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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
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.
Brightmore at Wellen Park
Seven decorated models are open daily! Brightmore brings Mattamy Homes’ thoughtful brand of active and spirited 55+ living to the top master-planned community of Wellen Park. This fresh, new 55+ community in Venice, Florida, offers a unique lifestyle that is rooted in well-being, fun, and a sense of adventure.
Stylish paired villas and single-family homes in this low-maintenance, gated setting are complemented by an 11-acre resort-style amenity campus for you to stay and play all day. These vibrant, vacation-style amenities are under construction and will include a clubhouse with a fitness center, resort-style pool, lap pool, café and bar, 9 pickleball courts including a stadium competition court, paw parks, and more. Brightmore’s premier location is just around the corner from popular Downtown Wellen with waterfront shopping, dining, and entertainment and a short drive from world-class beaches, golf courses, parks, recreation, trails, and endless experiences.
On Top of the World Communities
Renowned for beautiful homes and unrivaled active and social amenities, On Top of the World in Ocala, FL, is truly a leader in creating quality lifestyles.
A world of opportunities to relax and enjoy life-while staying active with both body and mind-is waiting for you at On Top of the World.
Repeatedly named one of the best places in the country to live by Where to Retire magazine, this 13,000 acre master-planned community appeals to active adults looking for a fabulous lifestyle and well-designed, beautifully appointed homes. Surrounded by central Florida’s celebrated horse country and crystal clear springs, On Top of the World is close to everything, yet far from the ordinary.
Here’s a taste of what you’ll find at On Top of the World:
• Concrete-block, energy-efficient home designs
• Several different communities and neighborhoods available featuring single family, maintenance-free and luxury estate homes, many with golf or preserve homesites
• Three, par-72 golf courses with PGA and LPGA professionals on staff
• Over 250,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor amenities
• Community Town Square with indoor entertainment venue, fitness center and lifelong learning programming at Master the Possibilities Education Center.
• And much more!
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.
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