Why is Florida the best place to retire?

If you’re thinking about picking a place for retirement and Florida crosses your mind, you need to read this post before you shrug off the thought. There comes a time in everyone’s life when they have to leave their job and move away from active service onto the rank of a senior citizen. But retirement doesn’t mean the end of life, it should be the beginning of another. This is when you can finally live for yourself, tick some boxes off your bucket list, and enjoy everything that life has got to offer.

It’s important that you plan for your retirement years, and picking the ideal place should be at the top of your agenda. There are a number of reasons why experts and Florida residents tout the state as the best place to retire. Here’s something to ponder; almost 21% of Florida’s population is 65 and older. Does that suggest anything? Why is Florida so attractive to the old? If you’re 55 and older, and you’re thinking of where to retire, Florida should certainly top your list, and here’s why;

Relatively high life expectancy average. If you move to Florida at age 65, chances are that you’d live for at least another 20 years. If you lead a healthy lifestyle without any life-threatening illness, you can go on to live for another 30 years or more in retirement. Retirement-age Floridians are extremely healthy, compared to those in other states. In fact, the life expectancy average for retirement-age residents in Florida is higher than the national average and is one of America’s highest.

Amazing weather. The climate in most parts of Florida is relatively warm throughout the year, and this is a big selling point that attracts retirees from the Northern part of the country. As you grow older, you’re less likely to be able to deal with cold weather, and Florida’s large body of water and impressive sunlight work to ensure much of the state remains warm all-year round. This certainly contributes to Florida’s quality of life for retirement years.

It’s pretty affordable. Florida isn’t the cheapest place to live in the United States, I must admit, but when you consider all the decent amenities and quality of life, you’d see why it’s a good deal. Also, due to its large population of retirees, there are sufficient amenities designed to cater to them. You should be able to live comfortably in Florida by making some basic retirement financial plans, which should involve saving and investing for those golden years. What’s more, Florida doesn’t have a state income tax and this contributes to its affordability index.

Decent healthcare services. I already mentioned basic amenities, but it’s important to specify the state’s impressive healthcare ratings. Older people require adequate healthcare and it’s only logical that Florida caters to the health needs of a demographic that accounts for more than a 5th of its population. You’d find superb geriatric care and conducive Retirement Homes in the state (in case it ever gets to that). One thing’s for sure; you’ll find ample care for your health.

Experts agree Florida is the ideal place for retirement. Eight Florida cities, including Naples, Daytona Beach, Sarasota, and Melbourne occupying the top 4 places, were named among U.S. News’ top 10 places to retire in 2021 and 2022. In its 2021 list of Best States to Retire, WalletHub placed Florida at the number one spot, while other expert bloggers like Dave Ramsey recently picked Sarasota and Fort Myers as America’s top two cities to retire; both of which are in Florida.