Best Central and North Florida Cities and Towns for Retirees

Florida is widely considered one of the top places on the planet for retirees. The combination of a massive senior community, top-notch golf courses, year-round sunny weather, and sandy beaches makes it hard to beat. That is why Florida is the leading state in the country for retirees, with 39% of U.S. residents relocating to Florida citing retirement as their reason why.

North Florida and Central Florida have excellent communities that offer enticing places to settle down. Let’s look at some of the best cities and towns for retirees in North and Central Florida.

Orlando might be famed for its theme parks, but this major city also has a lot to offer residents. For starters, it is one of the world’s golf capitals, with more than 200 accessible courses. It also has warm year-round weather, tax benefits for retirees, and luxurious retirement communities with excellent facilities.

Winter Garden is an Orlando suburb surrounded by scenic lakes and rivers. It is a quieter suburb with pleasant downtown streets and excellent dining options. It is also a hotspot for artists with a thriving art community, including excellent galleries and live shows. The lakes in the town are perfect for boating and fishing as well.

Daytona Beach is an Atlantic Coast city perfect for those who want to spend their retirement sunbathing on the beach. This city has excellent weather throughout the year and miles of sandy shores. If you are looking to catch some adrenaline-inducing fun, Daytona Beach hosts the annual Daytona 500 NASCAR event.

St. Augustine is a city on the coast of Florida famed for its history and architecture. The city was a Spanish colonial hub in the 16th century and has many remnants of that era still standing. It also has beautiful beaches. The small-town feel and quaint look of St. Augustine make it popular for retirees seeking a quiet, beautiful, sunny Florida home.

Palm Coast is a pristine Florida city with sandy beaches stretching for miles. This city is ideal for retirees, with oceanfront restaurants, incredible art galleries, and quiet beaches that are perfect for sunbathing on the Atlantic. It has many parks and a more suburban feel, encouraging a  laid-back and relaxed lifestyle.

Winter Park is a quiet, relaxed, and peaceful suburb of Orlando. It is renowned for its top-notch museums, especially its art museums. It also has numerous public green spaces, such as the expansive Central Park. Winter Park is a walkable city ideal for seniors seeking a pleasant, relaxed community with an excellent culture.

Jacksonville is one of the biggest cities in Florida, a thriving North Florida city on the Atlantic Coast. There are numerous characteristics that might make Jacksonville stand out to a retiree. For starters, it has the largest urban park system in the country. It also has top-notch golfing, fishing, and boating opportunities.

Clermont is a suburb of Orlando surrounded by scenic lakes. This mid-sized city is home to around 40,000 residents and is known for its thriving retiree community. The scenic lake setting and historic downtown make it perfect for seniors looking to relax in a picturesque environment without too many crowds.

Gainesville might be best-known for the University of Florida, but it isn’t just a hub for education. It is also a perfect place to retire. Gainesville has excellent museums covering history and art, numerous retirement communities, and a top-rated healthcare system. It has an affordable living cost and many beautiful outdoor locations to explore.

Ocala is a city in Central Florida that is a popular destination for retirees. It has many parks and museums, including the Appleton Museum of Art, a top-notch history and art museum. Silver Springs State Park makes it a hub for boaters, an area best explored via kayak. It has beautiful natural scenery and many senior retirement communities.