Finding the Best Places to Retire Since 2006!
Retire in Marco Island, Florida?
Overview: South of Naples on the southwestern Florida coast, balmy, upscale Marco Island makes its home. It sits on an island of the same name at the northern end of the Ten Thousand Islands and is connected to the mainland via the Jolley Bridge. Growth began in the 1960s when developers discovered the area.
The town is a bit isolated, one of the last communities on the southwestern coast before the land is overtaken by subtropical wetlands (the Everglades). Even so, it has a contemporary vibe and doubles in size every winter. Six miles of sparkling white beaches along some of the Gulf's most gorgeous blue waters are the reason why. Tall, gleaming condominiums line the beach, and wild bobcats are occasionally spotted lounging on the sand. Marco Island's central area is surrounded by neighborhoods laced with 100 miles of canals and waterways. Many homes, modern and elegant, sit along the water and have a boat dock. Eateries range from the modest sandwich shops to sophisticated fine dining establishments. Residents enjoy a boat parade each December and a farmers' market from November through April.
Population: 18,000 (city proper)
Age 45 or Better: 65%
Cost of Living: 40% above the national average
Median Home Price: $550,000
Climate: Marco Island has a tropical wet and dry climate, with most rain coming between June and October. Summer temperatures are in the 80s and 90s, and winter temperatures are in the 60s and 70s.
At Least One Hospital Accepts Medicare Patients? No, but Physicians Regional in Naples is 10 to 15 miles away, depending on the campus, and accepts Medicare patients.
At Least One Accredited by Joint Commission? No, but Physicians Regional in Naples is 10 to 15 miles away, depending on the campus, and is accredited.
Public Transit: Yes, provided by Collier Area Transit. There is also a high speed ferry to Key West (takes about 3 1/2 hours).
Crime Rate: Well below the national average
Public Library: Yes
Political Leanings: Very conservative
College Educated: 45%
Is Florida Considered Tax Friendly for Retirement? Yes
Cons: Marco Island is completely exposed and took a direct hit from Hurricane Irma in 2017. Amazingly, much of the island was back up and running within a week and is back to normal now. Future hurricanes are always a possibility.
Notes: The island has public beaches but also a private beach for residents only. A handful of celebrities have homes here.
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 more golf courses 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.
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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