Florida, known for its sunny beaches and theme parks, has become a haven for retirees. According to a 2020 study, over 4.6 million adults aged 65 or older call the state home, which shows that Florida has a special appeal to seniors.
Projections show that the senior population will nearly double by 2040, so this trend seems only going to continue. But what exactly draws retirees to Florida? And what do you need to know to retire successfully?
In this article, we examine the top six reasons why Florida is the go-to destination for seniors looking to retire in style.
Warm weather year-round
Many baby boomers approaching retirement are scouting for cities and towns with warmer temperatures to live in their golden years. And Florida’s year-round warm weather happens to carry the day.
Nicknamed the “Sunshine State”, Florida’s subtropical climate sees an average of 230 days of sunshine all year round.
The state is known for its warm summers, mild winters and temperate springs and falls. There’s also a considerable amount of sunshine even during defined rainy seasons in May through October. This makes Florida the perfect retirement spot for seniors who enjoy spending their days outdoors.
Affordable living
Florida is one of the most tax-friendly states for seniors. There is no state income tax here. This means that income from Social Security benefits, pensions, and IRAs or 401(k)s are all untaxed.
On top of that, there are no estate or inheritance taxes, and property taxes are close to the national average.
Not to mention, Florida offers a variety of housing options, from beachfront condos to retirement communities, enabling seniors to choose homes that suit their budget.
This makes Florida an attractive option for retirees on a fixed income looking for comfortable yet affordable living.
Plenty of services tailored for seniors
Aging can come with a host of health complications that require constant support and care. As a result, accessibility to professional services specifically tailored to accommodate seniors is crucial when choosing a retirement location.
The good news is that retiring in Florida offers easy access to a myriad of top-notch senior services and medical care.
Here, you’ll find several reputable healthcare brands like the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville and the Cleveland Clinic in Weston.
Better still, the high population of seniors in Florida has attracted some of the world’s famous geriatric professionals who offer the best medical care available.
Endless white-sand beaches
Florida is synonymous with beaches and it’s easy to see why. With nearly 825 miles of sandy coastline beaches to explore, all backed by swaying palms, rolling dunes, and picturesque, all-American resorts, it’s no surprise that the state’s sandy beaches are a natural treasure.
Seniors retiring in Florida can enjoy parasailing, kayaking, surfing, fishing, horseback riding and rollerblading. Additionally, if you’re in Key West and enjoy fishing, you can look into Key West Fishing Charters.
But that’s not all.
They can also join the annual Mullet Toss, participate in Sand-sculpting Championship at Fort Myers, or even spend weeks beach-hopping around the Sunshine State.
Active social life
Another great aspect of Florida is that it boasts a large population of aging adults. You’ll find all kinds of retirees from different cultures and backgrounds. This means you’ll hardly struggle finding opportunities to meet and make friends, talk about new exciting experiences and adventures, and create new memories together.
What’s more, Florida hosts numerous retirement communities to choose from, ideal for those seeking both worlds of comfort and luxury. These resort-like communities offer a wide array of senior-friendly amenities and facilities, including fitness facilities, golf courses, swimming pools, tennis courts, and more. If you are a baseball fan, there is much to love in Florida, from spring training to the National Baseball League.
Best of all, you can enjoy all of those activities year-round thanks to Florida's perfect weather.
Easy and convenient transportation options
In Florida, it’s incredibly easy and convenient for seniors to travel by road, air, or sea. For example, the city of Miami provides free on-demand transportation service to seniors and persons with disability.
The city of Orlando also provides the Senior Tran shuttle service connecting select downtown buildings that house senior citizens.
Those looking to travel by air will find an abundance of direct flights to many U.S. locations, along with more than 20 international airports across the state.
Meanwhile, those traveling by sea will have cruise ports in Miami, Riviera Beach, Jacksonville, Tampa, Cape Canaveral, and Fort Lauderdale to choose from.
Put simply, whether you’re traveling out of the state for exploration and fun, or visiting friends and family close by, there’s no shortage of easy and convenient transport options in Florida.
Conclusion
Florida's appeal to seniors is undeniable, probably due to its sunny beaches, warm weather, and affordable living. But beyond the traditional reasons, there's something inexplicably magical about retiring here. Maybe it's the state's ability to bring out the kid in us all, with its endless array of amusement parks and outdoor adventures.
Whatever the reason, the Sunshine State will always hold a special place in the hearts of those who choose to spend their golden years here.
