Florida Retirement Communities
From LoveToKnow Seniors
An average of 1,000 people move to Florida each day, with a majority moving to Florida retirement communities.
Florida Statistics
The semi-tropical climate, moderate rainfall, plentiful sunshine, and fresh and sea waters, makes Florida one of the most desired places for seniors to retire.
Florida Weather
Winter temperatures average from 53 degrees Fahrenheit in the north to 70 degrees Fahrenheit along the southern Atlantic coast. Average summer temperatures range from the mid-to-low 80s throughout the state. Annual precipitation averages about 50 inches, mostly occurring during the summer months. The six-month hurricane season runs from June through November, and Floridians have learned to be prepared when a storm threatens the area.
Taxes in Florida
Only five states have a lower tax burden than Florida. With no state income tax and a state sales tax of six percent, Florida provides a considerable tax benefit to its residents.
Florida Activities
- Golf: Florida ranks number one in golf, having more than 1,250 golf courses. Palm Beach County boasts the most golf courses per county in the country.
- Beaches/Waterways: Florida has 1,800 miles of coastline and more than 11,000 miles of rivers, streams & waterways. The largest lake in Florida, Lake Okeechobee, at 700 square miles, is the second-largest freshwater lake in the U.S.
- Tourism/Attractions: Florida is the top travel destination in the world, with a record 76.8 million visitors in 2004. Among the many forms of well-known entertainment Florida has to offer, there are also numerous nature-based attractions, including over 700 campsites, plentiful forests, world-class fishing, 4,500 islands, and 14 deep-water ports.
Population and Top Ten Cities
Florida is the fourth most populous state at 17,019,068 (2003). The top 10 most populated cities are:
- Jacksonville - 736,000
- Miami - 362,000
- Tampa - 303,000
- St. Petersburg - 248,000
- Hialeah - 226,000
- Orlando - 186,000
- Ft. Lauderdale - 152,000
- Tallahassee - 151,000
- Hollywood - 139,000
- Pembroke Pines - 137,000
Before Choosing a Florida Retirement Community
Moving out-of-state may affect one's health, financial and other benefits. Some questions for seniors to consider while reviewing Florida retirement communities include:
- Will medical needs be addressed, particularly for specialized care?
- Will health insurance benefits transfer to the new location?
- How will monthly income be affected? (For individuals receiving Supplemental Security Income and/or other state supplements).
- What employment opportunities, including volunteer work, exist that match your interests and experience?
- Will legal directives including your will, living will, and advanced directives be honored?
- Are funeral arrangements in order and is the policy valid in another state?
Florida Retirement Communities by Region
| Region | Attractions | Cities | Retirement Communities |
| Northwest / Panhandle | Beaches, hardwood and pine forests, gaming, cultural activities, health care | Pensacola, Panama City, Ft. Walton Beach | Advent Christian Village is an accredited, total-care retirement community located on 1,000 breathtaking acres of woodlands. See more northwest Florida communities. |
| North Central | Forests, rivers, lakes, modern cities, fishing | Tallahassee, Gainesville, Ocala | The St. Johns River Club is located on the St. Johns River, within one mile of the water and is best known for its fishing. See more north central Florida communities. |
| Northeast | Beaches, historical sites, golfing, fishing, antiquing, Mayo Clinic | Jacksonville, St. Augustine | Stone Creek, with its contemporary arts and crafts inspired theme, allows for first-class, resort-style amenities. See more northeast Florida communities. |
| East Central | Famous beaches, barrier islands, NASCAR, baseball | Daytona Beach, Cape Canaveral, Cocoa Beach, Vero Beach | Portofino at Ponte Vedra is a new, intimate, gated community, featuring Tuscan inspired villas, each resembling an Old World mansion. See more east central Florida communities. |
| Central | Amusement parks, golfing, tennis, fishing, Cypress Gardens | Orlando, Kissimmee, Sebring | Lakes of Mount Dora is close to many great championship golf courses such as the Country Club of Mount Dora, Silver Lake Country Club, and Pine Meadows Country Club. See more central FL communities. |
| Southwest | Beaches, cultural, fishing, golfing, festivals | Tampa, St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Sarasota, Ft. Meyers, Naples | Shell Point is deemed one of "The World's Most Beautiful Retirement Resorts," and communities, by the Association of Retirement Resorts International. See more southwest Florida communities. |
| Southeast / The Keys | Beaches, cruises, gaming, culture, modern cities, fishing | Hollywood, West Palm, Boca Raton, Miami, Ft. Lauderdale, Key West | Lake Fairways Country Club, located near the Gulf of Mexico, this golf course retirement community provides a bit of everything for its residents. See more southeast Florida communities. |
More Retirement Living Information
Numerous considerations are involved when selecting a location to retire. Additionally, an abundance of choice exists among the types of retirement communities in Florida and across the U.S.
Considerations include: type of senior housing, senior activities, amenities, and accessible health care. To help you focus your search and become well-equipped with the information you need, see LoveToKnow's additional retirement articles, including, Retirement Communities, and Active Adult Retirement Communities. For a look at various Florida retirement communities and offerings also visit, Wheretoliveafter50.com.
Learn More
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