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10 Beach Towns in Florida Realtors Predict Will Soon Be Retirement Hot Spots

If there’s one thing Florida has in abundance, it’s desirable beach towns.

By Cat Lafuente

Edited by Lauren Wellbank

Updated March 6, 2025

Planning for retirement often involves moving to Florida. Ideally, those plans include living in a beach town with all the amenities you dream of, like great weather, walkability, outdoor activities, and a fun community vibe with like-minded folks. And, it’s all the better if you can get there before it’s on everyone’s radar.

While Florida is in and of itself a well-known retirement hot spot, our experts believe these beach towns are about to become the next big thing for retirees looking to move to the Sunshine State.

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St. Augustine

Character and convenience are in abundance in this Atlantic Coast beach town, explains Désirée Ávila, a REALTOR® with Charles Rutenberg Realty in Fort Lauderdale.

“It is Florida’s oldest city and there are plenty of opportunities in and around the city to buy affordable real estate,” she says. “The city has plenty of history and is in a great location.”

Advantages go beyond the practical as well, Ávila points out. “Retirees can enjoy the history, the ocean, or other leisure activities in the area such as golf,” she continues. “It is small enough for retirees to enjoy a joie de vivre in this historic city.”

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Vero Beach

Seeking a beach town with a cost of living below the national average? This town ticks both boxes, according to Jaclyn Anastasakos, a real estate agent with LUXE Properties in South Florida.

“Vero Beach is a hidden gem on Florida’s Treasure Coast, with a laid-back coastal lifestyle with beautiful beaches, a bustling downtown, and a thriving community,” she says. “Retirees love the slower pace, lack of high-rise congestion, and access to cultural attractions.”

Venice

Sarasota’s neighbor to the south has a lot to love, explains real estate investor Samuel Kile, a founding partner at Loyal Home Buyers in Indianapolis.

“Venice has beautiful beaches, a historic downtown, and a slower pace of life that appeals to retirees,” he says. “The town is known for its well-maintained parks and walking trails, making it ideal for active retirees who enjoy outdoor recreation.”

It’s also not without financial perks, either. “With a lower cost of living compared to Sarasota, Venice provides a great balance between affordability and amenities,” he adds.

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Ponte Vedra Beach

South of St. Augustine is this destination famous for golf and sprawling natural beauty, shares Ávila.

“Ponte Vedra is a small town on Florida’s east coast,” she says. “It has homes for all budgets.”

When you need to leave this dreamy beach town, you won’t need to drive too far for other essentials. “Retirees can enjoy living in a small town while still being close to big cities like Jacksonville and Daytona,” Ávila adds.

Anna Maria Island

On Florida’s Gulf Coast is this island where outdoor beauty meets a neighborhood feel, shares Anastasakos.

“Anna Maria Island has a quaint, old-Florida vibe that retirees love, with its Gulf beaches, small-town atmosphere, and walkable lifestyle,” she says.

AMI is unique in its architecture, too, according to Anastasakos who notes that a lack of high-rises and chain restaurants, makes the island feel a little more peaceful and community driven. That’s something she says will be perfect for those looking for easy access to Sarasota’s amenities without having to deal with the hustle and bustle that comes with them.

Cape San Blas

“Located in the Panhandle, Cape San Blas remains an underrated gem for retirees seeking peace and privacy,” shares Kile. “Unlike the more commercialized Gulf Coast towns, Cape San Blas has a secluded atmosphere.” There’s also plenty of beach and boating to enjoy.

And yes, the panhandle does tend to be gentler on your wallet, as noted by Kile. “The cost of living is lower than in major Florida metro areas, making it an attractive option for retirees looking to stretch their retirement savings,” he continues.

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Destin

Another panhandle gem is Destin, though this Emerald Coast city has more going on than the smaller towns, notes Ávila.

“There are many new developments in the area geared toward retirees,” she says. “One of the most popular is the resort community inspired by Jimmy Buffet, Margaritaville.”

Destin is also home to great golfing, abundant fishing opportunities, and Sacred Heart Hospital.

Naples

“Naples has long been a favorite for retirees, but its appeal continues to grow with its beaches, world-class golf courses, and vibrant arts scene,” explains Anastasakos.

While nature enthusiasts will appreciate Naple’s proximity to the Everglades, the metro itself has a lot to offer.

“The city’s upscale yet relaxed atmosphere, combined with top-tier healthcare and a strong sense of community, makes it a dream destination for those looking to enjoy their golden years,” she adds.

New Smyrna Beach

Everyone’s heard of Daytona, which is famed for a variety of reasons, but retirees may enjoy this nearby town more.

“Located on the Atlantic coast, it's a quieter alternative to Daytona Beach with easy access to medical facilities, shopping, and entertainment,” he says. “The town’s art scene, walkable neighborhoods, and miles of uncrowded beaches make it particularly appealing for retirees.”

New Smyrna Beach also has abundant outdoor activities like pickleball to enjoy.

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Edgewater

Head south from New Smyrna Beach and you’ll find this up-and-coming retirement hotspot, shares Ávila.

“It is small, quaint, close to the beach, and, most of all, affordable,” she says. “With the price of everything rising in Florida, Edgewater’s housing prices are still within a reasonable range for retirees.”

You’re also not far from Cape Canaveral and all of the excitement that the Space Coast has to offer.

Bottom line

Conventional wisdom tells us that in order to maximize your retirement savings, you need to live within your means and stick to your budget. With the right planning, you can do just that in a gorgeous Florida beach town with all the amenities you dream of.

Florida is also home to gorgeous natural springs and rivers, and some of the property near these stunning hidden gems is super affordable. So if being by the water is the goal, keep your options away from the coast open, too.

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