Best beach towns to retire: Does Daytona Beach make list from U.S. News & World Report?
If you daydream about starting retirement along the shores of a glorious beach, you’re probably not alone.
Fortunately, the Sunshine State offers numerous destinations that offer a hospitable backdrop for retirees, a fact reflected in the state’s formidable showing in a new list of the “10 Best Beach Towns to Retire in the U.S.” by U.S. News & World Report.
In presenting its results, the publication acknowledged the practical considerations involved in choosing an appropriate retirement destination.
Although solitude might be part of a beachy retirement fantasy, a remote beach area isn't always the right fit for retirees, who also need access to amenities and services, such as quality health care and transportation options, the magazine states.
“When you think of retirement locales, Florida is probably the first state to come to mind — and for good reason,” the magazine stated in introducing its list. “With its ample coastline, there's no shortage of great beach towns to choose from, and the cost of living is low.”
U.S. News reached out to real estate experts and combed the cities highlighted in U.S. News' 2024 Best Places to Retire rankings to find the best beach towns for retirees.
A whopping eight Florida cities made the Top 10, a list rounded out by Portland, Maine, and Virginia Beach, Virginia.
Here are the Florida cities that made the list, which the magazine presented in alphabetical order.
Daytona Beach
“If you're looking for a cheap place to retire near the beach, consider Daytona Beach,” the magazine stated in its appraisal of the World’s Most Famous Beach.
More: U.S. News releases 'Best Places to Live' list; see where Daytona, other Florida cities rank
“The median home price is $375,917, and the median rent is $1,181 per month. The city is a popular retirement spot, and 25% of the population is 65 or older. But this is not a sleepy seaside community. The headquarters for NASCAR is home to several large motor sports events each year.
U.S. News also notes healthcare services provided by Halifax Health Medical Center of Daytona Beach and AdventHealth Daytona Beach as well as the fact that “cars can be driven onto some of the hard-packed sandy beaches” among reasons to consider retirement there.
Jacksonville
“Jacksonville boasts 22 miles of white-sand beaches along the Atlantic coast,” the magazine states.
“Movie nights and musical events are frequently hosted at the Seawalk Pavilion in Jacksonville Beach during the spring and summer months. The Jacksonville Beach Pier provides opportunities for deep-water fishing and strolling nearly a quarter mile past the shore. And the less-crowded Neptune Beach often attracts surfers.”
The magazine also touts additional boating and fishing along the St. Johns River, a median home price of $391,804, median monthly rent of $1,175 and the fact that about 16% of the population is 65 or older.
Melbourne
Melbourne also is recommended as an affordable beach town for retirement, with a median home price of $217,400 a median monthly rent of $1,185 and a population with about 24% of residents 65 or older.
The magazine points to the activities that include catching glimpses of passing dolphins and sea turtles at the Indian River Lagoon or observing creatures at the Archie Carr National Wildlife Refuge, between Melbourne Beach and Wabasso Beach.
Naples
The magazine describes Naples as “more expensive than many other parts of Florida” that is “known as a tropical playground for the powerful and wealthy.” It points to a median home price of $823,196, median monthly rent is $1,440 and 32% of the population age 65 or older.
“But many people find the high quality of life in Naples to be worth the cost,” the magazine states.
Pensacola
Pensacola scores high marks for desirability, according to the magazine, “with many people age 45 and older expressing an interest in moving to the area.”
“Located on Pensacola Bay near the Gulf of Mexico, this popular beach retirement spot is an ideal place to enjoy Perdido Key, Pensacola Beach and the Gulf Islands National Seashore. You'll find that about 17% of the population is 65 or older, the median cost of a home is $316,695 and renters pay a median of $1,105 monthly.”
Port St. Lucie
Located about halfway between Miami and Orlando, Port St. Lucie is described by U.S. News as “more laid back and affordable than these larger cities.”
Port St. Lucie scored high on the magazine’s desirability metric, and “many people age 45 and older are interested in retiring in the area, according to a U.S. News survey. About 26% of the population is age 65 or older. The median home price is $429,104, and the median monthly rent is $1,256.”
Sarasota
Sarasota's picturesque beaches, including Lido Key and Siesta Key, draw many visitors and retirees to the area, according to the U.S. News ranking. “The unusual quartz sand at Siesta Beach stays cool even on sunny days. But that's not all it has to offer.”
The median home price in Sarasota is $387,630, and the median rent is $1,359 per month, the magazine states. Sarasota Memorial Health Care System and HCA Florida Sarasota Doctors Hospital are major health care providers for the community.
Tampa
Located along the Gulf Coast and Tampa Bay, Tampa promises powdery sand and swaying palms along with the skyscrapers and high-rises of a major metro area, according to the U.S. News ranking.
“The combination can work well for retirees looking for an affordable place to retire near the beach without giving up the amenities and services of city living.”
Tampa's entertainment options include a port for cruise ships, theme parks and professional sports teams. The median home price is $427,241, and the median rent is $1,230 monthly. About 20% of Tampa's population is 65 or older, the magazine states.
This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: Best beach towns to retire: what FLorida cities make U.S. News list?
