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Geneva, Florida
Outside of Orlando but Surrounded by Water and Wilderness, Geneva is Known as the "Lost World" by Locals
Peaceful Geneva, an unincorporated town in northeastern Florida, is proud of its history and its rural roots. Although it is only 12 miles from Orlando, it is surrounded by water and wilderness and feels a world away. In fact, it is often called the "lost world" by locals. Both the big and little Econlockhatchee Rivers flow nearby.
Many residences sit on a large country lot, some of which are a little overgrown with a long dirt driveway. Home styles range from Plantation to ranch rambler and Spanish Colonial. The several lakes within town are mostly in their natural state with little development around them. The Little Big Econ State Forest's 9,600 acres just south of town have a 12-mile single track bike trail, canoe put-ins and multiple venues for hiking, bird-watching and horseback riding. Geneva also neighbors the Lake Harney Wilderness Area, which has 300 acres of Native American shell middens, floodplain marshes and bald eagle nests.
The historical society runs a museum with artifacts from the Ice Age to the early-railroad era, while the The Rural Heritage Center, housed in the town's brick school house, offers gun safety, basket making and theater classes. There are a couple of general stores, a feed store, a meat market and a farmers' market. Most shopping is done in nearby Oviedo or Sanford.
Population: 3,200 (city proper)
Age 45 or Better: 34%
Cost of Living: 25% above the national average.
Median Home Price: $555,000
Climate: Summer high temperatures usually top out in the low 90s. Winter temperature highs are in the 60s and 70s with lows in the 50s. Average rainfall is 52 inches per year with the usual summertime afternoon showers.
At Least One Hospital Accepts Medicare Patients? No, but Central Florida Regional Hospital, 10 miles away in Sanford, accepts Medicare patients.
At Least One Accredited by Joint Commission? No, but Central Florida Regional Hospital, 10 miles away in Sanford, is accredited (and is a teaching hospital).
Public Transit: No
Crime Rate: Below the national average
Public Library: No
Political Leanings: Conservative
College Educated: 29%
Is Florida Considered Tax Friendly for Retirement? Yes
Cons: None
Notes: Geneva is very mellow and is the kind of place where residents turn out with lawn chairs for a bridge dedication. The town has grown 35% during the last decade and home prices have increased by 15% since a year ago. Hurricane Ian in 2022 brought flooding, and some sections of town are still rebuilding.
Recommended as a Retirement Spot? Yes
Florida:
Named Pascua Florida by Juan Ponce De Leon, the Sunshine State did not enter the Union until March 3, 1845. Balmy mild winters began attracting snowbirds to the state in the late 19th century. Retirees continue to flock to the state. It's not hard to see why tourism has become the leading industry.
International trade and citrus are also major contributors to the state's economy. Eighty percent of the nation's oranges and grapefruits are grown here, and 40 percent of all U.S. exports to Latin America flow through Florida.
Florida's landscape includes uplands and coastal plains. It contains more than 11,000 miles of waterways and about 4,500 islands spread across 10 acres.
The state has 1,250 golf courses, more than any other state in the Union. The 47 mile Pinellas Trail is the longest urban trail on the east coast. Orlando theme parks attract more visitors than any other theme parks in the U.S. The only place in the world where alligators and crocodiles co-exist is in National Everglades Park.
Best Places to Retire
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