Great weather, fun things to do, and a beach day whenever you want one. Who doesn’t love living in Florida? The Sunshine State isn’t the right home for everyone, but it might be the right home for you. Consider the pros and cons of living in Florida for your retirement.
Pros and Cons of Living in Florida
If you’re a senior, you probably know at least one person who moved to Florida to enjoy a beachside retirement. You might be wondering what draws people to Florida and why they choose to stay. Is the Sunshine State all it’s cracked up to be for seniors? Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of living in Florida.
Pros: Beautiful Weather Year-Round
Let’s start with the most obvious pro of living in Florida: the weather. If you have arthritis or another condition aggravated by cold weather, you’ll be happy to know that the average temperature across the state is 72 degrees regardless of the season. If you move to Florida, shoveling snow and slipping on the ice will become a thing of the past.
Cons: Say Goodbye to Seasons
Of course, saying goodbye to winter may not be a pro for you if you enjoy watching the seasons change. Florida doesn’t really have seasons, which can be a disappointment for some. In the winter and fall, it becomes cooler and less humid, but watching the leaves change or going sledding with your grandkids isn’t in the cards. However, your grandkids might be more excited to visit the beach in December than to go sledding anyway!
Pros: Reasonable Cost of Living
One of the reasons retirees love living in Florida is that it provides seaside living at an affordable price. While the cost of living in big coastal cities continues to skyrocket, most people are able to maintain a comfortable quality of life in Florida on a fixed income. A savvy senior with a budget can enjoy the good life in Florida in a way they may not be able to in a pricier locale.
Cons: Public Transportation Isn’t the Best
One real downside for seniors in Florida is that public transportation is not as widely available there as it is in other states. Florida is a driver’s state, and if you are hoping to give up your car when you move there, you may find your travels a little limited. That being said, there are plenty of ways to get around without easy bus access, such as carpooling with your fellow seniors. Senior living communities like Beach House provide transportation for residents. In addition, some cities also provide additional travel solutions for seniors, such as the paratransit service provided by the Jacksonville Transit Authority.
Pros: Things to Do and People to See
If you want to live somewhere you can see and do something new every day, Florida is the state you’re looking for. Florida boasts over 8,000 miles of coastline, so if you’re looking for a beach day, you’re in luck. However, the beach is not the only attraction in Florida. From fun theme parks to world-class museums, Florida has it all. Imagine spending your retirement exploring everything it has to offer!
Cons: The Bug Population
Another genuine downside for many who move to Florida is the fact that creepy crawlers populate this tropical state. One of the side effects of Florida’s incredible ecological diversity is that there are lots of bugs around. Unfortunately, unlike northern states, there’s no “mosquito season” to wait out for a bug-free break. The bug population stays stable – and hungry – all year long. However, if you live in a well-managed property that handles pest control effectively, the odds it will become an actual problem for you are slim to none.
_____
These are the most commonly cited pros and cons of moving to Florida, but there’s a lot more to discover about this incredible state. If you want to get a resident’s perspective, give us a call. We’ll tell you why Florida could be the perfect home for you.
If you’re hoping to retire in Jacksonville, Florida, the Beach House could be the ideal place. Our exceptional location is less than a mile from the Atlantic Ocean and near restaurants, shops, a golf course, and more. Our friendly and compassionate staff members offer individualized care 24/7, giving peace of mind to our residents and their families. To learn more about our amenities or schedule a tour, please contact us online or give us a call at 904-615-8076. We look forward to hearing from you!