Where to Retire in Florida

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

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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.