Why Fort Pierce Is One of the Best Places to Retire in Florida
Fort Pierce, Florida, is one of the best places to retire in Florida due to its financial benefits, comfortable climate, and access to quality medical care. Seniors can experience classic, Old Florida living without having to sacrifice the comforts of modern living.
According to CNBC, Florida is the top state for retirees to settle down during their Golden Years. There are over six million residents over the age of 60 in the Sunshine State. With countless coastal retirement communities to choose from, it can be challenging to know where to retire in Florida.
Let's dive into why so many seniors are retiring in Fort Pierce, Florida. We'll go over some of the features of the area that can improve your quality of life, making your retirement years even more relaxing.
Affordable Living for Retirees
According to U.S. News, around 19% of the Fort Pierce population is over 65 years old. One of the things that draws seniors to this area and Florida generally is the fact that Florida doesn't have a state income tax.
The lack of state income tax is especially appealing to retirees who have investment income, such as:
- Social Security benefits
- Retirement account withdrawals
- Pensions
These types of income won't get taxed on the local or state level for Florida residents. This ensures more money stays in the pockets of seniors.
Fort Pierce is also considered a more affordable area than other parts of Florida. The cost of living is around 4.4% lower than the state's average. This makes the city a great place for retirees to settle, even if they're living in a senior living community and not purchasing a home.
Comfortable Climate and Natural Beauty
Fort Pierce is known for having dry, mild winters and humid summers. It's considered a subtropical climate that borders on being more tropical. For example, you can expect the average low in January to be around 53°.
This year-round pleasant weather makes it a great choice for seniors who may have trouble regulating their body temperature. They won't have to worry about getting too cold in the winter months or overheated in the summer months. Many senior living communities offer climate-controlled apartment units that seniors can adjust to a comfortable temperature.
Access to Healthcare and Senior Services
What makes Fort Pierce one of the best places to retire in Florida is its proximity to high-quality healthcare providers. Some of the medical places that seniors can easily access when living in Fort Pierce include:
- Cleveland Clinic Tradition
- Lawnwood Regional Medical Center
- American Care Medical Center
Fort Pierce also offers an extensive public transportation system that makes it easy for seniors to navigate the city if they don't have access to a vehicle or feel comfortable driving. There are also many 55+ senior living communities for seniors to choose from.
Vibrant Lifestyle and Recreation Opportunities
Seniors can spend their days enjoying public attractions in the Fort Pierce area. Some of the most popular destinations include:
- St. Lucie County Regional History Center
- The Sunrise Theater
- Fort Pierce Inlet State Park
- Manatee Observation and Education Center
- St. Lucie County Aquarium
What's great about living in a senior living community in Fort Pierce is that not only does the community itself offer activities for residents to participate in, but they also organize community outings.Seniors can comfortably enjoy the community around them and become a part of their city.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Best Places to Retire in Florida
Don't rush into deciding where to retire. You need to carefully consider the following questions before jumping into a decision.
Can I Retire in Florida on $3,000 a Month?
Planning ahead for the future, especially in regards to your finances, is a wise choice. You want to ensure you have enough money to live comfortably in your retirement years. Retiring on $3,000 is possible, but it requires careful planning.
If you want to retire in Florida, you'll want to focus on moving to a city that offers a lower cost of living instead of tourist destinations. That's why Fort Pierce is a great place to retire. The low cost of living helps seniors keep their costs low.
What Are the Disadvantages of Retiring in Florida?
Considering the cons as well as the pros is key when figuring out any major life decisions. While retiring in Fort Pierce comes with numerous benefits, there are a few things to keep in mind, including:
- Hurricane risks
- Extreme humidity and heat
- High cost of living
Like we've talked about, you can avoid the high cost of living by moving to affordable areas, like Fort Pierce. You can escape the heat by staying in air-conditioned buildings, like your senior living community.
Is Fort Pierce a Safe Place to Live?
Yes, Fort Pierce is considered one of the safest places to live in Florida. The city has a low crime rate, thanks to the diligence and hard work of the city's police department.
How Do I Decide Where to Retire?
Choosing where to spend your retirement is a major life decision. There are a few factors you need to consider, such as your:
- Financial situation
- Lifestyle preferences
- Personal needs
You should also research whether the city has access to high-quality healthcare and if it's close to friends and family. Other things you should keep in mind include:
- Community feel
- Weather preferences
- Proximity to shopping and recreational activities
One way to approach this question is to determine what your monthly budget will be. Once you figure that out, you can research cities that fit your lifestyle and financial needs.
Make the Most of Your Retirement by Moving to Fort Pierce, FL
If you're looking for one of the best places to retire in Florida, look no further than Fort Pierce. Fort Pierce offers senior residents an ideal climate, access to big city amenities, and a low cost of living. Learn why numerous seniors each year are choosing to retire in the Sunshine State.
The Lynmoore at Lawnwood provides its residents with the premier Florida senior lifestyle. In addition to living in the lovely Fort Pierce, our residents can enjoy restaurant-style dining, community walking paths, and personalized healthcare services. Contact our office to schedule a tour and learn more about memory care for retirees and assisted living in Florida
