News & Trending Mortgage & Loans News

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.

Steal this billionaire wealth-building technique

The ultra-rich have also been investing in art from big names like Picasso and Bansky for centuries. And it's for a good reason: Contemporary art prices have outpaced the S&P 500 by 136% over the last 27 years.

A new company called Masterworks is now allowing everyday investors to get in on this type of previously-exclusive investment. You can buy a small slice of $1-$30 million paintings from iconic artists, all without needing any art expertise.

If you have at least $10k to invest and are ready to explore diversifying beyond stocks and bonds,see what Masterworks has on offer. (Hurry, they often sell out!)

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.”

Want to learn how to build wealth like the 1%? Sign up for Worthy to get ideas and advice delivered to your inbox.

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.

Get a free stock valued between $5 to $200

Secret: You don't need thousands of dollars to buy thousand-dollar stocks or create a diverse portfolio.

Robinhood offers a method of investing called “fractional shares.” On its own, one share of a single stock could cost a lot of money, making it difficult to diversify. Robinhood allows you to buy pieces of stock instead, so you have the option to build a diverse portfolio quickly.

Let’s say you want to invest $250, as an example.

With that amount, you could build a relatively diverse portfolio with an investment of $50 in a big tech stock, $50 in a retail stock, $50 in an energy stock, $50 in a manufacturing stock, and $50 in a bank.¹ This content is for informational purposes only, you should not construe any such information as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice. To get stock reward, new customers need to sign up, get approved, and link their bank account. Stock rewards shares cannot be sold until 3 trading days after the reward is granted and the cash value of the stock rewards may not be withdrawn for 30 days after the reward is claimed. Stock rewards not claimed within 60 days may expire. See full terms and conditions at <a href="https://robinhood.com/us/en/support/articles/open-account-pick-your-stock/">rbnhd.co/freestock</a>. Fractional shares are illiquid outside of Robinhood and are not transferable. Not all securities available through Robinhood are eligible for fractional share orders. For a complete explanation of conditions, restrictions and limitations associated with fractional shares, see the Fractional Shares section of our Customer Agreement. Robinhood Gold is offered through Robinhood Financial LLC and is a membership offering premium services available for a fee.

Even better news? Add a Robinhood Gold membership, and you’ll get access to 4.00% (as of 12/27/24) APY² Annual Percentage Yield. Rate valid as of April 12, 2024. To earn interest, a cash balance is needed. If you have a margin balance, there is no cash balance to earn interest. Interest rates for cash sweep and margin investing can change at any time. Fees may reduce interest earnings. on your uninvested cash³ Interest is earned on uninvested cash swept from your brokerage account to partner banks. Partner banks pay interest on your swept cash, minus any fees paid to Robinhood. As of Nov 15, 2023, the Annual Percentage Yield (APY) that you will receive is 1.5%, or 5% for Gold customers. The APY might change at any time at the partner banks' or Robinhood's discretion. Additionally, any fees Robinhood receives may vary and are subject to change. Neither Robinhood Financial LLC nor any of its affiliates are banks. All investments involve risk and loss of principal is possible. Robinhood Financial LLC (member SIPC), is a registered broker dealer. and the ability to buy and sell stocks 24 hours a day, 5 days a week.

Open and fund a Robinhood account and earn up to $200 in stock

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.

Grow Your $$: 11 brilliant ways to build wealth after 40

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.

Earn up to a $300 bonus and grow your money with up to 3.80% APY

This powerful combination checking + savings account from SoFi® allows you to earn up to a $300 bonus with direct deposit and grow your money with up to 3.80% APY.⁴ New and existing Checking and Savings members who have not previously enrolled in Direct Deposit with SoFi are eligible to earn a cash bonus of either $50 (with at least $1,000 total Direct Deposits received during the Direct Deposit Bonus Period) OR $300 (with at least $5,000 total Direct Deposits received during the Direct Deposit Bonus Period). Cash bonus will be based on the total amount of Direct Deposit. Direct Deposit Promotion begins on 12/7/2023 and will be available through 1/31/2026. See full bonus and annual percentage yield (APY) terms at <a href="http://www.sofi.com/banking#1">sofi.com/banking#1</a>. SoFi Checking and Savings is offered through SoFi Bank, N.A., Member FDIC. SoFi members who enroll in SoFi Plus with Direct Deposit or by paying the SoFi Plus Subscription Fee every 30 days or with $5,000 or more in Qualifying Deposits during the 30-Day Evaluation Period can earn 3.80% annual percentage yield (APY) on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. There is no minimum Direct Deposit amount required to qualify for the stated interest rate. Members without either SoFi Plus or Qualifying Deposits, during the 30-Day Evaluation Period will earn 1.00% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. Only SoFi Plus members are eligible for other SoFi Plus benefits. Interest rates are variable and subject to change at any time. These rates are current as of Jan. 24, 2025. There is no minimum balance requirement. Additional information can be found at <a href="http://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet">http://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet</a>. See the SoFi Plus Terms and Conditions at <a href="https://www.sofi.com/terms-of-use/#plus">https://www.sofi.com/terms-of-use/#plus</a>.

This is one of the top accounts we’ve seen, and offers like this can be rare. You work hard, and now it’s time to make your money work for you — with SoFi, you can grow your money with hardly any effort!

SoFi has no account fees⁵ We do not charge any account, service or maintenance fees for SoFi Checking and Savings. We do charge a transaction fee to process each outgoing wire transfer. SoFi does not charge a fee for incoming wire transfers, however the sending bank may charge a fee. Our fee policy is subject to change at any time. See the SoFi Checking & Savings Fee Sheet for details at <a href="http://sofi.com/legal/banking-fees/">sofi.com/legal/banking-fees/</a> or overdraft fees⁶ Overdraft Coverage is limited to $50 on debit card purchases only and is an account benefit available to customers with direct deposits of $1,000 or more during the current 30-day Evaluation Period as determined by SoFi Bank, N.A.  The 30-Day Evaluation Period refers to the "Start Date" and "End Date" set forth on the APY Details page of your account, which comprises a period of 30 calendar days (the "30-Day Evaluation Period"). You can access the APY Details page at any time by logging into your SoFi account on the SoFi mobile app or SoFi website and selecting either (i) Banking > Savings > Current APY or (ii) Banking > Checking > Current APY.  Members with a prior history of non-repayment of negative balances are ineligible for Overdraft Coverage. and additional FDIC insurance up to $3 million on deposits is available through a seamless network of participating banks.⁷ SoFi Bank is a member FDIC and does not provide more than $250,000 of FDIC insurance per depositor per legal category of account ownership, as described in the FDIC’s regulations. Any additional FDIC insurance is provided by the SoFi Insured Deposit Program. Deposits may be insured up to $3M through participation in the program. See full terms at <a href="http://sofi.com/banking/fdic/sidpterms">SoFi.com/banking/fdic/sidpterms</a>. See list of participating banks at <a href="http://sofi.com/banking/fdic/participatingbanks">SoFi.com/banking/fdic/participatingbanks</a>. Plus, you can receive your paycheck up to 2 days early.⁸ Early access to direct deposit funds is based on the timing in which we receive notice of impending payment from the Federal Reserve, which is typically up to two days before the scheduled payment date, but may vary.

How to earn up to $300: Sign up and make a direct deposit within the first 25 calendar days of the promotional period, then collect a $300 cash bonus with a direct deposit of $5,000 or more.

SoFi is a Member, FDIC. ⁷ SoFi Bank is a member FDIC and does not provide more than $250,000 of FDIC insurance per depositor per legal category of account ownership, as described in the FDIC’s regulations. Any additional FDIC insurance is provided by the SoFi Insured Deposit Program. Deposits may be insured up to $3M through participation in the program. See full terms at <a href="http://sofi.com/banking/fdic/sidpterms">SoFi.com/banking/fdic/sidpterms</a>. See list of participating banks at <a href="http://sofi.com/banking/fdic/participatingbanks">SoFi.com/banking/fdic/participatingbanks</a>.

Open your SoFi account and set up direct deposit

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.

More from FinanceBuzz:

Build passive income with shares of rental homes

Ark7 - Real Estate Investing Benefits

Invest in cash-flow-generating, professionally managed rental properties without having to buy the whole property
Sell shares at will at no cost
3% sourcing fee and 8-15% monthly management fee
$20 minimum investment
Ark7 investors have earned 5%+ annualized distributions from monthly income alone⁹ The 5%+ return is the portfolio average and is based on figures since Q4 2022.

Get started

Author Details

Cat Lafuente

Cat Lafuente is a Florida-based writer and editor with extensive experience in digital and print content spaces. Her own personal finance journey — particularly consolidating debt and paying it off, in turn boosting her credit score and becoming a homeowner — inspired her to join the FinanceBuzz team; she hopes she can help others do the same.