In recent years, visitors from all over the country have flocked to Florida. This has driven up home prices in the state. A series of hurricanes has also contributed to rising homeowner insurance rates in Florida. In short, Florida isn’t as affordable as it once was.
However, not every city in the Sunshine State is out of reach for people who rely on their monthly Social Security payment, which averages around $1,900 nationwide.
If you want to stretch your retirement dollars, here are some affordable Florida cities where you can retire.
Unless otherwise noted, all rental information is sourced from Apartments.com. Redfin provides housing price information for January.
1. Crystal River
Average rent: $606 per month
Median home sale price: $247,000
Crystal River is part of Florida’s Nature Coast. The city is known as the “Manatee Capital of the World,” and wildlife enthusiasts can snorkel with the gentle giants and participate in water sports.
The opportunities to explore nature here are some of the most beautiful in the state. You can also have a great time sampling fresh seafood and browsing local stores.
2. Gainesville
Average rent: $1,231 per month
Median home sale price: $276,900
Gainesville is centered around the University of Florida. It also has the 16-mile Gainesville-Hawthorne Trail for those who love to bike or hike.
The vibrant city has museums, gardens, shopping, dining, and more. Stunning springs are just a short drive away.
3. Inverness
Average rent: $767 per month
Median home sale price: $264,000
Inverness offers morning coffee downtown before exploring historic architecture, strolling the streets, and dining out. Festivals occur frequently.
The Withlacoochee River provides plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities.
4. Average rent: $932 per month
Median home sale price: $230,000
Farmer’s market? Check. Food truck on Wednesdays? Check. Boutique shops and restaurants with a local flavor? Check.
Lake City, like Inverness, has a small-town atmosphere with everything you need. It is also close to outdoor attractions such as Ichetucknee Springs, the Suwannee River, and popular cave-diving destinations.
5. Lakeland
Average rent: $1,324 per month
Average median home sale price: $308,450
Lakeland, located on Interstate 4 between Tampa and Orlando, is a bustling city. It has many places to eat, drink coffee, shop, and relax, as well as many outdoor attractions and museums.
Lakeland also hosts Major League Baseball’s Detroit Tigers’ spring training.
6. Lake Wales
Average rent: $1,290 per month
Median home sale price: $265,990
Lake Wales is about 50 miles south of Orlando. The city is home to a legacy of cowboy flavor and a weekly rodeo. You can also enjoy laid-back restaurants and a relaxed pace of life.
Bok Tower Gardens is the gem of the area, hosting frequent community events.
7. Marianna
Average rent: $1,150 per month (Zillow)
Median home sale price: $175,000
Marianna, also known as “the city of Southern charm,” is a town in Florida’s panhandle best known for Florida Caverns State Park, a dream destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
The city’s charming downtown area is ideal for walking and dining. Tallahassee is only one hour away by car.
8. Ocala
Average rent: $1,244 per month
Median home sale price: $265,998
Ocala, the “horse capital of the world,” is the gateway to the stunning Ocala National Forest and home to over 600 horse farms, as well as numerous related experiences and attractions. It also has a historic downtown worth exploring.
9. Pensacola
Average rent: $1,327 per month
Median home sale price: $337,500
Yes, you can still live near beautiful, powdery sand beaches in Florida without going broke: Pensacola, in the state’s panhandle, is a big draw.
After you’ve had your fill of the sun, sea, and surf, head downtown for some seafood.
10. Palatka
Average rent: $1,274 per month
Median home sale price: $222,450
Nestled on the banks of the beautiful St. Johns River, Palatka sits just west of St. Augustine. Spend mornings gazing at sailboats while sipping coffee and afternoons golfing at top-tier public courses.
This safe small town offers plenty of events, shopping, and dining to enjoy.
