Looking to move to Orlando, Florida for retirement? You’re making a great choice for your quality of life. Famously pleasant weather, endless entertainment possibilities, and a large population of active seniors are just a few of the reasons retirees make their way down to the Sunshine State in their later years. Orlando should be your retirement list if you enjoy the sun, a fun vibe and the chance to live within your means. Your grandkids will love it, too.
According to the Florida Census, the state has a large and steadily-growing adult population. Florida as a whole has a population approaching 20 million, and people over 60 make up nearly 23% of that population. By 2020, the State is expected to have a population of more than 23.5 million, and people over 60 will make up over 28% of that population.
Need more convincing? Read on to learn more about why Orlando is a top destination for retirees:
1. Orlando Offers Exciting Attractions for Retirees
Seniors who choose to retire in Orlando will never be short on things to do, and no discussion of retiring in Orlando would be complete without mentioning the allure of Disney World. Retirees with grandchildren who settle in Florida are setting their families up for convenient and wonderful vacations - you would automatically be the coolest grandparent to your grandchildren. Disney World offers discounts for Florida residents - which is a bonus for retirees in Orlando
Beyond Mickey Mouse, Orlando is home to many natural attractions for Florida residents who love the outdoors. You can take a hike around the many lakes, rivers and parks that fill the city - including the serene Tibet-Butler Preserve. If you’re a golfer, you’ll be happy to hear that the Orlando metropolitan area is home to more than 170 golf courses.
2. Orlando is Tax-Friendly for Retirees
The tax-friendly environment and general affordability in the Sunshine State are two of the many reasons why seniors migrate down to Florida for retirement. Consumer finance service SmartAsset refers to Florida as the “ultimate destination” for retirees who want to stretch their dollars as far as possible. The state has no income tax, which means all forms of retirement income, including Social Security, public and private pensions, are also tax-free.
As an added benefit, Florida’s sales and property taxes are in line with the national average. The separates Florida from other income-tax-free states, who generally make up for the lost revenue with high taxes on property or sales.
3. Orlando is Home to Many Different Senior Living Options
Sure, the city of Orlando clearly has a lot to offer, but it’s also important to think about exactly where you’d like to live within the city. If you’re not interested in purchasing a new home, you’ll be happy to hear that Orlando offers many different senior living options to accommodate many different levels of needs and preferences.
One option for seniors moving to Orlando for retirement is an active adult living community - also referred to as a “55-plus” community. These communities are ideal for seniors who want to remain independent, but would rather not have to take care of all the maintenance responsibilities that come with owning a home outright. These communities also offer many different amenities, such as pools, fitness centers and happy hours for residents to enjoy their retirement to the fullest. Living in a retirement community is great for seniors who want to focus on relaxing and enjoying the sun.
For seniors with more complex health or mobility limitations, an assisted living facility could be a great option. These facilities offer consistent assistance with activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing or housekeeping, as well as help with managing any health issues you may be dealing with. There are over 50 top-rated communities located directly in Orlando and 30 others that are considered nearby. The average monthly cost to live in one of these facilities is $3,725, which is well below the national average cost of $4,000.
Ready to start planning your Orlando retirement? Give Karen Gore a call today to get started on your journey. With more than a decade of real estate experience, you can rest assured knowing you’re in capable hands.