11 Worst Florida Towns To Retire In
Ah, Florida. It’s on the vision board for many retirees. What could be better than kicking back on a warm beach while the sun beats down on you and your margarita? But there’s one problem — not all Florida towns are created equal when it comes to retirement.
GOBankingRates spoke with real estate professionals to get the lowdown on where to avoid when looking for a potential place to spend your golden years in the Sunshine State.
Here are the 11 worst Florida towns to retire in.
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Naples
While Naples is often touted as the epitome of luxe retirement in Florida, it may not be the best choice for many retirees. “Naples is known for its luxury appeal but it’s very expensive which makes it hard for retirees to manage their savings,” said Keith McCoy, owner and founder of Midtown Homebuyers in Milton, Florida. “A lot of retirees struggle to keep up with the high cost of living there.”
Robert Washington, broker at Savvy Buyers Realty in the Tampa Bay area, similarly said, “Miami and Naples are both great places to retire. If you can afford it. The problem is that most retirees can’t.”
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Boca Raton
Another town that might look appealing at first glance but could prove challenging for retirees is Boca Raton. “Boca Raton has high home prices which makes it less affordable for many retirees even though it offers great amenities,” McCoy explained. “It can be hard to find a reasonably priced home in Boca Raton.”
Key West
The allure of island living might draw some retirees to Key West, but the financial reality can be harsh. “The cost of living in Key West is extremely high because of limited space and tourism which makes it tough for retirees on a budget. Living in Key West could drain savings quickly due to everyday expenses,” McCoy said.
Sarasota
While Sarasota is often praised for its location and amenities, it’s becoming increasingly challenging for retirees on a budget. “Sarasota is in a great location but the rising home prices can force retirees to look for more affordable places. Many retirees may need to explore nearby towns for cheaper options,” McCoy added.
Miami Beach
Miami Beach might seem like a dream retirement destination, but it comes with significant drawbacks. McCoy explained, “Miami Beach has a fast-paced lifestyle and high real estate prices which may not suit retirees looking for a more relaxed and affordable environment. It’s also a hotspot for tourists which adds to the high costs.”
Orlando
Orlando might be great for a family vacation, but it’s not ideal for retirement. “Orlando is a tourism based economy with theme parks being the main attraction,” Washington said. “Outside of maybe being able to entice your grandchildren to visit more often, it isn’t exactly favorable for retirees.”
St. Petersburg
While St. Petersburg has traditionally been popular with retirees, it’s undergoing changes that might make it less appealing. “St. Petersburg is starting to experience a younger vibe and feels like it may become Florida’s Austin,” Washington said. “Which I’m all for, but it isn’t exactly what most retirees are seeking.”
Palm Beach
Omer Reiner, realtor and president of FL Cash Home Buyers, LLC, warned about Palm Beach. “Everything that makes Palm Beach a wonderful place to vacation also makes it a tough sell for retirement,” he said. “It is an expensive place to visit, and living there also carries a big price tag. For people on a limited or fixed income, the costs of living here can soon overwhelm the bank accounts of all but the wealthiest of retirees.”
Miami
While Miami offers many amenities, it comes with significant risks. “This is a fun, exciting city with a good transit system, access to all types of healthcare and a long list of entertainment options,” Reiner said. “The downside? It is the most hurricane-prone city in the state. Most of those who live there are 20 miles or less from the coast and it has a higher chance each year of getting hit by a hurricane than many other cities in the nation.”
Lakeland
For those who value easy transportation, Lakeland might not be the best choice. “Lakeland is between Tampa and Orlando, which is great if you like to drive,” Reiner explained. “However, the city itself gets backed up frequently. Expect to spend at least a half-hour getting around the town most days.”
St. Augustine
While St. Augustine is rich in history, its climate might be challenging for some retirees. “Most of Florida is fairly muggy, but St. Augustine is really steamy. That isn’t usually attractive to the older population,” Reiner said. “The city averages 82% humidity year-round. This can seem especially harsh for retirees moving from cooler, drier climates.”
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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 11 Worst Florida Towns To Retire In