5 Florida Cities That Are Perfect for Middle-Class Retirees

If you dream of heading to the Sunshine State for retirement, you’re in good company. According to Kiplinger, “Every day Florida’s population swells by more than 1,000 people, many of them retirees locating for the second phase of their lives.”

Many of those people are heading to Florida for its beautiful weather and tax-friendly environment for retirees. If you’re among those considering Florida, here’s a look at five cities perfect for middle-class retirees.

Also check out the most affordable beach town for retirees.

If you’ve never heard of the 55-plus community of Sun City Center, it was ranked as the most affordable place to live in Florida by Realtor.com. “This community — which came in third last year — has the magic combo that aging populations prioritize: a warm beach and a big city nearby,” according to Realtor.com.

Located close to Tampa, Sun City Center has lower homeowners association dues than many other places in Florida. You may want to keep in mind that this 55-plus community has strict restrictions on age. So, since people here can’t have grandchildren stay during the summer, they often visit them.

If healthcare is your primary factor, Sarasota might be a city to check out. Along with being affordable, according to Kiplinger, “…residents also have the Sarasota Memorial Health Care system, which is one of the largest public medical centers in Florida, offering specialized expertise in heart, vascular, cancer, orthopedic and neuroscience service.”

In Sarasota, the median household income is about $69,000 and the average home value is $460,000, according to Kiplinger. In addition to the great healthcare facilities, Sarasota is home to a nice arts scene and various dining options.

Gainesville, located in the middle of the state, might be a good place to retire if you want to feel safer during hurricane season. The cost of living in Gainesville is nearly 8% lower than the national average.

With an average home value of around $293,000 and more than 11% of the population is 65 or older, Gainesville could be a good choice for a middle-class retiree.

If you look in St. Petersburg, you’ll find expensive and affordable housing options. The average home value here is about $375,000. According to Kiplinger, “Vintage neighborhoods on the northeast side of St. Petersburg, away from the water, offer a mix of bungalows, Craftsman-style cottages, large ranchers and enough Spanish-influenced design to suggest you’re in Pasadena or Santa Monica.”

The overall cost of living is only slightly above the national average. But St. Petersburg may be a good option for retirement thanks to its walkability, artsy downtown and proximity to Tampa.

This must be a good city for retirees – after all, most of its population is 65 or older. According to RetireTemecula, “A smaller, more laid-back option, Punta Gorda features a beautiful historic district, waterfront parks, and a friendly community.”

In Punta Gorda, you’ll find a cost of living about 6% lower than the national average. Here, the average home value is about $407,000.