Time to read: ~ 7 minutes
Key Takeaways
- Florida is the most popular retirement location for a reason. With warm weather and lots of opportunities to stay active and social, it’s an ideal spot for retirees.
- When considering Florida, it’s helpful to research which regions appeal to you and then look for properties nearby.
- Because the 55+ population is so big in Florida, opportunities to connect with your community are numerous.
- Florida doesn’t have income, estate tax or inheritance tax, which is a draw for a lot of retirees.
- Hometown America has communities all over the state to choose from.
Whether you’re just planning for your upcoming retirement or you’re already there, this is an exciting time for you. Congrats! There’s a lot to consider when contemplating where you want to spend your retirement years. States like Arizona, California, and Florida are common picks for those relocating, with Florida being the most popular. But what makes Florida such a great place to spend your golden years? Between beautiful weather, amenities for older adults and some good tax rates, Florida is a great fit for a lot of retirees.
Why Do Retirees Pick Florida for Retirement?
Over 45,000 retirees moved to Florida last year. There’s good reason why so many people choose the Sunshine State as their new home. With relatively warm weather all year long, the climate is one of the biggest draws. For many, leaving behind snowy winters and harsh cold temperatures for a year-round outdoor lifestyle is what retirement is all about. Because Florida attracts so many retirees and snowbirds, it has built up infrastructure catering to that crowd.
Whether you’re drawn to golf at Fairways Country Club, coastal living at Landmark Naples, or lakeside quiet at Lakes at Leesburg, Hometown America has a 55+ community in nearly every corner of Florida. Explore communities by region and find the one that matches your budget, lifestyle, and timeline.
Florida Has a Long History of Retirement Communities
As early as the early twentieth century, Florida has established retirement communities. The planned neighborhoods we think of today, started to boom in the 70s and 80s. With every passing decade, more amenities for seniors are developed. With beautiful warm weather and gorgeous surroundings, it’s not hard to see why so many people have been flocking there for years.
The Lifestyle Appeal in the Sunshine State
With beaches, golfing, fishing, outdoor dining, pickleball, nature walks, and more, there’s many opportunities to find a community with similar interests. Florida has numerous options for outdoor and indoor recreation. Many residents feel like they are on vacation year-round.
What is the Retirement Age in Florida?
Full retirement age in Florida corresponds with the national retirement age of 67. Early retirement is 62 and does mean permanently reduced payments going forward. But plenty of people move before actually retiring to enjoy the benefits of the lifestyle. Many planned communities, including many in Hometown America’s network, are designed for people 55+.
Full Retirement Age vs. Personal Retirement Age
Full retirement age refers to the age at which you’re eligible for full retirement benefits from the Social Security Administration, which currently is 67. Personal retirement age is the age you chose to retire, so while you may not be collecting benefits from SSA, you may want to stop working or choose a different lifestyle.
How Does Age Impact Your Eligibility for 55+ Retirement Communities?
Retirement communities are legally allowed to make age restrictions for their residences. Usually, if a spouse of someone 55+ is younger, they are allowed to live there. But young children are generally not allowed as permanent residents in the communities. This also means that younger renters are only occasionally allowed in this type of community. As you explore these options, it’s a good idea to ask individual communities about their age requirements.
What Are Things You Should Know Before Moving to Florida?
Moving to another state can be a big undertaking, but with proper research and planning, it can be one of the most rewarding things you’ve ever done. You might want to start with a budget and go from there. It’s also wise to take a trip to visit your desired location before you move.
Consider the Cost of Living
Cost of living can vary quite a bit across Florida. Inland regions tend to be more affordable than the coasts. Because it is such a large state, it pays to research individual areas to see if the cost of living fits with your budget and desired features.
How Florida Taxes May Benefit You
Florida does not have income tax, so Social Security benefits, pensions, 401(k)s, IRAs, or investment dividends are not taxed. Similarly, they also don’t have inheritance tax or estate tax, which can be a draw for some folks. While there is property tax, if you go with home on a land lease, taxes will be lower than a traditional real estate. Florida does have sales tax, but it isn’t considered a high tax state. The state is generally considered tax-friendly to retirees.
Access to Healthcare and Planning Accordingly
Healthcare access varies by area in the state. As you might expect, rural areas tend to have less access to healthcare and quick emergency services. There is also a shortage of doctors and nurses statewide, that hospitals are working to correct. But overall, there’s plenty of people over 55 in the state who have found the right care for them.
Climate Preparedness and Hurricane Season
While all parts of the state are vulnerable to hurricanes, certain areas are more prone to them than others. The Florida Panhandle, Keys, and most of southern Florida experience the most hurricane activity. It’s best to prepare ahead for hurricane season and make sure you’re aware of evacuation routes. No matter where you live, having emergency supplies on hand is always a good idea. State-wide you can expect heavy rainfall June – September, with humid conditions for much of the year. You can anticipate weather fluctuations throughout the year, but generally very cold snowy winters are rare.
How to Plan a Move from Florida to Another State
Ready to move? Get your checklist ready and reach out to a Hometown America representative to get the process started. Here’s some considerations to keep in mind as you prepare for your move.
Time Your Move Around Your Budget and the Season
Hiring movers in October – March tends to be cheaper. While snow and rain can be a hindrance, a move in autumn or winter can be the most affordable. No matter the time of year, it’s important to book your movers well in advance. Make sure you understand your moving company’s insurance policies and the timing of drop-off to your destination.
Pick the Right Region for Your Lifestyle
Are you interested in fishing or maybe even theme parks? Whatever draws you to Florida, always consider proximity to those activities that mean the most to you. It’s also good to know how near you are to grocery stores, shopping and dining, as well as if the area has usable delivery services. If you want to be near the ocean or lakes, there’s many communities who have close proximity to both.
Make a Relocation Checklist
It’s wise to start planning your relocation well in advance. Having a checklist will help break down the process into smaller manageable chunks. You should include things like changing over utilities, booking movers, changing your address and transferring medical records. There’s plenty of printable lists online that can help you remember all the steps and when to do them.
Explore Retirement Communities in Florida
No matter where you end up, the buying process will start with research. Look at the weather and geography of the parts of the state that appeal to you. Then start narrowing down which locations have the amenities that are important to you.
What Makes Florida Retirement Communities Different?
Because Florida is a sub-tropical climate, weather stays relatively warm throughout the year. This allows for more outdoor recreation and general ease getting around. Socialization is also at-the-ready, with so many people 55+ across the state and in retirement communities, there’s lots of opportunities to interact. You’ll find unique features at all Hometown America communities in Florida. Many of them have a country club or resort lifestyle built in.
Active Retirement Communities in Florida
Are there sports you love to play? Or you want to learn now? Our communities offer all kinds of sporting opportunities. Some of these are built-in to the infrastructure, while others are organized groups and clubs you can join. Many offer places to walk and hike as well. You can make outdoor movement a big part of your life in Florida. But don’t worry, indoor options are available too, if you need a break from the outdoors.
Enjoy Golfing in Your Retirement Community
Many Hometown America locations include putting greens or golf courses and sometimes even miniature golf, if you’re working on your short game. Have you always dreamed of golfing whenever you want in retirement? Living in a community with a course might be the right choice for you.
Hometown America’s 55+ Retirement Communities Across Florida
We have over 10 different communities in Florida with all kinds of amenities and features. Hometown America can help you find which best fits your needs. Just reach out!
Southwest Florida and the Gulf Coast
If you’re looking for beautiful scenery and lots of coastline, this is the place for you. With lots of golf courses, gorgeous beaches and sunshine, there’s a reason people love it here. At Southern Pines, Tara Woods, Landmark Naples and Del Tura Country Club you’ll find lakes and gorgeous swimming pools on property. The best of both worlds! Hometown America offers a more affordable way to join this popular area.
Tampa Bay Area
If the Tampa Bay area appeals to you the most, you’ll find that Little Manatee Springs offers a beautiful place to live. Just a short distance away from some of the most beautiful beaches in America, you’ll find that outdoor activities on and off the property abound. If you want to stay close to home, fire pits, a pool and daily community activities will keep you engaged and thriving.
Central Florida and Great Orlando Area
This super desirable part of Florida is great for those who love golfing, outdoor activities or would like to be near the theme parks. If you’re a golfer, Lakes at Leesburg and Fairways Country Club have courses on site. (Or if you’re a miniature golfer, Lakes at Leesburg might be the one for you.) For the RV enthusiast, you’ll find a place to store yours at Tanglewood or stay in your RV in the Outback RV section of Tanglewood. All of these vibrant communities have a lot to offer. Many of which are near shopping, dining and entertainment, while still close to nature.
Southeast Florida
These quiet communities offer unique natural beauty and loads of sunshine. You’ll find that these locations are also near a lot of local culture and a historic area of Florida. Lush surroundings really make it a special place, especially in communities like Sunny South Estates. If you’re looking for a historic downtown to explore, Pinelake Gardens & Estates is near charming Stuart, FL. For relaxation in the sand, Lakes of Melbourne offers close proximity to a 72-mile stretch of beach.
Country Club Living for Golfers
If you would love to live a country club life, in Florida you can. Our two properties include amenities you won’t find elsewhere, in addition to golf courses and swimming pools. It truly feels like you’re on vacation every day. Fairways Country Club, located in Orlando offers close proximity to theme parks, for fun family outings. Del Tura Country Club truly embodies the country club atmosphere with gorgeous spanish-style buildings and plenty of places to relax. Now that’s resort living.
Hometown America is Your Next Step Towards Retirement in Florida
We would love to help you take the next step in your retirement planning process. Reach out to Hometown America today to discuss our options in Florida or wherever you may decide is the best option for you. We’d be happy to answer your questions and give you more information about amenities and features unique to our Florida communities.
Explore more of our communities and contact our team to inquire about a move to a 55+ Hometown America location.
