Delray Beach, Florida

Tucked between Palm Beach and Boca Raton on Florida’s east coast, Delray Beach is a small but buzzy beachfront town known as “the Village by the Sea.”  

With more than a quarter of its population consisting of adults age 65 and older, it has ample offerings for retirees. Look no further than its many condo communities for those over 55, from Kings Point to Huntington Lakes, both of which have resort-like amenities ranging from tennis courts to swimming pools. Real estate in the area is upscale but affordable compared with other towns and cities in South Florida.

But it’s not as if seniors will be spending all their time inside their homes; Delray Beach offers a wide array of outdoor activities to pursue in its warm and sunny climate. Its sandy shores have earned it a spot as the third best beach in Florida, with plenty of water sports available like paddleboarding and kayaking. And avid golfers have 18 golf courses to tee off from in Delray—and an additional 82 within 20 miles. 

The city itself is very walkable, with an active downtown; East Atlantic Avenue pops off with galleries and boutiques during the day and restaurants and bars at night. Retirees can also enjoy a daily stroll through the Wakodahatchee Wetlands or the Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens. 

Delray Beach hosts several events every year, including the Lantern Festival every October, the Delray Beach Open tennis tournament, Restaurant Month, and the Festival of the Arts. Retirees can also participate in the annual Delray Beach Senior Games, which features eight events, including archery, bowling, and pickleball.

There’s also easy access to health care, including Delray Medical Center, a full-service hospital, and a Dedicated Senior Medical Center.