In this article,we will take a look at the top 5 worst places to retire in Florida. If you want to look at more places, head over to Top 10 Worst Places to Retire in Florida.
5. Parkland
Insider Monkey Score: 27
Once a safe city, Parkland lost its status after the school shooting back in February 2018. Regardless of the safety and quality of life, it has also been an expensive place to live in anyway. The cost of living index in Parkland is 154.3, which means living here is 54% more expensive than the state average. The area is simply a bad place to retire also because it gets visited by hurricanes frequently. Since 1930, the area has recorded a total of 83 hurricanes. The largest of these hurricanes was Hurricane Frances in 2004. Also, only 12.9% of the population is 65 or older, which means there are fewer seniors to socialize with.
4. Key Largo
Insider Monkey Score: 27
Key Largo is another expensive place to retire in Florida, with a cost of living index of 155.3. Living is 55% more expensive here at $46,025 a year. This is higher than the state average of $36,375. The Realtor notes that the median listing home price for the area, as of 2023, is $1.4 million, trending upwards year on year. Two-bedroom apartments cost $3,750 on average, which is more than what a social security check can afford. Key Largo, along with the Florida Keys, was at the epicenter of the infamous Hurricane Ian. Key West suffered a high impact with flooded streets and blocked roads.
3. Key Biscayne
Insider Monkey Score: 29
The island town of Key Biscayne may seem captivating for its stunning beaches, spectacular views, and nature preserves, but it is not a retirees’ paradise. The cost of living index for the island is 200.1, 100% higher than the state average. Median listing home prices, as of April 2023, have been hovering around $2.1 million, with median rents for properties standing at $7,900. Key Biscayne is also considered Zone A for hurricanes. Since 1930, more than 70 hurricanes have hit the area, making it a very high-risk zone. Overall, the island beach is generally safe to live in, with crime rates lower than the national average. Retirees must, however, have big nest eggs to consider living here.
2. Miami
Insider Monkey Score: 37
Traffic congestion, high crime rates, and high cost of living make Miami a difficult place for retirees to adjust to. Living here is 22% more expensive than the state average, and retirees must have a hefty retirement income to live here. On average, two-bedroom apartments cost around $4,000; while median home prices were $575,000 in 2023. Moreover, the chances of getting hit by a hurricane in any given year are 16% for Miami. About 14.9% of the senior population lives below the poverty line too. The area is largely susceptible to hurricanes because of its low altitude and easterly winds that often develop during the rainy season.
1. Palm Beach
Insider Monkey Score: 50
Palm Beach in South Florida tops our list of worst Floridian places to retire largely because of its insane cost of living. Those living here pay 120% more than the U.S. average, making it one of the most expensive places to live in. Median home costs, as of 2023, are $3 million, while the average rent for an apartment stands at $10,050. While the area doesn’t get directly impacted by hurricanes, 68 tropical storms, and hurricanes have passed the city within a 60-mile radius. The area also has a reputation for crime, so retirees are better off in gated, age-restrictive communities if they plan on living here.
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