So you’ve settled on the Sunshine State for your next big move. You’re ready to spend more time working on your tan and less time working on your house. If you share the carefree mindset, it’s time to explore Florida’s gorgeous coastlines. What are the best places to retire in Florida near the beach? These stunning, postcard-worthy cities and towns are favorites among our team of experts.
The Atlantic Coast
Florida’s east coast is known for its excitement, both natural and manmade. From wind-driven surfing waves to the state’s most culturally vibrant cities, the Atlantic Coast is ideal for those who seek out a somewhat faster pace, but with access to tranquil villages and relaxing beaches. As with anywhere in Florida, you’ll have a variety of towns that will suit your desired lifestyle.
Fernandina Beach
Located on Amelia Island in the greater Jacksonville metropolitan area, Fernandina Beach is a great way to enjoy coastal living without sacrificing the amenities of a large city. With a population of about 13,600, it’s the northernmost city on Florida’s Atlantic coast. Enjoy the charming Victorian architecture and Southern hospitality, or walk your dog (or ride a horse) along its 13 miles of public beaches. It’s a great place for retirees given its easygoing character and proximity to Jacksonville’s excellent medical facilities.
Neaby 55+ Communities
St. Augustine
The oldest European-settled city in the United States, St. Augustine is rich with Spanish architecture and historical sites. These attractions attract an influx of tourists from around the world. Still, the 14,000 or so permanent residents have plenty of elbow room at the bustling King George Street nightlife, music and art festivals, and surprisingly endless list of restaurants and bars. Also, you’ll have plenty of sand to play in along 42 miles of beaches.
Neaby 55+ Communities
- Summer Bay at Grand Oaks – St. Augustine, FL
- Reverie at Silverleaf – St. Augustine, FL
- Parkland Preserve – St. Augustine, FL
- Cascades at World Golf Village – St. Augustine, FL
- Reverie at TrailMark – St. Augustine, FL
- Villages of Seloy – St. Augustine, FL
- Bridge Bay at Bannon Lakes – St. Augustine, FL
- Freedom at San Salito – St. Augustine, FL
- The Residences at World Golf Village – St. Augustine, FL
Daytona Beach
Ready to pick up the pace? Daytona Beach has a lower cost of living than most Florida cities of similar size—a population of about 82,500—but doesn’t skimp on lifestyle highlights. Beyond famous NASCAR events and Bike Week, Daytona Beach provides a bustling, culture-rich urban center. When you’re ready to wave that checkered flag, relax on the endless shimmering shoreline, or go inland to visit peaceful nature preserves and gorgeous open spaces.
Neaby 55+ Communities
New Smyrna Beach
Just south of Daytona Beach, you’ll find New Smyrna Beach—a charming and easygoing surfer’s paradise of about 33,000 friendly locals. Also, this city is surrounded by protected beaches, open spaces, and world-class golf courses.
Looking for friendly neighbors? The local social scene is typically celebrated at backyard barbecues rather than its sparse downtown nightlife. Despite the down-home feel, you’ll find plenty of restaurants and cultural attractions here, particularly in the lovely Canal Street Historic District.
Neaby 55+ Communities
Vero Beach
Often called the “Hamptons of Florida,” this town of about 17,000 residents is protected by 26 miles of barrier island beaches and natural spaces. While Vero Beach is a bit more spendy than some Florida beach towns, it’s still below the average cost of living for U.S. cities. People come here for its casual sophistication, laid-back culture, and access to easygoing coastal activities such as kayaking, fishing, paddle boarding, and clear, relatively calm water.
Neaby 55+ Communities
- Grand Harbor – Vero Beach, FL
- Vista Plantation – Vero Beach, FL
- Lakes at Waterway Village – Vero Beach, FL
- Isles at Waterway Village – Vero Beach, FL
- Woodfield – Vero Beach, FL
- Vista Gardens – Vero Beach, FL
- Harmony Reserve – Vero Beach, FL
- Vista Del Mar – Vero Beach, FL
- The Willows – Vero Beach, FL
Key Biscayne
Pristine beaches and proximity to Miami boost Key Biscayne’s cost of living, but at the same time, it elevates the quality of life for more than 15,500 residents. It’s a small island, but it has plenty of parks to complement the surrounding white beaches.
Locals travel to Miami for most of their non-aquatic entertainment, but there are plenty of restaurants with fabulous fare that keep them close to home. If the luxurious waterfront homes and condos are a bit out of your budget, but you’d love to make Key Biscayne your favorite playground, there are 55+ communities nearby on the mainland.
Neaby 55+ Communities
- The Summit – Hollywood, FL
- Gulfstream Garden – Hallandale Beach, FL
- Biscaya – Aventura, FL
- Star Lake Estates – Miami, FL
- Century Village at Pembroke Pines – Pembroke Pines, FL
- Colony Point – Pembroke Pines, FL
- Park Place Pembroke Pines – Pembroke Pines, FL
- Hollybrook Golf and Tennis Club – Pembroke Pines, FL
- Sheridan Lakes – Hollywood, FL
- Meadowbrook Lakes – Dania Beach, FL
Delray Beach
When Florida visitors drive north on Jimmy Buffett Memorial Highway from Boca Raton and find themselves in Delray Beach, they don’t want to leave. That’s why the population of nearly 67,000 is growing. Fortunately, the largely walkable downtown is keeping up, hosting entertainment, dining, cultural events, and shopping, all of which are particularly exciting on East Atlantic Avenue.
Love the water? Boat along the Intracoastal Waterway, or go further east to play in the white sand and gentle surf at the public beach. Love golf? Check out their two public courses, or visit one of several private courses in the area’s planned communities.
Neaby 55+ Communities
- Avalon Trails – Delray Beach, FL
- Banyan House Condominiums – Delray Beach, FL
- Boca Delray – Delray Beach, FL
- Bridgeview – Delray Beach, FL
- Camelot Village – Delray Beach, FL
- Coco Wood Lakes – Delray Beach, FL
- Country Manors – Delray Beach, FL
- Delray Villas – Delray Beach, FL
- Emerald Pointe – Delray Beach, FL
- Floral Lakes – Delray Beach, FL
- Four Seasons at Delray Beach – Delray Beach, FL
- Gleneagles Country Club – Delray Beach, FL
- High Point of Delray – Delray Beach, FL
- Huntington Pointe – Delray Beach, FL
- Kings Point in Delray Beach – Delray Beach, FL
- Lakes of Delray – Delray Beach, FL
- Las Verdes – Delray Beach, FL
- Palm Greens – Delray Beach, FL
- Pine Ridge At Delray Beach – Delray Beach, FL
- Rainberry Bay – Delray Beach, FL
- Sabal Pine Condominiums – Delray Beach, FL
- Seagate Towers Condominiums – Delray Beach, FL
- The Pines of Delray – Delray Beach, FL
- Valencia Falls – Delray Beach, FL
- Valencia Palms – Delray Beach, FL
- Villa Borghese – Delray Beach, FL
- Villages of Oriole – Delray Beach, FL
- Villaggio Reserve – Delray Beach, FL
- Vizcaya – Delray Beach, FL
Jensen Beach
Once known for its pineapple plantations and still known for its piña coladas, Jensen Beach is a retirement and resort destination for those who want to experience the best of the Treasure Coast. A small city of about 13,000, Jensen Beach sits on both the mainland and a sandy barrier island, all connected by a short causeway.
Also, because it’s part of the Port St. Lucie metropolitan area, Jensen Beach is close to excellent medical facilities and is itself a great place for local dining, entertainment, and outdoor activities. Stroll down Jensen Beach Boulevard and check out the quaint shops and local artist studios. Grab an ice cream cone or cup of coffee, and enjoy people watching. It’s fun to feel like a tourist in your own town, especially when it’s a vastly underrated getaway.
Neaby 55+ Communities
- South River – Stuart, FL
- Vista Pines – Stuart, FL
- Monterey Yacht & Country Club – Stuart, FL
- Vista del Lago – Stuart, FL
- Cedar Pointe Villages – Stuart, FL
- Kingswood Condominiums – Stuart, FL
- Veranda Gardens – Port St. Lucie, FL
- De La Bahia – Stuart, FL
- Circle Bay Yacht Club – Stuart, FL
- Whispering Sound – Palm City, FL
- Veranda Preserve – Port St. Lucie, FL
- Copperleaf – Palm City, FL
- The Windjammer – Stuart, FL
- Tarpon Bay Yacht Club – Port St. Lucie, FL
The Gulf Coast
Do you prefer a more tropical atmosphere, with the whitest sand and warmest, calmest water? Florida’s west coast might be for you. While there are big cities and plenty to do, there’s a somewhat slower pace here. The Gulf Coast has a Caribbean feel to it, not just for the luxurious weather and turquoise ocean, but for its laid-back atmosphere.
Clearwater
Looking to capture the resort vibe without leaving your new hometown? Clearwater is known for its three-mile stretch of soft, white sand and namesake aquamarine sea. As a result, this city of 117,000 draws recreation enthusiasts year-round. Paddleboarding is a popular sport at this stunning beach and makes Clearwater the ideal spot for active adults, with access to world-class shopping, dining, sports, and leisure activities.
Neaby 55+ Communities
- Harbor Oaks Place – Clearwater, FL
- Imperial Cove – Clearwater, FL
- Imperial Pines Condominiums – Clearwater, FL
- On Top of the World Clearwater – Clearwater, FL
- Village on the Green – Clearwater, FL
- Villas of Lake Arbor – Clearwater, FL
Pensacola
Pensacola is a shining gem of the Gulf Coast, with luxuriously tropical beaches. Opal Beach is a lesser-known escape with iconic white sand shores for locals to enjoy. If you’re feeling adventurous, head to the Pensacola Beach Eco-Trail for biking, wildlife watching, hiking, and more. Keep an eye on the water, as gentle manatees visit these crystal clear waters. Pensacola, with a population of about 54,000, also has plenty of unique boutiques, cafes, and spas to explore.
Neaby 55+ Communities
- LiveOak Village – Foley, AL
- Leisure Lake – Foley, AL
- Ethos – Foley, AL
- Oyster Bay Village – Gulf Shores, AL
- Windsor Villas – Milton, FL
- Sea Pines at Bon Secour – Foley, AL
- The Village at Craft Farms – Gulf Shores, AL
Lido Key
If spending more time fishing is on your retirement bucket list, don’t miss Lido Key. This island just west of Sarasota is best known for deep-sea fishing. Charter a boat, enjoy a romantic sunset cruise, or take a kayak or paddleboard out into the calm, hospitable waters and enjoy sightseeing.
Ready to chill even more? Consider taking a beachside yoga or meditation class. Seasonal festivities and events abound at this little stretch of paradise. Remember, you’re on island time and you’ll only have about 1,600 neighbors.
Neaby 55+ Communities
- The Landings – Sarasota, FL
- Village Green – Sarasota, FL
- Strathmore Riverside Villas – Sarasota, FL
- Whispering Sands – Sarasota, FL
- Lake Tippecanoe – Sarasota, FL
- Glen Oaks Ridge – Sarasota, FL
- Lakeshore Village – Sarasota, FL
- Village In The Pines – Sarasota, FL
- Rolling Green Golf Village – Sarasota, FL
- Oakhurst – Sarasota, FL
- Tallywood – Sarasota, FL
- Siesta Harbor – Sarasota, FL
- Village Plaza – Sarasota, FL
- Forest Lakes Village – Sarasota, FL
- Woodside Village East – Sarasota, FL
- Woodside Terrace – Sarasota, FL
- Swifton Villas – Sarasota, FL
- Woodside Village West – Sarasota, FL
Panama City Beach
Not to be confused with Panama City itself, Panama City Beach has its own vibe and identity. Its 27 miles of white sand beaches wait to be explored by its 19,000+ residents on days when they’re not enjoying the exciting culinary and arts scene. Artificial reefs offer a snorkeling paradise for intrepid divers, and the best designers and boutiques are just a short stroll away. You’ll find a few active adult communities in the area, with easy access to excellent health care and other important amenities.
Neaby 55+ Communities
Siesta Key
With a name like Siesta Key, you know you’re in for a relaxing lifestyle. Residents love the welcoming social scene at Siesta Key and the sense of community surrounding this stunning Gulf Coast paradise. The restaurants are excellent for such a small town (population hovering around 5,500), and word is, locals are often given reservation preference when tourist season is in full swing. Need a little more excitement? You’re just across the causeway to Sarasota, giving you access to the best of both worlds.
Neaby 55+ Communities
- The Landings – Sarasota, FL
- Village Green – Sarasota, FL
- Strathmore Riverside Villas – Sarasota, FL
- Whispering Sands – Sarasota, FL
- Lakeshore Village – Sarasota, FL
- Village In The Pines – Sarasota, FL
- Siesta Harbor – Sarasota, FL
- Village Plaza – Sarasota, FL
- Forest Lakes Village – Sarasota, FL
- Woodside Village East – Sarasota, FL
- Woodside Terrace – Sarasota, FL
- Swifton Villas – Sarasota, FL
- Woodside Village West – Sarasota, FL
Marco Island
This barrier island—the largest in South Florida’s Ten Thousand Islands region—is located a short trip from Naples. Marco Island is home to several of Florida’s best beaches and resorts, and about 16,000 easygoing residents. Here, you’ll find some of the best spa experiences alongside fantastic dining and leisure activities. Also, a selection of golf courses and marinas attracts golfers and boating enthusiasts alike.
Neaby 55+ Communities
- Fiddler’s Creek – Naples, FL
- Lely Resort – Naples, FL
- VeronaWalk – Naples, FL
- The Isles of Collier Preserve – Naples, FL
- Treviso Bay – Naples, FL
- Esplanade by the Islands – Naples, FL
- Riviera Golf Estates – Naples, FL
- Esplanade at Hacienda Lakes – Naples, FL
Destin
Life in the Panhandle awaits you in Destin, a small city of 14,000. Stroll down the iconic Destin Harbor Boardwalk and enjoy peaceful ocean views, or party at world-famous Crab Island. Nature trails run through the community, offering paths for biking, walking, and birding. Pine and oak trees surround Destin Beach, providing natural shade from the hot Florida summers. Also, nearby Big Kahuna’s water park is the perfect place to take the grandkids or be a big kid yourself.
Neaby 55+ Communities
- Latitude Margaritaville Watersound – Panama City Beach, FL
- Watersound Origins – Watersound, FL
- Firefly at Hammock Bay – Freeport, FL
- Windsor Villas – Milton, FL
Your Beach Town Retirement Awaits!
Florida’s gorgeous coastal towns and cities are among the best retirement destinations in the United States’ Southeast. With so many options to choose from, we wouldn’t be surprised if one of these 55+ favorites became your new home.
Looking for more resort-style retirement recommendations? Our team of real estate experts knows the best properties with the best amenities. Reach out to 55places today and learn more about your new retirement destination!
