The 8 Best Places Near the Beach for Retirees in Florida

The following 8 cities are great places for retirees to spend their golden years, soaking up the heat and enjoying the many attractions of Florida. These towns have older populations, good amenities, decent to good healthcare and better safety ratings than many other cities in Florida.

While some of these communities are affordable, others are more luxurious. We have presented options that will fit different budgets and needs, so there should be a choice for everyone.

We have listed the cities below from lowest to highest cost of living. As described at the outset, the rankings and HOMEiA index scores are based on a larger set of characteristics that we have reviewed.

1. Palm Coast

Palm Coast is located about an hour south of Jacksonville on the east coast of Florida. The population in Palm Coast grew by 19.4% from April 2010 through July 2019 (U.S. Census), substantially above the overall U.S. rate of 6.3% and also the Florida rate of 14.2%.

The median household income in Palm Coast is $54,360, and the median home price is $209,300 (2019 estimates). The unemployment rate is 5.0% (May 2021), which is below the U.S. national rate of 5.8% but just above the Florida rate of 4.9%.

Palm Coast is home to plenty of parks, golf courses and beaches. This area is great for those looking to live an active lifestyle. St. Augustine is a 45-minute drive and a great weekend getaway option.

Advent Health Palm Coast is a great place to find care for a variety of medical needs. According to HealthGrades.com, 65% of patients would recommend this location.

2. Clearwater

Clearwater is a coastal town off the Gulf of Mexico and Tampa Bay. The population in Clearwater grew by 7.2% from April 2010 through July 2019 (U.S. Census), above the overall U.S. rate of 6.3% but below the Florida rate of 14.2%.

The median household income in Clearwater is $48,691, and the median home price is $206,300 (2019 estimates). The unemployment rate is 4.6% (May 2021), which is below both the U.S. national rate of 5.8% and the Florida rate of 4.9%.

Downtown Clearwater is a great place for the whole family. Visit Moccasin Lake Nature Park or the Clearwater Marine Aquarium for more fun and learning.

Morton Plant Hospital is the main medical facility serving the Clearwater area. According to HealthGrades.com, over 82% of patients would recommend this location.

3. Venice

Venice is located on the west coast of Florida, a little over an hour south of Tampa. The population in Venice grew by 15.3% from April 2010 through July 2019 (U.S. Census), above the overall U.S. rate of 6.3% as well as the Florida rate of 14.2%.

The median household income in Venice is $60,086, and the median home price is $252,200 (2019 estimates). The unemployment rate is 4.2% (May 2021), which is below both the U.S. national rate of 5.8% and the Florida rate of 4.9%.

Venice is home to a beautiful and welcoming historic downtown area that boasts many shopping and dining venues. There are also plenty of options if you’re looking for nature views.

Venice Regional Bayfront Health offers many different kinds of care. According to HealthGrades.com, over 50% of patients would recommend this location.

4. The Villages

The Villages are located about an hour northwest of Orlando. The last population report (from 2010) shows that over 50,000 people live in this retirement community.

The median household income in The Villages is $63,841, and the median home price is $283,300 (2019 estimates). The unemployment rate is 5.8% (May 2021), which is on par with the U.S. national rate of 5.8% and above the Florida rate of 4.9%.

The activities inside The Villages include sports, social groups, community events and educational opportunities, as well as amenities like three town squares and several recreation centers. For a day trip, visit the lakes around the area or Ocala National Forest.

The Villages have plenty of healthcare facilities, including AdventHealth, The Villages Center for Health, The Villages Regional Hospital and UF Health The Villages Hospital.

5. New Smyrna Beach

New Smyrna Beach is a small town on the east coast of Florida, just south of Daytona Beach. The population in New Smyrna Beach grew by 18.8% from April 2010 through July 2019 (U.S. Census), above the overall U.S. rate of 6.3% and the Florida rate of 14.2%.

The median household income in Smyrna Beach is $57,043, and the median home price is $256,100 (2019 estimates). The unemployment rate is 5.0% (May 2021), which is below the U.S. national rate of 5.8% but just above the Florida rate of 4.9%.

New Smyrna Beach has a large variety of activities. Visit the Smyrna Dunes Park, Sugar Mills Ruins or the Marine Discovery Center to learn about the history and nature of this area. For a different adventure, the New Smyrna Speedway is a great attraction.

AdventHealth New Smyrna Beach is a popular healthcare option for those in this area. According to HealthGrades.com, over 60% of patients would recommend this location.

6. Naples

Naples is located in South Florida on the west coast of the state. The population in Naples grew by 13.2% from April 2010 through July 2019 (U.S. Census), above the overall U.S. rate of 6.3% but below the Florida rate of 14.2%.

Naples has a very high proportion of seniors, with 52.5% of the population being over 65 years of age (2010). This is very high compared to both the U.S. (16.5% seniors) and Florida (26.8% seniors). By comparison, only 8.1% of the population is under 18 years of age, compared to 22.3% in the U.S. and 16.8% in Florida.

The median household income in Naples is $107,013, and the median home price is $988,500 (2019 estimates). The unemployment rate in Naples is 3.7% (May 2021), which is below both the U.S. national rate of 5.8% and the Florida rate of 4.9%.

Naples is home to lovely beaches and sunsets as well as gulf views in many places. Visit museums such as the Baker Museum or take a walk on one of the nature trails in the area. The nation’s smallest post office is located in Ochopee, Florida, near Naples.

The NCH Baker Hospital Downtown offers a variety of healthcare services. According to HealthGrades.com, over 65% of patients would recommend this location.

7. Boca Raton

Boca Raton is a coastal town located between Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach. The population in Boca Raton grew by 18.2% from April 2010 through July 2019 (U.S. Census), above the overall U.S. rate of 6.3% as well as the Florida rate of 14.2%.

The median household income in Boca Raton is $83,114, and the median home price is $458,600 (2019 estimates). The unemployment rate in Boca Raton is 4.6% (May 2021), which is below both the U.S. national rate of 5.8% and the Florida rate of 4.9%.

Boca Raton comes from the Spanish “Boca de Ratones,” meaning “rat’s mouth” – a term used by seamen to describe hidden rocks that could damage a ship. This area is home to plenty of different amenities and activities for those of all ages. Relax at the beach, visit the Boca Raton Museum of Art, or take a walk on the nature trails offered throughout the city.

The Boca Raton Regional Hospital is the main hospital in this area. According to HealthGrades.com, over 75% of patients would recommend this location.

8. Saint Pete Beach

St. Pete Beach is located on a barrier island just off the coast of St. Petersburg and Tampa Bay. The population in St. Pete Beach grew by 2.6% from April 2010 through July 2019 (U.S. Census), below the overall U.S. rate of 6.3% and the Florida rate of 14.2%.

The median household income in St. Pete Beach is $76,516, and the median home price is $462,500 (2019 estimates). The unemployment rate is 4.6%, which is below both the U.S. national rate of 5.8% and the Florida rate of 4.9%.

St. Pete Beach is almost entirely surrounded by waterfront views. Visit the small parks on the island for more nature watching or check out the bar and dining options offered all over the town.

There are no major hospitals on the island of St. Pete Beach, but there are plenty close by. St. Anthony’s Hospital is highly rated and has a variety of services available. According to HealthGrades.com, over 80% of patients would recommend this location.