(No state income tax, anyone?)
We did the research and found the best places to retire in Florida on a budget.
(More on that later)
Here are the top 15 cities that made our list.
Photos courtesy of Visit Hardee. Graphic by Chris Zuppa and Tina Russell/The Penny Hoarder
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Wauchula also has a low violent crime rate and easy access to nearby hospitals.
Wauchula is a haven for nature lovers.
Did you know?
Inverness
Nestled in Citrus County,Invernessis a natural paradise with a touch of cultural flair.
If youre looking for entertainment, theValerie Theateroffers live performances, lectures and vintage film showings throughout the year.
Or it’s possible for you to immerse yourself in local history at theOld Courthouse Heritage Museum.
Inverness is also incredibly affordable.
The hospital offers oncology services, a heart and vascular center and an orthopedics center.
Sebring
Sebringis a town of about 10,800 people nestled between Central and South Florida.
It offers retirees a laid-back atmosphere and a low cost of living.
With a median home list price of $278,900, buying property here wont break the bank.
If you love outdoor activities, Sebring has you covered.
This coastal city is renowned for its crystal-clear springs and abundant marine life.
But its not just about nature.
Crystal River also has some fantastic shopping options.
Theres also a range of health care services to help you stay healthy in retirement.
Mild winters and sunny weather inspired the towns unique name.
Frostproof still serves as an agricultural hub, especially for the citrus industry.
Or pick up your irons and head over to theLily Lake Golf Resortfor a round of golf.
This small town of just under 3,000 residents provides a laid-back retirement lifestyle with affordable housing options.
Its also the safest city on our list, with just 1.32 violent crimes reported for every 1,000 people.
Palatka
Located on the St. Johns River south of Jacksonville,Palatkashowcases historic architecture and a rich heritage.
Its sparked investment not only in real estate, but also the downtown area.
Palatka earned awalking scoreof 75, so its easy to explore the town on foot.
you might check out thePalatka Mural Walkor visit theBronson-Mulholland House Museumto immerse yourself in the past.
Stop byAngels Dining Carfor a bite to eat its the oldest diner in Florida.
Palatka, a town of about 10,400 residents, is really affordable.
The median home price is $250,000 and the median rent is $1,095.
Lake Wales is also home to several art galleries showcasing local talent, including theLake Wales Arts Center.
Daytona Beach
Retirees, start your engines and head to Daytona Beach!
Daytona Beachhas a bigger population than many cities on our list, with about 71,000 residents.
And dont forget to factor in higher costs forhomeowners insuranceandflood insuranceif youre dead-set on moving to a coastal city.
Golfing, fishing and exploring the vibrant arts scene will keep you busy in retirement.
One of the standout features of Margate is the towns proximity to stunning beaches.
About 78% of residents are a 10-minute walk or less away from parks and hiking trails.
Rental properties are also within reach, averaging $2,300 a month.
Its easy to see why Mount Dora has earned its unofficial nickname as the New England of the South.
Theres also numerous 55 and older retirement communities located in Mount Dora and surrounding Lake County.
Lake Dora is the heart and soul of the town.
After all, Mount Dora has been a trendy retirement destination for a while.
An upside: Property taxes are low, averaging around $1,266 per year.
Median rent clocks in at $2,188.
Pensacola
Welcome toPensacola, a city on Floridas Gulf Coast renowned for its stunning beaches.
Renting is more affordable, averaging around $1,850 per month.
With its dazzling beaches and lush natural surroundings, Pensacola Beach and Perdido Key are a haven for relaxation.
Plus, 83% of residents are a 10-minute walk or less from a park.
Jacksonville
Not only isJacksonvillethe biggest city on our list, its also the biggest city in Florida!
One of the main perks of Jacksonville is its sheer size and diversity.
With a population of over 937,000, Jacksonville boasts a thriving economy with plenty to see and do.
Jacksonville is also a big sports town.
The city offers access to top-notch health care facilities and specialized medical services includingMayo Clinic.
Its also home to numerous senior centers, recreational facilities and social clubs that cater specifically to retirees.
Altamonte Springs
Combining the best of both worlds,Altamonte Springsoffers urban convenience and natural beauty.
you’re able to spend a leisurely day atCranes Roost Parkor explore the Altamonte Springs Art Walk.
Lake Placid
Lake Placidis a small town in Highlands County with just 2,430 residents.
Lake Placids affordability, coupled with its natural beauty, earned it a spot on our list.
The median home price is $315,000 but the town features low property taxes, averaging just $1,003.
Renting is also affordable, with median prices at $1,525.
We narrowed the list to 30 using median rents and median list prices.
(Can you sense my millennial sarcasm there?)
You know which ones were talking about: rent, utilities, cell phone bill, insurance, groceries…
