Sarasota, Lake Nona, and The Villages Named Among the '10 Best Places to Retire in the South'

A recent ranking by Travel + Leisure naming the 10 Best Places to Retire in the South places a clear spotlight on Florida, with Sarasota, Lake Nona, and The Villages all included. Together, the three communities illustrate the range of retirement lifestyles available within the state—from cultural coastal living to wellness-focused planning and purpose-built retirement design.

Sarasota: Culture-Driven Coastal Retirement

Sarasota’s inclusion reflects its reputation as one of Florida’s more established retirement markets. According to Travel + Leisure, the city stands out for its concentration of arts and cultural institutions, access to well-known Gulf Coast beaches, and overall quality of life. Retirees considering Sarasota are often drawn to its museums, performing arts venues, walkable downtown areas, and proximity to Siesta Key and other barrier islands.

Healthcare access also played a role in Sarasota’s placement on the list. The presence of major medical providers and specialized care options aligns with the publication’s emphasis on long-term livability for retirees, particularly those prioritizing access to services alongside lifestyle amenities.

Lake Nona: A Modern, Wellness-Oriented Option

Located within the Orlando area, Lake Nona represents a newer model of retirement living. Travel + Leisure highlights the community’s focus on health, innovation, and planning, anchored by the Lake Nona Medical City and a growing mix of residential, dining, and recreational options.

Unlike more traditional retirement destinations, Lake Nona appeals to retirees interested in modern infrastructure, technology-forward healthcare, and a master-planned environment that supports active lifestyles. Its inclusion underscores a growing interest among retirees in communities designed around wellness and connectivity rather than age alone.

The Villages: Retirement by Design

Long recognized as one of the country’s largest retirement communities, The Villages continues to earn national attention for its scale and amenities. Travel + Leisure points to its extensive recreation options, social programming, and infrastructure tailored specifically to retirees.

With multiple town centers, golf courses, clubs, and organized activities, The Villages offers a highly structured environment that appeals to retirees seeking an active, socially oriented lifestyle. Its inclusion alongside Sarasota and Lake Nona highlights how retirement preferences can vary widely even within the same state.

Florida’s Strong Presence on the List

While Travel + Leisure’s list also includes destinations outside Florida—ranging from historic Southern cities to scenic mountain and coastal towns—the prominence of Sarasota, Lake Nona, and The Villages underscores Florida’s continued appeal to retirees. Factors such as climate, healthcare access, and tax considerations continue to position the state as a leading retirement destination.

By featuring these three distinct communities, the ranking illustrates that Florida offers multiple paths to retirement living, each catering to different priorities, lifestyles, and expectations for the years ahead.