They may all be in Florida, but each town brings something different.
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An AARP survey found that retirees are worried about not having enough income to support their retirement needs.
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The Motley Fool recently surveyed 2,000 retired Americans to find out what’s most important to them in retirement. Here’s what emerged as retirees’ top hopes:
- Quality of life (31%)
- Access and quality of healthcare (15%)
- Affordable housing (13%)
- Crime and safety (12%)
- Weather and climate (12%)
- State and local taxes (11%)
- Non-housing affordability (6%)
While no single location is perfect for every retiree, The Motley Fool’s 2026 Best Places for Retirees report reflects the most sought-after qualities. Here are the top three spots. All located in Florida.
1. Fort Lauderdale, Broward County, Florida
Total Retirement Score: 64/100
Also known as the Venice of America, the city averages 246 days of sunshine per year. Its long waterfront, including boat canals and the Atlantic Ocean, attracts water enthusiasts from all over the world.
What I love: If you don’t like spending long hours at the beach with an umbrella, paddle boarding, or walking in the warm sun, you don’t have to worry about shoveling snow. Although there are plenty of cultural activities to do, Fort Lauderdale has a relaxed atmosphere that’s perfect for relaxing. Additionally, there is no state income tax.
Potential challenges: Fort Lauderdale tends to have higher housing and property taxes and has a higher crime rate than other cities in South Florida. If tourists aren’t your thing, you may need to find some of Fort Lauderdale’s less “touristy” spots (and they do exist). Depending on the time of the day, traffic can be heavy, and the humidity can make anti-frizz hair serums cost more than usual.
2. St. Augustine, St. Johns County, Florida
Total Retirement Score: 59/100
What I love: Unless you’re tired of being sunny for weeks on end, you’ll love St. Augustine’s weather. If you’re interested in history, there’s no comparison to St. Augustine, the oldest city in the United States. You might also like the number of music venues and creative eateries the city has.
Potential challenges: Summers can be harsh, with more sunlight and more heat. However, if you go out early or don’t mind waiting until the end of the day, you can enjoy the sea breeze while taking a long walk. If your hair reacts negatively to moisture, it is better to wear a hat to hide what will definitely happen.
Thanks to the number of “Best Places to Live” lists St. Augustine has made, St. Augustine tends to attract tourists throughout most of the year. And tourists can cause traffic jams, making running errands more difficult than you might imagine.
3. Quincy, Gadsden County, Florida
Total Retirement Score: 59/100
What I love: Quincy still has a classic Florida feel. If you’re considering a retirement move, you’ll love Quincy’s below-average cost of living and historic downtown Quincy. If you want to feel at home in a small town, Quincy has fewer than 8,000 residents.
Potential challenges: With a limited number of restaurants, retail stores, and medical facilities, you may have to drive to a larger city (such as Tallahassee) to find what you’re looking for. Cooling your home on hot, humid days can also cost more than usual.
If you’re interested in retiring in the South, but not necessarily in Florida, The Motley Fool’s “Best Places to Retire in the South” might spark your imagination.
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