Delray Beach Named Florida's Top Spot For A 'Micro-Retirement'

Unlike sabbaticals or short vacations, a micro-retirement has a different feel. It’s a personal reset, not tied to productivity or paychecks. And increasingly, people are choosing very specific places to do it.

Careerminds, a global outplacement and career development firm, surveyed 3,007 workers to find out where they'd most like to spend their micro-retirement. The results show a strong lean toward places that offer calm, nature, and room to breathe.

Below are the top 5:

#1 Hilo, Hawaii

Topping the list, Hilo is more than just scenic - it’s serene. Waterfalls, black sand beaches, and a rich local culture make it easy to slow down and breathe differently. You don’t just visit Hilo; you settle into it.

#2 Kauai, Hawaii

Coming in second, Kauai offers raw, unfiltered beauty. The pace here is unhurried, the landscape lush, and the days often spent in quiet awe, on cliffside trails or tucked away on Hanalei Bay.

#3 Delray Beach, Florida

This South Florida favorite blends easy beach living with a creative buzz. In third place, it’s ideal for those who want sunshine, yes, but also a bit of stimulation — art galleries, live music, and that walkable charm of Pineapple Grove.

#4 Big Sur, California

You don’t come to Big Sur to be busy. You come to listen to the ocean, to the wind through the redwoods, to your thoughts. For many, it’s the perfect place to clear mental clutter and just be.

#5 Paia, Hawaii

This Maui gem is a mix of surf town and soulful retreat. It’s colorful, artistic, and unpretentious. Many respondents saw Paia as a place to create, journal, or simply exist without a schedule.

Infographic showing the top 150 locations across America that workers would most like to micro-retire in.

Five other locations in Florida were named among the best in the country to micro-retire in:

#6 Jupiter

In Jupiter, micro-retirees can enjoy pristine beaches, scenic waterways, and a strong outdoor spirit. Kayaking the Loxahatchee River, visiting the historic Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse & Museum, and basking in the town’s easygoing nature become part of daily life.

#7 St. Augustine

St. Augustine’s cobblestone streets, ocean breezes, and centuries-old charm create a soulful atmosphere for micro-retirement. Wandering through historic districts, exploring Castillo de San Marcos, and savoring café life offer a pace rooted in tradition and tranquility.

#11 Vero Beach

Vero Beach’s quiet shores, artistic community, and welcoming spirit offer a nurturing environment for micro-retirees. Days are filled with beachside reflection at South Beach Park, gallery visits at the Vero Beach Museum of Art, and relaxed coastal living.

#21 Winter Park

Winter Park’s lakes, botanical gardens, and elegant downtown provide micro-retirees a harmonious lifestyle. Meandering through Mead Botanical Garden, enjoying museums, and leisurely afternoons on Park Avenue foster a daily rhythm of beauty and ease.

#22 Mount Dora

Mount Dora’s vintage charm and lakeside serenity create a peaceful retreat for micro-retirees. Strolling the historic downtown, taking relaxing boat tours on Lake Dora, and enjoying the town’s many festivals provide an inviting, slow-paced rhythm.

What People Want From Their Time Off

The survey also explored what people would prioritize during a micro-retirement, and the results show it’s not just about hammocks and hikes. For many, this time is deeply purposeful:

26% said their top goal would be travel and exploration, while

23% cited health and wellness, and

21% simply want rest and recovery.

Other responses included learning new skills (12%), creative projects like writing or art (7%), volunteering (6%), and starting a business or passion project (5%).

Others saw it as a chance to grow or give back - 12% wanted to learn something new, 7% were eager to dive into creative projects, and a smaller group (6%) said they’d volunteer. Just 5% were looking to start a business or pursue a long-held passion project.

How Long Would They Step Away?

Turns out, people aren’t thinking small. Only 16% said they’d opt for a break under a month. Most envisioned something more substantial: nearly a quarter would take 1-3 months, another 24% would stretch it to 4-6 months, and, notably, 24% said they’d step away for a year or more if they could. This isn’t about squeezing in a breather - it’s about real time to reset.

What’s Holding People Back

Of course, it’s not all daydreams and open calendars. The biggest obstacle by far is money. Half of the respondents said financial stability is the main thing stopping them. Losing health coverage was another major concern (17%), along with fears of career damage from resume gaps (10%) or losing purpose and daily structure (10%). And while we often romanticize a solo break, 9% admitted they’d worry about feeling isolated during such a stretch.

How Would They Pay for It?

55% say they’d rely on personal savings.

19% would take on freelance or part-time work during their time off.

Others mentioned family support (11%), severance packages (8%), or employer-funded sabbaticals (7%).

Will They Do It?

The idea is gaining traction, but not everyone’s ready to jump. Just under one in five (19%) say they’re very likely to take a micro-retirement in the next five years, with another 18% saying it’s somewhat likely. A quarter of people are on the fence. And 29% say it’s very unlikely, citing, once again, the realities of income, insurance, and job security.

“Micro-retirement isn’t about quitting. It’s about taking the space to reimagine what life could look like - before burnout forces the issue. These cities reflect what people are yearning for: peace, beauty, and time that feels well-spent,” says Raymond Lee, President of Careerminds. (Credit: Careerminds)

For more information, visit: https://careerminds.com/report/survey-micro-retirement