When considering states to retire, it’s no surprise that Florida tops many people’s lists. With its year-round warm temperatures, beautiful beaches, lush golf courses, and a vast selection of housing for those age 55 and above, the state is one of the most popular for retirees.

But Florida is a large state, and if you’re planning to move here after you retire, there’s one area you might want to consider. Our sister site 55places.com recently named the Tampa area No. 1 on its 2018 Best Places to Retire List.

Tampa is known for its white sand beaches and many cultural attractions, including the Straz Center for the Performing Arts and the Tampa Museum of Art. However, if the city’s active urban environment isn’t quiet enough for homeowners in their golden years, there are many areas outside Tampa yet still close enough to be able to drive into the city. The area also has many affordable homes geared towards older adults. Here are some of the best communities for retirees.

Clearwater

Aerial view of Clearwater photo by Shutterstock

Clearwater is located west of Tampa across Tampa Bay, and it’s a popular choice for many retirees. Not only is it home to Clearwater Beach—which often tops lists of best beaches in the state, it’s also home to Clearwater Marine Aquarium and Spectrum Field, the spring training home of the Philadelphia Phillies. If you’re looking to buy a home in a 55+ active adult community, you have many choices. On Top of the World offers 1- to 3-bedroom homes with prices ranging from below $100,000 to the low $300s. Village on the Green is also an adult community with condos staring below $100,000 and going up to low $200s.

St. Petersburg

Aerial view of St. Petersburg photo by Shutterstock

Located south of Clearwater is another seaside location that’s a strong choice for retirees. It also has a white sand beach and a surprising number of cultural attractions, including the Salvador Dali Museum. The city has a wide range of affordably priced housing types, including single-family homes, condominiums, and townhomes. Sea Towers is a 55+ community with waterfront units ranging from the low $100s to the mid $200s. Even communities that are not geared towards older adults, like Town Apartments Condominiums, have very low prices (units are selling for less than $100,000).

Sun City Center

Pool at Sun City Center

If you’re looking for a community with a high concentration of retirees, then Sun City Center may be a good choice. It’s an unincorporated census-designated neighborhood in southern Hillsborough County, south of Tampa and north of Sarasota. It was designed as a self-contained community where it’s legal to drive golf carts on the roads. Housing includes condos, duplexes, and single-family homes with prices ranging from less than $100,000 to the high $400s. Residents can take part in many activities, such as arts and crafts, aquatic fitness, cards, games, dance, music, outdoor activities, travel, and others.

Land O’ Lakes

Florida golf course photo by Shutterstock

This suburb north of Tampa has grown rapidly in recent years, with new residents drawn to a relatively rural atmosphere that’s still within driving distance of Tampa. Those over 55 looking to buy a newly constructed home may consider Del Webb Bexley, a gated community that will have 850 homes upon completion. Construction is expected to begin in 2018 and the community will have amenities such as a 17,000-square-foot clubhouse, bocce ball courts, and a dog park. Those seeking a lifestyle centered around golf may want to consider The Groves Golf and Country Club with prices ranging from the mid $100s to the low $200s.

Dunedin

Wilson Street Park in Dunedin photo courtesy of Daniel Oines

Many retirees are attracted to Dunedin, a coastal community north of Clearwater. In addition to beaches, it also has an active downtown area with restaurants, bars, art galleries, and other attractions. Dunedin is also home to the spring training facility for the Toronto Blue Jays. Those seeking to buy property here have a choice of several housing communities geared specifically for those over 55, many of which feature prices from the low $100,000s. For example, Heather Hills Villas features attached homes ranging in size from 725 to 990 square feet. Even waterfront property, such as Edgewater Arms is a relative bargain with prices ranging from the mid $100s to high $400s.