Places to Retire in North Florida

Florida is one of the most popular retirement destinations among retirees, and who can blame them? Florida has a beautiful climate, gorgeous natural areas and dreamy sandy beaches. You might be thinking that a southern Florida retirement is out of reach, which is why you might want to consider North Florida. Let’s explore some of the best places to live in North Florida for retirees.

Best Places to Live in North Florida for Retirees

Many small beach towns on the Florida Panhandle are home to thriving communities of active retirees. Many of them are more affordable than you might imagine. If you are thinking about a Florida retirement, here are some of the places you might want to consider.

1. Fleming Island

If you enjoy a small town, but you still like to be close to a larger city, this town might be perfect. It is only 30 minutes away from Jacksonville. It is not an island at all and is located inland, but it is still a popular place for boating and fishing. It is close to St. John’s River and Doctors Lake. This small town is home to 30,000 people and offers many activities for retirees.

2. Palm Valley

Palm Valley is considered one of the best beach cities to live and work in. It is only a short drive from Jacksonville and only a short distance from the beach. It offers a wide range of activities, including plenty of restaurants where you can sample different cuisines. It also has lots of shopping and parks. The closer you live to the beach, the more expensive housing will be, but anywhere in the city is only minutes from the beach.

3. Pensacola

Pensacola is one of the best small beach towns in the Florida Panhandle. It is a small town that has low housing costs and is close to the beach. It offers all the amenities of a larger city, only with a small-town atmosphere. If beaches are your reason for seeking out coastal living, Pensacola is known for its white sands and blue-green waters.

4. Lynn Haven

Lynn Haven is one of the most conveniently located small beach towns in the Florida Panhandle because of its proximity to Panama City. It is close to favorite destinations, but housing prices are much more affordable. It is only a 10-minute drive from Panama City and only 20 minutes from the beach. This is the perfect place for those who like to be away from the excitement but are still close enough when they want to enjoy it.

5. Port St. Joe

Port St. Joe is the place to go if your idea of retirement is in a place that has a relaxed atmosphere and is away from the big city. It is considered one of the best beach cities to live and work in, which is perfect if your retirement plans include starting a business to boost your retirement income. It is one of the most affordable Panhandle towns. In the past, it was not considered a true beach city, but recently, it has seen an increasing number of summer tourists. It is away from the big, flashy tourist attractions, and that is the appeal for most.

Now you have a list of the best beach cities to live and work in in North Florida. As you can see, you have many options. Both the Jacksonville area on the Atlantic Coast and the Panhandle offer affordable living options for retirees. If moving to Florida is your dream, it is time to get out some paper and start planning.