5 Florida cities ranked best for retirement in 2025

Naples claims #1 spot as America’s best retirement haven

The Paradise Coast’s crown jewel has captured the nation’s top retirement ranking for 2025. Naples—nestled between the Everglades and the Gulf of Mexico—earned U.S. News & World Report’s highest overall score of 7.0. The city’s appeal stems from its elegant yet relaxed atmosphere, particularly along Fifth Avenue South, which stretches from Tamiami Trail to the Gulf of Mexico in Old Naples. This prestigious address offers upscale fashion, fine dining, art galleries, and entertainment—all within a pedestrian-friendly promenade adorned with tropical blooms and lush greenery.

However, prospective retirees should note that this slice of paradise requires substantial savings—Naples scored just 6.3 for housing affordability. Healthcare also presents some challenges, with a score of 3.6, suggesting residents might need to travel to larger metropolitan areas for specialized medical care.

Sarasota shines at #4 with cultural flair

Don’t let Sarasota’s modest size fool you—this Gulf Coast gem packs a cultural punch that helped secure its #4 ranking nationwide. With an overall score of 6.9, Sarasota distinguishes itself through its rich arts scene, including the historic Ringling Museum complex, home to the stunning Historic Asolo Theater. This jewel-box theater, originally built in 1798 in Italy and reassembled in Sarasota in 1952, represents the birthplace of performing arts in the region. The city’s housing affordability score of 6.0 reflects its growing popularity, while its healthcare rating of 3.7 suggests room for improvement.

Jacksonville takes #7 with room to grow

Florida’s largest city by land mass offers retirees something distinctly different—space to spread out without sacrificing urban amenities. Jacksonville’s strong showing at #7 overall comes with notable scores in housing affordability (7.1) and healthcare (4.8), both among the highest for Florida cities in the top 25. The city’s appeal lies in its diversity of lifestyle options, from beaches and waterfront living to historic neighborhoods like Riverside and San Marco. Active retirees appreciate the extensive park system (the largest urban park system in America) and the city’s growing cultural scene, anchored by the Florida Theatre and Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens.

Tampa ranks #18 with metropolitan appeal

Landing at #18 nationwide, Tampa proves that retirement doesn’t mean slowing down. The city scored a solid 6.7 overall, offering retirees a dynamic mix of urban energy and waterfront living. Housing remains relatively attainable with a 6.6 affordability score, while healthcare quality (4.4) ranks among the better scores for Florida cities. Tampa’s appeal extends beyond the numbers—the historic Ybor City district, expanding Riverwalk, and proximity to Gulf beaches offer retirees a rich tapestry of activities. The city’s professional sports teams, including the Buccaneers and Lightning, also provide year-round entertainment.

Port St. Lucie surprises at #19

Nestled along Florida’s Treasure Coast, Port St. Lucie has emerged as a compelling alternative to South Florida’s pricier retirement destinations. With an overall score of 6.7, the city offers a more relaxed pace while maintaining easy access to major metropolitan areas. Housing affordability (6.3) remains reasonable compared to other coastal cities, though healthcare scores (3.4) suggest residents might need to travel for specialized medical care. The city’s appeal lies in its numerous golf courses, including the PGA Village, extensive waterways perfect for boating and fishing, and the nearby botanical gardens at Port St. Lucie Botanical Gardens. Nature enthusiasts particularly appreciate the proximity to preserves like Savannas Preserve State Park and Oxbow Eco-Center.

This story was generated in part by AI and edited by The Floricua staff.