Another Florida Question - Retirement location

[SunnyOne]

For anyone who might be interested, I now have 5 months experience renting & living in Central FLA, 55+, moving here from a major east coast metro.

Pros:

Lack of intense traffic, no rush hour, less stressful driving, except for the major interstates and the turnpike, which are a challenge lol.

Most of the area seems relatively safe, lower crime.

Cost - excluding the current pandemic fueled run up in home pricing, many other costs seem lower than what I am used to: groceries, storage rents, personal services as examples.

Lack of queues for things that usually involve queueing in the big cities

There is a certain quirkiness around this state that I enjoy. I come from an area that was all corporatized, few indie businesses, so I enjoy this.

Lots of different music venues.

Cons:

I was prepared for heat and humidity, but not for this...it's otherworldy. For explanation, I think it's the addition of the angle of the sun at this latitude...it's intense, and I failed to comprehend until now, how year round this appears to be. (I realize that sounds ignorant).

I am losing patience for the intense onslaught of near constant advertisements for injury lawyers: on TV, print, billboards - everywhere. It appears injury law is a major business in Florida.

Speaking of injury law, my auto and umbrella policy rates jumped more than 20% when I moved here. Where is the State Attorney General?

Lack of diversity is a bit new for me. I am used to living around people of different faiths (or lack of) and races, ethnicities..my neighbors have been cordial, but it seems I have been singled out as some kind of progressive city slicker lol.

I am enjoying this experience, but I don't think this is a fit for me. I may end up leaving my stuff in storage here and taking off on an adventure when my current lease ends. Maybe see America by Amtrak or car? Maybe Europe? when travel concerns ease.

Peace all!

 

[FLSUnFIRE]

5 months, as far as weather, you have just experienced the worst! While the entire state's weather is mitigated being a peninsula, the center gets hotter and colder than being closer to the water. Visit New Orleans in August and then come back to FL and bask in our mild summer! I think the Mississippi Delta is the most stifling place I've visited. Now that I'm free I'll time most of my travel for the summer and enjoy the 6 months of wonderful weather that is about to begin.



Lawyers and insurance rates go hand in hand. Trial lawyers keep killing bills to end "no-Fault" in Florida. HO insurance stinks to exposure to tropical systems (Irma is just getting priced into renewals as re-insurers reassess their exposure) and the prevailing attitude (lawyers again) that bad things happening are a chance to get rich at the expense of the "greedy" insurance companies. I don't think most people are scummy but enough are that the lawyers are able to drum up plenty of plaintiffs to keep their coffers full enough to continue to lobby Tallahassee against any reforms.



I'm on the coast and there is quite a bit of diversity.


I still love my City and state but the summers do get old. I wouldn't want to live in the middle though.

 

[ShokWaveRider]

Weather is definitely a good reason not to live in Central Florida amongst other things. The Coast is much more forgiving as there are constant ocean breezes, at least where we are. As usual one gets what one pays for. MMDV.

 

[pb4uski]

Your experience seems credible given our experience in Florida. With respect to the heat and humidity, you have been there the worst 5 months... it gets better from now until April but the crowds get worst, at least in our area.

The lower traffic and queues may be a function of your 5 months being off-season depending on where in central FL you are located.

We have friends who live in Florida and then escape the heat and humidity and live in a very nice 40' fifth-wheel travel trailer in Vermont for the summer... IIRC, their rent for the entire summer (mid-May to mid-Oct) is ~$4k and includes water, sewer, electric and cable tv (but not internet). We do the same but already had a home in Vermont so we just kept that became our summer home.

For your adventure, have you considered buying a small travel trailer and travel America? While we ended up recently buying a mid-sized travel trailer to please DW, if it was just me I would have gone with a smaller unit, or perhaps even one of those hard-sided A-frame pop-up travel trailers that most mid-size cars and smal/mid-sized SUVs can easily tow.

 

[SunnyOne]

I just returned from a 10 day road trip in the Vero Beach, Port St. Lucie & Stuart areas.
These areas (omg, downtown Ft. Pierce is so cute!) appear to be a better fit for me or maybe I need to travel even a bit farther south.

The weather was just as intense as far as my perception of it.

Not a surprise, properties closer to the water are older and really look it, (except those right on the ocean it appears) while those farther inland are newer...just something to think about.

I was also surprised at the amount of oceanfront that is not publicly accessible. I don't recall the same on the gulf coast...of course the farthest I got on the west coast was Venice.

 

[SunnyOne]

For your adventure, have you considered buying a small travel trailer and travel America?

I have - but as a solo adventurer, only something to sleep in, when stuck in a place without availability.

I collect points/miles as a hobby - so far, so good....but yes, the travel trailer would be a possibility. I guess I need to look around for which type is easiest to maintain/class of trailer known to be least problematic - I have heard that build quality can be questionable.

 

[Time2]

As far as the weather, you could move North and have 5 months of below freezing temps with snow and slush impeding your way.
I moved from that to the heat of Fl.. Just put on a hat and hide from the sun.

 

[Amethyst]

Florida is arid for half the year (see "savannah ecosystem") but is always humid, due to the ocean. In that way, it is a bit like an island.

The southern Gulf coast tends to get significantly higher summer temperatures - into 3 digits - than the eastern coasts. Also, my memory, and the local natives, tell me summers are longer and hotter than they used to be.

As for the middle - During my late teens/college years, I lived in Palm Beach County (southeast) with my parents. Back then, only ranchers and farmers lived in the center of Florida, which was deemed too hot and humid for most people. Then somebody decided to develop The Villages

Being closer to the Equator changes the sun's angle, too. I never ever go out without sunscreen on my face, neck, forearms, and the backs of my hands. These days, I haven't noticed as many leather-skinned older women (we used to call them alligator women) as one used to see when I was a teen. Am sure this is because of sunscreen use.

I was prepared for heat and humidity, but not for this...it's otherworldy. For explanation, I think it's the addition of the angle of the sun at this latitude...it's intense, and I failed to comprehend until now, how year round this appears to be. (I realize that sounds ignorant).
!

 

[Gremlin]

I’m curious. Where in central Florida are you located? I grew up in the area and my husband and I moved in 2002 for several reasons, one of which was it was getting too crowded lol. But that is definitely a personal preference thing. I spent the first 30 years of my life in Florida and never acclimated to the heat and humidity. My parents/siblings etc. love it and think I’m the crazy one for loving a real winter.

And as has been mentioned above, when the weather improves the crowds get worse.

For anyone who might be interested, I now have 5 months experience renting & living in Central FLA, 55+, moving here from a major east coast metro.

Pros:

Lack of intense traffic, no rush hour, less stressful driving, except for the major interstates and the turnpike, which are a challenge lol.

Most of the area seems relatively safe, lower crime.

Cost - excluding the current pandemic fueled run up in home pricing, many other costs seem lower than what I am used to: groceries, storage rents, personal services as examples.

Lack of queues for things that usually involve queueing in the big cities

There is a certain quirkiness around this state that I enjoy. I come from an area that was all corporatized, few indie businesses, so I enjoy this.

Lots of different music venues.

Cons:

I was prepared for heat and humidity, but not for this...it's otherworldy. For explanation, I think it's the addition of the angle of the sun at this latitude...it's intense, and I failed to comprehend until now, how year round this appears to be. (I realize that sounds ignorant).

I am losing patience for the intense onslaught of near constant advertisements for injury lawyers: on TV, print, billboards - everywhere. It appears injury law is a major business in Florida.

Speaking of injury law, my auto and umbrella policy rates jumped more than 20% when I moved here. Where is the State Attorney General?

Lack of diversity is a bit new for me. I am used to living around people of different faiths (or lack of) and races, ethnicities..my neighbors have been cordial, but it seems I have been singled out as some kind of progressive city slicker lol.

I am enjoying this experience, but I don't think this is a fit for me. I may end up leaving my stuff in storage here and taking off on an adventure when my current lease ends. Maybe see America by Amtrak or car? Maybe Europe? when travel concerns ease.

Peace all!

 

[Aerides]

I'm in SE fl, but overall this summer was milder than usual. Certainly not our high, not the type with back to back weeks of 95F/95H that we sometimes get. I'd imagine central F might have been more humid.

But the summers to get easier over time...a lot of time.

SE FL and beach access..yeah there's no actual private beaches really, but the beachfront properties relegate the access to it, except for park entries and a few spots along A1A with parking. And parks can be super expensive if they are city run and you aren't city resident ($20 for a few hours unless you have a city pass, that sort of thing).

As far as your diversity experience, may state/county maps will show you areas and their leanings. Florida is very different in the SE/SW, Center, NE, Panhandle, etc. The only constant is Florida Man, hence all the personal injury issues.

 

[ShokWaveRider]

SE FL and beach access..yeah there's no actual private beaches really, but the beachfront properties relegate the access to it, except for park entries and a few spots along A1A with parking.

There is Plenty of nice beach access in NE Florida. Weather is more tolerable also. I think it is somewhat better for all year living than places further south. Lots of designated parking too. We were there 2 times this week and had no issues parking. Sad though, as we would walk or bike but we still drive.

 

[JP.mpls]

I'm actually glad that there are so many posters that dislike Florida... it's crowded enough here as it is.

Pb4,
It is terrible down here.

Sitting around drinking coffee in our sun porch, after some morning pickleball.

I talked to my brother in MN. Made a great batch of soup, and still no snow that stayed on the ground. It might even get above 30F this week.

Take care, JP

 

[ShokWaveRider]

Homes are selling in about a week or 2 where we are, at least that is when they are showing "Under contract".

 

[Silver]

I'm just 20 minutes from Walt Disney World north of Orlando in a 55+ golf community. Although our homes have always been easy to sell, right now it's almost ridiculous. Multiple offers at full asking price and above within 24 hours of listing.

Development has gone crazy.....new communities everywhere. But of course the roads and other essential services have not kept up to the development. If we weren't tied here by my DH's brother.....I'd be out of here.

 

[Dtail]

Pb4,
It is terrible down here.

Sitting around drinking coffee in our sun porch, after some morning pickleball.

I talked to my brother in MN. Made a great batch of soup, and still no snow that stayed on the ground. It might even get above 30F this week.

Take care, JP

Yes mid to high 70's for the next 2 weeks, how can one stand it?
This is the only day of the week, I don't play Pickleball.

 

[jgman]

I retired 3 months ago and am now considering Florida. I live in Northern Virginia and looked at the Delaware shore area (Lewes). It was nice but prices are up to 500k for a nice modern community. Like the fact that Florida is a red state (no lockdowns or Vax mandates). Wondering what a small home in a nice retirement community runs. Realize it depends on area. Prefer the northern part of the state for the cooler temps.

 

[38Chevy454]

I retired 3 months ago and am now considering Florida. I live in Northern Virginia and looked at the Delaware shore area (Lewes). It was nice but prices are up to 500k for a nice modern community. Like the fact that Florida is a red state (no lockdowns or Vax mandates). Wondering what a small home in a nice retirement community runs. Realize it depends on area. Prefer the northern part of the state for the cooler temps.

location, location, location. That determines what you will find available for what your budget is. Pick a location and then search houses for sale to see what you get for your budget amount. In general on water is going to cost a lot more, get away from the water and prices come down; just like any water location whether on a lake, river or the ocean. Also if you want lower chance of freezing, stay south of I-4 (Tampa-Orlando-Daytona). If light freeze is OK then most all of northern FL and panhandle will suit you.


FL is also one of the no state income tax states which may be also desirable for you. In addition to the covid stuff.

 

[Time2]

Got our fingers crossed so far, no freeze on Panama City Beach.
But you don't want to live here, to much traffic, to many people, the beaches are to long, and way to many pretty girls.

 

[youbet]

Got our fingers crossed so far, no freeze on Panama City Beach.
But you don't want to live here, to much traffic, to many people, the beaches are to long, and way to many pretty girls.

I like the panhandle, at least for vacations. We camp near Panama City at Top Sail Hill Preserve State Park for a while most winters. DW and I are always amazed that the three mile long beach is practically empty much of the time. On a warm, sunny day, there might be a few dozen folks sitting within a hundred yards of the board walk access. But the rest of the beach is empty and we can walk and walk and walk without passing anyone. On cool days (and there are lots of them in Jan and Feb), we might be the only people on the beach.

 

[youbet]

I'm just 20 minutes from Walt Disney World north of Orlando in a 55+ golf community. Although our homes have always been easy to sell, right now it's almost ridiculous. Multiple offers at full asking price and above within 24 hours of listing.

Development has gone crazy.....new communities everywhere.

Relatives have a winter place in an upscale golf community in Lake Wales, about an hour south of you. We've visited and really liked it. But when they told us that the 120 acres across the highway from their gated community was now rezoned for development, the highway would be widened, etc., we lost interest. Outside of their community, things already seemed crowded, lots of trafffic, etc. Not our cup of tea.

 

[ShokWaveRider]

No freezes yet here in NE. FLA. We find it is best for all year round living as we get a nice break from the heat and the Ocean Breezes keep things cool(er) for the summer.

Also, we do not get so much of the snowbird influx during the season, we get them but about 1/4 of what they get in the South West. Hense, we do not have the oppressive traffic and waiting periods to eat out.

 

[FLSUnFIRE]

Florida is a great state to live, unfortunately it is now full.


Coasts are more mild in both summer and winter than inland and I think distance from the coasts make a bigger difference than just "north/south." That said, I feel like south of the Tampa Bay area is too hot in the summer! I notice a difference when I visit the Ft Myers area. Micro-climates make a difference too, I can walk from my home and have quite a range of comfort based off of shade, breeze, and proximity to water.

 

[FlaGator]

Got our fingers crossed so far, no freeze on Panama City Beach.
But you don't want to live here, to much traffic, to many people, the beaches are to long, and way to many pretty girls.

And don’t consider west of PCB either. Exact same problems, only worse[emoji6]

 

[Time2]

I like the panhandle, at least for vacations. We camp near Panama City at Top Sail Hill Preserve State Park for a while most winters. DW and I are always amazed that the three mile long beach is practically empty much of the time. On a warm, sunny day, there might be a few dozen folks sitting within a hundred yards of the board walk access. But the rest of the beach is empty and we can walk and walk and walk without passing anyone. On cool days (and there are lots of them in Jan and Feb), we might be the only people on the beach.

Shhhhh!

 

[Badger]

I retired 3 months ago and am now considering Florida. I live in Northern Virginia and looked at the Delaware shore area (Lewes). It was nice but prices are up to 500k for a nice modern community. Like the fact that Florida is a red state (no lockdowns or Vax mandates). Wondering what a small home in a nice retirement community runs. Realize it depends on area. Prefer the northern part of the state for the cooler temps.

There are so many variables but depending on where you live that $500k and up is not that unreasonable in NE Florida for a 55+ retirement community home. You can find some homes for $300k but they also go up to as much as $2M.


Cheers!