It is never too late to change, even after you turn 50. We all remember the famous motto “Life begins at 40” merit of a self-help book of the same name written by Walter B. Pitkin in 1932 and the title of a song written by John Lennon in 1978.
More and more studies and research on the quality of human life agree that 50 is the age when a new chapter begins, often better and more exciting than ever before. It is when you are more aware of what you want for yourself and residents of the 55+ communities in Florida that are some of the best places to retire in the U.S. know this very well.
Florida’s 55+ communities, also called active adult communities, are designed for people who want to be near others who are at or near retirement age but remain young at heart, who enjoy a laid-back yet dynamic lifestyle, and who choose to live in communities designed and built around their needs.
They must not be confused with assisted living facilities. On the contrary, they are independent residences built within communities pulsating with life, filled with facilities, services, and social activities for residents, aimed at the well-being of the next chapter of their lives.
The benefits of active adult communities in Florida
Let’s take a look at the benefits of living in an active adult community in Florida
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Paradise on earth and not only for the sunshine
Florida is the U.S.A.’s most Caribbean state. It is also known as the Sunshine State because it is a land of perennially favorable sun-kissed weather. Retirees can enjoy a healthy outdoor life full of activities and attractions all year round because even winters are mild in Florida.
Many Americans choose Florida as a place to retire for many other reasons. There are no state income, estate, or inheritance taxes, and retirement income is tax-free. Furthermore, according to the U.S. News & World Report Best Places to Retire in 2021-2022 survey, as many as 11 of the top 20 cities in the U.S. where to retire are located in Florida.
Dynamic living
Active adults in Florida can find a wide range of experiences designed to maintain good overall health, like golf courses, tennis courts, pools, fitness centers, walking paths, recreation halls, and more. Staying active also means being able to socialize through a variety of activities such as:
- cooking classes
- picnics and barbecues
- card games, game clubs, and bingo
- writing classes
- coffee groups
- movie nights
- field trips
- charity work and service projects
- theme parties and dinners
- golf tournaments, tennis, and pickle-ball mixers
- meetings with speakers and guests, and much more
Additional services
Many amenities enrich the daily range of activities in 55+ communities, such as golf courses, tennis courts, outdoor swimming pools, bocce ball courts, fitness centers, exercise rooms, walking trails, clubhouses, hobby clubs, restaurants, bars, on-site libraries, stores, recreation centers, and amphitheaters.
A strong sense of community
Residents of 55+ communities can share many activities and moments of the day with other like-minded people of their own generation. This helps them strengthen bonds of friendship, open up to new knowledge and expand their minds, all experiences that contribute to better mental and especially emotional health.
Safety and Security
Most of Florida’s 55+ communities have specialized staff to ensure the protection and safety of residents, as well as secure, gated entrances that provide security and peace of mind for residents.
There are also well-lit parking and common areas, common walkways, fire alarms, working smoke detectors, emergency evacuation maps, and clearly marked exit doors.
Daily support services
Active adult communities also provide residents with daily support service workers, for preparing meals, helping with household chores or errands, caring for pets, taking prescription medications, and any help they may need to get through the day with peace of mind without practical problems.
No maintenance work
Living in a 55+ community means that someone else does all the outside tasks for the residents. Plumbing and lawn mowing are no longer an issue! The community staff will care for it, as with all maintenance of housing facilities, buildings, and outdoor spaces, including roads and sidewalks. All this so residents can live a stress-free life in their new home in Florida.
Strategic Location
Location is extremely important in determining which 55+ community to relocate to in Florida, and these are always located in convenient locations near shopping centers, hospitals, stores, medical offices, theaters, restaurants, and other community facilities. Not to mention that several communities have on-site dental, eye, and medical centers open to the residents.
Have your four-legged friend with you at all times
More and more active adult communities in Florida have dog parks and areas as a standard set of amenities. In this way, pets can enjoy life as much as their owners.
Choosing the right 55+ community in Florida
You may think that all active adult communities in Florida are the same but it is not so. Some may emphasize more social and sports activities, while others may focus on other aspects and services. The fact remains that each community has its strengths and it is just a matter of figuring out which one is right for you.
In NEO we can help you narrow down the search for you. On the portal, you can find several proposals among the best retirement communities in Florida, all of which are on the list of the best places to retire in Florida.
With NEO, finding your dream home in an active adult community is one click away.
