Finding the Best Places to Retire Since 2006!
Madeira Beach, Florida
With Colorful Homes and a Long Beach, Compact Madeira Beach Sits on an Island Between the Gulf of Mexico and Boca Ciega Bay
Madeira Beach's unofficial motto is "two miles long and a smile wide." It sits on a barrier island between the Gulf of Mexico and Boca Ciega Bay on the west central Florida coast and is directly west of St. Petersburg.
Housing is a mix of colorful bungalows and tall and short condominiums. Neighborhoods are densely populated, and many homes sit along the water, whether it be the oceanfront or the bay. Boat slips are common. Residents enjoy a municipal marina with wet slips, a ship's store and a boat launch. The primary entertainment district, John's Pass Village and Boardwalk, contains shops, eateries, a suspended boardwalk and Hubbard's Marina. It is also the hub for Madeira Beach's best festivals. The beach is long and narrow, and numerous side streets have metered parking with public beach access. Most of the public parks also have beach access (and showers).
Causeway Park has a fishing pier and an observation deck. John's Pass Park has a jetty walkway. Archibald Park is the town's historic Gulf-front park. There is also a new city hall and recreation center.
Population: 4,000 (city proper)
Percentage of Population Age 45 or Better: 55%
Cost of Living: 82% above the national average
Median Home Price: $885,000
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. On average, the area receives 52 inches of rain per year.
At Least One Hospital Accepts Medicare Patients? No, but St. Petersburg General Hospital, five miles away, accepts Medicare patients.
At Least One Hospital Accredited by Joint Commission? No, but St. Petersburg General Hospital, five miles away, is accredited.
Public Transit: Yes
Crime Rate: Meets the national average
Public Library: Yes
Political Leanings: Slightly liberal
College Educated: 40%
Is Florida Considered Tax Friendly for Retirement? Yes
Cons: Madeira Beach is completely exposed and vulnerable to huricanes and tropical storms. In fact, Hurricane Michael caused some flooding in 2018, and Hurricane Eta brought significant flooding in 2020. Hurricane Ian had minimal effect in 2022.
Notes: Madeira Beach began to drop a bit in 2020 but is on the rebound. Home prices have by increased 21% since last year. This area is popular with "snowbirds" and second home owners.
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.
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