10/07/2024

18 Floridian Cities Retirees Should Be Cautious Of

Since the state has no income tax and plenty of sunny beaches, it’s no wonder Florida is such a popular choice for retirees. Unfortunately, some places in the Sunshine State just aren’t the retirement paradise you’re hoping for. Here’s a look at 18 places that you should absolutely avoid in your golden years and why.

High Cost of Living in Miami

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As tempting as Miami’s culture and beautiful beaches are, it’s far too expensive. You might find the cost of housing and daily expenses are much higher than you were hoping for, which can seriously affect your retirement savings. Eating out and entertainment aren’t cheap either, which makes your golden years far less relaxing.

Crime Rates in Opa-Locka

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Opa-Locka has a reputation for higher crime rates, especially compared to other Florida towns, so you should probably retire elsewhere. Feeling safe in your neighborhood is always important; sadly, this might not be the spot for that easy-going retirement life. For anyone looking to unwind, the frequent reports of thefts and vandalism are a major turn-off.

Traffic Congestion in Orlando

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Thanks to the city’s endless entertainment and recreational choices, Orlando is constantly backed by heavy traffic. For those looking to relax and move around easily, this is enough to make you look elsewhere. After all, getting to your favorite spots or running basic errands shouldn’t be time-consuming.

Hurricane Risk in Key West

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Key West is famous for its beautiful views and laid-back lifestyle but is also in a high-risk hurricane zone. As such, you’ll pay much higher insurance costs and have to deal with serious safety risks. There’s also the stress of hurricane season every year that’ll really wear you down.

Limited Medical Facilities in Lehigh Acres

While Lehigh Acres is affordable, it has relatively few medical facilities nearby, which can be an issue for retirees needing regular healthcare services. If you’re used to having specialists and hospitals close by, then avoid this area at all costs. After all, as we age, quick access to medical care becomes a necessity.

Flood Risks in Tampa

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Tampa is another place where flooding becomes all too common during the rainy season, and this risk is enough to deter some retirees looking for a relaxing break. Regular floods will cause issues in your daily life and damage property, which is a hassle nobody wants to deal with, especially in retirement. You should be enjoying your golden years, not battling floodwaters.

High Insurance Rates in Fort Lauderdale

Thanks to its coastal location, Fort Lauderdale has some of the highest homeowners insurance rates around, which will raise your living costs by quite a bit. Dealing with these extra expenses can be a real headache when you’re supposed to enjoy your retirement. You may find you’ll have a lot less leftover for both fun and travel.

Overdevelopment in Naples

Many people think of Naples as a retirement paradise, but that’s actually working against it. Recent overdevelopment is destroying the city’s beauty and increasing living costs, which is completely changing the once-peaceful lifestyle here. If you’re looking for that old Florida charm, the new high-rises and bustling streets might not be for you.

Noisy Environment in Daytona Beach

Daytona Beach is famous for its motorsports events, making it far too noisy for retirees looking for peace. Forget those dreams of quiet days by the sea because the engine noise during race season will ruin them. It’s even worse if you’re living close to the action.

Lack of Public Transport in Port St. Lucie

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Port St. Lucie is a quiet place, although that’s not always great. There’s a clear lack of extensive public transportation here, which makes things far more challenging for those who don’t drive. Most retirees find driving difficult, so moving here could make you feel a bit stuck.

Humidity and Heat in Fort Myers

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The high humidity and temperatures in Fort Myers can be uncomfortable, especially for those with certain health conditions. This kind of weather can be tough if you’re not used to it, and it’ll certainly make any daily activities more painful. You’ll also have to consider how it’ll affect your utility bills since you’ll probably use the AC more.

Few Amenities in Palatka

Palatka is more remote and has fewer amenities, which is an issue if you want more from your community. You won’t find much variety in shopping or entertainment here, making life a little boring. It’s nice to have options, especially when you have the time to enjoy them.

Tourist Crowds in Clearwater

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Clearwater’s beaches attract many tourists, so it soon loses its appeal to local residents. Of course, it’s nice to be in a place with some energy, but when the beaches get too packed, it might just spoil everything you love about it. After all, it’s not exactly fun to be elbow-to-elbow with hundreds of tourists.

Limited Housing Options in Kissimmee

Since it’s so close to Orlando, Kissimmee has just a few affordable housing options for retirees, so it’s not great for anyone on a budget. Finding a good place that doesn’t break the bank is much harder than expected here. You really don’t want to spend your retirement counting every dime just for a place to live.

Industrial Feel in Pensacola

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Pensacola has more of an industrial feel than other Floridian cities, which might not appeal to everyone. Anyone who’s after that classic Florida beach scene should avoid this city because you won’t find that sense of relaxation here. Of course, Pensacola does have a unique charm, but it’s not what you’d expect from a Floridian city.

Allergens in Sarasota

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Beauty comes with a cost, and in Sarasota, that’s the high pollen count, which can be a problem for retirees with allergies. In fact, the city is actually the worst in the state for allergies. This is a place where the great outdoors isn’t so great for your sinuses, and this can really take the fun out of outdoor activities.

Priced Out in St. Augustine

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The stunning views and historic charm of St. Augustine have led to a steep increase in prices, which, sadly, has made it unaffordable for some retirees. But it’s not just home prices that have increased, as living costs here have made everyday expenses much harder to manage. Many retirees are on a fixed budget and simply can’t afford these high prices.

Isolation in Okeechobee

Like Palakta, Okeechobee is more rural and struggles with being isolated from major cities. This might not be your cup of tea unless you’re a fan of long drives for shopping or entertainment. Most of the time, you’ll miss the hustle and bustle or at least the convenience of having everything within reach.