These Florida Cities Are Considered The Best For Retirement In 2021

When it comes to retirement, one has to find that perfect place for themselves.

U.S. News released their annual list, "Best Places to Retire in the U.S. in 2020-21," looking at 150 American metropolitan areas for their picks.

Cities from the Sunshine State dominated U.S. News' list, especially the Top 10. Sarasota claimed the No. 1 spot for the best place to take it easy for the rest of your life. Fort Myers followed up at No. 2, and Port St. Lucie ranked No. 3.

Below are all the cities featured on the list and what U.S. News had to say about them.

Sarasota, Florida (No. 1)

"Warm temperatures year-round, award-winning beaches and a thriving arts and cultural scene have made Sarasota a go-to place for retirees and families, not to mention a handful of celebrities," Amanda Caceres wrote.

Fort Myers, Florida (No. 2)

"Fort Myers is a midsize metro area. It has retained its small-town heritage though, with a charming downtown lined with shops and restaurants... Museums, parades, festivals, theaters, parks, historical sites and art galleries pepper the metro area and its social calendar," according to Al Hemingway.

Port St. Lucie, Florida (No. 3)

"Port St. Lucie has a more relaxed atmosphere than its larger neighbors. Its clean streets and quiet neighborhoods are woven around scenic waterways and lush green golf courses," Jennifer Bryant said.

Naples, Florida (No. 4)

"Long known as a preferred retirement spot for the rich, powerful and cold-averse, the greater Naples and Marco Island area supplies pristine beaches, sprawling golf courses, and fine dining and shopping," Patrick Riley said.

Ocala, Florida (No. 6)

"A vibrant, historic downtown features Victorian-era homes framing a city square with an active food scene and nightlife. A creative impulse locally fuels independent movie makers, artisanal brewers, painters and sculptors," Carlos E. Medina wrote.

Miami, Florida (No. 9)

"In Miami, each neighborhood reflects its diverse communities and adds to the character of the area and Miami-Dade County. Miami proper draws young professionals with a multitude of trade and banking careers, while Miami Beach still has a party-hard atmosphere," according to Isaac Zapata.

Melbourne, Florida (No. 10)

"One of the Space Coast's most populated metro areas... the region has down-to-earth attractions too. Melbourne's Eau Gallie Arts District features a blend of museums and galleries, while the historic downtown area features a mixture of restaurants, bars and shops," Vivian Vuong wrote.

Jacksonville (No. 13)

"Jacksonville is the largest metro area by land mass in the continental U.S., and it offers a range of culturally and aesthetically diverse neighborhoods surrounding downtown," Eugene Colley said.

Daytona Beach (No. 15)

"Home to the Daytona International Speedway... life in Daytona Beach is balanced by museums, theaters, performing arts centers, antique markets, restaurants, malls and colleges that combine to make Daytona Beach one of Florida's most well-rounded metro areas," according to Gary McKechnie.

Orlando (No. 16)

"Every facet of Orlando combines to create one of Florida's most appealing areas for business, living and recreation. For many residents, the theme parks are a point of pride," McKechnie noted.

Lakeland (No. 18)

"Aptly named for its 38 stunning lakes, Lakeland is infused with Old Florida history and natural beauty... Lakeland's location gives residents easy access to attractions and locations that other people travel far and wide to see," Nicole Graham wrote.

Tampa (No. 20)

"Residents of the Tampa Bay area enjoy both a laid-back beach lifestyle and the amenities of a large metropolitan area, including professional sports teams, interesting museums, and an array of entertainment and dining options," Ginger Warder said.

Pensacola (No. 25)

"Bordering Escambia Bay and Pensacola Bay, the Pensacola metro area is a blend of history and nature... The region's warm climate and desirable setting isn't the only reason people choose to live in Pensacola. The military has a relatively small, though very significant, presence here," according to Erika Zambello.

Tallahassee (No. 105)

"Florida is known for its sandy beaches and summertime weather, but Tallahassee has a different vibe... the city’s Southern heritage influences its architecture, landscape, attitude and pace of life," Nancy Moreland wrote.

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