10 BEST RETIREMENT COMMUNITIES in Florida (2025 edition!!!)

1. Naples Metro Area



When it comes to retirement, the Naples Metro area continues to shine. Regularly ranked as one of the best places to retire in Florida, this region includes Naples, Fort Myers, and the surrounding areas.

• Spotlight Area: Bonita Springs
  Positioned just 19 miles north of downtown Naples, Bonita Springs strikes a perfect balance. It’s close enough to Naples’ luxury lifestyle and amenities but avoids the steep price tag. Bonita Springs also offers proximity to attractions like Estero Island, Barefoot Beach, Sanibel, Captiva, and the vibrant Cape Coral area.
• Neighborhood Highlight: Bonita del Sol
  A Pulte-owned community featuring homes ranging from the mid-$400,000s to over $1 million. Located just 7 miles from the beach, this neighborhood offers 15+ home designs across three collections with no CDD fees.

2. Sarasota Metro Area

Next up is Sarasota, a city well-known for its cultural charm and coastal beauty. For this year’s list, we zoom in on southern Venice, western North Port, and northern Englewood.

• Spotlight Area: Wellen Park
  Wellen Park is a master-planned mini-city offering a unique blend of coastal proximity and new construction housing. Located just 18–21 minutes from beaches like Venice Beach, Caspersen Beach, and Brohard Beach, this development includes over 15 neighborhoods in an intentional environment.
• Neighborhood Highlight: Brightmore
  A 55+ active adult community by Mattamy Homes, Brightmore offers villas and single-family homes with prices starting in the low $400,000s. Amenities include a lakefront clubhouse, resort-style pools, pickleball courts, and more.

3. South Florida / Miami

For those who enjoy South Florida’s vibrant culture but prefer a more laid-back environment, Boca Raton is an excellent choice. It offers a peaceful and elegant alternative to Miami and Palm Beach while maintaining easy access to both.

• Neighborhood Highlight: Boca West
  A quintessential country club community offering a wide range of home types, including garden, lake, and golf views. With world-class amenities, Boca West is perfect for retirees seeking a luxurious lifestyle.

4. Central Florida

For retirees looking for a tranquil yet accessible area in Central Florida, Windermere is an excellent option. Located on the western side of Orlando, Windermere combines a serene atmosphere with proximity to big-city amenities.

• Neighborhood Highlight: Keene’s Point
  Featuring 14+ small neighborhoods, Keene’s Point offers homes ranging from $400,000 to $7 million. This elegant development is perfect for retirees who want access to nature, spacious lots, and proximity to Disney and downtown Orlando.

5. Northeast Florida

Moving north, Nocatee stands out as a top pick. Just 19 miles from St. Augustine, this master-planned development is one of the top-selling communities in the U.S., offering new construction homes and easy access to beaches.

• Neighborhood Highlight: Del Webb Nocatee
  A 55+ active adult community by Pulte, Del Webb Nocatee features villas and single-family homes with resort-style amenities, including a grand ballroom, onsite bar and grill, and more.

6. Tampa Bay

If you’re looking for a balance of city convenience and small-town charm, Safety Harbor is a great pick in the Tampa Bay area. Located just 19 miles from downtown Tampa, this historic town offers old Florida vibes with modern conveniences.

• Neighborhood Highlight: Philippe Point
  A mature community offering homes in the $900,000+ range, Philippe Point is a great option for retirees seeking a quiet yet centrally located neighborhood.

7. Central Atlantic Coast

For a more tranquil lifestyle on Florida’s Atlantic Coast, Port St. Lucie offers affordability, beaches, and a relaxed pace of life.

• Neighborhood Highlight: Del Webb Tradition
  This active adult community includes nine floor plans and offers resort-style amenities, such as tennis courts, bocce ball, a clubhouse, and a full-time lifestyle director.

8. Florida Panhandle

In the panhandle, Navarre stands out as a suburban beach town with its own charm. Known for its tranquility and affordability, Navarre offers proximity to the Emerald Coast’s stunning beaches.

• Neighborhood Highlight: Whispering Pines
  With homes built from the mid-1980s to 2015, this neighborhood features large lots and is just five miles from the beach, making it ideal for retirees seeking space and serenity.

9. Lakewood Ranch

Located in the Sarasota Metro, Lakewood Ranch is a massive master-planned community with everything retirees could need, from new construction homes to resort-style amenities.

• Neighborhood Highlight: Del Webb Catalina
  The newest 55+ community in Lakewood Ranch, Del Webb Catalina offers 13+ floor plans, gated entry, and a 15-acre lakeside amenity center with a restaurant, resort-style pool, and more.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re drawn to the Gulf Coast, Atlantic Coast, or Panhandle, Florida offers a variety of retirement options to fit every lifestyle. From master-planned communities to hidden gems, these locations provide an opportunity to find the perfect spot to call home.

Recommended Blogs

Recommended Videos