, and stunning coastal scenes, it is easy to understand why so many retire to Florida. As of 2025, the Sunshine State has one of the highest senior populations in the nation, attracting newcomers from across the country and around the globe. From its charming seaside communities to its inviting inland towns, Florida’s appeal is undeniable.

While deciding to retire in Florida is a no-brainer, the real challenge lies in finding the ideal town. Each offers stand-out features, whether it be affordable housing, award-winning beaches, or vibrant community events. Yet, they also share common traits, including natural beauty, friendly residents, and excellent healthcare facilities. Ultimately, choosing the right small town is about discovering what will make your retirement fulfilling. Keeping all of this in mind, here are eight of Florida’s best retirement towns to consider in 2025.

Stuart

Named the “Best Small Retirement Town” in 2024 by Travel and Leisure, Stuart shines for its warm winters, mellow beaches, and strong sense of community. But unlike other Treasure Coast towns overrun by tourists, Stuart maintains a more small-town feel. Even its more popular shores, like Stuart Beach, are quieter and less crowded, making it a perfect place for seniors to enjoy blissful beach days. However, the town also maintains a lively sense of connection through its community events, including the Annual Downtown Stuart Art Festival.

Stuart’s proximity to the St. Lucie River also makes it a great place for fishing and staying active. Whether casting a line from the town’s Fishing Pier and Public Dock or getting steps in on the gorgeous Riverwalk, this “Sailfish Capital of the World” is all about its waterfront. On the practical side of things, Stuart is also worth considering for its top-notch health facilities and retirement communities like the Cleveland Clinic Martin South Hospital and The Pointe at Ocean Boulevard.

Mount Dora

Perched on the shores of Lake Dora in central Florida, Mount Dora is another ideal town for retirees who love waterfront scenes and a small-town feel. Similar to Stuart, Mount Dora’s peaceful waterfront anchors the town. Strolling the boardwalk and trails at Palm Island Park is a great way to enjoy views of the lake while staying active. Although staying active is an easy feat in this highly walkable town, especially if you enjoy shopping and antiquing. Mount Dora is famous for its antique scene, whether browsing the massive Renninger's Flea Market & Antique Center on the weekends or attending its triannual Renninger's Antique Extravaganza.

If antiques are not your cup of tea, this “Festival City” has over 30 other events to look forward to throughout the year. Some include the Mount Dora Taste and Craft Beer Fest, the Mount Dora Blueberry Festival, and the Jane Austen Festival. Retirement communities like Waterman Village also offer a comprehensive activity calendar for seniors seeking an active lifestyle, with top-rated healthcare facilities like the AdventHealth Centra Care nearby. Alternatively, median home prices in Mount Dora showed a downward trend in January 2025, -3.4% year-over-year, making home ownership something to consider as well.

Naples

If cost is no concern, the town of Naples stands out for its high quality of life, low crime rate, and Gulf of Mexico beaches. Dubbed “the Best Place to Retire in 2025” by US News, this Paradise Coast town is one of the state’s safer communities, making it popular with retirees seeking peace of mind. The town is located in Collier County, which notably has the lowest crime rate out of Florida’s metropolitan counties. Reputable healthcare centers like Physicians Regional and Well-Being Medical Center also add to this sense of security.

With upscale retirement communities like Grand Living at Naples and a median home listing price of $761.3K in January 2025, Naples is certainly one of Florida’s more high-cost retirement towns. But if it meets your budget, its attractions and activities make it a fabulous place to live out your golden years. The town boasts a nearly 9-mile coastline, with 40 impressive beach access points, including white-sand shores like Lowdermilk Park. While currently under construction, parts of the historic Naples Pier can also be enjoyed for stunning sunset views, while the Naples Botanical Garden is preferred for a scenic stroll. Naples is also a premier golf destination, with gems like the Tiburón Golf Club.

Punta Gorda

For a more affordable coastal retirement town, Punta Gorda is a laid-back and picturesque alternative. The southwest Florida community and county seat of Charlotte County is beloved for its waterfront scenes, parks, and attractions. The 2.5-mile Harborwalk follows the breathtaking Charlotte Harbor, connecting walkers to the town’s best coastal sites. Highlights include Laishley Park, Beach Park, and the Fishermen’s Village resort, mall, and marina.

Although Punta Gorda may not boast the glamorous beaches of Naples, it offers the advantages of smaller crowds and greater affordability. This area is predominantly residential and less focused on tourism, resulting in lower housing costs compared to Naples. In January 2025, the median listing price for homes in Punta Gorda was $400K, with an 11% decrease from the previous year. However, you can still find incredible resort-style retirement communities and healthcare facilities in Punta Gorda, including Ventura Lakes, VIPcare, and Premier Health Plus.

Inverness

Living by the motto “small town done right,” Inverness promises even greater affordability coupled with exciting community events and outdoor recreation. As the county seat of Citrus County, this West Central Florida town is home to significant healthcare facilities like HCA Florida Citrus Hospital. Retirement communities are also in high supply, including top-rated, pet-friendly spots like Highland Place. For retirees looking to buy a home, Inverness shines even brighter for its affordable housing. In January 2025, the median listing home price in Inverness was just $275K.

As a designated trail town, getting outdoors is one of the best parts of life in Inverness. Whether exploring the rural charms of Fort Cooper State Park or strolling part of the 47-mile Withlacoochee State Trail, Inverness locals love staying active in nature. As for staying active in the community, the town promises plenty of fun throughout the year. Along with events like the Inverness Festival of the Arts and Taste of Inverness beer and food festival, the town also hosts senior-focused activities. For instance, the 2025 Inverness Senior Games was held this previous February, inviting senior athletes to compete in a range of exciting competitions, from golf to archery.

Vero Beach

Returning to the Treasure Coast, Vero Beach is a barrier island town known for its mix of “green and glamorous.” Located along the beautiful Indian River Lagoon and Atlantic Ocean, this seaside community offers a blend of elegance and natural charms. For beach-loving seniors, the town boasts 26 miles of clean and luxurious beachfront, including popular shores like South Beach Park. Wildlife Boat Tours of the Indian River Lagoon are another favored local passtime, showcasing Vero Beach’s wild side with dolphin and manatee spotting.

Back on land, retirement communities and healthcare facilities like Indian River Estates and Treasure Coast Community Health are just a short drive from Vero Beach’s best land-based attractions. Beyond its reputation as a beach town, Vero Beach is equally popular with retirees who appreciate art and culture. As Florida’s largest professional theatre, the Riverside Theatre is arguably the star attraction, along with the esteemed Vero Beach Museum of Art. Music and art lovers can also enjoy the town’s many events and festivals throughout the year, including the Vero Beach Film Festival and Vero Beach Blues Festival.

St. Augustine

The coastal town of St. Augustine is a magnet for history-loving seniors looking to fill their schedule with cultural attractions and jaw-dropping nature. According to US Census estimates, in 2023, nearly 26% of St. Augustine locals were 65 and older. Like the other towns on this list, the town’s thriving senior population is drawn to practical amenities like the Avecina Medical urgent care center and Allegro Senior Living community. However, what truly sets St. Augustine apart with retirees is its Old Florida charm and coastal surroundings.

As the "Nation’s Oldest City,” St. Augustine is unsurprisingly home to some of the best museums and historic sites in the United States. Its location on an Atlantic Coast peninsula between the saltwater rivers of Matanzas and San Sebastian also makes for some truly spectacular surroundings. Historic monuments like the Castillo de San Marcos showcase the best of both, with fascinating exhibits and views of Matanzas Bay. In the heart of St. Augustine, its Historic Downtown also features over 20 significant sites dating back as far as the 1700s. Further east, across the Matanzas River, Anastasia State Park awaits with its breathtaking beaches and coastal plain.

Winter Garden

Around 15 miles from Orlando, Winter Garden is a refuge from Florida’s theme park capital, favored by seniors craving a small-town atmosphere. That being said, this Orange County community is also close enough to take advantage of Orlando’s big-city amenities, like the Orlando Regional Medical Center. Whether moving to a Winter Garden retirement community like Hyde Park Village or taking advantage of the town’s buyer's market as of January 2025, this charming town is one of Florida’s best places to retire.

Beyond Orlando’s sites and attractions, Winter Garden comes with its own exciting sights and scenes. The town has a great park system, with the Winter Park Chain of Lakes at its center. The six lakes, connected by narrow canals, can be enjoyed at locales like the Mead Botanical Garden or Lake Baldwin Park, a dog-friendly park with a sandy beach. Winter Garden’s vibrant and walkable downtown is another great perk of the town, featuring an eclectic range of restaurants, museums, and shops like the Writer’s Block Bookstore. Every Saturday, year-round, Downtown Winter Garden also hosts its award-winning Winter Garden Farmers Market, with over 100 different vendors.

Choosing The Right Florida Retirement Town For You

Florida’s reputation as a retirement haven is well-deserved, offering a blend of natural beauty, financial advantages, and vibrant communities to meet each retiree’s diverse needs. Whether you are drawn to the scenery of a coastal town like Stuart, the charm of a quiet inland town like Mount Dora, or the excitement of a bustling community like St. Augustine, Florida has something to suit every retiree’s lifestyle. These eight towns showcase the best of what the Sunshine State has to offer, from affordable living and world-class healthcare to welcoming neighbors and engaging activities. As you plan this exciting new chapter, take the time to explore these towns and discover the perfect place to call home, where your retirement dreams can truly come to life.