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
Valencia Parc
Located in Port St. Lucie, Florida, Valencia Parc is the fourth community to be added to Riverland, offering GL Homes’ famous Valencia 55+ resort-style living to the ever-expanding Port Saint Lucie area. In addition to the stunning single-story home designs with five collections, Valencia Parc now offers beautiful Club Villas consisting of 4 different models: the Areca, the Bismarck, the Sabal, and the Royal. There truly is a home for everyone with floorplans ranging from 1,293 to 3,346 a/c sq. ft., all including luxurious standard features from the mid $300s to $900s. If you are looking to personalize your home with your signature style, come explore the Design Center and choose from hundreds of options to make your new home uniquely yours.
At Valencia Parc there are a million ways to have fun. Experience the best 55+ lifestyle at the Valencia Parc Social Club where you’ll find amazing events, dining options, and incredible amenities. The stunning Riverland Wellness & Fitness Center is made up of 51,000 square feet of space that features everything from a state-of-the-art gym, personal training, and dedicated group fitness classes to an indoor pool and sports courts, plus outdoors you’ll find two six-lane lap pools, a resistance pool and workout recovery whirlpool spa, and the RiverFresh Café offering healthy food options.
The Arts & Culture center offers amazing classes including painting, pottery, or culinary arts and more. Right outside the Arts & Culture center is the community garden where you can put your green thumb to the test and grow amazing, fresh produce. Access all the Riverland amenities by taking a scenic stroll along the Paseo and greenways, built exclusively for pedestrian, bicycle and golf-cart passage, to easily travel throughout the 4,000-acre master-plan community. Take advantage of our Stay and Play program and spend 3 days/2 nights in one of our beautiful homes and experience the Riverland lifestyle before you buy. Be sure to check out more of the exclusive offers at Valencia Parc and Riverland and find your perfect home to begin living the ultimate 55+ lifestyle!
The Isles of Collier Preserve
Hurry for Special Pricing on Final Phase, and for a limited time, receive $100,000 in free home options! Limited opportunities remain to buy a new home at The Isles.
Nestled within a pristine natural setting just minutes from Downtown Naples, Florida’s preeminent new home builder is creating a colorful update of classic coastal living. Inspired by the timeless architecture and traditions of Old Naples, elegant new Minto homes overlook miles of scenic kayak and hiking trails. With over half of the 2,400 acres dedicated to lakes, nature preserves, and natural habitat, combined with outdoor-inspired amenities, The Isles of Collier Preserve is an extraordinary new active adult gated community where the magic of Old Naples and unspoiled nature still coexist.
Enjoy all aspects of an active lifestyle influenced by wellness at The Isles Club, featuring resort-style amenities such as a resort-style pool, state-of-the-art fitness center, tennis and pickleball courts, and a yoga lawn. After a scenic day exploring this beautiful community, sip on cocktails and savor coastal Florida flavors with family and neighbors at the resident-exclusive Overlook Bar & Grill, overlooking the Cypress Waterway.
The Isles is a master-planned community boasting 1,600 unique coastal-themed new construction residences for sale from the $500s, many with stunning water and nature views.
Valencia Ridge
Valencia Ridge, located in Wesley Chapel within the greater Tampa area, offers contemporary home designs and world-class amenities designed for the ultimate 55+ luxury lifestyle. Wesley Chapel is popular not only because of its close proximity to Tampa but also because of its own desirable attractions, including: The Grove Shops at Wiregrass, Tampa Premium Outlets, Popstroke and the and Saddlebrook Golf & Tennis Resort. At Valencia Ridge, you are a short drive away from some of the best beaches in the world with Clearwater Beach being named Tripadvisor’s #1 Beach in the U.S. in 2016, 2018 & 2019.
At Valencia Ridge, you’ll find beautifully designed one-story homes from the $400s to $800s. These stunning homes range in size from 2,334 total sq. ft. to 4,132 total sq. ft. and feature impressive open concept floorplans, gourmet kitchens with stainless steel appliances, covered patios and so much more. With all the sophisticated features that today’s homebuyers are looking for already included as standard and a wide variety of options to choose from, there is something for everyone at Valencia Ridge.
Valencia Ridge is designed to maximize 55+ living – from the beautiful home designs to the spectacular 29,000 sq. ft. Clubhouse and resort lifestyle. Valencia Ridge offers exceptional amenities featuring a world-class gym, resort-style pools, dining options, massage rooms, hundreds of clubs, and a dynamic calendar of events provided by a full-time lifestyle director that is designed to provide the ultimate in 55+ living. Be sure to check out the Sports and Raquet Club and get active on the pickleball or tennis courts. Learn more about the Valencia lifestyle by taking advantage of the Stay and Play program offered at Valencia Ridge . You’ll stay 3 days/2 nights at Valencia Trails in Naples in one of our beautifully furnished homes for only $99 and see the lifestyle that could be yours at Valencia Ridge. Don’t miss out on exclusive offers and start living your ultimate 55+ lifestyle at Valencia Ridge in Wesley Chapel.
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.