1) Sun 2) Sun 3) Sun 4) Sun 5) Sun. Thank you for reading our latest blog post.
Just kidding. While you’d think the warmth should be reason enough to think about homes for sale in Florida and make your way down to the Sunshine State after years of a 9-to-5, there’s a lot more to enjoy. WalletHub ranked Florida the top state to retire and #4 for affordability for seniors, in comparison to other states (like New York in 44th place). In fact, in one year Florida netted more than 78k senior residents from other states. So, why take the plunge?
Say Goodbye to Tax-ing Costs
For many, state income taxes are just a part of life. That being said, complaints about where their tax money actually goes is also a part of daily life. In Florida, state income tax isn’t even part of our vocabulary. What does that mean for a retiree? No state taxes on Social Security benefits. No state taxes on pensions. No state taxes on IRAs. Well, you get the point. The state also nixes inheritance or estate tax, allowing you to leave more for others.
And if you’re looking for homes for sale in Florida, state law also allows a homestead exemption program, reducing the taxable value of your home and offering property tax breaks based on income, length of residency or veteran status.
Sweet deal.
Top-Tier Healthcare
While many retirees have either spent the past decade or so snowbirding, have family in Florida or just vacationed frequently, finding a home for sale in Florida and relocating after years of living in the same state can be a little scary. And let’s face it, after a certain age our bodies don’t respond to change as well as they once did. Given the volume of older adults, the healthcare infrastructure is designed for the community.
Between the University of Miami Health Systems and the NYU Langone Medical Associates, highly-rated facilities specializing in elder care abound. The Mayo Clinic and Cleveland Clinic—top hospitals in the country—also have locations across the state.
Nothing beats peace of mind.
Natural Vitamin D
It had to be said. They don’t call it the Sunshine State for no reason. Florida residents experience about 230 days of sunshine per year, providing the body with Vitamin D that supports bone and muscle health, even regulating the immune system and blood pressure. Not only that, but studies have shown improved mental health conditions due to increased sun exposure, boosting serotonin levels and quality of sleep.
No more snow removal. No more gray skies. All the beach and pool days. So should the homes for sale in Florida search start now?
Built-In Social Life
You’ll be in good company. Florida is home to more than 4.8 million residents over 65. After potentially leaving hometowns, family, or even just the place you called home for the last few years, it’s important to fill that emotional gap quickly—and the Florida retirement community does just that. One retiree mentioned, “We have a group of friends that treat us like family because we are all away from our families.”
And from an activities standpoint, there’s no shortage of options. Fitness classes. Pickleball courts. Swimming (or lounging) pools. And we can’t forget the golf courses. The Villages, particularly, is known as “the largest golfing community in the nation.” Every home for sale in Florida is surrounded by opportunities for new hobbies. Pick your interest, and you’ll find your people.
Staying socially engaged and active is an integral piece to physical and cognitive health. Florida is the place to do it.
Accessibility
While having an active social life is pretty much a guarantee in Florida, we still want to make sure the homes for sale in Florida aren’t on a deserted island away from the family we love and miss (especially our grandkids). Florida has 19 commercial airports from the Panhandle all the way down to the Keys. Amtrak’s Auto Train also runs from the Orlando area to the D.C. area. Not to mention Interstate 95 running all the way to the Canadian border.
Speaking of grandkids, we will say, you’ll be the favorites in the family. Between Walt Disney World in Orlando and beaches across the state, summers with grandma and grandpa will be the highlight of their year.
Really, the draw to homes for sale in Florida applies to any generation. But after years of hard work, you deserve the breath of fresh summer air year-round. Reach out to see if your upcoming years can look like sunshine.
