The 10 Best Coastal Towns In Florida For Retirees

With its warm weather, beautiful beaches, thriving economy and lack of certain income and inheritance taxes, Florida has been a popular retirement destination for decades, landing on numerous lists of the best places to spend the years after you leave the working world. And while real estate prices and rent costs have increased over time, like so many other locales, there are still plenty of charming coastal towns in Florida to call home for those looking for a sunny and affordable area to enjoy their golden years. Besides all of that sunshine, there are some other reasons people are drawn to Florida. Longtime residents cite factors including the availability of healthcare, quality of life and affordability among the reasons they stay. Plus, even if your retirement accounts don't hold as much as you hoped for, there are places you can retire in Florida with virtually no savings.

With current median property taxes hovering at just over $2,500, according to Kiplinger, it's easy to see why so many people look to the Sunshine State to relocate –- even with the threat of hurricanes that looms from June to November each year. Located on the southeastern tip of the U.S., Florida features more than 8,000 miles of coastline with hundreds of communities scattered along its shores from the Gulf Coast to the west and the Atlantic Ocean on its eastern border. Whether you are in the early stages of planning for retirement in Florida or are ready to pack up and move ASAP, consider these affordable waterfront towns that dot Florida's coastal landscape.

With a population of less than 120,000 residents, Clearwater is home to several 55-plus planned communities, and often ranks among the best places to retire in Florida. Those seeking an active retirement lifestyle will find plenty of golf courses, white sandy beaches, and a popular family-friendly destination — the Clearwater Marine Aquarium – that features dolphin yoga classes among its offerings. Located near Tampa, Florida, which is the state's third largest city, the average home value in Clearwater is $348,428, according to Zillow, with the average rent reported at $2,124, a price that lands just above the current national average of $2,069.

For those with champagne tastes and more of a chardonnay budget, Clearwater could be the answer. Some other reasons retirees may be inclined to settle here include its proximity to major airports: St. Petersburg/Clearwater International Airport and Tampa's International Airport. Located on the highest coastal bluff in the state, the city's downtown area is known as a gateway to its picturesque and pristine beaches. For those who want to park the car and explore, there are several modes of public transportation including the Clearwater Ferry, a Jolley Trolley, which runs seven days a week, every day of the year, and the Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority which offers riders flat rate daily fares as low as $5.

The late singer songwriter Jimmy Buffett once penned a tune about a friend he met in Cedar Key, Florida. It continues to be a memorable place for many reasons, including its old Florida vibe. The tiny spot often is recognized as one of the most affordable beach towns for retirees. And while it is a key — or small island — it's not part of the other Florida Keys, the well-known string of tiny islands located at the southernmost tip of the state. This Cedar Key is located on Way Key in Levy County near Gainesville, and is also home to a sprawling wildlife refuge.

Those who love nature and the outdoors may be drawn to this spot for its natural beauty and the Cedar Key National Wildlife Refuge, which encompasses 13 islands and is only accessible by boat (or paddle board). Some 20,000 birds nest there including night herons, egrets, brown pelicans, and a species known as roseate spoonbills who have been spotted in the Seahorse Key rookery, according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

With just 800 full-time residents, or 650 depending on who you ask, the average home value sits at $330,714, according to Zillow, and more than half of the community's population (some 55%) is 65 or older. Plus, the total annual cost of living comes in at just under $51,800, according to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Situated on King's Bay off the warm waters of the Florida Gulf Coast, this community is the self professed Manatee Capital of the World and home to the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, a spot dedicated to protecting the Florida manatee, notes the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. The area has slowly begun to gain more attention, often recognized as one of the most affordable beach towns in America for retirees. Why is that? Those who are ready to retire may love the fact that they can have the best of both worlds if they settle in Crystal River: an area bathed in natural beauty to call home with the thrills and chills of popular theme parks just about an hour's drive away in either Orlando or Tampa.

And when it comes to affordability, the housing market can be described as competitive, with the current median home sales price coming in at $246,500. For reference, the median home sales price in Florida has been in the $410,000 range, which is more than 66% higher than houses selling in Crystal Springs, according to the banking website. With a population of less than 1,500 residents, notes Data US, the home ownership rate is near 95%.

Here's a fun fact: Much of the 1962 film Follow "That Dream" starring Elvis Presley was filmed in the town's courthouse and other venues. Music fans from around the world still visit the spot where the king of Rock-n-Roll's ninth movie was made.

Home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, Pensacola, Florida is also a hidden gem when it comes to coastal towns for retirees to call home. With a population of some 55,000 residents, the northwest Florida town attracts residents from across the U.S. and beyond who are looking for a laid-back lifestyle and plenty of sunny days. Known as the Cradle of Aviation in the United States because of its history for training Navy pilots, the area also boasts the National Naval Aviation Museum, which is the world's largest such museum with more than 150 restored aircraft.

Pensacola is also known for its nightlife and a historic downtown district that includes a refurbished Saenger Theater, dozens of restaurants and bars with outdoor seating that's just perfect for people watching. Part of Florida's Emerald Coast because of the clear water with a seafoam hue and bright white sandy beaches, the city is also home to modern beachside hotels and condominiums that offer renters and buyers spectacular views at affordable prices.

When it comes to buying a home, the current median home sales price in Pensacola is $283,312, according to Redfin.com. The average rent in Pensacola, is approximately $1,340 per month, according to apartments.com for a one bedroom apartment. Depending on the location and distance to Pensacola Bay, renters can expect to shell out an average of $1,656 for a two-bedroom apartment or close to $1,900 for a place with three bedrooms.

With PGA-ranked golf courses dotting its landscape, Port St. Lucie, Florida, is a popular location near the Atlantic Ocean for retirees, younger families, and everyone in between. The idyllic spot is centrally located on Florida's east coast, and sits about an hour north of West Palm Beach, Florida. If you are looking for a medium-sized city as a retirement destination, this coastal town might just be perfect. With close to 240,000 residents who call the area home, it's not too large, but not too small. Goldilocks would have loved it.

When it comes to real estate, Rocket describes the area in St. Lucie County as a buyer's market with the median sale price of a home sitting at $399,835. Those looking to rent will find the median rental price landing just above $2,000 a month. Depending on the location and size of a rental unit, some prices will be higher, of course, and some will be lower.

Port St. Lucie is also known for its natural beauty and waterways, and is home to the North Fork of the St. Lucie River, which is a state-designated aquatic preserve. For those with affordability top of mind, there are a variety of low-cost and free things to do in the coastal community, including free admission to several nature preserves and free parking and access at most beaches, excluding state parks.

For anyone seeking a family-friendly environment to spend their retirement years, Melbourne, Florida may be just the place. Why is that? The seaside town is located on the eastern coast of Florida, on the Atlantic Ocean, and is about an hour's drive from Orlando and Kissimmee, which are home to world-class theme parks such as Walt Disney World, and Universal Studios, among other popular entertainment attractions.

With a variety of 55-plus communities to choose from, about 134,000 people call Melbourne home. Located in Brevard County, the current median gross rent is $1,464, according to U.S. census data, while the typical home value lands at $364,131, notes Zillow. Part of Florida's Space Coast because of its proximity to Cape Canaveral Air Force Base and the Kennedy Space Center, residents and tourists are drawn to the area as a prime spot to watch space shuttle launches.

How's the weather? Glad you asked. While Florida is known for its sunshine, it can also be on the humid side during much of the summer. Throughout the year in Melbourne, for example, the temperature historically ranges from 54°F to 89°F, and rarely dips below 39°F or rises above 93°F.

There's a reason so many people see Tampa as one of the best places to retire in the sunshine state. Situated on Tampa Bay near Florida's Gulf Coast, visitors and residents say this city of nearly 400,000 has it all: professional sports teams in baseball, football, ice hockey, and soccer, plus signature arts events and a vibrant downtown on the waterfront that includes public access to watch sunsets and people.

The city is also well known for its affordability, quality of life, and abundance of healthcare. Looking to buy a home? The current median home price in Tampa is $408,500, according to Bankrate.com, which is just slightly lower than the state's current median home sales price at $410,600. For those looking to rent instead of buy, the average rent in Tampa is $2,207. Because it's an average, though, some rental units will be priced higher and some will be priced lower.

Looking for affordable fun? The city of Tampa also offers residents and visitors a variety of low-cost and free attractions from boardwalks to gardens. For those who want to see the city and leave their ride behind, there's the TECO Line Streetcar system which runs — for free — from downtown Tampa to nearby Ybor City and other districts.

From golf, to charter boat fishing, to enjoying the outdoors at a variety of public parks and gardens, there's plenty of entertainment options in Vero Beach, Florida for retirees seeking a coastal town to call home. Located just 85 miles southeast of Orlando, the city of nearly 17,000 residents has been described as one of the most underrated destinations along Florida's Atlantic Coast. Its shoreline features more than bright white sand and sparkling water. A number of public beaches in Vero Beach include ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) beach access and paved parking. Nature lovers will likely be drawn to the Archie Carr National Wildlife Refuge, a 248-acre refuge spanning more than 20 miles of protected habitat for a variety of sea life including loggerhead sea turtles and green turtles.

For those looking to relocate — and purchase a home — there are a variety of price points to be considered. While some properties sell for much higher, the current median sale price for a home in Vero Beach is $425,000, which also happens to be the median sales price for a townhouse in the area. For those looking to downsize, the median sales price for a two-bedroom home is $224,900. Seeking a rental? The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Vero Beach is $1,759 a month, for a 715 square-foot unit, according to Apartments.com.

Located about an hour's drive from Tampa, Florida, the city of Sarasota is known for its scenic waterfront spaces and relatively low property taxes, among other amenities. Nestled on Florida's Gulf Coast, visitors and residents praise the area for its numerous golf courses, lush gardens, and thriving arts community. In Sarasota, homes are selling for a current median price of $599,900, according to movoto.com. Those looking for less permanent digs have more options. Prices vary depending on the location and size, of course, but these figures from ApartmentFinder.com show that studio apartments can average about $1,260 a month, with one-bedrooms landing at $1,800 or so. In Sarasota, the average price for a three-bedroom apartment will set you back about $2,820 a month.

While not as affordable as some coastal towns, Sarasota has a long and interesting history as the winter home of Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus. Likely because of that legacy, the importance of art has remained strong within the community and is celebrated through the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art. Need even more culture? There are also thriving groups focused on opera, ballet, and music.

This city of nearly a million residents may not be the first place you think of, but Jacksonville, Florida has a lot to offer. With 22 miles of beaches on the Atlantic Ocean, the city is located in the northeastern corner of the state near the Georgia line. Though it's not a small town, there are still pockets of peace to be found when you need it. If you are looking for undeveloped beaches where crowds of tourists won't crowd your spot, Jacksonville has got you covered. Specifically, Atlantic Beach is often called out as one of the most secluded and quiet beaches in Florida.

Another popular strip of sand that may be slightly more crowded during the high season is Boneyard Beach, located in Big Talbot Island State Park. The area is often referred to as one of the most beautiful places in Jacksonville and a must-visit location for residents and tourists. Nature lovers may also be impressed with Jacksonville for another reason. The city is home to one of the largest park systems in the U.S. with more than 80,000 acres that includes 400 city parks, three National Park Service sites, seven state parks, and dozens of gardens and public green spaces.

For those looking to settle down, the home prices here are often below the national average. The median sales price for a home in Jacksonville has been sitting at approximately $300,000, according to Redfin.com, which is more than $100,000 lower than the current U.S. average. Those who want to rent can also find a deal. Rent.com shows the average rent for apartments in Jacksonville are between $1,100 and $1,425, with a one-bedroom averaging $1,099 and a two-bedroom going for an average of just under $1,500, depending on location and other factors such as total square footage and amenities offered.