Florida has long been the most popular state for Americans to retire in, but some towns and cities are better than others for retirees.Dennis MacDonald/Getty ImagesFlorida has long attracted retirees with its sunny weather and historically affordable prices.US News & World Report ranked the best places in Florida to retire this year.Cities were ranked based on survey results, quality of life, value, healthcare, and other factors.Florida has long been a retirement destination, drawing older Americans with its warm weather, beaches, and historically lower cost of living.In recent years, it has lost some of its appeal as a retirement haven, with some older Americans put off by the Sunshine State's rising housing and homeowners' insurance costs, overdevelopment and congestion, hurricane risks, and intensifying heat.Still, Florida remains one of the country's most popular retirement destinations — and some of its cities offer a better lifestyle for retirees than others.US News & World Report ranked the best places to retire in Florida, evaluating each destination across six categories: quality of life, value, healthcare quality, retiree taxes, senior population and migration, and the job market.The categories were weighted based on a March 2025 survey of 3,500 Americans ages 45 and older, who were asked which factors mattered most when choosing where to retire. The ranking focused on more populous cities with consistent data, so some smaller towns popular with retirees weren't included.The ranking drew on data from the US Census Bureau, the Department of Commerce, the Federal Reserve, the Bureau of Economic Analysis, and various state and local sources.Here are the 10 best places to retire in Florida, ranked from lowest to highest.10. JacksonvilleJacksonville, Florida.RudyBalasko/Getty ImagesThe largest city included in US News' ranking of the 10 best places to retire in Florida, Jacksonville offers retirees the amenities of a major city while still providing miles of beaches, parks, and waterways.Its size means residents can choose from a number of diverse neighborhoods and access a broad range of dining, entertainment, outdoor recreation, and healthcare options.The median home value is $313,862, the median monthly rent is $1,352, and the median household income is reported at $70,119.9. Port CharlottePort Charlotte, Florida.fotoguy22/Getty Images/iStockphotoPort Charlotte, located on Charlotte Harbor along Southwest Florida's Gulf Coast, may appeal to retirees seeking a slower pace and easy access to the water.The area, which has a population of over 50,000 residents, offers opportunities for boating, fishing, golfing, and exploring the nearby Gulf Coast beaches.It's also more affordable to live there than other places on this list — the median monthly rent is $1,136, and the median household income is reported at $62,785.8. Bonita SpringsBonita Springs, Florida.Vito Palmisano/Getty Images/iStockphotoBonita Springs offers a laid-back Gulf Coast lifestyle with beaches, parks, and opportunities for boating and other outdoor activities.Its location between Naples and Fort Myers also gives retirees convenient access to the shopping, dining, and entertainment in both areas, with an average commute time of 22 minutes.The median home value in Bonita Springs is $518,813, while the median household income is $95,589.7. Cape CoralCape Coral, Florida.felixmizioznikov/Getty Images/iStockphotoWith an extensive network of canals, Cape Coral is particularly well-suited to retirees who enjoy living life out on the water. And, with an average commute time of 26 minutes, driving isn't so bad, either.It's one of the most-populated locations on this list, with a population of 222,946.The Gulf Coast city also offers parks, golf courses, and access to nearby beaches and islands, with a median household income of $79,932.6. PensacolaPensacola, Florida.felixmizioznikov/Getty ImagesPensacola offers retirees white-sand Gulf Coast beaches alongside the amenities and cultural attractions of a historic city.Its waterfront setting and access to fishing, boating, and other outdoor activities can make it especially attractive to retirees who want to stay active while keeping costs low: The median home value here is $320,128, and the median monthly rent is $1,186.5. NaplesNaples Florida.felixmizioznikov/Getty ImagesNaples is known for its Gulf Coast beaches, golf courses, upscale shopping, and dining scene.Retirees looking for an active coastal lifestyle can spend their time on the water, exploring the city's cultural attractions, or enjoying this coastal city's many exciting outdoor activities.While more expensive than other towns on this list — the median home value sits at $1.4 million — the median household income sits at around $151,000, and the median monthly rent is $1,873.4. Palm HarborPalm Harbor, Florida.SkyViewsPhotography/Getty Images/iStockphotoPalm Harbor combines a suburban atmosphere with easy access to the beaches and attract
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