Everyone knows that Florida is synonymous with retirees and is frequently ranked as the #1 state to retire to. Favorable tax rates and climate induce thousands of retirees to relocate to Florida each year. They tend to flock to a few popular locations, but beyond that, Florida is left to the natives. Before you get all judgmental about old people in rocking chairs you need to consider much more than tax breaks and sunshine.
I recently came across this chart that ranks Florida cities according to Quality of Life, Health Care and Activities. My city did not make the cut, out of over 100 cities. I am quite sure that other remarkable locations are not included that should have been. I live within 2 1/2 hours of the top six cities. So much for statistics.
Florida is diverse, both in geography and population. We are divided into ten very distinct coasts which reflect the uniqueness of each location within our boarders. Click on the Florida header above and read about each coast. If you cannot relate to one, you will surely relate to another.
Nature lover, walker, hiker, biker, and kayaker – we’ve got that covered. Sun worshiper, beach comber, shell seeker – that too. Foodie, or wine connoisseur – there is a place for you. Big city life, clubs and entertainment – not a problem. Culture, the arts and first rate stage productions – indeed. Need constant stimulation and interaction with fellow retirees – done! Grow your own food, fish all day or help your neighbor build a chicken coop – that too. Live completely alone in the middle of twenty acres -(not sure why you would want to), but you could. From the Everglades of South Florida and central Florida’s lakes and Springs, to the Oyster bays in the pan handle, we have so much more to offer than just beautiful beaches, amazing sunrises and unforgettable sunsets.
We live here because it is where I grew up and where Malcolm’s family relocated to in the 1970’s. We were educated here, owned a business here and raised our daughter here. Now, we are retired here. We would not have it any other way.
When we considered where to retire, (in Florida) our list included the following:
- proximity to beaches
- healthcare options
- volunteer opportunities
- proximity to international airports
- affordable housing options
- small town feel
- diverse neighborhoods
- slow growth and environmentally conscious community
- arts community
- climate
Hurricanes, heat and humidity are all on the list of “downsides of living in Florida;” we get that, but it is worth the price of admission, which is pretty low when you look around at the alternatives.
We
Florida!
Picture Retirement 
Very informative and tempting….I never knew that about the coastal names. Thanks for sharing!
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You have sold me Suzanne! We have visited the US several times but never south of Washington DC on the East Coast. We would like to visit Florida so it is now added to my list! Thanks and have a great week!
Sue from Sizzling Towards 60 & Beyond
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P.S. I have a regular guest series and would love to have you be a guest if you are interested. If keen, can you email me at sue@sizzlingtowardssixty.com.au and I can give you all the details? x
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Good morning Sue, I am happy to have encouraged your interest in visiting Florida. Thanks for visiting.
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You summed up Florida beautifully! I love your map with the different coasts. We’ve spent time in almost all of the different coasts and I have to say I like some areas better than others. Before we got our RV 12 years ago we spent almost every vacation somewhere in Florida, mostly in the lower keys. We were even snowbirds from Georgia a few times after we got the RV. I love your state! We’ll be back again.
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Thanks Beth, I’m pretty fond of our sister state too. I grew up in the Panhandle, (near Tallahassee) so we were practically neighbors. Jekyll Island is still one of my favorite places to visit.
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Nice post about your home state, Suzanne. It’s wonderful to have such a comfortable home base in retirement. We lived in CA for 33+ years before moving to southern Oregon for 3 1/2 years. We moved east 4 years ago and we’re enjoying it. Being a west coast girl – born and bred – the east coast humidity slays me but otherwise we’re enjoying the lifestyle and have chosen Maryland as our home base – and it sure is easier to fly across the pond from the east coast!
We’ve been to Florida several times and have enjoyed our stays. I’ve heard the name “Gold Coast” but never knew there were so many different coasts. I think our favorite stay was St. Augustine, we really enjoy our time there, and being on the nearby beach.
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Humidity is a bugger, for sure. You just have to carry on – with fewer clothes and perpetual beach hair!
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Nice summation of a beautiful place. Wen we lived in L.A, we knew we had told deal with earthquakes, but overall it was worth it. I really enjoyed Miami when we visited and hopefully, l will get to visit other cities :-). Have fun on your trip.
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Florida is lovely but I’m not sure how I would do in the humidity. Of course, we have our own issues in California, like the drought. I guess there is good and bad everywhere… but having beaches and sunshine makes life a little easier and more enjoyable!
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There is no such thing as the perfect place. If Florida had no humidity and no hurricanes, we would sink under the weight of the population 🙂 California is pretty darn close to perfect!
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I’ll likely continue to deal with four strong seasons. I’ll complain when winter (or summer) steps out of bounds (like three nor’easters in March) but I don’t think Florida is in my future. You make a good case, Suzanne and I have had good times in your state, but I don’t think I could take it for an extended period.
But, I did take your advice and visit this site – I like what I see – I’ll be back.
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Dan, our snow birds fly North around Easter and return after Thanksgiving. They seem to have it all figured out. One day we might consider breaking it up, but for now, it’s home.
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I know a lot of snow birds. they seem to enjoy following the sun, but I don’t think it’s a lifestyle that would work for us.
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