9. Sarasota, Florida
Sarasota’s picturesque beaches, including Lido Key and Siesta Key, draw many visitors and retirees to the area. The unusual quartz sand at Siesta Beach is soft, white and powdery and stays cool to the touch, even on sunny days. The reasonable housing costs make it easy to retire near the water. The median home value among people age 60 and older is $204,000. Retirees with a mortgage pay a median of $1,382 per month for housing, and that drops to $527 per month among retirees who are mortgage-free. The median rent is $1,060 per month. Sarasota Memorial Health Care System and Doctors Hospital of Sarasota are major health care providers for the community. Several barrier islands separate the Sarasota Bay from the Gulf of Mexico.
Population: 51,917
Median House Value: $204,000
Median Monthly Rent: $1,069
Happiness Index: 6.94 (Country rank 18)
Today, the city is a mix of history and modern attractions. Many historic homes and neighbourhoods remain intact, while other areas of the city have been updated with shopping centres, hotels, restaurants, and other businesses. The city’s economy is primarily based on tourism, with many coming to the city to enjoy the beautiful beaches and all that Sarasota has to offer.
- Accessibility: 10/10
- Atmosphere: 8/10
- Sand and Water Quality: 8/10
- Annual Days of Sunshine: 324
- Average Annual Temperature: 35 C