Between Orlando And West Palm Beach Is Florida's Retirement Gem With Fresh Seafood, Beaches, And Vibrant Parks

Long, sandy beaches and year-round warm weather have drawn retirees to Florida for decades, yet there's more to the state than Miami and the Keys. Enjoy a more relaxing retirement in Florida's Indian River County, with less-crowded beaches, vast parks full of natural beauty and wildlife, and freshly caught seafood that's as prevalent as tacos in Tucson. Its beachfront cities and towns line the beautiful Indian River, and the inland area is almost entirely composed of lush nature preserves. A high concentration of golf courses means you won't get bored repeatedly playing the same course for years on end.

Winter Beach, near the center of the county's coastline, is less than two hours south of Orlando and an hour and a half north of West Palm Beach. If you feel like getting some city excitement, or want to take the grandkids to Disney World, it's an easy day trip with more hours spent having fun than driving. And if you want to see rocket launches up close, Kennedy Space Center is only a little over an hour away. Bring earplugs!

You won't have to bundle up for winter as the average low temperatures are around 53 degrees Fahrenheit. The summers aren't unbearably hot, either, as the highs tend to stay in the 80s. But the high humidity, over 80% year-round, may be a factor for some. And it's well-known that Florida is affected by hurricanes, and this county is considered to be a high-risk area, so a solid storm plan is a must. Thankfully, daily life is otherwise a breeze, and the county enjoys an extremely low crime rate.

Two cities in particular draw retirees to Indian River County. Sebastian was ranked third in a list of "America's 50 Most Livable Retirement Towns" by GOBanking Rates, due to a high livability score for retirees. With a median age of 52 and a robust health complex with a medical center, hospital, and emergency care facility, Sebastian earns its ranking. However, it is less walkable than many locations, so you'll want to be comfortable driving for necessities. A bridge offers quick access from the residential area to Sebastian's uncrowded beaches. 

Vero Beach is on Southern Living's list of "beach towns where you can retire by the water." Its age demographics match Sebastian, and it offers more medical facilities. It is similarly car-dependent, yet it has condensed shopping areas where you can get a lot done in one place. It has a slower lifestyle, as local realtors at The Reynolds Team advise that it is not inundated with tourists and doesn't have a raucous nightlife scene. A vibrant arts and music scene will keep you entertained with several theaters and museums, so you can spend your days on the beach and evenings with the arts.

If you love seafood, you'll never be without it as both cities have numerous options. Mulligan's Beach House in Sebastian overlooks a marina on the Indian River, and its beachy decor and scenic views are complemented by frequent discount specials and live music, so you can enjoy a lively night or laid-back lunch. Vero Beach's Waldo's Restaurant has operated here since 1937 and has a huge menu full of delicious seafood, with a 4.3-star rating on Google Maps. To prepare your own feast, stock up at the Indian River Seafood Market, where you can get your selections cut to your liking.

One of the best things about retiring in Indian River County is being surrounded by endless sunny beaches and verdant protected parkland. You're never more than a few minutes away from a beachside stroll or a wildlife-filled preserve. You can simultaneously enjoy a beach and a park at South Beach Park in Vero Beach, which is ADA-accessible and offers plenty of picnicking options as well as lifeguards in case you fancy a swim. You can wash off the sand at its showers, and restrooms are on site.

Wabasso Beach, near Sebastian, offers the same amenities and is a great place to bring your metal detector to find hidden treasure. You'll never have to hunt for a good spot to put down a towel, and you can enjoy this beach in peace, listening to the surf instead of blaring music and loud conversations. For a different water adventure, visit one of Florida's prettiest lakes, Blue Cypress Lake, which is also the county's largest, at 6,555 acres. It's a prime fishing spot for catfish, perch, bass, and other species, and there are ramps for launching your own watercraft.

The St. Sebastian River Preserve State Park is free to use all year and is a birder's paradise, where one can see rare, red-cockaded woodpeckers, mourning doves, nighthawks, and so many more. The park is a habitat for a great many endangered plants and animals, and the landscape is an otherworldly mix of forests and wetlands. Several more vibrant parks and idyllic beaches fill this gorgeous county, and its serene way of life, with access to anything you might need, makes it an ideal place to settle down and enjoy one's retirement.