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Retirees Find Sand, Surf and
Affordable Real Estate in Laid Back Largo, Florida
Cost of Living: Below the National Average
Written by Edith Weiss, daughter of Largo retirees
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| Largo’s residents have a lot to be
thankful for, and they can express that gratitude in any
one of the 65 churches in the town, or in all, if the
mood suits. Denominations not found in Largo can be
found in neighboring Clearwater or St. Petersburg.
The real estate market in Florida, as elsewhere, has
slowed. Foreclosures in the state were up 71% last year
(find Largo foreclosures
here (ad) ~ use zip code 33774). Prices have
dropped, which is good news for the buyer. An online
search of the Largo real estate market showed (as of
this date) 2,067 available properties
(homes-condos-townhouses-apartments), with at least 2
bedrooms, for under $150,000. |
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Let’s take a closer look at real estate. There are many
choices, both in price and in life styles. The price for
doublewide mobile homes starts at $39,000. If you want to
live in a 55+-retirement community, for $78,900 you can get
a one-bedroom one-story 985 sq. feet town home with a
community pool, of course. A single-family home, two
bedroom, one bath with 921 sq. feet goes for
$150,000. For $153,900 you can get a 3 bedroom,
2 bath home with a fenced yard and a one-car garage. A
town home in the gated community of Bar Harbour, with 2
beds, 2 baths, and a carport also boasts a lake waterfront
and a dock for $159,000.
Senior housing options include many individual and
assisted living communities, as well as Alzheimer’s care
facilities in Largo and the surrounding areas.
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More fun facts: there are 2,405 restaurants within 15 miles. There
are 8 museums, 73 public golf courses, and 83 hospitals (I have
found no direct correlation between the two). Largo Medical
Center, a 265 bed hospital, lies within the city limits. It is the
only hospital in Pinellas County with all private rooms. The Sun
Coast Hospital is a not-for-profit owned by a community
foundation.
The crime rate is lower than the national average. The median
home price is $155,000, lower than the state average. There is no
state or local income tax. The sales tax is 7%. The Pinellas-Suncoast
Transit Authority provides bus service throughout Pinellas County
and express service to Tampa.
And now, for facts that are less than fun. Property taxes and
homeowner’s insurance are not cheap. It’s Florida, and the
hurricanes have taken their toll. It’s difficult to
give figures because in January 2008 everything might change due
to a vote on the Florida Property Tax Reform Bill.
But, for now: the current rate is 4.2785 for fiscal year 2007
which is calendar year 2006-2007. The proposed new maximum
is the rate of 4.0100 for fiscal year 2008, calendar year
2007-2008. So for now, property taxes are above the national
average. Flood insurance is almost impossible to
get. Before you buy, ask your real estate agent about
homeowner’s insurance and what you can expect to pay. If
you want to live near the shore, it’s a price you have to
pay. I find that the sea breezes and the seagulls make it
worthwhile.
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