This Florida Town is the Most Affordable Community for Retirees

Florida remains the go-to relocation state for retirees, accounting for 11 percent of seniors who cross state lines post-retirement. It’s easy to see why the Sunshine State is so popular with retirees 65 and older — after all, who can resist its laid-back lifestyle, picturesque beaches, and warm weather? But with its cost of living skyrocketing, retirees are now opting out of pricier areas like South Florida, and instead finding alternative communities that offer lower real estate prices while still maintaining a high standard of living. One such place is Sun City Center, which was recently ranked as the top retirement town for 2024 by Realtor.com.

“The country’s top towns for retirees tend to be sunny and near large cities. Sun City, Florida, the top-ranking retirement town, is on the south side of Tampa, offering buyers easy access to the beach and to the amenities and resources of the large metro area,” Realtor.com economic research analyst Hannah Jones told Travel + Leisure.

According to the real estate website, the town has over 30,000 full-time residents with a median age of 71. That’s because Sun City Center is a census-designated 55+ adult community that is entirely focused on providing its residents with age-appropriate recreational, educational, and cultural activities. But, as Realtor.com points out, there’s another reason seniors are moving: “Residents who relocate here can ditch many of the trappings of their pre-retirement life, including their car and their lawn mower.”

The median list price in Sun City Center is $315,000, which is well below the national average. Realtor.com also points out that an overwhelming majority of listings that span single-family homes and condos, or 84 percent, are retiree-friendly. Homeowners also benefit from lower homeowners association fees, which can add a substantial financial burden on monthly expenses in other parts of the Sunshine State. 

And residents certainly get plenty of opportunities to enjoy the sunny Florida weather thanks to the abundance of outdoor activities and events that the community offers. There are over one hundred clubs and organizations in Sun City Center that vary from archery and ceramics to gardening, yoga, and lawn bowling (there’s also a travel club). Facilities are just as many — over a dozen tennis and pickleball courts, several indoor and outdoor pools, lawn bowl greens, volleyball courts, and a billiards room.

However, one drawback to living in Sun City Center is its strict age restrictions. According to an ordinance, at least one household member should be 55 or over, and anyone younger than 19 can only spend up to 30 days a year here. So, seniors who enjoy spending more time with their grandchildren will probably need to go out of town to do so.

The second spot on Realtor.com’s list goes to Green Valley, Arizona, another retirement community offering access to golf courses, hiking trails, and many natural landmarks. The median list price for homes here is $349,900. And Oregon’s King City is third, up three spots since last year. 

You can see the full report on realtor.com.