Which Florida coast is best for retirement?

Sarasota About 60 miles south of Tampa on the Gulf Coast, Sarasota is one of Florida's most popular retirement destinations. With a cost of living that's higher than average in the state, Sarasota offers an upscale atmosphere with gated communities, waterfront homes, and a walkable downtown.



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Pensacola The most affordable beach town in Florida is Pensacola. Located in the Florida Panhandle, Pensacola offers residents affordable living by the waterfront. Pensacola currently has a median home value of $257,000 in 2023. The median housing cost (for rent and mortgages) is $1,232 per month.

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Popular West Coast Areas To Move To. Florida has plenty of options if you're looking for a second home in winter, a vacation home, or a new home to retire in. As a general rule of thumb, properties are more expensive on the east coast.

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While the Gulf tends to have more lush sands, richer areas for beachcombing and clearer waters, the Atlantic has tons of activity, with hard-packed sands built for jogging and active waves for surfers.

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The only debate worth having is which side of Florida has the best beaches. The Atlantic coast has plenty to offer in the way of water sports. They get the better waves and, thus, some greater action. Florida's Gulf Coast, however, is responsible for those visions of smooth, sandy beaches and crystal, clear water.

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According to Far & Wide and Southern Living, the best small beach towns to retire in the US are Folly Beach in South Carolina, Saint Michaels in Maryland, and Cape Charles in Virginia. Many other small beach towns also exist, but retirees should choose them based on their retirement incomes and cost of living.

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Along the southern Gulf Coast of Florida is Sarasota—home to some of America's best beaches, like Siesta Key Beach. Sarasota consistently holds the top spots for places to live in Florida on many “best places” lists.

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