When American workers envision their retirement, many think of moving to the Sunshine State, where the lack of an income tax keeps down the cost of living.
In a new study, WalletHub determined where in Florida retirees have the greatest opportunity of enjoying their retirement. The personal finance website compared 120 of the state's largest cities across the three categories: Quality of Life, Healthcare and Activities, each measured by 29 relevant metrics graded on a 100-point scale, where 100 represents the most favorable conditions for retirement and zero the least. Finally, WalletHub determined each city’s weighted average aross all 29 metrics to calculate its total score, then used those scores to rank-order its sample.
Here, in ascending order, are WalletHub's top 10 best places to retire in Florida.
10. Clearwater, Fla.
If you’re a senior living on a fixed income, retire to beautiful Clearwater, where you can work as much or as little as you want. And for a nominal fee, you can get the best seat in town at the end of Pier 60, when Mother Nature puts on a spectacular show at the end of each day with another glorious sunset. Clearwater ranks 15th in Healthcare; 18th in Activities; and 20th in Quality of Life. Total Score: 54.87.
9. Delray Beach, Fla.
Popular with artists and writers, the small, coastal city of Delray Beach, located in Palm Beach County, offers an eclectic mix of trendy, affordable homes to buy or rent, making it a perfect retirement destination for cost-conscious seniors. Delray Beach ranks seventh in Healthcare; 13th in Activities; and 66th in Quality of Life. Total Score: 54.92.
8. Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
Located in Broward County, Fort Lauderdale is famous for its white sand beaches and waterfront canals. Drop by any of the city’s upscale shoppes, elegant eateries, and sophisticated art galleries that line Las Olas Boulevard. The city is tied for first with most museums and fishing facilities per capita, but ranks a dismal 89th with highest property crime rate. Fort Lauderdale ranks sixth in Activities; 29th in Healthcare; and 76th in Quality of Life. Total Score: 55.02.
7. Sebastian, Fla.
If you’re an angler, cast your rod and reel in the direction of this small river town, where the Indian River Lagoon teams with thousands of species of flora and fauna. Sebastian is tied with five other Florida cities for most seniors, but ranks dead last at 120th for its lack of physicians. The city ranks first in Quality of Life; 43rd in Activities; and 47th in Healthcare. Total Score: 55.65.
6. Tampa, Fla.
Whether you’re a millionaire or just want to rub shoulders with the hoi polloi, Tampa’s the retirement destination for you because it offers something for everyone. The city is tied for first with five other Florida cities for most fishing facilities per capita. Tampa ranks second in Activities; 45thin Healthcare; and 89th in Quality of Life. Total Score: 56.32.
5. Orlando, Fla.
If you and your family just want to have fun, then retire to Orlando, home to more than a dozen theme parks. Orlando is tied for first with most museums per capita, but ranks 88th with highest property crime rate. Orlando ranks third in Activities; 22nd in Healthcare; and 58th in Quality of Life. Total Score: 58.54.
4. Miami
You’ll never be bored in Miami, a city heavily influenced by its Cuban, Haitian, Caribbean and Central and South American immigrant cultures and cuisines, but you’ll need to pinch pennies more than you might by retiring elsewhere. Miami is tied for first with four other cities with most museums per capita. The city ranks fifth in both Healthcare and Activities, and 36th in Quality of Life. Total Score: 62.48.
3. Boca Raton, Fla.
Offering small-town charm and luxury living, Boca Raton is a retiree’s dream-come-true, where you can practice your swing at any of the city’s many golf courses, then take your significant other out for dinner and dancing. Be prepared to pay a premium price to enjoy the high life there; Boca Raton ranks 117th for highest adjusted cost of living. The city ranks fourth in both Healthcare and Activities, and 54th in Quality of Life. Total Score: 62.69.
2. Fort Myers, Fla.
Tucked along the Gulf Coast, Fort Myers attracts fun-loving millennials and cost-conscious seniors to its many museums, art galleries, and amusement parks, where everyone can have a good time for not a lot of money. Fort Myers is tied for first with five other cities for most healthcare facilities per capita. The city ranks second in Healthcare; nineth in Activities; and 12th in Quality of Life. Total Score: 63.17.
1. Sarasota, Fla.
Begin your life’s next big adventure by retiring to Sarasota, where young and old alike can enjoy pristine beaches; indoor and outdoor recreational activities; and stimulating academic and cultural offerings. Sarasota is tied for first with most healthcare facilities per capita, but is also tied for 115thwith fewest physicians per capita. Sarasota ranks first in Activities; third in Healthcare; and fifth in Quality of Life. Total Score: 69.66.
The full report can be viewed here.
