Here’s a list of ten of the best small towns in Florida for retirement, based on public safety, quality of life, access to healthcare, and amenities. Each town includes a brief overview and highlights key amenities, hospitals, parks, and features.

1. Vero Beach

  • Overview: Vero Beach offers a serene coastal lifestyle with beautiful beaches, cultural attractions, and a relaxed environment. It’s a popular spot for retirees looking for a peaceful yet active lifestyle.
  • Amenities: Art galleries, museums, restaurants, boutique shopping, golf courses.
  • Hospitals: Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital.
  • Parks: McKee Botanical Garden, Riverside Park.
  • Features: Quiet beaches, oceanfront parks, and a vibrant cultural scene.

2. Naples

  • Overview: Naples is known for its upscale lifestyle, beautiful beaches, and world-class dining. The town offers a high quality of life with plenty of recreational activities.
  • Amenities: Fine dining, shopping districts, golf courses, performing arts centers.
  • Hospitals: NCH Baker Hospital Downtown, Physicians Regional Medical Center.
  • Parks: Naples Botanical Garden, Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park.
  • Features: Gulf beaches, luxury living, and easy access to the Everglades.

3. Winter Park

  • Overview: Located near Orlando, Winter Park is a historic town with tree-lined streets, cultural amenities, and a strong sense of community.
  • Amenities: Museums, performing arts centers, restaurants, shopping on Park Avenue.
  • Hospitals: AdventHealth Winter Park.
  • Parks: Mead Botanical Garden, Central Park.
  • Features: A thriving arts scene, lakeside parks, and proximity to Orlando’s healthcare and amenities.

4. Sarasota

  • Overview: Sarasota blends cultural attractions with outdoor activities. The town is popular for its beautiful beaches and active arts scene.
  • Amenities: Theaters, art galleries, restaurants, golf courses.
  • Hospitals: Sarasota Memorial Health Care System.
  • Parks: Myakka River State Park, Marie Selby Botanical Gardens.
  • Features: Siesta Key Beach, cultural events, and proximity to both nature and city amenities.

5. Punta Gorda

  • Overview: Punta Gorda is a charming, waterfront town known for its peaceful ambiance, historic district, and a slower pace of life.
  • Amenities: Waterfront dining, shopping, golf courses, marinas.
  • Hospitals: Bayfront Health Punta Gorda.
  • Parks: Ponce de Leon Park, Gilchrist Park.
  • Features: Scenic harbor views, boating opportunities, and a strong community spirit.

6. Mount Dora

  • Overview: Mount Dora offers a picturesque, small-town atmosphere with a focus on arts, crafts, and festivals. It’s perfect for retirees seeking a quaint and walkable community.
  • Amenities: Antique shops, art festivals, lakeside restaurants, and historic inns.
  • Hospitals: AdventHealth Waterman.
  • Parks: Palm Island Park, Gilbert Park.
  • Features: Lakefront living, annual festivals, and historic architecture.

7. Fernandina Beach

  • Overview: Located on Amelia Island, Fernandina Beach is a historic town with a relaxed coastal vibe, offering rich history and pristine beaches.
  • Amenities: Historic district, fine dining, golf courses, fishing charters.
  • Hospitals: Baptist Medical Center Nassau.
  • Parks: Fort Clinch State Park, Main Beach Park.
  • Features: Quiet beaches, Victorian architecture, and an active arts community.

8. Venice

  • Overview: Venice is a beach town with a laid-back lifestyle, known for its historic downtown, cultural events, and excellent healthcare facilities.
  • Amenities: Theaters, golf courses, restaurants, and boutique shops.
  • Hospitals: Venice Regional Bayfront Health.
  • Parks: Centennial Park, Brohard Paw Park (dog-friendly).
  • Features: Shark tooth hunting on the beach, a historic pier, and beautiful sunsets.

9. Stuart

  • Overview: Stuart is known as the "Sailfish Capital of the World" and offers a vibrant waterfront downtown with numerous cultural and recreational opportunities.
  • Amenities: Museums, restaurants, marinas, boutique shopping.
  • Hospitals: Cleveland Clinic Martin North Hospital.
  • Parks: Shepard Park, Indian Riverside Park.
  • Features: Active boating community, historic downtown, and waterfront dining.

10. Dunedin

  • Overview: Dunedin has a small-town charm with a thriving arts scene and an emphasis on outdoor recreation, located near the Gulf Coast and Tampa Bay.
  • Amenities: Art galleries, craft breweries, waterfront restaurants, and a historic downtown.
  • Hospitals: Mease Dunedin Hospital.
  • Parks: Honeymoon Island State Park, Hammock Park.
  • Features: Gulf Coast beaches, the Pinellas Trail for biking, and a lively downtown with festivals and events.

These towns offer a balance of safety, lifestyle, healthcare access, and amenities, making them excellent choices for retirement in Florida.