Last Updated on April 11, 2024
Are you looking for the best places to retire in Florida without hurricanes? We have put together some great recommendations for you.
The Sunshine State is a popular place to retire, thanks to its warm climate, beautiful beaches, lack of state income tax, and other great aspects.
One of the possible downsides to retiring in Florida is the risk of hurricanes.
While there is no area in the state of Florida that is 100% hurricane-free, there are parts of the state that are less prone to hurricanes.
Inland cities are notably less risky than living on the coast, so our roundup includes some of the best inland cities to retire in Florida.
If you are looking for the perfect place with warm weather to spend your golden years, check out our great suggestions.
Whether you are looking for a location with close proximity to golf courses, major cities, or coastal areas, we have excellent options to choose from.
Table of contents
When is hurricane season?
Hurricane season in the United States runs from June 1st through November 30th each year.
Which part of Florida is least affected by hurricanes?
The best cities with low hurricane risk are located away from the coast. Inland cities avoid storm surges and generally experience less powerful hurricanes and tropical storms.
Because of this, some of the best options are in and around Central Florida. But, check to see if the area is prone to flooding.
Alachua County
Gainesville
Gainesville is a great place to retire in Florida. Though it is mostly known for being the home of the University of Florida (UF), the city has a wonderful selection of parks, museums, and other places to visit.
One of the benefits of being in Gainesville includes convenient access to the UF Cultural Plaza. The plaza is home to the Florida Museum of Natural History and the Harn Museum of Art.
If you enjoy outdoor activities, there are a lot of nature parks and preserves to visit in the Gainesville area.
Devil’s Millhopper, for example, has some cool trails to explore and even offers an all-level yoga class from December through May.
For more information, visit the official City of Gainesville website.
While you are in the area, make sure to check out: Top 5 Things to Do Near Gainesville FL and 20 Best Restaurants in Gainesville. Go Gators!
Columbia County
Lake City
Lake City is another one of the best Florida cities to retire in. Just a short drive away from Osceola National Forest and quaint towns like White Springs, Lake City is home to one of Florida’s waterfalls, Falling Creek Falls.
Head over to the downtown area and wander around the Blanche, a local hub with restaurants, shops, and event spaces.
History buffs love the Lake City-Columbia County Historical Museum, an 1870s-era house dedicated to local history.
For more information, visit the official City of Lake City website.
While you are in the area, make sure to check out the 19 Best Things to Do in Lake City, FL.
Hernando County
Brooksville
If you are looking to retire somewhere in Florida that is close to the Gulf of Mexico, Brooksville is a great option. This city is just half an hour away from the Gulf Coast and a short drive away from Weeki Wachee Springs.
Weeki Wachee Springs offers plenty of fun activities like paddling and boat tours. No trip to Weeki Wachee would be complete, though, without seeing an infamous mermaid show.
Brooksville unveiled the Mermaid Tale Trail to celebrate Weeki Wachee’s 75th anniversary. Visitors can now stroll through Hernando County and see larger-than-life mermaid statues.
Places like Chinsegut Hill Retreat offer an Old Florida experience. View the manor house and property, with the original structure dating back over 150 years.
For more information, visit the official City of Brooksville or Florida’s Adventure Coast – Brooksville + Weeki Wachee websites.
While you are in the area, make sure to check out our tips for Exploring Florida’s Adventure Coast, Brooksville – Weeki Wachee.
Highlands County
Avon Park
Avon Park offers a small-town experience for its residents. With a population of approximately 10,000 people, retirees can enjoy a quieter lifestyle and still have various things to do.
The Main Street downtown area has a great selection of shops and restaurants. Places like the Hotel Jacaranda and Maxwell’s House of Fruit take their visitors back in time to Florida’s yesteryear.
For more information, visit the official City of Avon Park website.
While you are in the area, make sure to check out the 7 Best Things to Do in Avon Park, FL.
Sebring
Just down the road from Avon Park, Sebring is the closest option on our list to South Florida destinations like Fort Myers and Naples.
The most popular spot in the city is the Circle, a roundabout area with shops, restaurants, and historic buildings.
Stroll through the Circle and stop at one of the area’s lovely local businesses.
Make sure to attend one of the city’s annual events, like the Sebring Soda Festival. At this unique festival, you can purchase a sample card and try a variety of interesting sodas.
If you want to see some of Florida’s wild side, you can always book an airboat adventure.
Airboat Wildlife Adventures takes its guests on a tour through Lake Istokpoga and Arbuckle Creek, where you can safely see native wildlife like gators.
For more information, visit the official City of Sebring website.
While you are in the area, make sure to check out The Ultimate Guide to Sebring, FL.
Lake County
Clermont
Clermont is a fantastic place to retire in Florida. It is about half an hour west of Orlando, but its abundance of hills and lakes makes it feel worlds away.
Nature spots to visit include Lake Louisa State Park, where you can enjoy some of Clermont’s lakes and trails. Observe native wildlife like deer, gopher tortoises, and a variety of birds. The park also offers camping and glamping options.
Attractions like the Florida Citrus Tower and the President’s Hall of Fame are excellent places to go.
The Citrus Tower provides some of the best views in Central Florida. The Hall of Fame has miniature replicas of different historic buildings, such as the White House.
For more information, visit the official City of Clermont website.
While you are in the area, make sure to check out the 16 Best Things to Do in Clermont, FL.
Mount Dora
Mount Dora is another wonderful place to retire in Florida. With many parks and lakes, the nearby Ocala National Forest, and a variety of annual events and festivals, Mount Dora has plenty to do for those who like to stay busy.
In addition to all of the city’s events, the W.T. Public Library has a full calendar of classes held each month.
Learn and practice different activities like yoga and knitting, or research your ancestry with the Mount Dora Genealogy Group.
For more information, visit the official City of Mount Dora website.
While you are in the area, make sure to check out the 23 Best Things to Do in Mount Dora.
Tavares
Tavares is right next door to Mount Dora, but it has its own set of reasons why retirees will enjoy living there.
The city is known as America’s Seaplane City because of the Tavares Seaplane Base and Marina, located on Lake Dora.
Seaplane Tours are available for booking, but you don’t have to leave the ground to marvel at these vehicles.
Wooton Park is located right by the water and offers prime viewing spots for seaplanes coming and going.
Tavares is also home to the Lake County Historical Museum and the Lake County Museum of Art. Enjoy learning about local history and seeing different art exhibitions in this great city.
For more information, visit the official City of Tavares website.
While you are in the area, make sure to check out: Best Things to Do in Tavares, FL
Marion and Sumter Counties
The Villages
For some, the Villages is synonymous with retiring in Florida. It is an age-restricted retirement community in Central Florida for adults 55 and older.
Some people refer to The Villages as “Viagra Falls.”
Many places to visit within the community are just a short drive away from each other, so you’ll see plenty of fellow residents driving around in golf carts.
The Villages has a low crime rate and is one of the safest places to retire in Florida. Many residents enjoy an active lifestyle, with recreational activities like golf, swimming, tennis, and more.
For more information, visit the official Villages community website.
Orange County
Lake Nona, Orlando
Lake Nona is a relatively new community in Orlando located near Orlando International Airport, home to the Brightline Train Station. Brightline offers speed train service to South Florida (from West Palm Beach to Miami).
The peaceful oasis is just half an hour away from major theme parks like Walt Disney World and Universal Studios. It is also under an hour away from Florida’s East Coast, providing easy access to the Atlantic Ocean.
Lake Nona has a Town Center at the heart of the community, filled with stunning architecture and things to do.
Wander the Sculpture Garden next to the Lake Nona Wave Hotel, enjoy gardening at the Laureate Park Community Garden, or walk one of the community’s many paved trails.
The area is also part of an up-and-coming food scene. Chroma Modern Bar + Kitchen is a popular option known for its tasty small plates and great brunch dishes.
Boxi Park offers a variety of permanent food vendors, adult beverages, and live entertainment all in a fun outdoor setting.
For more information, visit the official Lake Nona website.
While you are in the area, make sure to check out: Things to Do in Lake Nona Orlando
Polk County
Winter Haven
Winter Haven is a great city known for its Chain of Lakes and the Old Florida attraction, Cypress Gardens.
This relaxing place to retire also has its own Senior Adult Center, fantastic restaurants, and antique shopping options.
Dating back to the 1930s, Cypress Gardens is one of Florida’s oldest tourist attractions. It has since become part of LEGOLAND Florida Resort, but it is still home to exotic plants and an iconic giant Banyan tree.
The Senior Adult Center offers a vast selection of things to do for residents 50 and older. Stay busy with affordable fitness classes like Zumba or Tai Chi, or get creative with a mixed-media painting class.
For more information, visit the official City of Winter Haven website.
While you are in the area, make sure to check out: 16 Best Things to Do in Winter Haven FL
Additional Places to Retire in Florida
Lake Placid – Highlands County
Lake Placid is a small town that is home to 47 different murals, several great restaurants and shops as well as a clown museum and historic museum housed in an old train depot.
When in Lake Placid, don’t miss the 19+ Best Things to Do in Lake Worth Beach, FL.
Leesburg – Lake County
Leesburg is a quaint and historic city with beautiful parks and conservation areas.
While in the area, enjoy the 10 Best Things to Do in Leesburg, FL.
Lakeland – Polk County
Lakeland is just east of Tampa and has its own distinct personality. It’s known for its Frank Lloyd Wright architecture, the eclectic Southgate Shopping Center arch, the spring training home of the Detroit Tigers baseball team and so much more.
While in Lakeland, don’t miss the 18 Best Things to Do in Lakeland, FL
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