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13 Small Towns in Florida Realtors Predict Will Soon Be Retirement Hot Spots

Idyllic small towns with tight community bonds aren’t in short supply in the Sunshine State.

By Cat Lafuente

Edited by Lauren Wellbank

Updated Jan. 6, 2025

If moving to a small town in Florida is part of your retirement plan, it’s a good strategy. In addition to its warm climate, the state can offer some financial benefits to residents, according to Robert Washington, a real estate broker and owner of Savvy Buyers Realty.

“Being in Florida, it has all of the legal and tax-friendly policies you’d expect for retirees,” he says.

But the Sunshine State offers more than fiscal rewards, it’s also home to gorgeous beaches, ample outdoor activities, and thriving senior communities. Which is why some small towns in the state are poised to skyrocket in popularity, according to these five real estate experts.

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New Smyrna Beach

Daytona Beach gets abundant attention from retirees, thanks to Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville. However, you’ll find warm small town vibes in this nearby beach hub, according to board certified REALTOR® Desiree Avila, of Charles Rutenberg Realty in Fort Lauderdale.

“New Smyrna is much smaller and quainter than Daytona Beach while leaving nothing to desire as far as location,” she says. “New Smyrna’s lively and walkable Canal Street offers shopping, dining, and entertainment.” It also has excellent outdoor activities.

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Viera

This Space Coast town has it all, from golfing to shopping and beyond, notes Kellie Bowling, a real estate broker with Compass in Florida.

“Viera is an award-winning, master-planned community with several 55+ active adult communities,” she says. “There are tons of things to do in and around the area.” It’s just a short drive to Orlando and the beach, too.

In addition to excellent healthcare facilities, Bowling adds you can age with confidence here. “We also have several assisted living facility options for older retirees as they age into those types of care scenarios,” she continues.

Haines City

This hidden gem isn’t as hidden as it used to be, shares real estate agent Alexei Morgado, founder of Lexawise Real Estate Exam Preparation.

“Haines City is still somewhat off the beaten path but has been attracting more and more attention lately,” he says. “It's close enough to Orlando for day trips but far enough to keep its small-town atmosphere.”

The perks don’t stop there, either. “The cost of living is reasonable, and retirees love the quiet neighborhoods paired with easy access to parks and lakes,” Morgado adds.

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St. Augustine

It’s hard for retirees not to fall in love with this beloved small city on the Atlantic coast, shares real estate agent Omer Reiner, president of FL Cash Home Buyers, LLC.

“St. Augustine has an overall lower cost of living than many places in the U.S.,” he says. “In particular, homes here are affordable.” It’s also minutes from the beach.

This laid-back oasis also has great healthcare, dining, shopping, and outdoor activities.

Manasota Key

If the barrier island life sounds like heaven to you, this coastal oasis should be on your radar, according to Washington.

“It has great beach access and is walkable to numerous shops and restaurants,” he says. “Being only about 20 minutes from Sarasota, there are world class health care facilities very nearby.”

Washington adds that Manasota Key is also uncrowded, but close to the action. “It is also only about an hour's drive to Tampa and St Petersburg for retirees looking for big city attractions.”

Babcock Ranch

This intentionally-planned community in Southwest Florida is a retiree magnet, explains Avila.

“Vaunting the title of the country’s first solar community, Babcock Ranch, is an avant-garde community built with sustainability and quality of life of residents in mind,” she says. “It is purposefully a walkable and bike-able city.”

Babcock Ranch currently has 5,000 residents, but it’s growing thanks to its exceptional quality of life, per Avila. “It has modern healthcare facilities but also has amenities and programs that encourage residents to be healthy,” she continues.

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Homosassa Springs

An hour north of the St. Petersburg/Tampa metro is this small town perfect for nature lovers, explains Washington.

“Homosassa Springs is along the Nature Coast which has some of the gulf’s best saltwater fishing,” he says. “It also has a state park where you can swim with manatees and walk along their nature trails and boardwalks.”

Washington adds that Homosassa Springs is more affordable than its big city neighbors to the south.

Eustis

North of Orlando and south of Ocala you’ll find this quaint lakeside retreat, as noted by Morgado.

“Eustis, that jewel of Lake County, has the feel of a small, artsy town boasting a very vibrant downtown with affordable housing,” he says. “

What really makes it special here are the people, explains Morgado. “The connection retirees get to form with the local community here just can't be found elsewhere,” he continues. “Many say it reminds them of their hometowns but with better weather.”

Lake Wales

Reiner shares that retirement is super affordable in laid-back Lake Wales.

"27% of the city's population is aged 65 and older, and the cost of living for those retirees can be as low as around $3,000 a month," he says.

That being said, Lake Wales isn’t far from all of the fun stuff. "It has easy driving access to a great many other Florida attractions, from art galleries and theater to big-time entertainment picks such as Disney World and SeaWorld,” Reiner adds.

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Crawfordville

According to Avila, this 5,000-person town in the panhandle has a strategic location.

“Situated between Tallahassee (the state’s capital) and the coast, Crawfordville allows residents to enjoy peace and quiet and the state’s natural beauty while also having access to the beach and big city services,” she says.

Avila points out that as long as you don’t mind driving, you’ll be right at home. “For retirees looking for a place with a small town charm, Crawfordville is not only desirable, it is affordable,” she adds.

Deland

You don’t have to sacrifice contemporary amenities in this up-and-coming retiree hotspot, shares Morgado.

“I've worked with retirees who were drawn to places like Deland because it’s rich in historical charm, but at the same time, modern conveniences abound,” he says.

Local institutions keep the community balanced as well, per Morgado. “Deland boasts Stetson University, which keeps the town vibrant with cultural events that retirees also love without finding themselves out of place.”

Brooksville

Golfers, this town an hour north of Tampa/St. Petersburg is for you, per Washington.

“Brooksville is a haven for golfers and is renowned for having some of the best courses in the state,” he says. “The recently opened Cabot Citrus Farms Resort has become a destination for golfers from across the country.”

Brooksville also has good healthcare options, a thriving community of seniors, and plenty of things to do.

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Inverness

It shouldn’t be surprising that there are multiple towns that retired outdoor aficionados adore in Florida, like this standout in Citrus County, as noted by Morgado.

“It's a nature lover's haven with plenty of fishing, cycling, and outdoor activities,” he says. “The local vibe here is more like family, and it's far more affordable than its coastal alternatives.” What’s not to love about that?

Bottom line

Living in a small town anywhere is a great way to have a stress-free retirement, but these Florida gems stack on all those desirable Sunshine State amenities. It’s no wonder they’re only going to grow in popularity.

If you’re not quite ready to make the move down south full-time, you can always go the snowbird route and travel back and forth during the winter. That way you can enjoy the best of both worlds.

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