This article takes a look at the 5 safest and cheapest cities to retire in Florida. If you wish to read our detailed analysis on navigating retirement living in the US, you may go to 25 Safest and Cheapest Cities To Retire in Florida.
5. Lake Wales
Insider Monkey Score: 95
Insider Monkey Cost of Living Index: 88.3
Insider Monkey Safety Score: 74
Starting off our top five selection is the city of Lake Wales. Located in Polk County, Lake Wales is a great Florida pick for the frugal retiree. With a cost of living that is 11.7% lower than the national average, Lake Wales allows senior citizens on a budget to live in an otherwise great area. Residents can visit the Bok Tower Gardens, the Eagle Ridge Mall, and the Lake Kissimmee State Park.
4. Punta Gorda
Insider Monkey Score: 96
Insider Monkey Cost of Living Index: 96.2
Insider Monkey Safety Score: 91
A Southwest Florida city, Punta Gorda is set in Charlotte County. The city is famously known as one of the best sport-fishing locations across the globe and is also the perfect place for water activities such as sailing and yachting. Residents can also visit the Peace River Wildlife Center where they can meet owls and turtles, among other wildlife that has been orphaned, injured, or displaced. To end the day, retirees can enjoy a delicious meal at Carmelo’s Italian Ristorante.
3. Port Orange
Insider Monkey Score: 96
Insider Monkey Cost of Living Index: 96
Insider Monkey Safety Score: 90
Located in Volusia County, Port Orange holds a variety of natural marvels. Residents can visit the Dunlawton Sugar Mill Gardens, Buschman Park, and Wilbur Beach. For indoor activities, retirees can visit the Regal Pavilion movie theater or grab a bite at the local seafood restaurant – Aunt Catfish’s On the River.
2. Gulf Breeze
Insider Monkey Score: 97
Insider Monkey Cost of Living Index: 96.3
Insider Monkey Safety Score: 94
Rounding up our top two is Gulf Breeze. Gulf Breeze holds the highest safety score on our list with a figure of 94. Not only does this make it an ideal place for the safety-conscious retiree, but the cherry on top is the place’s low cost of living. With the cost of living at 3.7% below the national average, it’s a win-win situation for senior citizens who are searching for a peaceful place that doesn’t break the bank.
1. Dunnellon
Insider Monkey Score: 98
Insider Monkey Cost of Living Index: 88.5
Insider Monkey Safety Score: 78
Our best pick for the safest and cheapest cities to retire in Florida is the city of Dunnellon. Best known for its natural beauty, Dunnellon is home to the Rainbow Springs State Park where visitors can swim, snorkel, and scuba dive to their heart’s content. Set in Marion County, Dunnellon is one of the least populated picks on our list – the city had under 2,000 residents during the last United States Census. Residents of the city can immerse in nature, enjoy a low cost of living, and golf their days away at the Juliette Falls Golf Course.
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