Guide to Best Places to Retire in Florida
Best Places to Live & Retire in Florida
Our free Digital Retirement Guide and Ideal-Living Magazine offer an abundance of information on which states, towns and cities are the best for retirees, vacationers and second-home buyers. This includes retirement communities in Central Florida, as well as the panhandle and Southern Florida.
In Florida, we have many communities for which you can get all the information you need. You can compare locations within Florida as well as vacation and retirement communities all across the U.S. Our Ideal-Living Digital Magazine includes numerous articles such as the top travel destinations, tips on selling your home, and how to make the most of your retirement. Our Guide allows you to compare cities and communities on variables such as climate, population, home values, cost of living and the proximity of schools, hospitals and airports.
Besides its natural beauty and incredible coastline, Florida is one of the most tax friendly states for retirees and seniors. The tax benefits of living in Florida include:
- No state income tax
- No tax on social security benefits
- Permanent residents qualify for Homestead Exemption
- Seniors may qualify for additional property tax exemptions
Idyllic Communities in Ideal Locations
Prospective residents should choose a community that best fits their lifestyle. Some neighborhoods are only a short walk or ride away from bustling city centers. Others are closer to quieter, small-town shops.
We can help you find your ideal location to live and retire in the beautiful state of Florida. Our resources put all the information at your fingertips to make the best decision for you, including putting you in contact with representatives from the top retirement and resort communities in Florida, this includes FL Del Webb communities and Minto communities.
Sample Communities to Discover
Esprit at Avenir
Esprit at Avenir by Kolter Homes is a 55+ community for active adults seeking a refined South Florida lifestyle in the heart of Palm Beach Gardens. Residents are just minutes from pristine Atlantic beaches, championship golf, including the iconic PGA NationalResort & Spa, luxury shopping at The Gardens Mall, al fresco dining, cultural attractions and live entertainment. With Palm Beach International Airport less than 20 miles away, travel and weekend getaways are always within easy reach. Designed for those who value both sophistication and connection, Esprit blends contemporary living with resort- inspired experiences in one of the area’s most desirable locations.
Homes at Esprit at Avenir feature modern designs created for today’s active adults, offering comfortable, stylish spaces that support both everyday living and entertaining. The community features six unique floorplans ranging from 2- to 5 Bedrooms, with a wide range of personalization options. Thoughtful layouts and high-end finishes provide a fresh take on low-maintenance living, allowing homeowners to focus more on lifestyle and less on upkeep.
The lifestyle at Esprit at Avenir is crafted to elevate every day. Residents enjoy full country club living with resort-style pools, a full-service restaurant and bar serving craft cocktails and refined wines, and a cutting-edge fitness experience powered by EGYM, including recovery features like a cold plunge. A dedicated Lifestyle Director curates a robust calendar of social events, fitness programs and clubs, fostering connection and an active, engaging community.
Request more information today to discover an active adult lifestyle defined by comfort, connection and effortless luxury.
Ave Maria
Ave Maria is an award-winning master-planned community that combines an active lifestyle with the charm and friendliness of a small town in the Gulf Coast region of southwestern Florida. The Collier County community encompasses multiple residential neighborhoods, schools, a town center with shopping and dining, office space, business parks, and recreational amenities located 20 minutes east of Interstate 75 near Naples, Immokalee and Bonita Springs.
One of the best-selling communities in the nation, Ave Maria features a resort-style water park and two expansive community parks with picnic areas, sports fields, playgrounds, tennis, bocce and pickleball courts. Residents also have access to quality K-12 education, 100 miles of nature, hiking and biking paths, a dog park, a fitness center, 2 championship 18-hole golf courses, and much more.
Real estate options within Ave Maria include several family-friendly neighborhoods of homes in a variety of styles- from single-family homes to condominiums, plus the Del Webb Naples 55+ active adult community
Wildlight
A new kind of Lowcountry Living
You might say that Wildlight is where the beachy vibe of Amelia Island and the culture of Jacksonville meet in the middle—with each destination a mere 20 minutes in either direction. But it’s so much more than that. It’s a community that focuses on both walkability and wellness—where a short stroll or bike ride can lead you to your favorite ice cream shop, hair salon, burger spot, or Publix supermarket. And a UF Health and YMCA are right in the neighborhood.
With a variety of home types, from low-maintenance living townhomes to spacious single-family homes and a 55+ active adult neighborhood with resort-style amenities, there is something for every life stage. All located in neighborhoods that are surrounded by nature and connected by trails. (And a new neighborhood with more home types opening late 2025!)
A town, in nature
You’ll find that what has been preserved at Wildlight is every bit as important to the community as what has been developed. Over 12 miles of scenic nature trails wind through neighborhoods and take you into our Village Center. And hundreds of acres of the community have been set aside for permanent conservation—with wetlands, parks, and trails putting the great outdoors steps from your front door.
Get Started
Finding and choosing the right active adult community can be a daunting task. This is where ideal-LIVING can help. Sign up below to receive our complimentary relocation package, which offers tips on how to find a community that suits your needs. In this guide, you’ll discover the top communities in Florida, as well as what you can do to get started. Sign up for this free package to take the first step in your exciting journey.
Free Package includes:
- ideal-LIVING Relocation Guide
The ultimate guide to find your ideal destination, life and home. This annual guide contains more than 15 state maps, a location-based cost of living and climate comparison chart and discovery travel packages.
- ideal-LIVING Magazine
Quarterly print magazine features the best places to retire and/or purchase your ideal second home.
- ideal-LIVING E-Newsletter
Receive our digital newsletter, two to three times a month, highlighting communities around the country and abroad.
- Tickets to ideal-LIVING Live Events
The ideal-LIVING Resort & Retirement Show has helped retirees and second-home buyers find their ideal community and home for more than 30 years.