Where America's Biggest Retirement Community Thrives: Florida's Top 20 Senior Destinations in 2023

Florida has earned its reputation as the premier retirement destination in America, and the numbers tell a compelling story. Data analysis from 2023 reveals that this Sunshine State hosts some of the nation’s most significant retirement communities, with certain cities showing retirement populations that far exceed expectations. The Villages, in particular, stands out with a remarkable 85.7% of its residents aged 65 and over—a figure that captures the magnitude of Florida’s appeal to retirees seeking their ideal retirement haven.

Why Florida Dominates the Retirement Landscape

The reasons behind Florida’s status as America’s biggest retirement community are multifaceted and deeply rooted in practical advantages. With 237 days of sunshine annually compared to the national average of 205 days, the state’s warm climate naturally appeals to seniors who prefer to escape harsh winters. Beyond weather, however, Florida’s financial incentives are transformative for those living on fixed incomes.

The state boasts no state income tax—a feature that immediately stretches the budgets of retirees living on Social Security checks. Equally important, distributions from retirement accounts like IRAs and 401(k)s avoid state-level taxation, allowing retirees to preserve more of their nest eggs. The effective property tax rate averages less than 1%, with median 2023 taxes of $2,143 annually. For those relocating from high-tax states like New Jersey, where residents paid an average of $8,797 in property taxes due to a 2.47% effective tax rate, the move to Florida feels like a significant financial windfall. Additionally, Florida offers more sales tax holidays than any other state, exempting items like flashlights, batteries, and school supplies from sales tax during specific periods.

The Biggest Retirement Communities: Understanding the Data

GOBankingRates’ 2023 analysis examined the 100 largest Florida cities using U.S. Census data to identify where America’s biggest concentration of seniors has settled. The methodology focused on total population figures and the number of residents aged 65 and older, revealing clear patterns in where retirees are choosing to establish their retirement communities.

Jacksonville leads by raw numbers, hosting 130,458 residents aged 65 and over from a total population of 937,690. Miami follows with 72,132 seniors, while Tampa rounds out the top three with 48,807 residents over 65. However, these larger metropolitan areas don’t always have the highest percentage of senior populations. The contrast is striking: Jacksonville’s seniors represent 13.91% of the city, while smaller communities like The Villages, with just 76,415 total residents, has seniors representing 85.7% of its population.

Geographic Patterns in Florida’s Retirement Communities

The distribution of Florida’s biggest retirement communities reveals interesting geographic trends. Southwest Florida cities like Cape Coral claim 47,034 seniors (24.37% of its 193,003 residents), establishing itself as a major hub for retirees. On the east coast, cities like West Palm Beach (22,879 seniors, 19.74%), Fort Lauderdale (33,076 seniors, 18.15%), and Hialeah (45,013 seniors, 20.06%) showcase how coastal areas attract older populations.

Central Florida’s Spring Hill and Lakeland demonstrate strong retirement appeal, with Spring Hill hosting 25,708 seniors (22.41% of 114,706 residents) and Lakeland attracting 24,069 (21.80% of 110,401). The Villages, positioned in the central part of the state, represents the extreme end of the retirement spectrum—essentially a community built for and populated by seniors.

North-central cities like Palm Coast (25,670 seniors, 29.07% of 88,313) and Clearwater (26,828 seniors, 23.01% of 116,616) demonstrate that moderate-sized cities can rival larger metros in terms of senior concentration. St. Petersburg, with 49,782 seniors representing 19.28% of its 258,245 population, balances being a major metropolitan center with strong retirement appeal.

What Makes These Destinations America’s Biggest Retirement Communities

Several characteristics distinguish Florida’s top retirement communities. First, accessibility matters—cities with good healthcare facilities, from major medical centers to specialized geriatric care, attract seniors planning for long-term health needs. Second, lifestyle offerings vary by city: coastal communities like Clearwater and St. Petersburg offer beach living, while The Villages and Spring Hill provide master-planned communities with extensive amenities specifically designed for active retirees.

Economic diversity among these communities is notable. Port St. Lucie, with 41,156 seniors (20.36% of its 202,177 residents), appeals to middle-income retirees. Boca Raton, with 25,038 seniors representing 26.26% of its population, attracts a more affluent demographic. Pembroke Pines, hosting 30,335 seniors (17.81% of 170,346), and Hialeah create diverse economic tiers within Florida’s retirement landscape.

The data, collected through October 2023, demonstrates that Florida’s status as the nation’s biggest retirement community isn’t based on a single city but rather on a broad statewide commitment to accommodating older Americans. From Jacksonville in the north with significant raw numbers to The Villages in the center with overwhelming percentage concentration, Florida provides options for nearly every type of retiree—whether seeking vibrant urban environments like Tampa and Miami or specialized retirement communities designed specifically for seniors.

For those considering joining America’s biggest retirement communities, Florida’s combination of year-round sunshine, tax advantages, and diverse city options continues to make it the nation’s premier retirement destination.