Florida Rates Highly for Retirees, But Misses Top Spot for Affordability

Putting a premium on affordability 55places.com, a website that rates age-restricted active adult communities in the United States, identified the 20 most affordable places to retire in 2019.

In order to pinpoint the top locations, 55places measured a series of factors, including overall cost of living, median home prices, state tax laws, local health care options, availability of 55+ communities, and public transit, amongst other variables. The cities named not only offer reasonable housing costs, but also provide exciting amenities and healthy living options.

The most affordable places to retire in 2019 include:

Sioux Falls, South Dakota
Ocala, Florida
Lakeland, Florida
Jacksonville, Florida
Daytona Beach, Florida
Gainesville, Florida
New Castle County, Delaware
South Bend, Indiana
Tampa, Florida
Waco, Texas
Birmingham, Alabama
Memphis, Tennessee
San Antonio, Texas
Ft. Myers-Cape Coral, Florida
Phoenix, Arizona
Melbourne, Florida
Grand Rapids, Michigan
Orlando, Florida
Wichita Falls, Texas
Indianapolis, Indiana

The list also comes after the company surveyed its readers to uncover expectations for buying a retirement home. When asked about anticipated costs of a future home compared to the value of their current one, 26 percent respondents answered "about the same," 27 percent said "slightly less" and 24 percent said "much less."

"This information tells us 77 percent of active adults need their next home to be affordable," said Danny Goodman, COO and co-founder of 55places.com. "But a home within a certain price point is only half of the equation. The surrounding area—whether or not an active adult community is of interest—plays an integral role in quality of life, and nearby attractions and available establishments can greatly enhance that. These destinations provide budget-friendly options without demanding a sacrifice for comfort."

To learn more about the most affordable places to retire, visit 55places.com.

About 55places.com
55places is the number one resource for active adult communities in the United States. The website offers unbiased information, such as current home sale listings, photos, floorplans, descriptions, and third-party reviews for more than 2,000 age-restricted and active lifestyle communities across the country. 55places and its team of real estate agents are licensed experts equipped to help prospective residents find an ideal home in their dream community. For more information, visit www.55places.com.