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15 Best Beach Towns in Florida to Retire

Retirement is all about getting to fulfill your life-long desires. Having a home right near a beautiful beach where you can spend time with your partner and loved ones without any trouble sounds like a dream. Well, you can turn this dream into a reality because we are going to reveal the best beach towns in Florida to retire.

Retirement bliss: Florida's top beach towns offer sun-soaked shores, vibrant communities, and serene landscapes for an ideal coastal lifestyle.

The state of Florida is quickly becoming a hot spot for those looking to retire and become part-time residents. Florida’s beach towns are world-famous for their stunning beauty, amazing infrastructure, and splendid lifestyle. The year-round warm weather in most parts of Florida is a blessing for seniors suffering from arthritis. Countless senior communities provide plenty of opportunities to meet like-minded people of the same age group.

In case you are not familiar, Florida is also known for its sinkhole activities so here is more information for that.

In any case, let us discuss some of the best beach towns for retirement in Florida.

1. Fernandina Beach 

The county seat of Nassau County, Fernandina Beach is just north of Florida’s beautiful Amelia Island. It has got a population of over 13,000 people, a third of whom are above the age of 65. So you don’t have to worry about making friends.

There is a lot of culture in Fernandina Beach. For example, every spring they have a Beach Art Festival where local artists come to showcase their work and sell their pieces at the beach. Moreover, there is a thriving art community with many local galleries that are open all year round. Plus, there is also the Amelia Island Museum of History for those who want to learn more about Fernandina Beach’s culture and history. The city has an average temperature of 44 degrees during January, meaning that it never gets too cold. This makes the town a great place for people who prefer warmer weather.

Fernandina Beach has amazing seafood restaurants where you can taste Florida’s best cuisine in a variety of delicious ways. You can eat it literally right on the beach at Beach Bistro. Or if you prefer to stay indoors, the Driftwood Bistro offers a more refined setting with an equally impressive menu of fresh seafood.

The value of an average house in Fernandina Beach is around $284,000. The crime rate is lower than both the national and the state average. This makes it one of the best beach towns in Florida to retire.

2. St. Augustine 

St. Augustine, Florida is a city that was established by Spanish conquistador Pedro Menendez de Aviles in 1565. It is the Nation’s oldest European-established settlement and it still holds on strongly today with an inhabitant count of 14,515 people living there.

The city of St. Augustine is located along the east coast of Florida, right about 45 minutes south of Jacksonville and an hour north of Daytona Beach. 

With its lush greenery, this historic town offers an abundance of options when it comes to housing communities. The Lightner Museum featuring works by Harvey Madison accuser Diego Rivera (amongst others). You can also enjoy different art galleries where history comes alive

The biggest drawback of this beautiful town is the crime rate which is higher than both the national and state average.

3. Delray Beach 

Located near several different beautiful Florida beaches, Delray Beach is a dream for nature lovers who want to be close to the ocean. It is a community of almost 70,000 people. Family life is vibrant here with safe neighborhoods around most schools and great public transportation to get around the city.

The area is best known for its 20+ lush green golf courses where people from all walks of life come to enjoy the game and each other’s company.

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The Arts Garage has concerts and shows as well as galleries featuring contemporary artists. There are also classes available in painting, photography (including digital media), dance theater for all ages. Downtown Delray Beach is a lively area with lots of activity happening all the time. Downtown Delray Beach is a lively area with lots of activity happening all the time. You can go to East Atlantic Avenue to find numerous shopping malls, restaurants, and art galleries.

This upscale community offers affordable real estate. The median price of an average house in Delray Beach is around $280,000.

4. Fort Lauderdale 

Located in Broward County on the Atlantic coast, this destination offers miles of pristine beachfront as well as trendy shops with an elegant atmosphere to complement its high-quality living standards. With over 182,000 residents (2019), Fort Lauderdale can be your perfect retirement location.

The City of Fort Lauderdale offers a strong employment market as well as being home to some amazing beaches. The average temperature in the area stays between 75-80 degrees year-round, making it perfect for those looking forward to enjoying nature during their retirement years.

Having recently been recognized as one of America’s best places to retire with great weather all year long. This city really lives up to its reputation as “Fun Florida.”

Being the 7th most expensive city in Florida, it can make a huge dent in your retirement funds. The cost of living is 37% higher than the average.

5. Islamorada 

Islamorada is a breathtakingly beautiful village of six islands just 90 minutes south of Miami. Your family will love to explore the Islamroradan paradise by land and sea. It is a small town in Florida that has a population of roughly 6,500 people. Beach access is available on the island with many great restaurants and shops. Islamorada is known as the “Sportfishing Capital of the World“, hosting a larger fishing fleet per square mile than anywhere else on the planet.

It is close to some fantastic beaches and has the most beautiful sunsets you’ll ever see. Islamorada offers its residents all that life can offer including great schools for children, plenty of opportunities at work or school thanks to its thriving economy (it ranked number 12 outranked other towns), vibrant neighborhoods.

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6. Fort Myers 

Located on the Southwest coast of Florida, Fort Myers is a commuter town located near Cape Coral and Sanibel Island. It is the county seat of Lee County. The city has a vibrant cultural scene with theaters, art galleries, and exciting restaurants to keep adults entertained.

Fort Myers is an endless destination for those who know how to have fun. From white sand beaches, first-class golf courses, and exciting deep sea fishing spots to shopping with top-notch deals in every neighborhood, there are plenty of options available here.

Even baseball fans will be excited about the fact that teams from both Boston (Red Sox) or Minnesota(Twins) hold their spring training activities right around town, making it easy on residents like you looking forward to catching up over some games at cozy parks during warmer months while enjoying breathtaking views all along this beautiful city’s waterways.

The cost of living is 31% higher than the average. Beach access is available on the island with many great restaurants and shops. The median cost of an average house is around $238,000.

7. Sarasota 

The vibrant arts scene, bustling food culture, and great neighborhoods in Sarasota are what make it one of the most popular cities for retirees. This quaint beachy metropolis of 58,000 residents offers so much to see with its own unique charm.

Bein the county seat of Sarasota County, it is different from other nearby towns. Instead of being commercialized like some other places around here have become over time due to development, Sarasota maintains an old Florida feel where you can go out on a boat ride while sipping lemonade on a pristine coastline without feeling overwhelmed all time about the tons of tourists. The beachy nature of this city is evident right down to the pier close by once you finally come in close enough to take a stroll around it.

The neighborhood is well spaced out without being too spread out which helps avoid any typical inner-city traffic jams that are typical when there are just too many people driving around in one area. The only major problem can be the crime situation which can be a bit problematic at times. The median house price in Sarasota is $268,000 approximately.

8. Naples 

Naples is a city of over 22,000 residents as well as the 14th largest in Florida. It offers a low crime rate and has been recognized as one of the best places to live by several different publications. Beach access is only a short drive away from your Naples home which makes it an even more attractive option to consider when searching for the perfect retirement destination in Florida.

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Naples is one of the most sought-after places to live with plenty of golf courses, shops and restaurants close by. Its name comes from the famous Italian city of Naples because of its similar architecture and vibe. It is the best combination of mouth-watering food, lavish boutiques, and awesome landscapes, making it one of the best beach towns for retirement.

Nestled on an isolated barrier island that boasts only six miles of the commercial district, Naples is known as one of the most wealthy towns in Florida. That is why real estate is also extremely expensive. An average house in this beautiful town costs around a million dollars. So you might want to check with your accountant before making any move.

9. Melbourne 

Melbourne is a vibrant, compact city of 80,000 people, located in Brevard County mid-way down the east coast of Florida. US News and World Report ranked this wonderful city among one of the best towns for retirees.

Melbourne is a small, yet bustling city with plenty to offer those who retire there. The downtown area has recently been revitalized and offers many amenities such as shops or restaurants that cater to all tastes. Biking along the beachfront paths can be relaxing while also providing some exercise at your own pace. Melbourn’s perfect afternoons spent enjoying nature are unforgettable.

There’s no shortage of things for residents’ hobbies. Beaches extend 33 miles down into crystal-clear waters which lend themselves beautifully to activities like surfing (or simply lazing about), fishing from boats bobbing up on shoreline just waiting for their turn.

10. Port St. Lucie

Port St. Lucie is located on the East Coast of Florida, approximately 120 miles south of Orlando and 165 miles north of Miami Beach. It’s an ideal location for anyone looking to enjoy the beach without having to travel too far from civilization. The city of Port St. Lucie is just 60 miles away from Walt Disney World Resort and 20 minutes by car or boat across Indian River Bay. This thriving community has grown tremendously over time. In 1961 it only had 250 homes, today there are 201,846 residents who call this place home. The temperatures reach 84 degrees Fahrenheit on average between February and April when baseball season begins here at Tradition Field at Jet Blue Park.

There are many golf courses spread all around Pot St. Lucie. Don’t worry if you’re not a pro golfer, there are numerous learning opportunities. You will find plenty in our area where you can learn about and play from some great teachers such as PGA Learning Center which offers courses on all levels.

The best thing about living in St. Lucie? The weather, of course. But what’s even better is how safe and laidback it feels to live there too; not much tension or stress like other places you might see. Plus you get all this beauty for your money. Lush green grounds, beautiful homes (many within walking distance from beaches), and awesome restaurants where great food can be found at any time during the day.

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11. Daytona Beach 

Located in the north of Florida in Volusia County, just over an hour away from Orlando, Daytona Beach is a retirement community that attracts over 8 million visitors every year. It has a population of almost 70,000. This amazing town is known for its beaches where early automobile speed demons would race and break records. It is also called “The Birthplace Of Speed” thanks to these hard sands which are powerful evidence of what can happen when you take on new challenges head-on.

Motorcycles and race fans gather during summer vacation to enjoy the beautiful weather that lasts all year round here. Daytona Beach is a popular destination for many Florida residents, but its popularity has been overlooked by those who are searching for a retirement home. Those who don’t miss the opportunity of moving to this marvelous city don’t usually regret it.

The people of Daytona Beach have access to an amazing restaurant scene, with their location as one the most popular spots for tourists in Florida. There’s plenty more than just great food and culture though; historic landmarks like The Ponce Inlet Lighthouse make this city all kinds of special.

Daytona Beach is relatively affordable if compared to other places on this list. An average house can be bought for about $155,000. However, the crime rate here is twice as high as the state average.

12. Clearwater 

Clearwater, Florida is a small town in Pinellas County that’s halfway up the west coast of the Sunshine State. It sits just across from Tampa Bay and has clear blue waters for miles upon end along its beautiful beaches. This fabulous town has a population of just over 100,000.

Clear Water Beach has long been known as “Hollywood South” for its beautiful sandy beaches. It was declared the No. 1 Beach in the U.S. by TripAdvisor in 2018. Clearwater is an endless retirement paradise. There’s just so much to do here. You can enjoy relaxing on the beach, boating rides out into the water, or catch some fish while watching dolphins swim by in their natural habitat. The possibilities are endless with these beautiful beaches and waterways at hand for your recreational pleasure.

Clearwater also has world-class golf courses which are perfect if you’re looking to take fun family days trips around town. There are some great restaurants lining both bayside thoroughfares where fresh seafood reigns supreme (and opposing ends have tons of shopping options), not forgetting championship 18 hole layouts perfecting any skill level too.

The average house cost in Clearwater is about $210,000. The crime rate is not the worst but higher than the state average.

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13. Venice

Venice is a small but famous beach town in Sarasota County. The beaches of Venice are among the best in Florida. With pristine waters, soft white sand, and crystal blue skies they offer an unrivaled view for any person who visits this city to enjoy life at its fullest. One can always find shells or teeth from sharks here onshore as well. The sun may be hot but you’ll never regret taking time out during one of these scorching days underwater where temperatures will help cool off before heading back.

The population is just over 24,000 and it seems to be growing every day with new residents always wanting to spend life here among pristine beaches and nature. With all that opportunity comes great attractions for visitors as well. There is vibrant nightlife (not bad for retirees either) and restaurants that are perfect for that romantic night with your spouse or just a casual meal with the family.

Venice is quite safe as compared to most other cities in Florida. The crime rate here is lower than both the national and state averages. The median house cost is about $252,000 which is a great deal considering all the amenities.

14. Vero Beach 

Vero Beach is the county seat for Indian River County, with a population of approximately 18,000. Vero Beach is a hidden gem in Florida, perfect for active retirees. The town has everything you need as a retiree. Excellent golf courses, world-class fishing spots along with plenty of other water sports options like parasailing or boat trips to view dolphins up close make it one of the best places in the sunshine state to retire.

Vero Beach also offers many museums like the Vero Beach Museum of Art that contains some really cool visual art exhibits. You will also find a vibrant theatre scene with active theatres like Vero Beach Theatre Guild and Riverside Theatre with celebrity appearances and stage performances.

The council on aging in Vero Beach serves more than 10,000 senior citizens with its transportation system and senior centers. The health care facilities are also up to the mark, with hospitals like Indian River Memorial Hospital.

15. Cape Coral

Cape Coral is a beautiful city with amazing waterfront properties and unblemished nature. It is not too far from both Fort Myers and Naples, yet remains very secluded in comparison to those larger cities nearby due to its location along the Caloosahatchee River. It is famous for its 400 miles of canals, which means you will find wonderful waterfront homes.

With a population of 185,000 friendly people, Cape Coral has still maintained a small-town feel. It is a great place to live and buy property because of the affordable cost of living. The average home price in the city has been rising steadily over recent years, reaching $232K last year on Zillow’s 2018 report card, nearly 3% growth from 2017. As of now, an average house is worth about almost 240k (priced at list). Meanwhile, Forbes Magazine numbers indicate Cape residents enjoy 4 percent fewer expenses than their peers nationwide, meaning you will be getting more bang for your buck here.

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