Sarasota has once again topped the list of Best Places to Retire in the U.S., according to U.S. News and World Report’s 2021-2022 data. Seven additional Florida cities round out the top ten, spanning beach towns like Naples and Melbourne to more metropolitan settings like Tampa.
The study, which evaluates 150 metropolitan areas and ranks them according to criteria that include health care, housing affordability, air quality, crime rates, taxes, and overall desirability cited Sarasota’s beaches, parks, cultural attractions, restaurants, and shopping as reasoning for its position atop the list.
“Sarasota has a distinct vibe that’s different from Florida’s relative coastal cities, with its own vibrant arts scene, beachy atmosphere and burgeoning food culture. People who choose Sarasota as their home are generally called by its unique charm,” said Elizabeth Djinis, contributor for U.S. News.
“There was once a time when Sarasota was dismissed as a playground for retirees, but that reputation is slowly changing as more young professionals begin to make it their own. One of the city’s up-and-coming neighborhoods is the Rosemary District, where eclectic murals decorate storefronts and modern condominiums and hotels sit near casual breakfast cafes.”
Naples, Daytona Beach, and Melbourne occupy the second, third, and fourth spots, respectively, offering similar amenities as Sarasota while also having a relatively low cost of living. Only docked points because of their distances from Florida’s biggest urban centers, troves of urbanites, families, professionals, and retirees enjoy these cities.
Florida’s status as a non-income tax state makes it a draw for those that decide to semi-retire, of which there is a growing number. Publix is a leading employer in the state for semi-retired individuals.
Fort Myers holds the seventh spot on the list. Nestled adjacent to the Gulf of Mexico, Fort Myers lies home to some of the best fishing spots in the country, as well as a plethora of shopping centers, sporting events, and cultural activities. The nearby Florida Gulf Coast University offers educational opportunities to those looking to return to school once their career settles down.
2022 Best Places to Retire in the U.S. (U.S. News and World Reports)
Sarasota, FL
Naples, FL
Daytona Beach, FL
Melbourne, FL
Lancaster, PA
Tampa, FL
Fort Myers, FL
Port St. Lucie, FL
Ann Arbor, MI
Pensacola, FL
Interesting article, doesn’t have anything to say about soaring rental prices in Sarasota. You should read the articles about how retirees are having a really hard time in Florida and one of the suggestions is being a roommate or perhaps renting a room from somebody, that’s how I want to retire.
I guess what I’m saying is is the average house price in Sarasota Florida is half a million dollars now so save your pennies!