Best Places to Retire Near MLB Spring Training

by Robert Borges on February 23, 2026

If you love Major League Baseball and warm winter weather, retiring near MLB spring training could be the ultimate lifestyle upgrade.

Each February and March, all 30 MLB teams head to Florida’s Grapefruit League and Arizona’s Cactus League. For retirees and snowbirds, these cities offer sunshine, world-class golf, beaches or mountain views, and easy access to preseason games — year after year.

At Private Communities Registry (PCR), we’ve spent 30 years helping retirees and active adults explore the nation’s top lifestyle communities. If watching spring training games is on your retirement bucket list, these are the best places to live near MLB spring training in 2026.

Quick Answer: Best Places to Retire Near MLB Spring Training

Top Florida (Grapefruit League) Cities:

• Bradenton (Pirates)
• Fort Myers (Red Sox, Twins)
• Port Charlotte (Rays, Nationals)
• Port St. Lucie (Mets)
• Sarasota (Orioles)
• Tampa (Yankees)
• West Palm Beach (Astros)

Top Arizona (Cactus League) Cities:

• Goodyear (Guardians, Reds)
• Mesa (Cubs, Athletics)
• Peoria (Padres, Mariners)
• Phoenix (Brewers, Dodgers, White Sox)
• Scottsdale (Giants, Diamondbacks, Rockies)

Florida Grapefruit League Retirement Destinations

Florida offers no state income tax, Atlantic and Gulf Coast beaches, and a long-established snowbird culture — making it a top retirement state for baseball fans.

Bradenton, FL

Team: Pittsburgh Pirates
Stadium: LECOM Park

LECOM Park is the oldest spring training stadium still in use, giving Bradenton a nostalgic baseball charm.

Key Highlights:

• Historic ballpark atmosphere
• Close to Anna Maria Island beaches
• Boating and waterfront neighborhoods
• Lower cost of living than nearby Sarasota
• Easy access to Tampa and Sarasota

Bradenton offers Gulf Coast relaxation with strong appeal for retirees seeking both affordability and tradition.

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Fort Myers, FL

Teams: Boston Red Sox, Minnesota Twins
Stadiums: JetBlue Park, Hammond Stadium

Fort Myers is one of Florida’s most visited spring training cities. JetBlue Park — “Fenway South” — mirrors Boston’s iconic ballpark.

Key Highlights:

• Two MLB teams
• Replica Fenway experience
• Sanibel & Fort Myers Beach access
• Strong Northeast retiree presence
• Southwest Florida International Airport

Fort Myers blends Gulf Coast beauty with seasonal energy, making it a snowbird favorite.

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Port Charlotte, FL

Teams: Tampa Bay Rays, Washington Nationals
Stadium: Charlotte Sports Park

A quieter Gulf Coast option with strong boating access and affordability.

Key Highlights:

• Two MLB teams
• Canal-front and waterfront homes
• Charlotte Harbor boating & fishing
• Lower housing costs than Naples
• Easy access to Sarasota & Fort Myers

Port Charlotte appeals to retirees who want sunshine without heavy congestion.

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Port St. Lucie, FL

Team: New York Mets
Stadium: Clover Park

The Mets have trained here since 1988, attracting many Northeast retirees.

Key Highlights:

• PGA Village golf
• Atlantic beaches nearby
• Strong 55+ community options
• Access to West Palm Beach
• No state income tax

Port St. Lucie offers coastal living with excellent value.

Explore retirement communities near Port St. Lucie.

Sarasota, FL

Team: Baltimore Orioles
Stadium: Ed Smith Stadium

Consistently ranked among the best places to retire in Florida.

Key Highlights:

• Siesta Key beaches
• Arts, opera, and cultural venues
• Upscale dining and shopping
• Excellent healthcare systems
• Golf and country club communities

Sarasota combines Gulf Coast beauty with refined retirement living.

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Tampa, FL

Team: New York Yankees
Stadium: George M. Steinbrenner Field

Tampa hosted Florida’s first spring training in 1913.

Key Highlights:

• Largest spring training stadium in Florida
• Major metro amenities
• Professional sports year-round
• International airport access
• Waterfront living options

Ideal for retirees who prefer an urban lifestyle with beach proximity.

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West Palm Beach, FL

Team: Houston Astros
Stadium: CACTI Park of the Palm Beaches

An upscale coastal city with a modern spring training complex.

Key Highlights:

• Atlantic Ocean beaches
• Luxury shopping and dining
• Cultural and performing arts venues
• Palm Beach International Airport
• Golf and country club communities

West Palm Beach offers coastal sophistication with easy baseball access.

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Arizona Cactus League Retirement Destinations

Arizona’s Cactus League stadiums are located within about an hour of each other — allowing retirees to attend games for multiple teams in one season.

Goodyear, AZ

Teams: Cleveland Guardians, Cincinnati Reds
Stadium: Goodyear Ballpark

Key Highlights:

• 20 minutes west of Phoenix
• Growing dining and shopping
• Golf courses and hiking trails
• New master-planned communities
• Less congestion than central Phoenix

Goodyear offers strong value in the West Valley.

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Mesa, AZ

Teams: Chicago Cubs, Oakland Athletics
Stadiums: Sloan Park, Hohokam Stadium

Sloan Park (“Wrigleyville West”) draws Cubs fans nationwide.

Key Highlights:

• Two MLB teams
• Superstition Mountain views
• Affordable compared to Scottsdale
• Active adult communities
• Close to Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport

Mesa balances accessibility and affordability.

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Peoria, AZ

Teams: Padres, Mariners
Stadium: Peoria Sports Complex

Key Highlights:

• P83 Entertainment District
• Lake Pleasant (23,000 acres)
• Boating, fishing, kayaking
• Golf and 55+ communities
• Strong healthcare access

Ideal for retirees who love outdoor recreation.

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Phoenix, AZ

Teams: Brewers, Dodgers, White Sox
Stadiums: Maryvale, Camelback Ranch

Key Highlights:

• Big-city healthcare access
• Affordable major metro
• Desert hiking & outdoor lifestyle
• Master-planned communities
• Year-round sports and entertainment

Phoenix offers urban convenience with sunshine.

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Scottsdale, AZ

Teams: Giants, Diamondbacks, Rockies
Stadiums: Scottsdale Stadium, Salt River Fields at Talking Stick

Key Highlights:

• Three MLB teams
• Luxury golf communities
• Resort-style living
• Mountain views
• Upscale dining and shopping

Scottsdale is one of Arizona’s most desirable retirement cities.

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Florida vs. Arizona: Which Is Better for Retiring Near Spring Training?

Best for beach lovers: Florida
Best for attending multiple teams easily: Arizona
Best for luxury desert golf living: Scottsdale
Best for coastal retirement: Sarasota or Fort Myers

FAQs: Retiring Near MLB Spring Training

What are the best places to retire near MLB spring training?

Top choices include Fort Myers, Sarasota, Scottsdale, Phoenix, and Tampa due to strong retirement communities and lifestyle amenities.

Is it cheaper to retire near spring training in Florida or Arizona?

Costs vary by city. Arizona generally offers lower humidity and closer stadium access, while Florida offers no state income tax and beach living.

Are there 55+ communities near spring training stadiums?

Yes. Nearly every spring training city listed offers gated 55+ communities, golf communities, and master-planned neighborhoods.

Can snowbirds buy part-time homes near MLB spring training?

Absolutely. Both states are popular for seasonal ownership and lock-and-leave properties.

Why Trust PCR with Your Retirement Move?

For more than three decades, PCR has helped retirees and active adults discover the nation’s top lifestyle communities. We showcase hundreds of communities across Florida and Arizona — including golf communities, waterfront neighborhoods, and 55+ developments located near MLB spring training stadiums.

Whether you're planning a winter home or full-time retirement, PCR provides trusted insights and direct connections to community representatives.

About the Author
With over 20 years of experience as a seasoned content creator, Robert Borges is the senior writer for Private Communities Registry (PCR), specializing in real estate trends and master-planned communities. He works closely with builders, developers, and real estate pros to create helpful content that guides homebuyers in finding the perfect community, ensuring they have the information needed to make confident, informed decisions.