4 Florida Retirement Hot Spots Realtors Say Are Out, Plus 4 To Consider Instead

Retiring to Florida has long been popular thanks to its warm climate, lack of state income tax, and abundant recreational activities. 

However, some of the state's traditional retirement hotspots are losing their appeal due to a rising cost of living and environmental concerns.

Fortunately, there are emerging destinations that our experts say will offer the opposite — like the ability to maximize your retirement savings and enjoy a better quality of life — making them very attractive to retirees. 

Once a top retirement spot, Miami's recent decline in retiree appeal stems from skyrocketing housing costs and the subsequent increased cost of living. As of March 2025, Florida's average home value was around $385,851, while Miami's prices are higher, with a median sale price of $590,000.

Sean McPeak, founding member of Empire Collective at SERHANT offered vital insight into industry changes fueling these price surges.

"A lot of the newcomers to Miami are coming for work — finance and tech are the big draws — which will completely change the demographics and price of real estate in the neighborhood," he says.

That, coupled with homeowners insurance rates that are 142% higher than the national average, and massive utility costs, and Miami prices out many retirees on fixed income.

Instead, McPeak says retirees should consider Palm Coast as an alternative.

"Retirees are increasingly turning to Palm Coast, a growing hotspot on Florida's northeast coast, just south of St. Augustine," he says. "Palm Coast is ranked as the top city to retire in Florida according to Retirement Living's 2025 analysis, thanks to its affordable housing, natural beauty, and relaxed pace."

Long sought-after as a retirement destination, Naples is known for upscale amenities and beautiful beaches. Lately, rising home prices make it less accessible to retirees.

"While Naples offers numerous attractions — including a Blue Zone lifestyle and championship golf courses — home prices have surged, and association fees have risen," according to Sue Pinky Benson of RE/MAX Alliance Group.

And, while she says that inventory levels have returned to pre-pandemic numbers, sales have slowed due to budget-conscious retirees who are looking for more affordable options.

Naples is still "hot" for those with a larger nest egg, but for those looking for a more affordable option, Pinky Benson recommends Ave Maria.

Areas like these offer newer construction with lower insurance costs, offering more bang for their buck. While these homes might be farther from the coast, savings and growing amenities make these more attractive to those on commonly tighter fixed incomes.

Retirees in the market for luxe amenities may have once found themselves flocking to Fort Lauderdale. However, more restrictive budgeting has prompted many to reconsider all of the high-end dining and retail locations in this city thanks to its overall high cost of living.

With an average home value of $513,215 as of March 2025, it may be hard for many retirees to settle down here.

This city offers retirees access to beaches and plenty of delicious dining options. 

Not only that, but you can snag a home here for less than you can in most areas of the state, which makes it a more affordable choice for anyone on a budget.

Once a favored retirement city, known for its cultural scene and climate, St. Petersburg is seeing a decline in popularity in the 65 and older set thanks to an increase in younger homebuyers.

That has caused prices to go up across the board, and over the last decade, St. Petersburg has seen a 183.5% increase in home prices. And home prices aren't the only thing going up; with new construction on the rise, St. Petersburg has also become noisier and busier than most retirees would like

As an alternative, many of them are opting to check out a master-planned community in central Florida called Sunbridge. This community opened its doors in 2020, stretching 27,000 acres across Orange and Osceola counties. 

With a focus on sustainability and protecting Florida's environment, this city offers a wide variety of residential options from single-family homes to townhomes and villas.

The rapid growth of nearby areas like St. Cloud, which saw its population jump 13% over the past three years, reflects some of that demand. That, coupled with the fact that Osceola County's population rose to 440,000 in the same period, lend even more value to Sunbridge's retiree value.

As traditional Florida retirement destinations increase in price and population, retirees are looking elsewhere, and opting for areas that focus on community, quality of life, and affordability.

As such, cities that may not have been top of mind for those about to retire are becoming more appealing, changing the landscape of what is considered hot, and what's not, in Florida. But, before you make a move to one of these destinations, you'll want to check and see how your retirement savings stacks up to make sure you'll be able to afford the retirement of your dreams.