Why do older people move to florida?
Florida is an amazing place for people of all ages and especially older folks like us. So why do so many older people move to Florida?
With its amazing weather, warm year-round temperatures ranging from 70 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit, Florida offers the perfect escape from harsh winters. Not only does it provide a tropical climate, but it also boasts a tax-friendly environment.
With no state income tax, tax-free retirement benefits, and no estate or inheritance taxes, Florida allows you to keep more of your hard-earned money.
Furthermore, the state’s vibrant and active community, with nearly 45% of the population over 50, offers ample opportunities to meet new people and forge friendships.
Veterans will find exceptional healthcare services and support in Florida, along with a commitment to maximizing their GI Bill benefits.
Finally, the state’s abundant natural beauty, from its coastline and forests to its numerous parks and lakes, provides endless outdoor recreation options for seniors on a fixed income.
Let’s discover why you should choose Florida as your new home and embrace the sunshine state.
Florida has amazing weather for older residents
When we decided to move to Orlando from Chicago, we experienced the best weather of any place we’ve ever lived.
We couldn’t believe we no longer had to deal with blistering winters, snow shoveling, and ice scraping.
It was like we found paradise.
Florida has some of warmest year-round weather in the United States. And while we’ve covered reasons why Florida’s weather amazing, you should experience it for yourselves.
Florida’s average annual temperature is between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit, making it a desirable destination for those seeking warm and tropical weather throughout the year.
Which Florida city has the best weather?
Florida is a long state with a few different variations of tropical climates.
Florida’s climate offers a range of temperatures across its cities. The further north you go, such as Jacksonville and Gainesville, the cooler it gets.
On the other hand, you might be looking for even warmer weather. Southern Florida’s tropical climate brings higher average temperatures year-round—even in the winter.
Places like Miami and Fort Lauderdale will feel like summer everyday.
Coastal cities, thanks to refreshing ocean breezes, offer a pleasant and moderate climate—especially as you move further north.
Popular Florida Cities by Average Temperature
| Florida City | Average Monthly Temperature (Fahrenheit) |
|---|---|
| Destin | January: 52.6°F, March: 60.6°F, May: 73.9°F, July: 81.8°F, September: 79.0°F, November: 61.5°F |
| Jacksonville | January: 53.8°F, March: 61.8°F, May: 74.4°F, July: 82.4°F, September: 78.5°F, November: 61.3°F |
| Gainesville | January: 54.5°F, March: 63.7°F, May: 74.6°F, July: 82.8°F, September: 78.2°F, November: 66.5°F |
| Orlando | January: 61.7°F, March: 67.6°F, May: 78.6°F, July: 83.9°F, September: 81.9°F, November: 68.1°F |
| Tampa | January: 62.7°F, March: 68.8°F, May: 79.4°F, July: 83.3°F, September: 81.5°F, November: 69.2°F |
| Sarasota | January: 61.7°F, March: 68.9°F, May: 80.2°F, July: 86.0°F, September: 83.3°F, November: 73.7°F |
| Melbourne | January: 60.6°F, March: 66.6°F, May: 76.8°F, July: 82.7°F, September: 80.9°F, November: 69.2°F |
| Miami | January: 68.2°F, March: 71.1°F, May: 78.8°F, July: 83.7°F, September: 82.9°F, November: 74.9°F |
Florida is predominantly classified as having a humid subtropical climate according to the Köppen-Geiger climate classification system. It is characterized by long, hot, and humid summers with frequent afternoon thunderstorms, and mild to cool winters.
The state experiences a distinct wet season during the summer months, with high precipitation levels and the potential for hurricanes.
Expect an afternoon shower almost everyday in the summer time. We love it, but it takes getting used to.
Florida’s proximity to the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico influences its climate. Coastal areas will experience more comfortable and moderate temperatures compared to inland regions.
Overall, Florida’s climate is favorable for outdoor activities and attracts many tourists seeking warm weather and beautiful beaches.
Which climate of Florida did we choose?
We chose to live in the Orlando, FL area. Yes, it’s one of the hotter cities and it doesn’t benefit from those ocean breezes, but hear us out…
We love tropical, warm weather. Sure, Orlando is hotter than some beach towns by a few degrees, but when you are moving from a northern U.S. climate with snow, it’s really splitting hairs.
Warm is warm and warm is pleasant.
And, whether we are by the beach or inland, the sun shines everyday in Florida with warm temperatures.
Orlando gave us a central location in Florida that allows us to drive to either coast in under 90 minutes, beautiful weather everyday, and affordable living.
Florida is a tax friendly state for retirees
If you’re tired of paying high taxes, you’ll be pleased to know that Florida offers some significant tax benefits.
Here’s why relocating to Florida could be a smart move for your finances:
- No State Income Tax: Florida is among the seven U.S. states that don’t impose a state income tax. This means you can keep more of your hard-earned money without deductions for state income tax on your wages or earnings.
- Retirement Tax Savings: Florida does not impose a state income tax, allowing individuals to enjoy tax-free Social Security retirement benefits, pension income, and earnings from retirement accounts like IRAs or 401(k)s.
- Estate and Inheritance Savings: Florida does not have estate or inheritance taxes, providing further financial advantages. This enables you to keep generational wealth in your family.
- Sales Tax Considerations: Florida has a competitive state sales tax at 6%. There are 25 other states with the same or higher sales tax than Florida.
- Property Tax Factors: Florida’s property taxes fall are about the national average, but Florida’s homestead exemption policy can provide relief. The homestead exemption is a legal provision that offers property tax relief to permanent residents who own and occupy their primary residence in the state.
We moved from Illinois to Florida and now we keep $5,000 more for every $100,000 we make because Florida doesn’t have state income taxes. In 10 years that will add up to $50,000. Yayyy Florida!!!
Tom & Shirley Guercio – The Florida Agents
Florida is home to a A LOT of retirees
Florida is a popular destination for retirees, attracting older adults who are looking for a vibrant and active community.
We have great weather and friendly taxes. What can beat that?
And here’s the deal—nearly 45% of the population is over 50—so we have a lot of people living here just like you.
While we are still waiting to fully grow up, we have chosen to spend our 50’s and 60’s in this wonderful state where we get to play and build new friendships everyday.
Did you know that 4 in 10 people only have online friends? While there are many variables, we know that great weather and more opportunities to meet people your age can provide the perfect opportunity to live your best life—up close and in person.
Florida has the most retirees out of any state in the country, and for good reason. People want to spend their golden years in the sunny climate of Florida with great people.
| Florida Age Group | Percentage of Retirees |
| 65-69 | 25% |
| 70-74 | 18% |
| 75-79 | 15% |
| 80 and above | 42% |
If you decide to retire in Florida, you won’t be alone! There are plenty of opportunities to meet and connect with other retirees who share similar interests and experiences.
The sunshine state is a vibrant community with tons of experiences aimed at a 50+ demographic. From community centers to senior clubs, there are many organizations and programs specifically designed for older adults.
We have lived in New Orleans, Seattle, Chicago, New York, and now Florida and we can tell you—we’ve never made so many new friends as we have since living in Florida. We pinch ourselves.
Additionally, Florida is home to numerous retirement communities and active adult neighborhoods, which offer a supportive and inclusive environment for retirees. We’ve written extensively about the amazing 55+ communities in our amazing city of Clermont, FL.
These communities often provide amenities like swimming pools, fitness centers, and organized social events, creating a sense of camaraderie and belonging among residents.
Florida is amazing for our beloved veterans
Florida offers numerous benefits for military veterans considering a move to the area. Florida actually takes care of their veterans and we have written extensively about it.
If you are reading this and served in the U.S. Armed Forces, Shirley and I thank you from the bottom of our hearts. We owe our freedoms to your sacrifices.
So what makes Florida great for military veterans?
One of the key advantages of living in Florida is its exceptional healthcare services for veterans.
For example, Orlando is home to the Orlando VA Medical Center, the fourth-largest VA medical facility in the country.
Many VA facilities are located in beautiful areas in Florida. For example the Orlando VA Medical Center is situated in the scenic Baldwin Park neighborhood.
Florida is home to seven VA medical centers, strategically located across the state. These centers are situated in Bay Pines, Gainesville, Lake City, Miami, Orlando, Tampa, and West Palm Beach, ensuring convenient access to quality healthcare services for veterans in different regions of Florida.
Thinking about using your GI Bill in Florida?
Florida’s commitment to supporting veteran education, including the removal of out-of-state tuition fees and free undergraduate tuition for Purple Heart recipients, makes it an attractive destination for veterans seeking to maximize their GI Bill benefits.
With over 1,492,000 million military veterans residing in Florida, relocating to the state ensures that veterans will find a supportive and welcoming community.
Florida has amazing recreation for seniors
For seniors on a fixed income, Florida provides an exceptional outdoor experience without breaking the bank.
Since moving here, we have been captivated by the year-round sunshine that allows us to explore the great outdoors every single day.
Unlike our previous life in the northern parts of the United States, where winter often kept us indoors, Florida offers endless outdoor opportunities.
Check out this sunset we caught on the western coast of Florida. Yah, these happen everyday here.
In Florida, we’ve discovered low-cost options to enjoy nature’s wonders without straining our budget.
Florida boasts a staggering 8,436 miles of coastline water access. Beaches and ocean activities are free and that’s a lot of beach front.
Moreover, Florida’s forests cover 50% of the state. With 191 state parks, 3 national parks, and 2,670 miles of hiking trails, Florida is a biking, walking, and explorers heaven.
We hike at Lake Louisa State Park which is only 10 minutes from our house. It’s amazing. Check out our video tour of Lake Louisa below.
Let’s not forget about our lake options. Florida is home to over 30,000 natural lakes—the 7th most lakes in the country.
The abundance of outdoor features in Florida, particularly evident in iconic destinations like the Everglades National Park, leaves us in awe.
We love exploring Florida’s wild side, but if we are being honest, the beach is our favorite place to travel.
Florida’s natural offerings surpass those of many other states—it ranks 5th in the country for most state parks.
Our robust park system and sprawling beach access provides seniors on a fixed income with endless possibilities for exploration and adventure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any downsides or challenges to consider when moving to Florida?
- While Florida’s weather is generally warm and pleasant, it also experiences hot and humid summers, which can be challenging for some individuals. A typical year can have 70 to 100 days over 90 degrees depending on the area of Florida you choose.
- The state is prone to hurricanes and tropical storms, especially during the Atlantic hurricane season (June to November), which requires preparedness and potential evacuations.
- Fun fact: Orlando may be one the safest large Florida cities for retirees from hurricanes.
- Certain areas of Florida can be crowded and congested, especially during peak tourist seasons, which may impact traffic and overall livability.
- Housing isn’t cheap near metropolitan areas like Tampa, Orlando, Fort Lauderdale, and Miami.
Where do the most elderly live in Florida?
There are many elderly communities in Florida, but the following cities tend to have a higher percentage of elderly than the average Florida city. Keep in mind that these demographics are subject to change year over year.
| City | Percentage of Seniors |
|---|---|
| The Villages, FL | 53.18% |
| Punta Gorda, FL | 38.10% |
| Homosassa Springs, FL | 35.30% |
| Sebring, FL | 34.26% |
| Sebastian-Vero Beach, FL | 30.61% |
| North Port-Sarasota-Bradenton, FL | 30.83% |
| Naples-Immokalee-Marco Island, FL | 30.36% |
| Ocala, FL | 28.23% |
| Cape Coral-Fort Myers, FL | 26.77% |
| Port St. Lucie, FL | 25.06% |
| Deltona-Daytona Beach-Ormond Beach, FL | 24.14% |
| Palm Bay-Melbourne-Titusville, FL | 22.55% |
