7 Things to Consider in Picking a Retirement Home in Florida

There comes a time in life when you start thinking about retirement and what you want that to look like. While the timing of retirement is likely fresh on your mind, so is where you want to retire. As options for senior living communities and retirement homes continue to grow, you have a greater say in how you want to spend your retirement. One of the most popular places in the country to retire is Florida, thanks in large part to its warm weather year-round. Other perks of retiring in Florida include access to world-class health care, accessibility, cost, and more. Florida retirement opportunities continue to increase as more people decide to retire in the Sunshine State. Here’s what you need to know about how to pick a retirement home that best suits your lifestyle.

What Makes Florida One of the Top Choices for Retirement?

How you choose to spend your golden years is such an important decision. It’s worth looking at all the factors that influence so many people to consider a retirement home in Florida every year. Even if you aren’t sure yet where you want to retire, Florida is a great place to start looking. You will be surprised at how much Florida has to offer retirees. Along with the year-round sunshine, you can also expect to save a lot of money in taxes. Florida does not have a state income tax, so benefits like Social Security, pensions, IRAs, and other retirement income do not get taxed. Florida also does not have an estate tax or inheritance tax, which can help inform your retirement decisions. Retirement homes and communities in Florida also range from 55 and up active adult communities to beachfront retirement homes.

Types of Retirement Homes in Florida

Some of the best retirement communities in the nation can be found in the state of Florida. You can choose to purchase a home in a quiet beachfront neighborhood or in an active age-targeted community. Retirement communities often have a minimum age requirement, though some welcome people of all ages. Some retirement communities allow you to purchase your own home within the community, while others boast condo and apartment-style retirement homes for ease of living. Active adult communities are targeted toward adults who need little to no daily assistance while continuing care retirement communities offer more types of housing options. Retirement homes in Florida also include senior apartments, assisted living facilities, and nursing homes. Many retirement communities offer various levels of care and housing so residents can easily move within the same community if or when their needs change.

7 Key Considerations When Choosing a Florida Retirement Home

From senior apartments to life-plan communities, here are seven things to consider when choosing a Florida retirement home that’s right for you.

Get to Know the Retirement Home Location

Location is such an important factor in choosing your Florida retirement home. While Florida boasts incredible weather year-round, there are also other things about the location to consider. Check out what is nearby the retirement homes for sale, including restaurants, activities, and popular local communities and beaches to explore. Florida boasts several major metropolitan cities and convenient access up and down the coast.

Find Out Activities Near You

Finding activities near you offers the opportunity to make new acquaintances and enhance your social calendar. Community life plays a large role in happiness and contentment during your retirement years. Speak with residents in communities you are interested in to learn more about the recreational opportunities and ways you can explore your hobbies and even learn new ones. Think of other activities and aspects of your lifestyle that are important to you, whether that be libraries, shopping, or beauty salons, and find out more about how you can get involved.

Is Your Retirement Home Accessible to Quality Medical Service?

As you move into your golden years, you want to make sure you have access to quality medical services. Many retirement communities and neighborhoods in Florida boast proximity and close connections with medical care. Some retirement communities offer medical care within the community, while others may have recommendations for specialists nearby. You want to find a retirement home near reputable medical providers so you can find a trusted primary care physician and various other doctors to support your healthcare needs.

Does the Area Match Your Desired Retirement Lifestyle?

You might be interested in a retirement home just outside the hustle and bustle of big city life but close enough to enjoy all the conveniences. Or perhaps you’re interested in a retirement home near the beautiful white sand beaches with a smaller coastal community experience. Are you interested in walkable neighborhoods, green spaces, and opportunities to garden? Or do you want a senior living community where you can enjoy sit-down meals and on-site shops? Retirement communities offer a variety of lifestyles, cultures, and socialization.

Make Sure the Retirement Community is Safe

You want to make sure you choose a retirement home where you feel safe and secure. For some, this may involve a gated community or a retirement community with various security measures established. Consider whether you want to live in a place where visitors must check in first and what type of emergency responses are available in the area. Similar to making sure you have access to quality medical services, you also want to find a retirement home with an emergency room nearby.

Know Which Senior Care Options are Available

Various services and levels of care offered by retirement homes and communities can help put your mind at ease as you move into retirement. Life plan communities and continuous care communities may offer a variety of independent and semi-independent living, along with memory care centers and places for both short-term rehabilitation and long-term care. Senior care options may include communities with both apartment-style and cottage-style retirement homes, so you want to find a place that best suits your interests and needs.

Consider the Cost & Value of the Retirement Home

The cost and value are also essential parts of choosing a Florida retirement home. You will want to find a retirement home that meets your budget and find out what type of perks are available that will help you save on costs and increase the value of your home. Many retirement communities charge fees that cover everything from utilities like water and electricity to cable and wi-fi. You can weigh the costs of residential living in a retirement community versus the cost of maintaining your own retirement home.

Let Us Help You Find Your Dream Retirement Home in Florida

No matter where you are in your retirement journey, our team at Florida Realty Marketplace is here to help. Our real estate agents have the local knowledge and expertise to find you the retirement community and home that best meets your needs. Explore homes for sale in Clermont, FL, and other popular communities in and around Central Florida with our team of experts. We will help you look through available properties in Central Florida and beyond so you can find the retirement home of your dreams and get started on living your golden years.