A Charming Coastal Town In Florida That Feels Like Key West Is One Of The Best Places For Retirees

It's long been a given that one of the best states for seniors to retire in the U.S. is Florida. The Sunshine State offers 365 days of seasonal warmth and a large community of retirees, with a range of country style slow living and quicker paced urban lifestyles within hours of each other. Gulfport, FL, in particular, is an affordable city that could be worth additional research by anyone nearing retirement. This beachside, coastal town boasts small, independently owned businesses along its waterfront village, as well as pretty cottages packed with classic Florida charm. Plus, Gulfport also has art walks and seasonal street festivals, outdoor dining, beach and pier along Boca Ciega Bay, as well as Clam Bayou Nature Park — which is renowned for its nature trails and kayaking.

While there are plenty of reasons why experts warn against buying real estate in Florida, some of Gulfport's biggest draws could be worth the risk. Gulfport's low cost of owning or renting a home, its state sponsored perks like 'Find a Ride' services — including free transportation assistance for seniors, low income earners, and the disabled — as well as the state's tax benefits specifically for retirement aged individuals and households could  all entice would-be retirees. You also have access to other typical benefits like Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security, which can all provide a further financial cushion in your golden years. Plus, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, 35.6% of the population of Gulfport's 11,645 people are 65 years old and over, meaning you won't be lonely either.

According to a May 2025 joint release by the U.S. Census Bureau and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the median sales price of homes in the U.S., as of April, was $407,200. Using the current, as of May 29, 2025, 30-year fixed rate of 7.04% and applying a traditional 20% down payment, you' would have a monthly mortgage payment of roughly $2,589. Comparing these numbers to the cost of owning a home in Gulfport makes the benefit of home ownership immediately obvious. Per Zillow, the median sales price of homes in Gulfport at the end of March 2025 was $369,167. Using the same 30-year fixed rate and 20% down payment, you get a mortgage of $2,384, – or a monthly savings of $205, or almost $2,500 annually. So while there are places in Florida where buying a home will cost you, Gulfport isn't one of them.

That said, at an average $2,250 per month, renting a home in Gulfport will cost you only a little less than paying a mortgage. However, rental prices clocks in at over 7% higher than the national average of $2,100 per month. With that said, renting instead of buying can free up the median $73,833 necessary for a down payment — not to mention the hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of interest — that can be spent or invested elsewhere. Plus, when it comes to renting versus owning, both can help you build wealth.

Outside of renting or owning your own space, you may want to consider living in a retirement community. According to a report by the New York Academy of Medicine, seniors in the U.S. are suffering from an epidemic of social isolation and loneliness. A National Academies of Sciences report that found that 24% of seniors are considered socially isolated. A 2018 AARP Foundations study found that one-third of adults aged 45 years and up reported feelings of loneliness. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) point to negative impacts on health and wellbeing as a result of loneliness, including mental health, heightened risk of dementia, and a higher potential for physical ailments related to heart and brain health. Having a community can have a huge impact on both how you live, and for how long.

With that said, a Place for Mom places the average cost of independent living in a retirement community in Gulfport at $3,826 per month. That's lower than the Florida state average of $4,105 per month, and also beats the national average of $4,104 per month. If you need some extra help around your home, assisted living in Gulfport will similarly cost you less than the national average –$5,190 per month – and the state average — $4,475 – at $3,788 for assisted living and $4,159 for memory care. Considering many boomers won't be able to afford this crucial healthcare in the next decade, Gulfport offers community and friendly homecare at a more affordable rate.

Living in a tax-friendly state like Florida can offer retirees additional perks. With that said, it doesn't hurt that Gulfport is located in a state without an income tax, which can make life more affordable. If you plan on leaving property or valuables behind for family or friends once you pass, the people receiving your inheritance can also avoid wondering if they'll have to pay taxes on that inheritance.

If you are 65 years of age or older, you may also be eligible for property tax benefits. If your household income falls under certain income allowances — you can contact your county property appraiser's office for this information — and you own your primary residence, you could be entitled to an exemption of up to $50,000 of taxable appraised home value from your property taxes. If you own real estate valued at less than $250,000, don't have a household income above the threshold, and the property has been your primary residence for at least 25 years, you could also be eligible for another tax exemption equal to the assessed value of the property. For veterans with a permanent or partial disability, you could similarly receive a discount equal to the percentage of your permanent, service-connected disability, per the Florida Department of Veterans Affairs. Taking advantage of these tax breaks can be a great way to help offset the financial challenges that come with retirement.