One Of The Best Places For A Retiree Is A Small Coastal Town In Florida Surrounded By Beaches

If you're a retiree looking for a small coastal town in Florida that's surrounded by beaches, look no further than Punta Gorda. This laid-back community boasts reasonable housing prices, a relatively low cost of living, and plenty of access to Florida's beautiful waterways and offers abundant activities throughout the year to keep you busy. From live music and food-tasting events to craft fairs and local exercise groups, there's always something happening to appeal to retirees with a wide range of interests. Punta Gorda is centrally located in Southern Florida between Sarasota and Fort Myers, so you're never far from a larger city. While Punta Gorda isn't directly on the Gulf, its slightly inland location on Charlotte Harbor makes it a little better protected during storms for peace of mind.

You'll have quick access to many local beaches, like Englewood Beach, Stump Pass Beach State Park, and Blind Pass Beach, which are all within 45 minutes to one hour away, thanks to several highways that can take you anywhere you might want to go. Use I-75, which runs north to south, to get to Sarasota, Tampa, or across the state to Fort Lauderdale. Highway 41 can take you over the Peace River and out to the seashore or down to Naples, where you'll find shopping, restaurants, and more gorgeous beaches to explore.

Where you choose to retire can have a major impact on how you spend your golden years. The cost of living and home prices can dramatically affect retirees who are on a fixed income. According to Zillow, home values in Punta Gorda are relatively low, with the average home valued under $350,000. This is significantly lower than the national median home sale price of $410,800 (per the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis). Overall, housing costs are 20% lower here than the state average, too. So, it's possible to purchase a home at a reasonable price compared to other cities in the state and across the country. Also, Florida has no state income tax and a low state sales tax, so you can keep more of your income for doing what you love.

The cost of living in Punta Gorda is 4% lower than the national average and 5% lower than the state average, making it more affordable than other popular retirement destinations. Utilities are about 3% lower on average as well. These living costs typically make up a big portion of a retiree's income, so Punta Gorda's affordability in this regard can offset the slightly higher grocery bill you might get compared to the national average. Healthcare, a cost of living many Americans are often wrong about, can be pricier in Punta Gorda. But the income of retirees living in Florida is generally higher than the U.S. average; plus, it's easier to save in many ways thanks to Punta Gorda's relatively low cost of living.

You can find beaches within 45 minutes of Punta Gorda for a day of sand, sun, shells, and the sea. The closest one, Englewood Beach, offers sparkling waters and white sandy beaches where you can find shells and fossilized shark's teeth while enjoying incredible sunsets. Check out Stump Pass Beach State Park if you want a secluded spot for year-round swimming and a chance to see manatees and an abundance of seasonal birds. Punta Gorda is also home to Florida's second-largest open-water estuary, making it the ideal location for retirees who enjoy water sports. Florida is known for its abundant days of sunshine throughout the year, so you'll never be stuck inside for too long.

You'll find several parks in Punta Gorda where you can enjoy a game of pickleball or tennis with friends. If you prefer to observe wildlife from a quiet spot close to home, head to Punta Gorda Nature Park and explore the salt marsh habitat from a trail or an observation deck. Dining at one of Punta Gorda's exceptional restaurants gives you a chance to try cuisine for every taste and budget. There are also opportunities for pampering yourself at a local salon or teeing off at one of over 15 golf courses. With all these incredible reasons that make Punta Gorda one of the best places for a retiree in Florida, it's no wonder more than half the small coastal town's population is over age 65.