Seniors at Sarasota Beach. Florida is the fifth-best state for retirees, according to Bankrate.com. Alexander Nicholson | DigitalVision | Getty Images

When 55places.com, an online resource for active adult communities in the U.S., identified the most affordable places to retire in 2019, one sun-drenched state — Florida — stood out by landing four of the top five spots. But not the No. 1 perch, which went to the most populous city in a much chillier Midwestern state: Sioux Falls, South Dakota. To craft its list, 55places considered the cost of living, median home prices, state tax laws, local health-care options, the availability of 55-plus communities and public transit options. According to the site, "the cities named not only offer reasonable housing costs, but also provide exciting amenities and healthy living options." Sources: 55places.com, Zillow.com, Avalara.com

5. Daytona Beach, Florida

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Median home price: $159,000

Sales tax rate: 6.5 percent

State income tax: 0 percent

Public transit: Votran (bus) Spring breakers and speed demons might come to mind before retirees when you think of Daytona Beach, on northeast Florida's coast, yet this sunny city of more than 61,000 is an affordable option for seniors. Leisure is king here, with beaches and golf courses galore. Craving history and culture? The resort town is also just an hour south of St. Augustine, oldest city in the U.S.

4. Jacksonville, Florida

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Median home price: $210,900

Sales tax rate: 7 percent

State income tax: 0 percent

Public transit: Jacksonville Transportation Authority (bus, monorail, ferry, shuttle) Florida's most populous city is the hub of a 1.6 million-person metropolitan region. This is big-city living, albeit with a definite Southern flair and grace. Jacksonville probably comes out best among the top five for public transportation options, given the JTA's extensive and varied commuting choices, including the futuristic Skyway monorail. As you'd imagine, the health care, entertainment, continuing education and dining landscapes are world class.

3. Lakeland, Florida

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Median home price: $194,500

Sales tax rate: 7 percent

State income tax: 0 percent

Public transit: Citrus Connection (bus) One hour's drive southwest of Orlando, Lakeland is hot, humid and wet in the summer but mild and sunny the rest of the year. The city boasts seven historical districts packed with preserved homes and structures. And, as you might suspect given Lakeland's name, it's home to 38 named lakes, as well as many other unnamed bodies of water. The largest lake is 2,550-acre Lake Parker.

2. Ocala, Florida

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Median home price: $184,990

Sales tax rate: 7 percent

State income tax: 0 percent

Public transit: Ocala SunTran (bus) Just under 90 minutes by car north of Orlando, this one-time All America City Award title holder (1995) boasts a dry season each October through May that features mild temperatures and uninterrupted sunshine. The city's historic district features many preserved homes. East Fort King Street has lots of classic Victorian architecture and many local sites, such as the Coca-Cola Building and Union Train Station, are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

1. Sioux Falls, South Dakota

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