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Dream of a Florida Retirement? These Small Towns Are Poised to Explode in Popularity
If visions of sunny days and relaxed living are dancing in your head for retirement, then setting your sights on a charming Florida small town might just be your golden ticket. Beyond the perpetually warm climate, the Sunshine State offers a financial embrace for its residents, according to Robert Washington, a seasoned real estate broker and owner of Savvy Buyers Realty.
“Being in Florida, it has all of the legal and tax-friendly policies you’d expect for retirees,” Washington notes.
But the appeal of Florida extends far beyond just fiscal benefits. Think pristine beaches, endless outdoor adventures, and vibrant senior communities. It’s precisely these irresistible qualities that have real estate experts predicting a surge in popularity for several hidden (and not-so-hidden) gems across the state.
1. New Smyrna Beach: Daytona’s Quieter, Quaint Neighbor
While Daytona Beach often steals the spotlight with its Margaritaville fame, a short drive away lies New Smyrna Beach, offering a more intimate, small-town beach vibe. Desiree Avila, a board-certified REALTOR® with Charles Rutenberg Realty, describes it as “much smaller and quainter than Daytona Beach while leaving nothing to desire as far as location.” She highlights its “lively and walkable Canal Street,” boasting an array of shops, dining, and entertainment, plus abundant outdoor activities.
2. Viera: A Master-Planned Paradise on the Space Coast
For those seeking a community designed with seniors in mind, Viera on the Space Coast is a standout. Kellie Bowling, a real estate broker with Compass, calls it an “award-winning, master-planned community with several 55+ active adult communities.”
From golf to shopping, “there are tons of things to do in and around the area,” Bowling explains, adding that it’s just a quick trip to Orlando and the beach. Viera also prioritizes well-being, with excellent healthcare facilities and assisted living options, ensuring residents can “age with confidence here.”
3. Haines City: The Not-So-Hidden Gem
Once a well-kept secret, Haines City is quickly gaining attention, according to real estate agent Alexei Morgado, founder of Lexawise Real Estate Exam Preparation. “Haines City is still somewhat off the beaten path but has been attracting more and more attention lately,” he shares.
Its prime location offers the best of both worlds: “close enough to Orlando for day trips but far enough to keep its small-town atmosphere.” Retirees are drawn to its “reasonable cost of living” and “quiet neighborhoods paired with easy access to parks and lakes.”
4. St. Augustine: Historic Charm Meets Coastal Comfort
It’s no surprise that St. Augustine, a beloved small city on the Atlantic coast, captures the hearts of retirees.
Omer Reiner, president of FL Cash Home Buyers, LLC, points to its “overall lower cost of living than many places in the U.S.,” particularly its “affordable homes.” This laid-back oasis, just minutes from the beach, also boasts great healthcare, diverse dining, ample shopping, and plenty of outdoor pursuits.
5. Manasota Key: Barrier Island Bliss
If the allure of barrier island living calls to you, Manasota Key should be high on your list. Robert Washington praises its “great beach access and [being] walkable to numerous shops and restaurants.”
Despite its tranquil feel, it’s conveniently located “only about 20 minutes from Sarasota,” offering access to world-class healthcare, and a mere hour’s drive to Tampa and St. Petersburg for big-city entertainment.
6. Babcock Ranch: The Future of Sustainable Retirement
This intentionally-planned community in Southwest Florida is a magnet for retirees, explains Desiree Avila. “Vaunting the title of the country’s first solar community, Babcock Ranch, is an avant-garde community built with sustainability and quality of life of residents in mind,” she says, emphasizing its “purposefully walkable and bike-able city” design. With 5,000 residents and growing, Babcock Ranch offers modern healthcare facilities and programs that actively encourage healthy living.
7. Homosassa Springs: A Nature Lover’s Dream
An hour north of the bustling St. Petersburg/Tampa metro lies Homosassa Springs, a small town tailor-made for nature enthusiasts.
Washington describes it as being “along the Nature Coast which has some of the gulf’s best saltwater fishing.” Residents can even “swim with manatees and walk along their nature trails and boardwalks” at the local state park.
Plus, it offers a more affordable alternative to its southern neighbors.
8. Eustis: Lakeside Living with Small-Town Soul
Nestled north of Orlando and south of Ocala, Eustis is a quaint lakeside retreat. Alexei Morgado calls this “jewel of Lake County” a “small, artsy town boasting a very vibrant downtown with affordable housing.”
What truly sets it apart, Morgado notes, is the community itself. “The connection retirees get to form with the local community here just can’t be found elsewhere,” he says, adding that “many say it reminds them of their hometowns but with better weather.”
9. Lake Wales: Affordable Fun in Central Florida
Retirement is exceptionally affordable in the laid-back city of Lake Wales, shares Omer Reiner. “27% of the city’s population is aged 65 and older, and the cost of living for those retirees can be as low as around $3,000 a month,” he states. Despite its affordability, Lake Wales is far from isolated, offering “easy driving access to a great many other Florida attractions, from art galleries and theater to big-time entertainment picks such as Disney World and SeaWorld.”
10. Crawfordville: Panhandle Peace with City Access
This 5,000-person town in the panhandle boasts a strategic location, according to Desiree Avila. “Situated between Tallahassee (the state’s capital) and the coast, Crawfordville allows residents to enjoy peace and quiet and the state’s natural beauty while also having access to the beach and big city services,” she explains. For retirees who appreciate small-town charm and affordability, Crawfordville is an ideal choice, as long as you don’t mind a bit of driving.
11. Deland: Historic Charm Meets Modern Convenience
You don’t have to sacrifice contemporary amenities for historic appeal in Deland, an up-and-coming retiree hotspot. Alexei Morgado has worked with retirees “drawn to places like Deland because it’s rich in historical charm, but at the same time, modern conveniences abound.” The presence of Stetson University keeps the town vibrant with cultural events that retirees can enjoy without feeling out of place.
12. Brooksville: A Golfer’s Paradise
An hour north of Tampa/St. Petersburg, Brooksville is a dream destination for golfers, says Robert Washington.
“Brooksville is a haven for golfers and is renowned for having some of the best courses in the state,” he emphasizes, noting that the recently opened Cabot Citrus Farms Resort has become a national draw. Beyond the greens, Brooksville offers good healthcare, a thriving senior community, and plenty of activities.
13. Inverness: Outdoor Adventure in Citrus County
Florida offers numerous havens for retired outdoor enthusiasts, and Inverness in Citrus County is a prime example. Alexei Morgado describes it as “a nature lover’s haven with plenty of fishing, cycling, and outdoor activities.”
The local atmosphere is warm and welcoming, with a “vibe here that is more like family,” and it’s significantly “more affordable than its coastal alternatives.” What’s not to love about that?
The Bottom Line
Choosing a small town for retirement can significantly reduce stress, and these Florida jewels elevate the experience with all the desirable Sunshine State amenities. It’s no wonder their popularity is on an upward trajectory. If a full-time move isn’t in the cards just yet, embracing the “snowbird” lifestyle allows you to enjoy the best of both worlds, retreating south for the winter months.