Florida may be a top retirement dream, but not every town delivers on the promise. Some places are too pricey, too noisy, or just too hard to get around. New 2025 data shows a growing number of retirees are skipping certain Florida towns in search of quieter, more affordable places with better healthcare and community access.
These 15 towns scored low on the Overall Retirement Score (ORS), a measure that looks at everything from walkability to wellness, revealing where older adults are choosing not to settle down.
15. Mangonia Park – Limited Amenities and High Noise Levels
Mangonia Park sits just north of West Palm Beach, near busy urban centers and bustling roadways. Despite its proximity to city conveniences, it severely lacks basic cultural and recreational amenities retirees typically desire. Additionally, the noise from surrounding highways and commercial areas significantly diminishes the town’s quiet appeal, making peaceful retirement living difficult.
This town may suit younger, transit-reliant commuters due to excellent public transportation connections. However, seniors seeking relaxation, social enrichment, and easy access to daily activities will find Mangonia Park disappointing.
Mangonia Park – ORS 1.99
- Overall Retirement Score: 1.99
- Quietness: 22.57
- Walkability: 41.08
- Cultural amenities: 3.24 Vibrancy: 66.59
- Car-Friendliness: 73.30
- Transit-Friendliness: 96.68
With few cultural opportunities and significant noise pollution, Mangonia Park doesn’t offer retirees the peaceful, amenity-rich lifestyle they’re looking for. While the area is highly transit-friendly, seniors typically prioritize peace, quiet, and community-oriented amenities—elements that this town notably lacks.
14. Florida City – Limited Public Transport and Poor Cultural Life
Located at the southernmost tip of mainland Florida, Florida City acts primarily as a gateway to the Keys and Everglades. Despite its prime location for tourism, the town itself has limited cultural attractions and amenities that seniors usually prefer. Additionally, the lack of reliable public transport makes mobility difficult for retirees without cars.
Though it can be convenient for day trips to natural landmarks, the limited local activities and services are significant drawbacks for retirement. Seniors needing regular medical care, cultural enrichment, or reliable transportation are likely to struggle here.
Florida City – ORS 9.94
- Overall Retirement Score: 9.94
- Quietness: 21.28
- Walkability: 43.98
- Cultural amenities: 6.74
- Vibrancy: 41.50
- Car-Friendliness: 81.48
- Transit-Friendliness: 8.67
Florida City’s low transit scores and limited amenities mean retirees must rely heavily on private vehicles and long-distance travel for essential services. Those looking for convenience, community connection, or accessible healthcare would do better elsewhere.
13. Opa-locka – Limited Cultural Activities and Moderate Noise
Opa-locka, located in Miami-Dade County, has unique architecture influenced by Moorish designs, but its charm is offset by limited amenities and only moderate quietness. Despite having decent walkability, it lacks substantial cultural or recreational activities that retirees seek to remain socially and mentally engaged.
While younger residents might appreciate its affordability and proximity to Miami, seniors generally find Opa-locka lacking essential services like comprehensive healthcare facilities and senior-friendly recreational programs.
Opa-locka – ORS 12.35
- Overall Retirement Score: 12.35
- Quietness: 34.86
- Walkability: 54.56
- Cultural amenities: 7.12
- Vibrancy: 55.28
- Car-Friendliness: 62.59
- Transit-Friendliness: 60.96
With few cultural activities and less-than-ideal quietness, Opa-locka struggles to meet retirees’ expectations for a peaceful and engaging lifestyle. This makes it a poor choice compared to other Florida communities offering more targeted senior amenities.
12. South Bay – Isolated with Minimal Amenities
South Bay is a small, remote town located near Lake Okeechobee in Palm Beach County. It is notably isolated, making everyday errands and healthcare appointments a significant challenge for retirees. The severe lack of cultural amenities and extremely low walkability further diminishes its retirement appeal.
Though its quietness might attract individuals looking for isolation, seniors needing accessible community services, regular healthcare, and social interaction will find South Bay severely lacking.
South Bay – ORS 12.83
- Overall Retirement Score: 12.83
- Quietness: 59.98
- Walkability: 6.15
- Cultural amenities: 0.91
- Vibrancy: 21.41
- Car-Friendliness: 72.42
- Transit-Friendliness: 39.78
South Bay’s isolation and scarcity of amenities heavily limit retirees’ ability to maintain active, independent lifestyles. This remote lifestyle could pose significant challenges for older adults who rely on accessible amenities and services.
11. Canal Point – Sparse Amenities and Low Vibrancy
Canal Point is another small community located on the eastern shore of Lake Okeechobee. Though peaceful, the town severely lacks essential cultural and recreational amenities and offers very little vibrancy or community activity. Walkability is also quite limited, further restricting seniors who prefer independence without driving.
While rural enthusiasts might appreciate Canal Point’s quiet, pastoral atmosphere, retirees looking for social activities, healthcare access, or basic conveniences will find it inadequate.
Canal Point – ORS 14.99
- Overall Retirement Score: 14.99
- Quietness: 58.84
- Walkability: 29.16
- Cultural amenities: 2.39
- Vibrancy: 15.48
- Car-Friendliness: 64.73
- Transit-Friendliness: 34.09
Canal Point might appeal to some for its tranquility, but retirees seeking easy access to daily conveniences, healthcare, and social life would quickly encounter frustrations living here.
10. Eglin Air Force Base – Restricted Access and Limited Public Transport
Eglin Air Force Base is located in Florida’s Panhandle region, near Fort Walton Beach. While it might seem attractive for military retirees familiar with base life, civilian retirees will find it significantly less accessible. The area has strict entry protocols and very limited public transit, creating challenges for seniors who require easy, unrestricted access to local amenities and medical facilities.
The lack of walkability and quietness further complicate retirement living here. Eglin is better suited for active-duty military personnel and families rather than retirees seeking convenience and comfort.
Eglin Air Force Base – ORS 15.65
- Overall Retirement Score: 15.65
- Quietness: 11.62
- Walkability: 11.62
- Cultural amenities: 17.93
- Vibrancy: 38.96
- Car-Friendliness: 75.90
- Transit-Friendliness: 0.00
The combination of restricted civilian access, nonexistent public transit, and minimal quietness makes Eglin Air Force Base a challenging place for most retirees, who typically need more accessible and community-friendly settings.
9. North Miami – Loud and Overcrowded Environment
North Miami, part of bustling Miami-Dade County, is densely populated and offers urban amenities—but it comes with significant drawbacks for retirees. The city’s constant hustle, noise, and crowded conditions create stress rather than relaxation. Additionally, despite good walkability, the cultural amenities and vibrancy mainly cater to a younger crowd, leaving retirees with fewer suitable social opportunities.
Retirees who desire peace, privacy, and tranquility would struggle to find comfort in North Miami’s busy streets and neighborhoods, which are more appealing to younger professionals or families.
North Miami – ORS 16.06
- Overall Retirement Score: 16.06
- Quietness: 14.61
- Walkability: 73.85
- Cultural amenities: 24.17
- Vibrancy: 73.44
- Car-Friendliness: 75.31
- Transit-Friendliness: 53.33
Despite walkability and vibrancy, North Miami’s urban chaos significantly reduces its attractiveness as a retirement destination. Seniors seeking calmer surroundings and targeted community programs should look elsewhere.
8. Homestead – Poor Public Transit and Moderate Amenities
Homestead lies just south of Miami and is known as a gateway to Everglades National Park and Biscayne National Park. While the proximity to nature might initially seem appealing, Homestead itself struggles with limited public transportation, restricting mobility options for retirees without cars.
Additionally, its cultural offerings are minimal, leaving retirees fewer opportunities for entertainment and social engagement. Although it provides some suburban comforts, Homestead’s infrastructure doesn’t align well with the needs of older adults requiring regular healthcare visits and community activities.
Homestead – ORS 16.45
- Overall Retirement Score: 16.45
- Quietness: 24.86
- Walkability: 52.80
- Cultural amenities: 28.78
- Vibrancy: 52.61
- Car-Friendliness: 69.86
- Transit-Friendliness: 21.34
Homestead’s lack of robust transit and limited cultural activities can lead to isolation and inconvenience for retirees, making other South Florida communities a more logical choice.
7. North Lauderdale – Busy, Crowded Neighborhoods and Limited Quietness
Situated in Broward County, North Lauderdale offers urban density and good walkability—but falls short when it comes to quiet and senior-friendly living. Crowded residential areas and high population density contribute to a noisy, bustling atmosphere unsuitable for retirees seeking relaxation. Additionally, the available cultural activities cater more toward younger demographics.
This town may suit young working adults who prioritize convenience over tranquility, but retirees seeking peace and slower-paced living will find North Lauderdale overwhelming and uncomfortable.
North Lauderdale – ORS 16.60
- Overall Retirement Score: 16.60
- Quietness: 11.45
- Walkability: 77.70
- Cultural amenities: 32.35
- Vibrancy: 76.31
- Car-Friendliness: 74.90
- Transit-Friendliness: 37.30
North Lauderdale’s high-density living and constant noise make it a poor retirement choice despite its urban conveniences. Seniors needing quiet and comfortable surroundings would benefit from other quieter Broward County towns.
6. Mascotte – Remote and Transit-Free Living
Mascotte is a small city in Central Florida’s Lake County, surrounded by farmland and countryside. While its rural nature might appeal initially, Mascotte lacks public transportation entirely, severely restricting seniors’ mobility. Limited cultural amenities and minimal community vibrancy further contribute to an isolated lifestyle.
For retirees seeking regular medical care, social interaction, and accessibility, Mascotte proves to be an impractical location. It may better suit young families seeking affordable rural living, rather than seniors needing community engagement and services.
Mascotte – ORS 17.92
- Overall Retirement Score: 17.92
- Quietness: 54.96
- Walkability: 25.87
- Cultural amenities: 12.32
- Vibrancy: 31.26
- Car-Friendliness: 90.85
- Transit-Friendliness: 0.00
Mascotte’s lack of transportation options and amenities severely limit retirees’ independence, creating unnecessary challenges for everyday living and healthcare access.
5. Eagle Lake – Few Amenities and Limited Community Life
Eagle Lake is a small town in Polk County, centrally located between Orlando and Tampa. Although quiet and relatively peaceful, it severely lacks cultural activities and senior-focused amenities, essential for an active and fulfilling retirement.
Additionally, limited public transport restricts mobility, making routine errands and medical appointments difficult for seniors who no longer drive. While Eagle Lake might attract younger families seeking affordable housing near major cities, retirees needing community services, regular healthcare access, and vibrant social opportunities will find it underwhelming.
Eagle Lake – ORS 21.41
- Overall Retirement Score: 21.41
- Quietness: 52.94
- Walkability: 25.18
- Cultural amenities: 18.80
- Vibrancy: 23.37
- Car-Friendliness: 90.03
- Transit-Friendliness: 21.04
Eagle Lake’s quiet, small-town charm doesn’t outweigh the practical difficulties retirees face due to limited amenities, minimal community activities, and inadequate public transit.
4. Miami Gardens – High Noise Levels and Limited Senior Services
Miami Gardens, located in northern Miami-Dade County, is a busy suburb known primarily for sports venues, including Hard Rock Stadium. Despite its attractions, the town suffers from persistent noise, traffic congestion, and crowding, all detrimental to peaceful retirement. Cultural amenities are limited and not senior-focused, which limits retirees’ opportunities for meaningful social interaction and enrichment.
Better suited to younger residents who enjoy the lively atmosphere and sporting events, Miami Gardens doesn’t cater well to seniors who prioritize quietness, healthcare access, and age-appropriate community programs.
Miami Gardens – ORS 23.29
- Overall Retirement Score: 23.29
- Quietness: 24.57
- Walkability: 64.82
- Cultural amenities: 24.36
- Vibrancy: 69.71
- Car-Friendliness: 77.15
- Transit-Friendliness: 34.39
Despite good walkability, Miami Gardens’ noise and lack of targeted senior amenities make it an unsuitable place for most retirees seeking comfortable, peaceful living.
3. Fountain – Extreme Isolation and Lack of Amenities
Located in Florida’s Panhandle, Fountain is a tiny rural community north of Panama City. It offers exceptional quietness but virtually nothing else in terms of services, amenities, or social opportunities. With almost nonexistent walkability, no transit services, and negligible cultural amenities, retirees face extreme isolation.
This town might suit younger, adventurous residents who cherish rural solitude, but for seniors needing healthcare, convenience, or social interaction, Fountain presents more challenges than advantages.
Fountain – ORS 23.38
- Overall Retirement Score: 23.38
- Quietness: 82.36
- Walkability: 1.28
- Cultural amenities: 1.95
- Vibrancy: 18.50
- Car-Friendliness: 89.54
- Transit-Friendliness: 0.00
Fountain’s peaceful surroundings don’t compensate for its severe lack of services and amenities. Retirees seeking community life, healthcare, or even basic conveniences should consider more developed locations.
2. Pembroke Park – Overcrowded and Insufficient Cultural Offerings
Pembroke Park, situated in southern Broward County, is a densely populated suburban community wedged between busy highways. Although relatively walkable, the area suffers from persistent noise and crowding, creating stress rather than relaxation for retirees. Additionally, limited cultural amenities and a younger community focus leave older residents feeling out of place.
Seniors who value peaceful neighborhoods, meaningful social interactions, and readily accessible healthcare would struggle in Pembroke Park. Its busy atmosphere better serves younger professionals than retirees.
Pembroke Park – ORS 24.10
- Overall Retirement Score: 24.10
- Quietness: 24.83
- Walkability: 59.52
- Cultural amenities: 9.94
- Vibrancy: 61.37
- Car-Friendliness: 73.36
- Transit-Friendliness: 52.03
The constant noise and limited senior-friendly activities make Pembroke Park challenging for retirees seeking tranquility and community engagement.
1. Lantana – High Noise Levels and Excessive Vibrancy
Lantana, located in Palm Beach County along Florida’s southeastern coastline, might seem appealing due to its proximity to beaches and bustling nightlife. However, for retirees, this vibrant town is far too noisy and active, lacking the tranquility most seniors desire.
The area’s cultural amenities mostly target tourists or younger residents, leaving few appropriate social opportunities for older adults. Although it boasts excellent walkability, Lantana’s high-density living, crowded streets, and perpetual activity fail to provide the peaceful lifestyle retirees typically seek. Those preferring slower-paced, quieter surroundings will find Lantana overwhelming.
Lantana – ORS 24.25
- Overall Retirement Score: 24.25
- Quietness: 38.51
- Walkability: 73.32
- Cultural amenities: 40.13
- Vibrancy: 85.86
- Car-Friendliness: 69.19
- Transit-Friendliness: 42.21
Lantana’s constant vibrancy and noise overshadow its conveniences, making it the least attractive Florida town for retirees seeking comfort and peace in their golden years.
