Looking to spend your retirement in the Sunshine State? You’re not alone. Temperatures are high, taxes are low, and there are plenty of fellow retirees to keep you company. Here are three Florida cities that are well-suited for retirement.
Sarasota
Population: 53,583
Cost of living: 8.1% above U.S. average
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free E-Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
Median single-family home price: $275,000
Median condo/townhome price: $215,500
Share of population 65+: 24.4%
Sarasota has miles of white-sand beaches on keys including Siesta and Longboat along the Gulf of Mexico. Homes a few miles inland tend to be newer and more affordable than waterfront properties, which start at about $500,000. Shopping (St. Armands Circle) and health care (Sarasota Memorial) are first-rate in Sarasota.
Gainsville
Population: 127,559
Cost of living: 0.9% above U.S. average
Median single-family home price: $224,625
Median condo/townhome price: $120,500
Share of population 65+: 8.9%
Residents age 60 and older can enroll in courses at no cost on a space-available basis at the University of Florida. The school has big-time athletics, too – Go Gators! – but Gainesville also offers 13 museums and galleries with a thriving downtown. Top-notch medical care is available through the university's Shands Hospital.
Punta Gorda
Population: 17,288
Median home price (all properties): $165,000
Share of population 65+: 50.8%
On the Gulf Coast south of Sarasota, Punta Gorda is smaller and quieter. Life revolves around 55 miles of canal front homes as well as numerous retirement communities, restricted to people age 55 and older. There’s plenty of golfing, plus a Fishermen's Village complex along Charlotte Harbor with 30 shops and restaurants.
-
-
Should I Trade Stocks or Options?
Answering the question "should I trade stocks or options" will depend on your own risk tolerance, investing objectives and understanding of market dynamics.
-
This Is How You Can Be a Snowbird in Retirement
There’s a lot to consider, and warm weather shouldn’t be the only deciding factor. For instance, will you rent or buy? What’s the tax and health care situation?
-
Does It Make Sense to Rent in Retirement?
Making Your Money Last Renting isn't right for all retirees, but it does offer flexibility and it frees up cash.
-
How to Achieve Your 2022 New Year's Resolutions
Brandon Copeland You've already made your New Year's resolutions. Atlanta Falcons linebacker and Kiplinger contributing editor Brandon Copeland explains how you can stick with them and accomplish them.
-
Santa's End-of-the-Year Finance Tips
Brandon Copeland Atlanta Falcons linebacker and Kiplinger contributing editor Brandon Copeland shares a few ways you can improve your finances before 2022 gets here.
-
3 Better Investments Than Powerball
savings Buying Powerball and Mega Millions tickets is no substitute for sound financial planning.
-
Best Bank Accounts for Retirement
retirement These checking accounts offer attractive perks to retirees.
-
10 Timeless Financial Tips From Knight Kiplinger
savings Sage advice about saving, spending and investing never goes out of style.
-
4 Overlooked Tax Breaks for Retirees
Tax Breaks Learn how to keep your tax bill low in retirement.
-
Dividend Aristocrat Stocks for Every Month of the Year
investing These reliable companies have been paying dividends for at least 25 years in a row.
