11 Best Places to Retire in Florida

9. Liberty

Score: 12

Cost of living: 83.8

Median home cost: $80,500

Millage rate: 16,56

It may not reach the Ocean, but Liberty County is full of green areas, including the Apalachicola National Forest which occupies about half the area. This means that if you want to enjoy a lot of time surrounded by the beautiful greens of this Floridian forest you’re going to love it here.

The county is home to only 8,300 people, according to the latest census, mostly due to the thick forest occupying such a large area. The median age of the residents is a little above 38 years, while the unemployment rate in the area is 4.7 percent, well below the 6.3 percent national average.

The median home cost here is $80,500 so you should have no problems in finding a great place for well below this mark.

8. Hendry

Score: 13

Cost of living: 83.7

Median home cost: $74,200

Millage rate: 20.4

Hendry County is one of the newer counties in Florida, being created back in 1923 and it bears the name of Major Francis Hendry, one of the first settlers in the area. While the Ocean may be a few hours away, Hendry reaches the shores of Lake Okeechobee. It is also part home to the Okaloacoochee Slough State Forest, which is great if you want to enjoy some time in the nature.

Hendry County is home to over 38,000 people with a median age of 32.6 years among the locals. The median home cost is $74,200 so finding a new place to call home should be a breeze.