When considering states in the U.S. that symbolize retirement, many might point to Florida along the Southeastern coast. With its favorable weather, vibrant culture, and community of retired adults, it stands out as an ideal place to relax after years of work. Moreover, living in Florida can be quite comfortable with just $250,000 in savings, depending on the city and your lifestyle’s cost of living.
However, if you’re retiring without any savings, Florida might seem out of reach. Before dismissing it as a mere fantasy, take a look at The Villages. You’ll find it surprisingly welcoming and affordable, particularly for retirees on a fixed income without savings. Florida is already a top retirement destination, and now there’s a spot for those without a hefty bank account to enjoy their post-work years.
How The Villages became a top choice for budget-conscious retirees
As noted by Islands, “The Villages is a master-planned community that occupies over 35,000 acres (and expanding) in Central Florida, about an hour north of Orlando.” It has evolved into a sprawling city with over 7 million square feet of space, featuring retail outlets and commercial establishments to suit any lifestyle. According to Zillow, the average home price in The Villages currently stands at $398,594, a 2% decrease since 2024, yet still slightly above the national average home value of $367,969.
Home and Money points out that one of the perks of living in The Villages is the minimal transportation expense, as a golf cart suffices for getting around, alleviating the financial burden for retirees concerned about car ownership costs in Florida. Resident Ryan Erisman calculated his living expenses for Inside The Bubble – The Ultimate Guide to The Villages, Florida, estimating about $4,000 monthly as a single person, slightly below Florida’s average monthly cost of living of $4,224, as reported by SoFi.
Strategies for managing retirement finances in The Villages
While The Villages offers friendly faces and beautiful weather, financial obligations remain. You might need to create a budget focused less on savings and more on maximizing your Social Security benefits. In 2025, the average monthly Social Security retirement benefit is $1,976, totaling approximately $23,712 annually, according to the Social Security Administration (SSA). This amount alone may not suffice in The Villages.
Fortunately, Florida boasts one of the strongest economies in the U.S., making part-time job opportunities plentiful in The Villages for those in retirement. AARP highlights that roles such as bookkeeper, nanny, and security guard offer reasonable wages without consuming all your time and energy, allowing you to enjoy all that The Villages and your new community have to offer.
