The 3 Reasons Why You Should Be Putting Down Roots in Florida

Even though I’m decades away from not having to work anymore, I did go to college in Sarasota, one of the best places to retire in Florida. I inevitably spent a lot of time with retirees, who struck up conversations at the beach or volunteered beside me at different non-profits. Seeing how happy and fulfilled these retirees were made me realize that Florida is a great place to live — and not just because we don’t have to pay state taxes. Heed the wisdom of experience and consider these three reasons why Florida is the best place to retire in the U.S.

1. We Have Sunny Weather Year-Round

Let’s be honest. Florida’s sunny weather is its most compelling attribute. When people in northern states are scraping ice out of their driveways, Floridians are taking seaside strolls with a tropical drink in hand. Why spend your golden years dealing with snowstorms when you could be in the Sunshine State?

It’s true that Floridian summers can be very intense, with temperatures and humidity rising to levels that make it hard to be outside for too long. Thankfully, we have long coastlines full of beautiful beaches where we can cool off. And if we ever get tired of the sand, there are also lakes, springs, and pools to keep us refreshed throughout the season. While hurricane season can put a damper on the sunny weather, the storms aren't as frequent as out-of-staters seem to believe. And if you really dislike summer in the state, you can always head to cooler climates and then come back during the winter when the heat is milder.

2. You Can Choose the Vibe You Want

Florida is a large state with an interesting history and a varied culture. Within its 65,758 square miles, it holds cosmopolitan cities, peaceful rural communities, adventurous wilderness, and everything in between. Retirees (and anyone else who moves here) can choose exactly the vibe that best suits their lifestyle. There are so many different sides of Florida that it’s hard to believe someone could fail to find a place that fits them.

For laidback fun in the sun, the Keys let you spend your days fishing and boating while eating way too much Key lime pie. Cities like Miami and Tampa have great museums, weekly cultural events, exciting nightlife, and excellent restaurants. If you’re more of a nature person, you can settle in Everglades City, which has access to some of the best hikes in Florida. Alternatively, join a tiny beach community in one of the Panhandle's planned towns to go on daily beach walks. We also have numerous horse counties, and some working dude ranches for anyone who wants the cowboy lifestyle without the harsh winters.

3. There Is Easy Access to Other Exciting Destinations

Although Florida is wonderful, sometimes you still need to get away. One of my favorite things about the state is its easy access to destinations in the U.S., Latin America, and the Caribbean. People living in the Panhandle can literally drive to New Orleans for Mardi Gras or do a road trip to the Georgia mountains. If traveling by plane, Texas and some Midwestern states are a quick flight away. Anyone based in South Florida can fly to numerous Caribbean islands, as well as several places in Mexico, Belize, and Guatemala, in less than three hours. Those willing to do longer trips can also get direct flights to different countries in South America and Europe. No other state boasts such great connections to so many different regions of the world. 

Quality of Life in Florida

Retirement is the perfect time to explore the world without worrying about time-off requests or work piling up. Being able to travel so easily to other countries will let you enjoy the freedom that this stage of life promises. Once you get back from your trip, you’ll be happy to land in one of the most beautiful places in the country.

Feeling inspired? Try planning your own trip using Only In Your State’s itinerary planner.