Finding the Best Places to Retire Since 2006!
Retire in Land O' Lakes, Florida?
Overview: Named for the large number of lakes within its borders, pretty Land O' Lakes is at the northern edge of the Tampa metropolitan area. The city has grown by 11% within the last decade, primarily by absorbing nearby towns.
Many neighborhoods border a lake, and some homes have a boat dock. Modest ranch ramblers are common in older areas, while Mediterraneans are the norm in newer subdivisions. The Groves is a 55+ community with a variety of home styles and plenty of open space. The county-run recreation complex includes a pool, a fishing pier and a dog park. The Conner Preserve has a model airplane field and permits biking, while Cypress Creek Preserve allows fishing and hiking. The active library branch offers afternoon movies, book clubs, computer classes and a seniors' group with workshops, coffee get-togethers and recreational activities. The Suncoast Trail, part of Florida's greenway system, winds through the area.
Interestingly, this area of Florida is known for its nudist resorts, at least two of which (Woods RV, etc.) are in Land O' Lakes. New Port Richey is about 30 miles to the west and has a beach park. Starkey Wilderness Park has horseback trails and cabins.
Population: 36,000 (city proper)
Age 45 or Better: 36%
Cost of Living: 4% above the national average
Median Home Price: $265,000
Climate: This area has a humid subtropical climate, meaning two seasons a year. Summer and early fall are hot and humid. Late fall and winter are less humid and cooler.
At Least One Hospital Accepts Medicare Patients? No, but Tampa has hospitals that accept Medicare patients.
At Least One Hospital Accredited by Joint Commission? No, but Tampa has accredited hospitals.
Public Transit: No
Crime Rate: Meets the national average
Public Library: Yes
Political Leanings: Conservative
College Educated: 35%
Is Florida Considered Tax Friendly for Retirement? Yes
Cons: A large sink hole opened up in a Land O' Lakes in July, 2017 and devoured at least eight houses. It could happen in other neighborhoods.
Notes: None
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.
Florida, particularly the Keys and the Gulf Coast, were struck by Category 4 Hurricane Irma in early September, 2017. Towns will rebuild, perhaps this time with climate change in mind, making them safer and better equipped to handle major hurricanes going forward.
Stats:
Population - 20,612,439
Persons 65 years old and over - 20%
High school graduates, persons age 25+ - 87%
Bachelor's degree or higher, persons age 25+ - 27%
Persons of Hispanic or Latino origin - 24%
White persons, not Hispanic - 58%
Median household income - $47,525
Median home value - $159,900
Social Security taxed? No
Source: U.S. Census Bureau
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