Looking to retire without leaving the Sunshine State behind? Well move over Naples and The Villages… one Old Florida river town found north of Tampa has landed near the very top of U.S. News & World Report’s list of the best places to retire this year.
Of course, we’re talking about Homosassa Springs, which ranked No. 3 in the nation for its quiet and nature-first appeal without having to stretch your savings.
The publication looked at over 850 cities across the country and compared them using factors like quality of life, health care quality and tax rates, concluding that the ease of daily life and affordability makes Homosassa a steal despite Florida costs continuing to rise. The median home value sits at around $219,581 and median rent hovers at just $863 a month, so retirees can enjoy that waterfront lifestyle without overspending.
The average commute time also comes in at 19 minutes, which is less than the national average.
One of the reasons the community works so well for retirees is that is prioritizes a lifestyle built around the water. With a population of 15,000 people (per the ranking), the town anchors itself around the 8-mile Homosassa River in Citrus County, where one can enjoy activities like scalloping, fishing or simply kayaking, as well as strolling along the scenic riverwalk.
What to do in Homosassa Springs
The area’s crown jewel is Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park, which serves as a rehabilitation center for injured wildlife and features a “Fishbowl Observatory” that lets you walk underwater to view manatees and thousands of fish. You can also view other animals, such as red wolves and Florida panthers.
A paradise for seafood lovers, there are also plenty of spots to discover here such as The Freezer, a laid-back joint that started as a bait freezer warehouse and is famous among locals for its steamed shrimp and stone crab claws along the waterfront.
And yes, there’s a small island inhabited by a troop of spider monkeys! Taking a boat ride out to Monkey Island in the Homosassa River, this popular landmark was originally built in the 1960s to keep the mischievous monkeys from the mainland. You can’t step foot on the island, but you can view these adorable residents from afar!
When it comes to your retirement plans, it doesn’t get any better than Homosassa Springs! Find the full U.S. News & World Report ranking here.