If your retirement dreams include world travel and frequent cruises, consider finding a home in “the Sunshine State.” Florida offers more cruising opportunities and more ports than any other U.S. state, not to mention 1,300 coastal miles for local nautical adventures. It’s not surprising that the number of cruises in Florida is a top reason retirees choose the state.
Cruising, by the way, is more popular than ever. According to a report by the Cruise Lines International Association, the industry experienced a significant surge post-pandemic and is expected to continue growing through 2028. They expect 40 million passengers cruising annually by 2027.
If you’re excited to be one of those 40 million, let’s explore Florida’s best locations for your retirement.
Choose Boca Raton for a Laid-Back Atmosphere
“Boca” is beloved by retirees due to its lovely climate, quaint small-town feel, gorgeous beaches, and convenient access to ports. The overall feeling is slower and more relaxed than in the biggest metros, such as Miami, and offers a vibrant social scene geared toward mature adults. You will certainly meet and mingle with your peers at every turn.
Boca Raton offers quick access to major highways and is only a few hours’ drive from ports like:
- Port Everglades
- Riviera Beach (Palm Beach)
- Port Miami
Retiring in Boca Raton
Boca also has an outstanding reputation for safety. Every year, it ranks among the state’s safest cities, so locals feel comfortable leaving their homes to cruise or travel abroad. Also, as with all other locations in Florida, Boca is tax-friendly. Seniors will not pay income tax on their retirement withdrawals, and property taxes are relatively low compared to other states.
One drawback with retirement in Boca is the high real estate prices. The median home price is $755,400, according to Census Reporter. However, the median price of a home in a 55+ community in Southeast Florida is $339,900, according to 55places.com data, so considering a home in a 55+ community in Boca Raton could provide some savings.
Choose Jacksonville for Affordability
“Jax” covers 840 sprawling square miles, making it the largest U.S. city in terms of acreage. The drives to cruise ports in Palm Beach and Miami are much longer, but the Norwegian and Carnival Cruise lines depart from Jacksonville every day during the season.
If you love cruises in Florida, fast access to Jacksonville ports is priceless. Imagine taking a quick 20-minute Uber to your port and skipping the trip to the airport altogether.
Retiring in Jacksonville
Jacksonville is among the most affordable cities in Florida. The median home price in Jax is $312,400. But for active adults looking for a home in a 55+ community, the price is a little higher at $425,225.
Interested buyers will find real estate here in every budget, ranging from single-family homes in 55+ communities to condos downtown to historic southern plantation mansions. Whether you’re hoping to spend $100,000 or $1 million, you will find plenty of attractive options during your home search.
Choose Miami for the Widest Menu of Ports and Cruise Lines
If you plan to live with immediate access to cruise lines and cruise ports, Miami is the best choice. As of 2025, the city is home to nine ports with access to cruises in Florida. Choose your favorite from:
- Disney
- Norwegian
- Royal Caribbean
- MSC Cruises
- Carnival
- Princess
- Virgin Voyages
- Crystal Cruises
- Oceana
- Azamara
- Regent Seven Seas
Retiring in Miami
Beyond the cruise lifestyle, Miami offers retirees a wealth of opportunities. The tax environment is favorable, and median home price is $587,400.
Miami is known for its bustling downtown, crowded beaches, and nightlife. The population is incredibly diverse, allowing retirees to enjoy cuisine and cultures from all over the globe. Miami is also a huge tourist destination, making it attractive for adults who want to meet new friends all the time.
Cruising the Gulf of America: The Choices Are Endless (But We Choose Tampa)
If you crave cruises to Mexico, South America, and West Coast destinations, there are a host of great cities on Florida’s Gulf Coast. Tampa, St. Petersburg, and Sarasota reign as the most popular destinations for retirees looking to relocate to Florida for a cruise lifestyle. But you can also consider Clearwater, Naples, and Pensacola.
Retiring to the Tampa Bay Area
Tampa has an excellent reputation as a great place to retire. You will have fast access to Gulf Coast cruises, but you will also enjoy affordable housing and world-class medical facilities. The median home price is $454,800, which is almost half the price of Boca real estate but still more expensive than Jacksonville.
Tampa is very retiree-friendly, with numerous senior-focused clubs and services, as well as a rich cultural scene. If you look forward to meeting some peers and enjoying a cruise with them, Tampa is an ideal location.
With so many options, one may wonder, “How do I choose the right location for retirement if I want to cruise?” The team at 55places.com is here to help.
How To Choose the Right City for a Cruise-Rich Retirement
If you’re ready to find the perfect home in a port city, we can connect you with a local, knowledgeable real estate agent who specializes in that area. Whether you wish to retire in a condo, a sprawling estate, an equestrian property, or a little bungalow with waterfront access, we can help you find the home of your dreams.
We invite you to spend some time on our blogs and reach out to us with any questions. Contact us today to get started on the path to a dream retirement full of cruises!
- Insights and market stats
- Instant new home alerts
- Answers from local 55+ experts
