What Retiring in Florida Really Looks Like – the Fun Side
There are so many fun reasons to retire/live in Florida, it’s impossible to put them all in one article. But, here at least, is a start:
- Florida is only one of seven states with no state income tax. So why is this a “fun” fact? Obvious: No state income tax means there’s more money in your pocket to spend on having a good time – enjoying life.
- A top reason to move to the Sunshine state is for the gorgeous warm weather and sunny days. With an average daily temperature (statewide) of 70 degrees, it is the warmest state in the country. Temperatures in the southern part of the state rarely drop below freezing. Out of 365 days a year, 200 are sunny.
- Florida is considered the golf capital of the world. With over 1,400 golf courses, never play a course more than once. For example, the Honda Classic plays at the PGA National Resort. There are golf courses everywhere, including some of the best anywhere.
- What sounds better than soaking up the hot summer sun on a white sand beach in Florida? Nothing. Home to miles of coastline, the state of Florida has no shortage of beaches. Featuring some of the most beautiful and stunning beaches in the country, set up your beach chair and stay for a while. A few of those great beaches are:
Sanibel Island, Siesta Key, South Breach, Clearwater beach, Naples, and Marco Island – but there are plenty of other wonderful beaches – too many to name.
- Prevailing wisdom is that along with New York and California, Florida offers some of the best shopping and restaurant experiences in the country.
- In addition to the reasons listed above, Florida offers an amazing experience for visiting grandchildren. And for yourself and the grandchildren, Florida offers unbeatable boating, kayaking, birding, wildlife viewing, and fishing (more below).
- Deep-sea fishing in Florida is second to none. From the Keys, Destin, Tampa Bay, Panama City Beach, and Miami to Fort Myers/Cape Coral, Naples, Sarasota, Daytona Beach, and Jacksonville/Saint Augustine the possibilities are endless. And the fishing experience can satisfy the novice or the experienced angler seeking some of the giants of the sea such as saltwater gar, Tarpon and many more.
- Florida offers a wide variety of gated communities which offer both security and no yard work – just enjoy the beautiful landscaping without wrenching your back – not necessary. And condo living can offer barely any maintenance of any kind.
- Florida is unmatched by any other state in its variety of theme parks. These include Disney World, Epcot, Busch Gardens of Tampa Sea World in Orlando, Animal Kingdom in Lake Buena Vista, Fast Trax in Fort Myers, Fun Spots America (Orlando and Kissimmee), Icon Park in Orlando, Lego land in Winter Haven, Magic Kingdom in Lake Buena Vista, Sea World Parks, Ebyabe/Wlkimedia commons (includes glass bottom boat rides, a Jeep safari, and an alligator show), Sam’s fun City in Pensacola, and Universal Studios There are endless theme parks I haven’t listed due to space constraints.
- Florida has a laid-back lifestyle. In general, life moves at a slower pace in Florida, especially in its coastal communities. It’s also more casual. You’ll be much more likely to see people wearing t-shirts and flip flops than button-up shirts and neckties. If you want to chill and live in the moment, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a better place to do that than in Florida.
- Scuba diving and paddle boarding.
- While there are plenty of pricy areas in Florida, you can get more bang for your buck in many Florida locales. Goods and services, healthcare, and housing all fall below the national average on a statewide basis.
- If you’re a retiree, the state is a great place: It doesn’t tax retirement income (such as social security), and there is no estate or inheritance tax. It’s such a great place for retirees that eight Florida cities—Sarasota, Naples, Daytona Beach, Melbourne, Tampa, Fort Myers, Port St. Lucie, and Pensacola—dominate U.S. News & World Report’s top 10 best places to retire.
- The sports culture is intense. Florida has three professional football teams, two professional baseball teams, two professional basketball teams, and two professional hockey teams.
So come on down and enjoy the good life!