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Why do So Many People Decide to Retire in Florida?

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Are you about to retire, or know someone who is about to? Americans are some of the few people who are fortunate to have the flexibility of retiring at any age. One of the interesting things is that you are likely to live longer if you retire after 65. Recent studies have proven that millions of Americans live up to 85 and beyond. As long as you have saved enough money, you can retire anytime. The Institute on Aging found that in 2010, 5.5 million Americans lived up to 85 years of age. The study expects this number to increase to an astounding 19 million by 2050.

Florida seems to be a favorite among retirees. What could be so special about Florida that other states don't offer? There might be many perks this constituent state boosts to be a preferred place. In this article, we will highlight some of those reasons.

Surrounded by the Atlantic on the Gulf of Mexico, this is a place to be. And if you're the type of person who loves unwinding by the beach, Florida offers hundreds of miles of white-sand beaches for you to explore. Refreshing freshwater springs are there for you to snorkel and have a whale of a time. Alternatively, you can travel to the Keys, which are right in the Dry Tortugas National Park. Enjoy a breathtaking view of the reef islands. Beyond all of this, let's take a look at some of the reasons many people still prefer Florida.

1. Beautiful weather

Florida is one of the states with the sunniest weather conditions. When you live in this sunny paradise, expect an average of 237 days of sunshine. Forget your winter coats and get to enjoy the warm and breezy evenings. That means you and your family can do all the summer activities unabated. Whether you want to have that outdoor barbecue or host pool parties with other retired friends, you can now have it here. The best part? There is beal vegetation to be enjoyed year-round. Considering 90% of Americans prefer to live in homes surrounded by grass lawns, this is a huge draw!

2. No need to worry about taxes

As a retiree, you don't want to find yourself paying more in taxes. Thankfully, when you relocate to Florida, you won't pay more in taxes. For starters, you won't have to worry about paying state taxes for Social Security benefits, IRAs, and 401(k)s. Did you know that, according to the National Credit Union Administration, savings accounts are secure as they are insured for up to $250,000 per depositor? At the time of retiring, you may have large sums to your name, and not having to worry about debilitating taxes can be a definite plus!

3. Mingle with other retirees

Florida allows retirees to meet other retirees as it has a large adult community. Adults above 50 in Florida are still active and willing to socialize with new people. If you're an extrovert and still have the energy to mingle, an active adult community waits in Florida. Most of these communities have almost everything you would need, from a swimming pool to a fitness center and other amenities that will make living in Florida a breeze for you.

4. Low cost of living

Another reason that makes people who have recently retired not think twice about relocating to Florida is its low cost of living. Even in a city like Miami, you will find that the cost of living is still relatively low compared to other cities. For instance, you might pay less for food, buses, and other house utilities. They usually cost thousands of dollars for people living in bustling cities such as New York and LA. Florida scores an impressive 102.8 in cost of living. In contrast, New York scored 120.50.

Lastly, if you have a spouse, it is advisable to involve them in your decision to relocate to Florida. Most importantly, if that spouse holds a full-time job, consider places in Florida that offer jobs for people in their late 50s.

Why do so many people retire in Florida? What are the benefits of retiring in Florida? Seniors Tips, Lifestyle Tips, Is Florida a low cost of living place? How does Florida compare to other states on taxes? How much sun does Florida get versus rain?

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