If you are nearing retirement age, you’ve probably considered downsizing and moving to a sunny, warm destination like a Florida retirement community.

You’re certainly not alone!

The state is an extremely popular choice for retirement and offers many robust and friendly residential communities.

However, it certainly takes some research and exploration in order to make sense of all the Florida retirement options.

Whether you’re set on retiring to the Sunshine State, or are simply curious about your options, here are some tips for how to find the perfect Florida retirement community.

Why Retirees Move to Florida

With more than 20 percent of Florida’s population aged 65 years and older, it’s clear there is a booming market for retirement communities in the state. It’s an ideal choice for retirees for a variety of reasons, including many cost benefits, social life, and year-round warmth.

People will make retirement decisions based on their own unique factors. Yet, there are a few popular reasons you may consider a Florida retirement.

There’s no income tax and no tax on Social Security benefits

Florida is one of seven states that has no state income tax. For seniors who plan to continue working even throughout retirement, this is a major benefit. The state also doesn’t tax Social Security benefits, which means you’re able to get the most out of each and every one of your retirement checks.

It’s a great place to downsize

With a reasonable cost of living and nearly 8000 mobile and manufactured homes for sale in Florida, there are many options to downsize while still maintaining personal space and independence.

The warm weather beckons

Studies have shown that older individuals have lower body temperatures, and are, therefore, more sensitive to cold weather. Florida, located in the southeast United States, is known for its subtropical to tropical climate. The state could be a welcomed change for anyone looking to retire to a warmer, sunnier place.

Community Considerations

When exploring places for the perfect mobile home retirement community in Florida, the list of options can seem to be never-ending. To narrow down your search through the vast amount of mobile home parks available, it can help to ask yourself about the different types of manufactured home communities there are to choose from in order to figure out which are the best fit for you.

What’s your ideal Florida retirement lifestyle?

In retirement, do you plan to enjoy the great outdoors, staying active with recreational sports and clubs? Do you like planned social events? Would you prefer to be in a community that hosts events where residents can get together? Are you looking to relax and simply get some peace and solitude? Every mobile home community has its own unique dynamic and culture; place your focus on those with the perks that excite you most!

Do you plan to have visitors often?

If you plan to have visitors (such as family and grandchildren) over often, you might prefer buying within a community that offers shared spaces like pools, clubhouses, event halls, or other recreational facilities that your guests can enjoy with you. You might also explore homes that are set on open land. This setting is more apt to provide private space for entertaining.

Do you own (or plan to bring) a pet?

Mobile home communities in Florida and most other places have rules about pets. The rules are in place for resident health and safety. If you’d love to bring your best friend along into retirement with you, look into options with “pet welcome” policies. Alternatively, if you are allergic to, are afraid of, or dislike pets, you can look into communities that do not allow them.

Where in the state do you want to be?

Location, location, location. Think about where you’d most enjoy spending your time, whether it’s by the water, near a city center, or around the airport. Living in the perfect community won’t mean much if you don’t love the area. If you’re able to visit different communities before you make the move, take the time to explore the surrounding areas, as well.

Finding the Ideal Florida Retirement Home

There are many different reasons people choose to move into retirement communities, and just as many options to suit all sorts of tastes and lifestyles. While this could seem overwhelming at first, the key to finding your perfect Florida retirement community is to understand what’s best for you.

In addition, the Florida Manufactured Housing Association is a great resource for homeowners and residents. Contact them for more information on Florida living and buying a home in Florida.