10 Best Towns In Florida To Retire Comfortably

With endless sunshine, a lack of state income tax, and some of the prettiest landscapes in the country, it is no surprise that so many dream of retiring in Florida. At the same time, many seniors view life in Florida as unrealistic and unattainable due to its high cost of living. But what if living out your golden years in the Sunshine State could be an affordable reality?

Despite its reputation for luxury beach bungalows and opulent condos, Florida has a surprising number of reasonably priced homes. From coastal beach towns to inland lake communities, affordability is well within reach if you know where to look. And while it may sound too good to be true, rest assured, these towns do not lack the comforts of beauty and charm. Boasting breathtaking parks, tranquil waterfronts, and spirited senior populations, these are 10 of the best towns in Florida to retire comfortably.

Sebring

Located near more than one hundred Florida lakes, the Highlands County town of Sebring is paradise for outdoorsy retirees. Nature enthusiasts and lake lovers alike can enjoy a wide range of attractions to stay active and unwind here. Highlights include the City Pier Beach on Lake Jackson, airboat excursions on Lake Istokpoga, and miles of shaded hiking trails at Highlands Hammock State Park. Sebring, the “Value Golf Capital of America,” is also home to countless golf greens, including the Country Club of Sebring.

With three general hospitals within a 25-mile radius of Highlands County, life in Sebring also comes with peace of mind. This comfort extends to its low cost of living, crowned by the town’s affordable housing. Compared to the state’s median home listing price of nearly $425K in June 2025, homes in Sebring listed significantly lower, at $294.9K. With savings this great, leisure and lake fun are well within reach for retirees on a budget.

Inverness

Skirting the western shore of Tsala Apopka Lake, Inverness is another laid-back lake town with plenty of ways to fill your days. A “small town done right,” this Citrus County town is an ideal retirement destination for those seeking the comforts of a small-town feel and a lower cost of living. In June 2025, the median home listing price in Inverness was just $275K, with a median sold price just slightly higher at $287.5K.

Tsala Apopka Lake, a scenic chain of lakes along the Withlacoochee River, is heaven for anglers and boaters at waterfront spots like Wallace Brooks Park. Birding, fishing, and hiking can also be enjoyed at Fort Cooper State Park, bordering beautiful Lake Holathlikaha. Far from a one-trick pony, Inverness also offers fun beyond its great outdoors. The town hosts countless events throughout the year, like the Inverness Festival of the Arts each November. Downtown Inverness is also a year-round delight, dotted with bars and businesses like the Pine Street Pub, Olde Inverness Antiques, and the historic Valerie Theatre.

Punta Gorda

While many of Florida’s coastal towns have a tremendous cost of living, Punta Gorda stands out for its affordability. Located on the Southwest Coast, Punta Gorda offers coastal comforts at inland prices. Compared to Florida’s median home sale price, Punta Gorda’s median was lower, at $370K in June. According to Florida for Boomers, Punta Gorda locals can also enjoy less expensive daily living, linked to the town’s residential setting.

In place of penny pinching, retirees in Punta Gorda can embrace coastal leisure and recreation. Situated where the Peace River and Charlotte Harbor merge, sailing and fishing are popular activities here. Locals can also get their steps in with a view of the 2.5-mile Harborwalk. Bordering the Charlotte Harbor shoreline, the walkway passes local landmarks and attractions like a fishing pier, Gilchrist Park, and Fishermen’s Village. The “Village” is actually a waterfront mall and marina, featuring eclectic restaurants, shops, and bars like the Sunset Beach Club.

Fort Walton Beach

Located on Florida’s famous Emerald Coast, Fort Walton Beach is ideal for retirees seeking soft sands and ocean views without the beach town prices. While other Florida Panhandle towns are notoriously expensive, housing in Fort Walton Beach is far more reasonable. In June 2025, neighboring towns like Destin saw a median home price listing of $675K, while Fort Walton saw a median of just $389K, which is also below the state median. Additionally, Seniorsite.org states that 18% of Fort Walton locals are seniors, proving its popularity with retirees on a budget.

A gateway to Okaloosa Island, Fort Walton residents can enjoy the Emerald Coast’s iconic sugar sands and turquoise waters. Popular shores include Okaloosa Island Beach and Wayside Park, each just a brief drive across the Brooks Bridge. Nearby, the Okaloosa Island Pier extends 1,262 feet into the Gulf of Mexico (America) while the Okaloosa Boardwalk beckons with cute shops and restaurants like Oasis on the Boardwalk Cafe and Boutique. Then, when tourist crowds start to feel a bit too thick, Fort Walton locals can return to the mainland for a quieter atmosphere back home.

Bartow

If avoiding tourist crowds is a priority, Bartow is perfect for retirees craving a close-knit community and a small-town feel. Located inland near Lake Hancock and the Peace River, this scenic “City of Oaks and Azaleas” is known for its tucked-away setting and southern charm. In place of flashy attractions and bustling boardwalks, downtown Bartow is home to cozy coffee shops and locally-owned businesses like Sweet Magnolias Café & Gift Shop and Top Buttons Boutique. On the outskirts of town, Mosaic Peace River Park and the Lake Hancock Boat Ramp also offer a connection to the outdoors.

Although Bartow hosts events like their Annual Bloomin’ Arts Festival throughout the year, the community never feels too busy. Paired with homes at a cost-effective price, this Florida town is a gem amongst coal. While its median home listing price has been trending up 3% year-over-year, housing still remains affordable compared to much of the Sunshine State. In June 2025, the median home sold price was just $297K, making Bartow a great retirement destination for retirees on a fixed income.

Lake City

Fondly nicknamed “Florida’s Springlands,” Lake City is a gateway to lakes, freshwater springs, and gorgeous parks. Situated in North Central Florida, buying a home here costs a bit more than in Bartow, with a median listing price of $325K in June 2025. Nonetheless, housing in Lake City remains well below the state median and has been trending down by 4.4% year-over-year. Moreover, nature-loving seniors will find that life in this inland town is worth every penny.

Much like Fort Walton Beach, Lake City grants residents access to surrounding attractions with the perk of a quieter atmosphere back home. Local spots like Alligator Lake Park feature tranquil hiking trails and picnic areas, while Falling Creek Falls is just a short drive from town. Further, but well worth the 30-minute drive, Ichetucknee Springs State Park is home to eight crystal-clear springs forming the Ichetucknee River. Shaded by lush canopies, the park offers swimming, paddling, hiking, and wildlife viewing, including river otters and manatees.

Sebastian

Returning to the Florida seaboard, Sebastian is a relaxing Atlantic Coast town known for its coastal parks and beachy lifestyle. Bordering the Indian River Lagoon and St. Sebastian River, waterfront views and leisure are in high supply here. Lining the Sebastian Riverfront, waterfront bars and seafood restaurants like Captain Hirams Sandbar and Squid Lips keep life laid-back. Additionally, coastal recreation and relaxation can be savored at Sebastian Inlet State Park. Boasting 3 miles of Atlantic beachfront, a 40-mile-long multi-use path, and a picnic area cooled by an ocean breeze and palm tree shade, this state park steals the show.

Differing from other resort towns, the cost of living in Sebastian remains fairly affordable, making it popular with seniors looking to retire in comfort with a permanent vacation feel. Both the median home listing and sale price are lower than the state average, at $380K and $365K in June 2025. The home listing price in Sebastian is also trending down -4.6% year-over-year, meaning even more affordability is just on the horizon.

Leesburg

Around 45 miles northwest of Orlando, Leesburg is a peaceful Lake County town perfect for seniors chasing lake life. While it was once a world leader in citrus production, today it is a popular retirement town, attracting seniors with its tranquility and affordability. According to Census Reporter, around 29% of Leesburg residents are 65 and older, about 1.4 times the Florida rate.

With a median home sale price of $312.5K in June 2025, houses in Leesburg are more affordable than the Florida median. This includes senior-only lakefront neighborhoods like Lake Shore 55+ Manufactured Home Community. But even for those not living right on the water, lakefront scenes are never far, with over 1,400 lakes scattered throughout the county. Lake Griffin and Lake Harris are popular local bodies, home to waterfront attractions like Venetian Gardens Park and Bourlay Historic Nature Park. Anglers and boaters will also enjoy the Leesburg Boat Club, a local hotspot for bass fishing.

Lake Wales

Located in central Florida, Lake Wales is a fairytale town surrounded by valleys, lakes, and hills. Similar to Leesburg, the Polk County community boasts a vibrant senior population, with around 27% of locals 65 and older. Much of this is owed to the town’s natural beauty and affordability. With a median home sale price under $280K in June 2025, retirement in Lake Wales is one of leisure, relaxation, and less financial stress.

For nature-loving retirees, Bok Tower Gardens is a botanical oasis. It features an eclectic range of landmarks and landscapes, from its iconic Singing Tower to its Olmsted Gardens. With a backdrop of oaks, palms, and ferns, the winding garden paths come to life with seasonal flowers such as azaleas, magnolias, and camellias. Further east, Lake Kissimmee State Park is more of a boat-lover’s dream, promising a remote outdoor escape. Locals can hike lakeside trails and sail 35,000-acre Lake Kissimmee, along with neighboring lakes like Tiger and Rosalie.

Milton

Situated on the beautiful Blackwater River, Milton is a friendly Florida town offering a relaxed lifestyle. Much of its bliss comes from the lower cost of living, with housing costs trending down -5.7% year-over-year. In June 2025, the median listing and selling costs of a home in Milton were both around $330K. In other words, buying a home here will probably cost you below the state median, leaving less room for stress and more room for embracing relaxation in retirement.

That being said, affordability is just one reason why the river town is so relaxed. Home to just 11,400 people in 2025, the community retains the charms of a slow-paced small town with old-fashioned hospitality. The bliss also extends outdoors to green spaces like the Blackwater Heritage State Trail and the Milton Riverwalk, a scenic place to stay active with waterfront views. Locals can also let off steam at the Tanglewood Golf and Country Club, an 18-hole course known for its “picturesque fairways and water features.”

Florida Towns To Retire In Comfort

While retiring in the Sunshine State feels like an obvious choice for some, many retirees write it off due to misconceptions about the cost of living. While Florida certainly has its fair share of high-priced condos lining its coast, you can also find more reasonably priced coastal homes in towns like Fort Walton Beach. Further inland, in charming towns like Bartow, the cost often falls even lower, without sacrificing beauty or comfort. All in all, these 10 charming towns are proof that life in Florida does not have to be an unattainable pipedream in 2025.