Retiring in Florida is a dream that many people share. It’s warm, it’s sunny, and there are so many things to do: golf courses, beaches, boating, fishing—the list goes on! But as you’re getting ready to move down south (or perhaps have already moved), we want you to know that there are some important things you need to consider before buying a house or apartment in an active retirement community in FL. We’ve put together this guide just for you.
What Is Your Budget?
When it comes to retirement, planning your budget is just as important as any other aspect of the process. You may have a general idea of what you’d like to do with your time, but if you don’t have a firm grasp on how much money you’ll need to accomplish those goals, then it’s very likely that your retirement will be full of unexpected expenses and financial stress.
When creating a budget for an active Florida lifestyle, the best place to start is by estimating your monthly expenses. Be sure not to overestimate or underestimate here—you want to make sure that whatever number pops up isn’t too far off from reality so that you can adjust accordingly down the road if needed.
What Climate Do You Want To Live In?
Climate is important for health and well-being. You want to enjoy the great outdoors, which means you’ll need access to a range of climates. Florida has four seasons: tropical, subtropical, and temperate climates.
- Tropical – Summers are hot and humid with frequent afternoon thunderstorms; winters are mild with little or no snow at sea level.
- Subtropical – Summers are warm with high humidity; winters feature modest temperatures (decreased heat index) but are still above freezing in most areas.
- Temperate – The coldest month is colder than 10°C (50°F) and warmer than 0°C (32°F).
How Important Is The Cost Of Living To You?
Whether you’re retired or not, cost of living is a big factor in deciding where to live. If you’re planning on retiring soon, it’s important to find out how much your current income will stretch in Florida.
In order to determine this, you’ll need to do some research. First and foremost: get familiar with the average income levels in your area! Find out what the typical person makes there; how much of that money is left over after taxes? How does that compare with other areas? What’s the average rent for an apartment? Can you afford medical insurance for yourself and any dependents? These are just some things that should be considered before making a move down south (or anywhere else).
How Many Bedrooms And Bathrooms Do You Need?
The first thing to consider when deciding how many bedrooms and bathrooms you need is how many people will be living in your home. This might not seem like a big deal, but it’s important to think about whether you want a room just for guests or if there will be regular overnight visitors. If you have children and/or grandchildren who frequently visit, having an extra bedroom that can serve as a guest room, playroom, or study space might be useful.
Another thing to consider is if there will be storage space in the house for all your belongings. Do you have lots of boxes for moving? Will those boxes need a place where they won’t get lost or damaged? Are any items requiring extra protection from the elements (like antiques)? How much space do these items take up, and what storage options are available at retirement communities?
And finally: What kinds of activities do retirees enjoy doing most often? Are they going out every night because they love socializing with friends or family members, or would they rather spend their time relaxing at home after work or on weekends?
Conclusion
As you can see, many things to consider when planning your retirement. If you’re ready to start the next chapter of your life, we hope this article has helped you make some great decisions about where and how best to live out your days in Florida.
