4 Gulf Coast cities on 'best places to retire' list: US News

Four cities on the Gulf Coast are among the top 25 cities for retirees in the country, according to U.S. News & World Report, which says Naples is the No. 1 place to retire for 2025. 

Sarasota (No. 4), Tampa (No. 18) and Fort Myers (No. 24) also made the list, which was released Nov. 18 and featured eight Florida destinations overall.

To find the best cities for retirement, the publication surveyed 3,500 people ages 45 and older to determine what attributes were most important to them, then weighted those accordingly. The top priority was happiness, followed by housing affordability, which marked a shift in priorities compared with years past, according to U.S. News.

"What we found this year is retirees seek a destination that will not only stretch their dollar, but is also a place for enjoyment,” Dawn Bradbury, assistant managing editor for real estate at U.S. News, says in a statement.

Happiness was measured by crime rates and air quality, among other indicators. Health care quality, retiree taxes, desirability and job market also factored into the rankings.

Naples is an “ideal retirement destination for people who enjoy the finer things,” according to U.S. News, which cites its upscale shopping and dining options on Fifth Avenue South. The Collier County city ranked highly when it came to desirability (with metrics such as weather and restaurant-to-population ratio), retiree taxes and jobs, and it has one of the lowest crime rates in the state, according to the publication. In Naples, 36% of the population is 65 and up, U.S. News reports, so “retirees will find themselves in good company.”

Similarly, 34% of the population in Sarasota is 65 and older, according to U.S. News. Sarasota — which ranked No. 4 on the list of best places to retire — was noted for its beaches, arts venues and “lively downtown” and was highly ranked for its restaurants, shops and attractions.

Tampa, coming in at No. 18 on the list, was described as home to a host of parks, cultural attractions, professional sports and restaurants, making it a “well rounded and popular retirement destination.” In Tampa, about 13% of the population is 65 and up.

Fort Myers, which ranked No. 24 on the list, was noted for its “resort-like communities” and “abundant recreation,” such as golfing, fishing and beach-combing. Its “vibrant arts scene” and good air quality contributed to its high ranking, according to U.S. News, which reports 27% of the Fort Myers population is 65 and up.

Naples, Sarasota, Tampa and Fort Myers also made the publication’s best places to live list for 2024, released in May.

Overall, Florida cities on the best places to retire list were ranked No. 6 for their taxing of retirees, with U.S. News noting Social Security, pension and IRA or 401(k) incomes go untaxed.

Other cities in the Sunshine State that ranked among top retirement destinations were Jacksonville (No. 7), Pensacola (No. 17), Port Saint Lucie (No. 19) and Melbourne (No. 20).