10 Reasons Why Florida Will Always Be The Best Place to Retire
When it comes to deciding where to retire, there are endless factors to consider. Your choice, after all, determines where you’ll spend your golden years and enjoy all that life has to offer. As you’re considering your options, remember that you’ll want to choose somewhere that will support you in your endeavor to live out your retirement dreams, whatever they may be. If you’re not sure where that place is yet, Florida is a great place to start looking.
For decades, the Sunshine State’s inviting climate has beckoned retirees who are ready to trade their snow boots and shovels for golf clubs and beach chairs. More than any other destination, Florida has, no doubt, mastered the art of retirement, with endless activities and amenities to keep you active, healthy, and thriving throughout your golden years.
Signature Is Here For You!
As you’re considering your retirement and relocation to Florida, having a real estate professional who understands your wants and needs will help to ensure a smooth process and put your mind at ease. At Signature International Real Estate, we are committed to helping you find your dream retirement home! Whether you’re looking for a beachfront property, waterfront condo, single-family home, or a luxury home in a 55+ active adult community, we have the knowledge and expertise to help you find the perfect property. We also have numerous members of our spectacular team who have earned the Seniors Real Estate Specialist (SRES) designation, including Sally Masters (Naples) and Barbara Lofaro (Boca Raton). Our SRES agents are well-versed in the areas of retirement, relocation, downsizing, and more and are prepared to address the specific needs of mature clients facing such a significant change with the best options and expertise.
Without further ado, here are ten reasons why Florida will always be the best place to retire.
1. The Weather Here Is Beautiful, Year-Round.
There’s a reason why Florida is known as the “Sunshine State.” Florida boasts an average of 237 days of sunshine and falls within two climate zones – tropical and subtropical – with highs averaging from 77˚F in Northern Florida to 82˚F in South Florida. There’s no need to pack your puffy winter coats when you move here! The year-round sunshine will warm your days and give you breezy tropical evenings that are perfect for dining on your outdoor patio. Plus, just imagine waking up in the middle of January to a pleasant 60˚F morning!
2. Florida Is A Lot Less Taxing.
Moving to the Sunshine State could save you a lot of money in taxes. Florida has no state income tax, which means no state taxes on Social Security benefits, pensions, IRAs, 401(k)s, and other retirement income. It also has no inheritance tax or estate tax.
3. There Are A Variety Of 55+ Active Adult Communities.
As you explore your living options, you may want to consider an active adult community. These communities generally offer resort-style amenities like fitness centers and swimming pools, convenient services, and relatively maintenance-free independent living residences to those aged 55 and over. For many retirees, having a well-run community sounds excellent after years of managing a home. However, the most significant benefit of living in an active adult community is, no doubt, the built-in social component. In this type of community, your neighbors are your peers, so you’re at similar stages in life with similar interests. You’ll also find opportunities for socializing through events, fitness and leisure activities, and clubs.
There are active adult communities of every type, style, and price point imaginable available in Florida. If, for example, your retirement dream is to live in a luxurious resort-style community just minutes from the beach, consider Valencia Sound in Boynton Beach. This master-planned 55+ community boasts a nearly 39,000 square-foot Clubhouse with upscale indoor and outdoor amenities, including a full-service restaurant, sports lounge, multiple pickleball, tennis, and bocce courts. There are hundreds of clubs available to join, Broadway-style shows and entertainment are found in the Social Hall, classes on everything from art to fitness, and tournaments are held at the world-class Racquet Club. The homes at Valencia Sound range from Mediterranean-style to Contemporary-style designs and feature spacious great rooms, large gourmet kitchens, luxury standard features, designer tile flooring, screened and covered patios, and so much more. Home prices at Valencia Sound start in the $700k’s.
4. The Beaches – Need We Say More?!
Florida’s pristine beaches are a class apart, known for their soft, white sand, gentle breezes, and sunshine. Retirees in Florida will enjoy walking along the beach, sunbathing, snorkeling, paddling boarding, beach yoga, and more.
5. The Sunshine State Has Endless Options for an Active Life.
When you retire in Florida, you’ll have a tremendous amount of leisure activities accessible to you, 365-days a year. As a Floridian, you’ll have countless options for fishing, boating, canal tours, hiking, running, tennis, pickleball, kayaking, and more. Did we mention there are more than 1,300 golf courses in Florida? Yep, you read that right! It’s a golfer’s paradise here.
6. Florida Has a Lower Cost of Living.
Even within more expensive cities like Miami, Florida’s cost of living is lower than many other high-bustle areas. Not only will you pay fewer taxes in the Sunshine State, but everyday items such as groceries, utilities, and transit tend to be cheaper here, too, according to Best Places’ Cost of Living index. Overall, on a scale where the national average cost of living is 100, Florida scores 102.8, while New York scores 120.5, New Jersey scores 120.4, Connecticut scores 107.8, and California scores 149.9.
7. It’s Incredibly Easy to Travel By Air or Sea.
Whether you’re traveling to satisfy your global wanderlust or visiting friends and family back home, there are loads of airports and seaports in Florida. You’ll be able to find direct flights to many U.S. locations quickly, and you’ll also find an abundance of accessible international airports across the state.
For those looking to travel by sea, you’ll have cruise ports in Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Riviera Beach, Cape Canaveral, Tampa, and Jacksonville to choose from. Bon voyage!
8. There Are So Many Places to Explore Locally, Too.
Whether you want to sightsee, brush up on some history, or just relax on a white-sand beach, there are endless options for exploration in the Sunshine State within an easy drive. Dive or snorkel in one of Florida’s gorgeous freshwater springs, take a day trip to the Kennedy Space Center, or head down to the Keys to explore the Dry Tortugas National Park and experience the beautiful reef islands surrounding Key West. Florida is also home to the Daytona International Speedway!
9. The Plentiful Healthcare Resources Tailored to Accommodate Seniors.
Florida has a lot more to offer than sunshine. It also boasts access to top-notch healthcare. When you retire to Florida, you’ll have peace of mind knowing that there are innovative healthcare options and services specifically tailored to older people. There are well-known hospital brands like the Cleveland Clinic in Weston or the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, as well as numerous highly-ranked hospitals like Florida Hospital in Orlando, Tampa General Hospital and Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa, Shands Jacksonville Medical Center, Sarasota Memorial Hospital, and Jackson Memorial Medical Center in Miami.
10. Florida Offers a Retirement Well-Lived.
Retirement is for living. Florida’s 1,350-mile double coastline on the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean offers unlimited opportunities for exploration and fun. The sunny Florida sky's the limit for relaxing, exploring, and pursuing your passions. Welcome home!
Are you considering retiring to Florida? To learn more about available properties in South Florida and beyond, contact a Signature real estate professional today!