Recently, the website 55Places.com published their list of 20 most affordable places to retire for 2020. While a number of factors were considered for this list, the most important were cost, including cost of living, median home value, median income, and home prices. Other things that were considered are 55+ community selection, state taxes, transit score, walk score, volunteer opportunities, climate, and more.
Florida represented in the top 10
Not surprisingly, The Sunshine State was well represented in the top 10 of this list. As a matter of fact, Boynton Beach, FL came in as the most affordable city to retire for 2020. The five Florida cities in the top 10 and their respective rankings are as follows:
- #1. Boynton Beach, FL: As with most of Florida, Boynton Beach ranked high in cost of living, home price and value, and taxes. Besides being affordable, the city scored high in categories related to population and climate. In addition, Boynton Beach is also home to over 50 age-restricted communities and has some beautiful beaches.
- #2. Sarasota, FL: Like Boynton Beach, Sarasota boasts pristine beaches. Of course, affordability was at the top of the list of factors for this ranking. In addition, a large 55+ community count also helps as does a very good walk score and a large but not overwhelming population.
- #5 Tampa-St. Petersburg: Affordability along with a large 55+ community count helped Tampa-St. Petersburg come in at #5. Additionally, a very good walk score and a large but not overwhelming population also were contributing factors.
- #9 Delray Beach, FL: Located just south of Boynton Beach (top ranked city), Delray Beach boasts the same pristine beaches along with a good cost of living score.
- #10 Ocala, FL: Looking for an inland option in Florida? Besides affordability and a great 55+ community selection, Ocala scores high on home prices, low taxes, volunteer opportunities, and climate.
Summary
This 55places analysis looked at all major cities and metropolitan areas within the U.S. that have a total population of over 50,000. The sources used for this analysis were:
- Sperling’s Best Places: Cost of Living, Average Temperature
- US Census: Population, Median Income, Median Home Value
- The Tax Foundation: Property, Sales, & Income Tax
- Medicare: Average Cost
- National Service: Volunteer Opportunities
- WalkScore: Walk Score, Transit Score
- 55places: 55+ Community Information
It is no surprise that 5 of the top 10 most affordable places to retire are in Florida, according to 55Places.com. In particular, Boynton Beach and Delray Beach represented South Florida nicely in this analysis. Are you looking to retire in South Florida? If so, Live South Florida Realty, Inc. is your trusted source for all of your real estate needs. Contact us today!
