3 Florida cities among best places to retire in the South, report says

If you’re searching for a place to retire, three cities in the Sunshine State may be worth considering.

Travel + Leisure has released its annual list of the 10 best places to retire in the South, and three Florida destinations earned spots on the ranking.

“In terms of overall states I am seeing retirees move to, the top three are Florida, Texas, and Georgia,” said Jennifer Beeston, executive vice president of national sales at Rate. “All three have lower living costs and low to no state income tax. Florida has dominated for years, but recently we’ve seen Georgia start to be a contender due to it being more affordable, in many cases, than Florida.”

Sarasota ranked No. 6 on the list, followed by Lake Nona at No. 7 and The Villages at No. 10.

The travel magazine pointed to Sarasota’s proximity to the beach as a key draw.

Leah Robinson-Christian, an associate broker at Engel & Völkers Atlanta, told Travel + Leisure that Sarasota is a “moderately priced for a coastal Florida city” and is known for its “white-sand beaches, world-class golf, boating, fishing, arts venues, botanical gardens, and a dynamic social scene.”

Lake Nona stood out as a favorite for retirees who enjoy parks, trails, and gardens.

“Lake Nona has everything. It’s that simple,” Beeston said. “With some of the best health care in the state, a short drive to every major theme park, and a community designed to emphasize wellness, Lake Nona is on the rise as a great place for retirees.”

Beeston said retirees seeking a wide range of amenities and activities should also consider The Villages.

“With home prices ranging from $200,000 to upward of a million dollars, The Villages offers a slice of retirement paradise for almost every budget,” she said. “When I am talking to clients who are moving to The Villages, it is always because of all the activities and amenities. There are so many opportunities to make friends at The Villages; it is really an incredible place.”

Here are the top 10 best places to retire in the South, according to Travel + Leisure:

Athens, Georgia
Dallas, Texas
Peachtree City, Georgia
Lexington, South Carolina
Huntsville, Alabama
Sarasota, Florida
Lake Nona, Florida
Asheville, North Carolina
The Villages, Florida
Greenville, South Carolina

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