5 Florida Retirement Havens Where You Don’t Have To Be as Rich as You Think

With an average home value now just a smidge under $400,000, Florida is far from the affordable slice of paradise it once was.

The state’s sun, sand and laid-back lifestyle have beckoned generations of retirees, but according to Fortune, Florida has become “too popular for its own good” — and for the good of boomers on a budget hoping for a retirement haven that an average person can afford.

But that doesn’t mean every oasis has dried up. There are still some Sunshine State gems within reach of retirees who don’t have money to burn. 

Venice’s stunning beaches, soaring palm trees and, of course, a name that alludes to Italian exclusivity, might make you think that non-millionaires need not apply — but this gorgeous retirement haven is more accessible than you might think.

“This coastal city on Florida’s Gulf Coast is known as the Shark Tooth Capital of the World, with a small-town charm and affordable living options such as condominiums and single-family homes,” said Eleanor Campbell, a senior realtor with 17 years of experience working as a property consultant with ContractorBond. 

The average home value is $450,467, which isn’t cheap, but is still accessible to non-millionaire “retirees looking to spend their golden years in a beach-side community,” Campbell said. She also referenced a Numbeo cost-of-living report that says a three-course meal for two people at a mid-range restaurant costs less than $80 — but you can live a rich life even though you don’t need to be rich to live there.

“I have witnessed its thriving arts and culture scene with theaters, museums and galleries, in addition to the beautiful beaches and outdoor activities like kayaking and fishing,” Campbell said. 

Also on the Gulf Coast is the retirement haven of St. Petersburg. It’s known as the Sunshine City because its weather is stellar even by Florida’s standards and it’s famous for its boating, fishing, golf and beachside parks — but don’t let all that make you think the Tampa-adjacent city is out of reach.

“Its low cost of living and relatively affordable real estate make it an appealing choice for retirees looking to stretch their retirement savings,” Campbell said. 

The average home value is $381,107, less than the state average of $397,137 and Campbell cited statistics showing that while the cost of living is moderate, the quality of life is high.

“The city has a thriving arts community with regular events such as the annual Shine Mural Festival and the St. Pete Arts Festival,” she said. “I have found it perfect for retirees to enjoy a relaxing lifestyle with access to beautiful beaches, waterfront parks and outdoor activities like golfing and boating.”

Nestled between Palm Beach to the south and Daytona Beach to the north lies an Atlantic Coast paradise that, at first glance, appears to be beyond the average retiree’s budget — but looks can be deceiving.

“Palm Bay is a hidden gem for retirees who are looking for affordability without sacrificing lifestyle,” said Dennis Shirshikov, head of growth at Gosummer.com, who is familiar with the cost of maintaining Florida rental properties.

“The cost of living here is significantly lower than in Florida’s more high-profile coastal cities, yet it offers abundant green spaces, a lower tax burden and proximity to Orlando’s medical services and entertainment. It’s a prime spot for those who want to enjoy their golden years without the golden price tag,” he said.

Comparatively affordable housing is a big part of Palm Bay’s manageable living costs — the average home value is just $313,137.

The average home value in Dunedin is $452,575, putting it more on par with pricier Venice — but it’s still inside a half-million dollars despite the Gulf Coast town’s multi-million-dollar feel.

“Dunedin offers a unique blend of small-town charm with big-city amenities, making it an ideal retirement spot for those on a budget,” said Shirshikov, who is also a finance professor at the City University of New York, where he specializes in real estate and financial planning.

“It’s known for its vibrant downtown, beautiful parks and stretches of stunning coastline. Plus, it holds the distinction of being one of the few remaining open waterfront communities where property prices are still reasonable compared to its upscale neighbors,” he said. 

Less than 10 miles to the south is Belleair, where the average home value is more than $712,000.

Although it’s a nationally known college town, Gainesville is a perfect place to retire thanks to its world-class museums, eight state parks and sub-$300,000 average home value.

“Gainesville strikes a balance between affordable living and high-quality lifestyle choices for retirees,” Shirshikov said. “Home to the University of Florida, it provides countless cultural and educational opportunities that typically come with a university town. The health care services here are top-notch and the active community life ensures that social and recreational activities are both accessible and affordable.”

All home values are from Zillow.