Retiring to Central Florida? Here Are Some Things You Need to Know
Florida has consistently been named one of the best places to retire in the United States year after year, and for good reason. The state of Florida offers many perks such as beautiful warm weather most of the year, close proximity to Disney World, and gorgeous beaches to name a few. When planning on retiring to sunny Florida, there are some things you’ll want to know before starting your journey. Below are some bits of information that you will want to know to help you along the way!
Buying a Home Can Be Tricky
As with many places in America, the current housing market in Florida can be a bit of a roller coaster. When deciding to buy a home here, there are several things to consider to ensure that you don’t make a common home-buying mistake. First and foremost is your budget. The sunshine state boasts lower housing prices than average for the rest of the United States, which means more bang for your buck. Before buying you’ll want to know what your credit score is, as well as what credit score is needed to buy a house. This will ensure that you get the best deal on your purchase. The higher your credit score, the lower your interest rate will be. This equals a smaller overall loan for your new home. Something additional to keep in mind is that although housing is more affordable, homeowners insurance tends to be more expensive here. This is mostly due to the high number of hurricanes that Florida receives each year.
There’s No State Income Tax to Strain Your Budget
Retirement can sometimes come with some financial anxiety. This is completely normal for new retirees, as you’ve always had a consistent flow of income each month. It’s crucial, especially when first starting your retirement, that you create a budget and stick to it. This will allow you to track how much money you have coming in and going out each month.
One reason many retirees prefer to move to Florida is that Florida does not have a state income tax. This also includes no tax on both retirement income as well as social security benefits. Even property taxes tend to be on the lower side. This allows retirees to get the most out of their monthly income without putting strain on their budget.
The Weather is (Mostly) Gorgeous
Florida is nicknamed the Sunshine State for good reason, but there’s not perfect weather all of the time. Since 1851, 41% of the hurricanes that have made landfall in the United States have hit some part of Florida. This may not come as a surprise to you, but it’s definitely something to consider when planning your retirement here. As mentioned above, hurricanes drive up the cost of homeowners insurance, so you’ll want to make sure that’s factored into your budget.
However, when the sun is shining, that does come with its own concerns as well. Florida is one of the hottest states in the country, and with that comes the risk of heat-related illnesses. Things such as heat stroke and exhaustion are fairly common in Florida and pose a higher risk for the senior retirement community. Make sure that you’re aware of how to stay safe in the heat when retiring to Florida.
You Can Live a More Active Lifestyle
With mostly beautiful weather comes a more active and healthier lifestyle. There’s no cold winter to keep you cooped up inside for months at a time, and no snow to shovel. With retirees moving here in droves every year, you’ll also be surrounded by others who are of a similar age as well as with similar interests as you. Making new friends in your new home should come quite easily. Florida is also one of the most pet-friendly states, so if you have a dog, or would like to get one, you’ll have no problem finding places to play with them outside, giving you and your friend the exercise you need to stay fit and healthy throughout your retirement.
Retirement can be some of the best years of a person’s life. Without the added stress of a job taking up your time, you’ll be free to do the things that make you the happiest. Make sure to keep the above tips in mind when planning your move to the sunshine state in order to make the most of your retirement for years to come.