4 Most Overpriced Florida Retirement Towns Projected for 2025, According to Experts
Written by
Laura Beck
Edited by
Jenna Klaverweiden
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Dreaming of retiring to the Sunshine State? Better check your bank account first. Some towns popular among retirees are costlier than others — and living in a more expensive one could end up breaking your retirement budget.
Here’s where experts predict you may pay a premium for paradise in 2025.
Also see the best retirement towns for the middle class in 2024.
Naples
“Naples has attracted a wealthier demographic over the years,” said Tim Choate, founder of RedAwning.
Average home prices are pushing $600,000, and “bidding wars [are] driving prices to levels that may not reflect the intrinsic value,” Choate said. This Gulf Coast gem might be more flash than substance.
Key Largo
Retirees might be better off steering clear of Key Largo in 2025.
“Don’t get me wrong, it’s a great town that is very vacation-like,” said Seamus Nally, CEO of TurboTenant. “But the average home price is well over $1 million, and homeowners insurance rates have increased significantly this past year. Lots of residents are leaving simply because of that.”
Sarasota
Sure, Sarasota has a vibrant arts scene, but at what price? The city’s nice climate, beauty and good quality of life have driven demand for waterfront homes in particular, per the Laughlin Tanner Group.
Choate explained that “the demand for waterfront properties and the limited availability of prime locations have pushed prices higher,” making it a tough sell for budget-conscious retirees.
Fort Lauderdale
“Fort Lauderdale has become a haven for extremely wealthy retirees and is not a viable option for those on a budget,” said Robert Washington, founder of Savvy Buyers Realty.
The average home value in Fort Lauderdale is over $500,000 — pricing out many typical retirees.
In Realtor.com’s 2025 housing market forecast, it ranked the Miami-Fort Lauderdale-Pompano Beach area the No. 2 housing market for 2025, citing an expected existing home median sale price increase of 9% year over year.
Looking For Alternatives?
For those looking for more affordable alternatives, experts suggest checking out spots like The Villages, Gainesville and Ocala. “Homes can be less than half the price of what you’ll see in Naples and Fort Lauderdale,” Washington said.
Sometimes paradise comes with a more reasonable price tag.
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