The Biggest Retirement Communities in Florida: Which Cities Are Attracting the Most Seniors?

Florida has established itself as the retirement destination of choice for millions of Americans, and the data tells a compelling story about where seniors are choosing to settle. According to 2023 Census data, the largest retirement communities in Florida span from small, age-focused towns to sprawling metropolitan areas, each offering unique advantages for retirees seeking their ideal retirement haven.

Why Florida Leads: Sunshine, Tax Benefits, and Why Seniors Choose the State

The appeal of Florida’s largest retirement communities goes far beyond just warm weather. The state enjoys 237 days of sunshine annually—significantly more than the national average of 205 days—earning its “Sunshine State” nickname. Yet climate alone doesn’t explain the migration. Florida’s tax structure makes it exceptionally attractive for retirees living on fixed incomes.

The state imposes no income tax, a critical advantage for seniors relying on Social Security, IRA distributions, or 401(k) withdrawals. Property taxes remain manageable, averaging less than 1% with median payments around $2,143 annually—a stark difference from high-tax states. Residents relocating from New Jersey, for instance, typically pay $8,797 in annual taxes due to the state’s 2.47% effective tax rate. The transition to Florida can represent enormous savings for retirees seeking to stretch their retirement dollars.

Additionally, Florida offers the most generous sales tax holidays in the nation, temporarily exempting items like batteries, flashlights, and school supplies—small touches that accumulate into meaningful savings over time.

Jacksonville Tops the List: 130,000+ Seniors Make It Florida’s Largest Retirement Hub

Jacksonville stands out as the absolute biggest retirement community in Florida by sheer numbers. With a total population of 937,690, the city is home to 130,458 residents aged 65 and older—representing 13.91% of its population. The city’s size, combined with its substantial senior demographic, makes it the undisputed leader among Florida’s retirement destinations.

Following Jacksonville, Miami hosts 72,132 retirees (16.36% of its 440,807 residents), making it the second-largest retirement community. Tampa attracts 48,807 seniors (12.83% of 380,476 residents), while St. Petersburg welcomes 49,782 retirees representing 19.28% of its population.

The Villages: When One Community Becomes a Retirement Destination

While Jacksonville leads in absolute numbers, The Villages presents a unique phenomenon: it’s built specifically for retirees. With 76,415 total residents, 65,486 are aged 65 and older—an extraordinary 85.70% of the entire population. This age concentration makes The Villages less a traditional city and more a retirement community unto itself, designed entirely around senior lifestyles and amenities.

Mid-Sized Retirement Hotspots: Lakeland, Boca Raton, and Palm Coast

Several mid-sized cities have become magnets for retirees seeking smaller-scale communities with substantial senior populations. Lakeland hosts 24,069 seniors (21.80% of 110,401 residents), while Boca Raton attracts 25,038 retirees representing 26.26% of its population—one of the highest percentages among larger cities. Palm Coast maintains an even higher senior concentration at 29.07%, with 25,670 residents over 65.

Cape Coral ranks among the fastest-growing retirement communities, with 47,034 seniors comprising 24.37% of its 193,003 residents. Spring Hill, with 25,708 seniors representing 22.41% of the population, and Clearwater, hosting 26,828 retirees (23.01%), round out the mid-tier retirement destinations attracting significant senior populations.

Major Urban Centers: How Tampa, Miami, and St. Petersburg Attract Retirees

Beyond Jacksonville, Florida’s major urban areas continue drawing substantial retirement populations. St. Petersburg distinguishes itself with 49,782 residents over 65, making it one of the state’s premier retirement destinations despite its mid-size status. The city’s waterfront location, cultural amenities, and established senior community make it attractive.

Fort Lauderdale welcomes 33,076 seniors (18.15% of 182,247 residents), while Port St. Lucie attracts 41,156 retirees comprising 20.36% of its population. Hialeah, with 45,013 seniors, and Pembroke Pines, hosting 30,335 retirees, demonstrate how the Miami metropolitan area supports multiple thriving retirement communities.

Additional Retirement Communities Worth Considering

West Palm Beach attracts 22,879 seniors (19.74%), Hollywood welcomes 23,946 retirees (15.69%), and Orlando, despite its reputation as a tourist destination, hosts 31,929 residents over 65. Smaller communities like Palm Bay (21,478 seniors, 18.09%) and Tallahassee (21,133 retirees, 10.83%) offer alternatives for those seeking different geographic locations within the state.

What the Data Reveals About Florida’s Retirement Appeal

The 2023 Census data demonstrates that Florida’s largest retirement communities span the entire state—from the panhandle to the southern tip. Whether retirees choose major urban centers like Jacksonville and Miami, purpose-built communities like The Villages, or mid-sized cities like Boca Raton and Palm Coast, each community represents a viable option for seniors seeking Florida’s tax advantages and year-round warm weather.

The consistent presence of substantial senior populations across 20 distinct cities confirms that Florida remains America’s premier retirement destination, offering diverse options to match various preferences, budgets, and lifestyle aspirations. For those in the planning stages of retirement, these biggest retirement communities in Florida demonstrate both the availability of options and the sustained appeal of the Sunshine State to Americans over 65.

Methodology: Data represents 2023 Census American Consumer Survey figures, analyzing the top 100 Florida cities by senior population. Rankings reflect absolute numbers of residents aged 65 and older, with percentage calculations showing senior demographic concentration within each city.