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Do you find yourself daydreaming about retirement? Most people do. Whether you are retired or preparing to retire, choosing the right destination is very important. Typically, people like to think of retirement as booking their dream vacation or relocating to a tropical place that feels like a vacation all the time. Deciding where to go can be a long process.
The one state that crosses most people’s minds is Florida, the sunshine state. Most retirees choose Florida not only because of its beautiful beaches but also because it is among the most tax-friendly states for retirees. As a permanent resident of Florida, you are also eligible for a homestead exemption of up to $50,000. Florida, with its great cities on both the Atlantic and Gulf coasts, welcomes many diverse newcomers. Depending on where you are coming from, hurricanes may be scary, but don’t worry, Florida has survived many storms.
Below is a list of the best cities to retire in Florida and to help with your retirement journey.
1. Sarasota
Sarasota is a beautiful, quiet beach town. The population is just around 55,000 people, and about 26% of those people are seniors. Known for its upscale shops and excellent restaurants, Sarasota offers a colonial feel. The beaches in Sarasota run along the Gulf of Mexico and you can spot surfers on some of the beaches as well. You can bring your boat out on the water and have a family day fishing and enjoying the ocean. You can also find nature preserves in this area if you like to go out and connect with nature. Sarasota Memorial Health Care System is one of Florida’s most comprehensive public medical centers, so you have the reassurance you have excellent medical surrounding you.
2. Gainesville
Gainesville, in the center of Florida, has a population of 129,000 people. Gainesville is one of those places you would choose if you are worried about hurricanes since it is 75 miles from the coast. The University of Florida offers benefits for retirees, offering free courses to retirees and residents provided there is space available in the classes. The courses are a nice perk for seniors looking to pick up an additional hobby or skill. People who love history and museums are in luck since Gainesville has 13 museums and a nice downtown area. If you are looking for a quieter town, Gainesville may not be for you as it is near a college.
3. Naples
Known for its white-sand beaches on the west coast and peaceful vibe, Naples is an excellent place for retirees to settle down. With a small population of 21,000 and 50% of those people are sixty-five and older—you can find yourself with an entire city of retirees. Residents of Naples find themselves happy, secure, and with an increased sense of purpose. You will find yourself with quality healthcare and community. Living in Naples is on the pricier side, but it remains a quality city to retire in.
4. St. Petersburg
St Petersburg is a wonderful town with a beautiful pier. St. Pete is a historic town with brick roads in most neighborhoods. On the northeast side of St. Petersburg, you will find a mix of bungalows, cottages, and large ranches. Downtown is an artsy area with lots of interesting shops and restaurants. St. Pete also boasts theaters, concert halls, stadiums, and hospitals close by and with little traffic. Vinoy Park is where most people like to take a walk, ride a bike, or read a book and relax. You can even spot dolphins if you get lucky. Tropicana Field is home to the Tampa Bay Rays major league baseball team for those sports enthusiasts.
5. Punta Gorda
Punta Gorda is a small city with a population of 18,000 that appeals to senior citizens. If you prefer the Florida weather and the canal feel, this is an ideal spot for you. Punta Gorda is located in Southwest Florida approximately 100 miles south of Tampa and 24 miles north of Fort Myers on beautiful Charlotte Harbor. There are numerous retirement communities and golf courses to choose from and fisher’s village, which has over 30 shops and restaurants to visit. You can also enjoy an evening walk or bike ride along Charlotte Harbor which is around 18 miles long.
6. St. Augustine
Are you looking to move to a low-key surfing town? Located on the Atlantic coast just south of Jacksonville, St Augustine offers cultural and historical activities, affordable living, and first-class healthcare. Since St. Augustine is historical, you can find over 60 historic sites and attractions to explore. After a long day at the beach, you can find yourself downtown eating at a nice, beachy restaurant. If you are a fan of live music, you can find that in most places in this city.
7. Venice
Not far from Sarasota, Venice has the water and nature parks very close by, no matter where you are. You can spend a day at the Myakka River State Park with beautiful scenery and an option to kayak or paddleboard along the intercoastal. Venice’s population is over 65% seniors over the age of 65. Venice has a historic district that you can explore as well. Every Saturday morning, there is a farmer’s market where you can buy fresh veggies and goods.
How to finance your retirement home.
You might be wondering how you can afford your dream retirement location. If you need additional money to purchase your retirement home or just supplement your retirement income, it could be time to consider selling your life insurance policy.
You have options! Selling your life insurance policy is easy, and it can free up all the money you need to live comfortably. The hard part is finding a professional and dependable company like MRE Finance that can help you.
Connect with MRE Finance.
Selling a life insurance policy doesn’t have to be complicated and MRE Finance will guide you through the process with ease. MRE Finance specializes in helping folks sell their life insurance policies for cash to enjoy their retirement journey on their terms. Want to find out what your policy could be worth? Try our Free Life Settlement Calculator and receive an estimated value of your life policy in minutes. If you prefer to speak with someone, give us a call at 1-800-521-0770.
