10 Best Places To Retire In Florida
In many ways, the Sunshine State has become synonymous with retirement. With endless sunshine, no state income tax, and the longest coastline in the contiguous U.S., retiring to Florida is a dream worth exploring. Still, for some seniors, the concern of expenses is real. As of August 2025, Florida's median home sale price was slightly above the national rate at $373K versus $371K. Even so, you can retire in Florida on a budget if you know where to look.
These 10 towns balance affordability and quality. Many have housing medians that match or fall below national rates, paired with beautiful beaches, charming downtowns, and vibrant senior communities. Together, they prove that retiring on a budget in Florida doesn’t mean settling for less.
Punta Gorda
Peaceful, picturesque, and kind to your wallet, Punta Gorda is one of Florida’s top places to retire. Census Reporter shows that seniors agree, with 54% of its population 65 and older and a median age of 66.5. Like many considering a move to Florida, seniors are drawn to Punta Gorda’s waterfront. Bordering the Peace River and Charlotte Harbor, its 2.5-mile Harborwalk is a great way to stay active with views you’ll never get tired of.
The Harborwalk connects to Punta Gorda’s other attractions, like the Laishley Park fishing pier and Fishermen’s Village. The waterfront mall and marina are lined with cute shops and restaurants like Route Florida and Village Brewhouse. It also hosts community events throughout the year, from 4th of July fireworks to a Holiday Festival of Lights. But even with all these charms, homes in Punta Gorda cost less than the state rate. While Florida homes sold at a median of $373K in August 2025, Punta Gorda’s homes sold at a lower median of $344K.
Fort Pierce
Fort Pierce is a Treasure Coast town with beautiful beaches and even greater affordability. While life in Florida beach towns can cost a pretty penny, housing remains cost-effective here. Situated on Florida’s Central East Coast, locals gain access to the Indian River Lagoon, Atlantic Ocean, and its connecting Fort Pierce Inlet. Nonetheless, housing in Fort Pierce avoids a coastal price hike, remaining below the national and state medians. In August 2025, homes in Fort Pierce sold at a median of $265K, with over 80% selling under their listing price.
Watercolor skies define this ‘Sunrise City.’ You can see them while strolling the palm-lined waterfront at Jetty Park or fishing at the Fort Pierce Jetty. For seniors who like to sleep in, the half-mile beach at Fort Pierce Inlet State Park is open until sundown, 365 days a year. On the other hand, early risers can keep an eye out for morning wellness events throughout the year, like Gentle Yoga for Seniors at the Soulful Motion Studio.
Inverness
Florida may be famous for its coast, but towns like Inverness prove that life further inland can be just as blissful. Located on the Tsala Apopka Chain of Lakes, the Citrus County town is a popular retirement destination, with 40% of locals 65 and older. Affordability is one of the town’s greatest draws, with homes selling at a median of $253K in August 2025. That same month, nearly 73% of sales were under list price. Additionally, Inverness residents can enjoy cost-effective activities. You can enjoy waterfront walks at Cooter Pond Park or go birdwatching at Fort Cooper State Park. It’s easy to have fun on a budget.
Senior health is a priority in Inverness. The HCA Florida Citrus Hospital is located right in town, offering advanced healthcare services and quality care. Wellness extends to Inverness community events, like the Inverness Senior Games, which took place in February 2025. For year-round exercise, Inverness is home to countless gyms, including Anytime Fitness, Planet Fitness, and the Fit Full Force Fitness Studio. The latter offers chair exercise classes along with other senior-friendly programs.
Milton
Milton, a charming town on the Blackwater River, is an excellent retirement spot for seniors looking to save on costs without compromising quality. In August 2025, Milton homes sold at a median of $276K, falling well below the state median. By comparison, 30 miles south, homes in coastal Navarre saw a median sale price of $415K that same month. With Navarre Beach under 40 minutes away by car, Milton residents can enjoy fun in the sand without the high coastal costs or overwhelming tourist crowds.
For day-to-day life in Milton, the local Riverwalk is a free way to stay active with gorgeous scenes. Milton is a designated trail town, meaning locals can get their steps in on scenic paths like the paved Blackwater Heritage State Trail. As for those days when you feel like staying indoors, the Clyde L. Gracey Community Center is a great place to exercise and connect with other seniors. The center hosts tons of senior-focused activities each month, including tai chi, yoga, pickleball, bingo, and more.
Fort Walton Beach
For a beachy retirement without breaking the bank, Fort Walton Beach is one of Florida’s most affordable coastal towns. Spanning sections of the mainland and Okaloosa Island, Fort Walton Beach is the type of place where life feels like a permanent vacation. Okaloosa’s quartz-sand shores and crystal-clear waters are as pretty as a postcard and just a short drive across the Brooks Bridge. Lounge beneath an umbrella at John Beasley Park. Or cast a line from the Okaloosa Island Fishing Pier. Beach bliss is always within reach.
Despite Fort Walton’s pristine shores and resort-style atmosphere, its housing remains more budget-friendly than the state median. In August 2025, its homes sold at a median of $324K, with nearly 69% of sales falling below their list price. Other Emerald Coast towns like neighboring Destin saw a median home sale price of $550K that same month. All things considered, if you’ve dreamt of retiring with your toes in the sand, Fort Walton Beach may be the place to make your dreams a reality.
Vero Beach
Back along Florida’s Treasure Coast, Vero Beach is another affordable town for beach-loving seniors. Known as a “Gateway to the Tropics,” the Atlantic-facing town marks the point where Florida’s coast transitions into a subtropical climate. Paired with its motto “Sunrises, Not High Rises,” Vero Beach truly feels like a tropical paradise, prioritizing a natural, scenic coastline over towering hotels. From South Beach Park to Golden Sands Park, the shores in this town are clean, serene, and breathtaking.
With Vero Beach homes selling at a median of $348K in August 2025, more of your money can go toward leisure. When you need a break from the sand, the town has tons of other exciting ways to spend your days. The McKee Botanical Garden is a local favorite, showcasing an eclectic array of tropical plants and native foliage. For indoor fun, Vero Beach boasts some of Florida’s best arts and culture, from the Vero Beach Museum of Art to the acclaimed Riverside Theatre. For dinner and a show, Vero’s culinary scene ranges from laid-back to fine dining, from the casual Kilted Mermaid to the upscale Ocean Grill.
Stuart
About an hour south of Vero Beach, Stuart is the perfect coastal town for seniors seeking the comforts of a quieter atmosphere and slower pace. Around 30% of Stuart locals are 65 and older, and it’s easy to see why retirees love this Treasure Coast community. Bathtub, Fletcher, and Chastain Beach are all local favorites. Each offers soft sands, mellow waves, and unobstructed ocean views. If you love a natural shore without all the tourist traps, Stuart’s peaceful beaches are a breath of fresh air.
Like other cozy coastal towns, Stuart’s small-town feel is highly sought-after. As a result, its homes sold at a median of $376K in August 2025, around $3K higher than the state median. But if your budget allows, the town’s serene beaches may be worth the investment for a high-quality retirement. Plus, with nearly 84% of its homes selling under their listing price in August, there is still potential to save.
Sebring
If affordability is your main priority, Sebring offers the charms of lake life with a low cost of living. Encompassing Lake Jackson, Lake Sebring, and countless other ponds, this Highlands County town is all about life on the water. Lake Jackson anchors the town, whether dining on its shore at Sunset Grille, angling from the Lake Jackson Fishing Pier, or watching a sunset at Hidden Beach Park. Nature-loving seniors can venture to Highlands Hammock State Park, whether packing a picnic or hiking its 9 enchanting trails.
A short walk from Lake Jackson, Sebring’s circular downtown is equally inviting. Compact, walkable, and rounded with cute restaurants and attractions, this is the best place for locals to enjoy daily life in “The City on the Circle.” With Sebring’s low cost of living, residents can indulge in more frequent downtown leisure, whether dining at The 301 or catching a show at the Circle Theatre. In August 2025, homes in Sebring sold for a median price of $238K, with 73% of sales under list price.
Sebastian
Returning to the Treasure Coast, Sebastian is another beautiful and inexpensive place for life on the sea. Located about halfway between Miami and St. Augustine, life in Sebastian is less crowded, more easygoing, and far more budget-friendly than the cities. In August 2024, homes here sold at a median of $342K, making it the perfect place to embrace coastal bliss on a budget. With 36% of its residents 65 and older, local seniors agree that Sebastian is a retirement paradise.
Sebastian borders the point where the St. Sebastian River and Indian River Lagoon merge before spilling into the Atlantic. As a result, it is home to some of Florida’s prettiest waterfront parks. Riverview Park is a scenic place to picnic, get some steps in, and attend exciting community events. Popular celebrations include the Sebastian Fine Arts and Music Event, Clam Bake Festival, and Shrimpfest. Additionally, for sunshine and sand, the town is a gateway to Sebastian Inlet State Park, which boasts 3 miles of pristine Atlantic beaches.
Titusville
Florida's Space Coast is another top retirement destination, with Titusville standing apart for its affordability and out-of-this-world attractions. The town sits along the scenic Indian River Lagoon and the adjacent Atlantic, meaning breathtaking scenes are never far. Plenty of waterfront parks can be enjoyed free of cost, like Rotary Riverfront Park, Sand Point Park, and Space View Park. The latter is opposite the Kennedy Space Center, making it a popular place to watch rocket launches.
In August 2025, homes in Titusville sold for a median of $273K, making it one of Florida’s most affordable coastal towns. Accordingly, retirees can put more time and money toward recreation and leisure. Take an art class at In the Dog House Art Studio or enjoy a nostalgic meal at the MoonLight Drive-In. Titusville’s simple pleasures balance its larger-than-life space culture. All in all, this Space Coast town is a perfect place for retirees to relax, unwind, and embrace little luxuries.
Retiring With Fun, Sun, And Less Financial Stress
In a perfect world, we could close our eyes, spin a globe, and retire wherever our finger lands. In reality, the cost of living often shapes where we spend our golden years. Florida’s lack of state income tax already helps retirees save, but some still find the state’s other costs daunting.
These 10 towns show that life in Florida can be both affordable and full of sunshine. Whether you’re drawn to coastal communities like Fort Pierce or inland lake towns like Inverness, beauty and culture stretch through every corner of the state. Paired with art, festivals, and southern hospitality, they stand among the best places to retire in Florida.
