Guide to Best Places to Retire in Florida
Best Places to Live & Retire in Florida
Our free Digital Retirement Guide and Ideal-Living Magazine offer an abundance of information on which states, towns and cities are the best for retirees, vacationers and second-home buyers. This includes retirement communities in Central Florida, as well as the panhandle and Southern Florida.
In Florida, we have many communities for which you can get all the information you need. You can compare locations within Florida as well as vacation and retirement communities all across the U.S. Our Ideal-Living Digital Magazine includes numerous articles such as the top travel destinations, tips on selling your home, and how to make the most of your retirement. Our Guide allows you to compare cities and communities on variables such as climate, population, home values, cost of living and the proximity of schools, hospitals and airports.
Besides its natural beauty and incredible coastline, Florida is one of the most tax friendly states for retirees and seniors. The tax benefits of living in Florida include:
- No state income tax
- No tax on social security benefits
- Permanent residents qualify for Homestead Exemption
- Seniors may qualify for additional property tax exemptions
Idyllic Communities in Ideal Locations
Prospective residents should choose a community that best fits their lifestyle. Some neighborhoods are only a short walk or ride away from bustling city centers. Others are closer to quieter, small-town shops.
We can help you find your ideal location to live and retire in the beautiful state of Florida. Our resources put all the information at your fingertips to make the best decision for you, including putting you in contact with representatives from the top retirement and resort communities in Florida, this includes FL Del Webb communities and Minto communities.
Sample Communities to Discover
Sarasota Luxury Homes
Top Ten Reasons for… Considering Relocating to the Sarasota Area
Whether you’re considering a relocation because of your career or retirement, allow me to introduce you to a variety of reasons to encourage you to consider the Sarasota and surrounding area for your new residence.
- Culture…a world class arts community that enjoys gardens, museums, music, and theatres.
- Recreation…from the best beaches to the best golf courses and to many scenic parks…and of course, Spring Training for many of the Major League Baseball Teams, residents have almost limitless opportunities to enjoy.
- Diverse Neighborhoods…that provide a variety of options…depending on personal interests like being close to the Gulf Coast, shopping, and restaurants.
- Biking, Running and Walking Trails…for example, the Legacy Trail extends from Sarasota all the way to Venice for great biking, running, or hiking.
- Top rated schools…both public and private that are ranked nationally.
- Shopping Options…whether a shopping mall like University Town Center, St. Armands Circle or unique boutiques shops, residents are able to experience a ton of shopping options throughout the Sarasota area.
- Great Restaurants…whatever your appetite, residents have a variety of options…from fine dining to family style restaurants.
- Close proximity to domestic and international airports…provide residents many options to travel to and from the Sarasota area.
- Top rated Medical Services / Facilities…we enjoy the finest of healthcare facilities and staff throughout the area.
- Sunshine State…the best attribute about the Sarasota area is the weather which allows for a vibrant lifestyle…whether enjoying time on the best Gulf Coast beaches, biking, strolling through parks and museums, running on the many miles of trails, golfing on the beautifully manicured golf courses or enjoying some leisure time with family and friends on your Lanai.
Ready to live the Florida lifestyle? Click here to start your search.
To learn more about the Sarasota area Real Estate market click here.
Valencia Ridge
Valencia Ridge, located in Wesley Chapel within the greater Tampa area, offers contemporary home designs and world-class amenities designed for the ultimate 55+ luxury lifestyle. Wesley Chapel is popular not only because of its close proximity to Tampa but also because of its own desirable attractions, including: The Grove Shops at Wiregrass, Tampa Premium Outlets, Popstroke and the and Saddlebrook Golf & Tennis Resort. At Valencia Ridge, you are a short drive away from some of the best beaches in the world with Clearwater Beach being named Tripadvisor’s #1 Beach in the U.S. in 2016, 2018 & 2019.
At Valencia Ridge, you’ll find beautifully designed one-story homes from the $400s to $800s. These stunning homes range in size from 2,334 total sq. ft. to 4,132 total sq. ft. and feature impressive open concept floorplans, gourmet kitchens with stainless steel appliances, covered patios and so much more. With all the sophisticated features that today’s homebuyers are looking for already included as standard and a wide variety of options to choose from, there is something for everyone at Valencia Ridge.
Valencia Ridge is designed to maximize 55+ living – from the beautiful home designs to the spectacular 29,000 sq. ft. Clubhouse and resort lifestyle. Valencia Ridge offers exceptional amenities featuring a world-class gym, resort-style pools, dining options, massage rooms, hundreds of clubs, and a dynamic calendar of events provided by a full-time lifestyle director that is designed to provide the ultimate in 55+ living. Be sure to check out the Sports and Raquet Club and get active on the pickleball or tennis courts. Learn more about the Valencia lifestyle by taking advantage of the Stay and Play program offered at Valencia Ridge . You’ll stay 3 days/2 nights at Valencia Trails in Naples in one of our beautifully furnished homes for only $99 and see the lifestyle that could be yours at Valencia Ridge. Don’t miss out on exclusive offers and start living your ultimate 55+ lifestyle at Valencia Ridge in Wesley Chapel.
Amelia National Golf and Country Club
A Place to Call Home. Amelia National Golf & Country Club, a new home community in Fernandina Beach, FL, provides residents with some of the most sought after amenities. Manned, gated security, 18 holes of immaculate golf from master designer, Tom Fazio, practice facilities, brand new lighted tennis courts, fitness center with spa, and a charming French provincial county club featuring a resort-style pool are just a few of the amenities we offer.
- Manned, Gated Security
- Private Tom Fazio Golf Course
- Low Initiation Fee
- Practice Facilities & Pro Shop
- On Staff Golf Pro
- Use Your Own Golf Cart
- Brand New Lighted Tennis Facility
- On Staff Tennis Pro
- Clubhouse with Full Bar and Dining
- Community Pool with Hot Tub
- State-of-the-Art Fitness Center & Spa
- Homes with Golf & Preserve Views
Location, Location, Location
Amelia National’s close proximity to Amelia Island, the Jacksonville International Airport and the beach make it a highly desirable location for those looking for new homes in Fernandina Beach. Some of the finest restaurants, shopping and attractions are just a short drive from your front door. If you are feeling a little more adventurous, the heart of Jacksonville, St. Augustine and Georgia are easily accessible because of Amelia National’s convenient location just a few miles from interstate 95.
Homes that Meet Your Exact Needs
Luxury homes of grace, beauty and magnificent golf course views. ICI Homes has earned its reputation as Florida’s Custom Home Builder by offering in-house architectural services so you can design your new custom home from scratch or from a favorite plan you’ve found. Or if you’d prefer, you can select from our extensive portfolio of award-winning floors plans, all of which can be totally customized to suit.
Because ICI Homes has built thousands of homes, from affordable villas to breathtaking mansions, ICI Homes benefits from a volume purchasing advantage that ensures your home is built with the best quality materials at the greatest value for your money. Building a brand-new, one-of-a-kind home easy and surprisingly affordable, with home/lot packages starting from the $300’s.
Get Started
Finding and choosing the right active adult community can be a daunting task. This is where ideal-LIVING can help. Sign up below to receive our complimentary relocation package, which offers tips on how to find a community that suits your needs. In this guide, you’ll discover the top communities in Florida, as well as what you can do to get started. Sign up for this free package to take the first step in your exciting journey.
Free Package includes:
- ideal-LIVING Relocation Guide
The ultimate guide to find your ideal destination, life and home. This annual guide contains more than 15 state maps, a location-based cost of living and climate comparison chart and discovery travel packages.
- ideal-LIVING Magazine
Quarterly print magazine features the best places to retire and/or purchase your ideal second home.
- ideal-LIVING E-Newsletter
Receive our digital newsletter, two to three times a month, highlighting communities around the country and abroad.
- Tickets to ideal-LIVING Live Events
The ideal-LIVING Resort & Retirement Show has helped retirees and second-home buyers find their ideal community and home for more than 30 years.