Mexico Beach, Florida

Mexico Beach sits alone along the Florida Panhandle, 25 miles to the southeast of Panama City. It is a small, very relaxed place, known by some as “Mayberry on the water.”

 

It was, though, essentially destroyed in 2018 when Hurricane Michael made landfall nearby. Reconstruction is still happening today, but Mexico Beach is almost as it was before the storm, if a little sleeker and more modern. Building height restrictions remain in place – no tall hotels and towering condominiums are allowed. The beach is five miles of often nearly empty sugar white sand caressed by warm waters and is clean and renourished.

 

The pier is often dotted with fishermen, and mom and pop beachwear shops, delis, oyster bars, cafes, bike rental shops and grocery stores sell their wares. Events such as the Art and Wine Festival and the weekly Music in the Park bring neighbors together for art, food and toe-tapping music. Fishing, snorkeling, SCUBA diving and swimming remain a way of life.

 

Colorful new single family homes sit atop stilts in neighborhoods with sandy streets, no sidewalks and a balmy, somewhat unfinished feeling. Residences along U.S. 98 feature incredible ocean views.

 

Before Michael, Mexico Beach did not have a single traffic stop light. Town leaders have no plans to add one any time soon.

 

Population: 1,200 (city proper)

Percentage of Population Age 45 or Better: 66%

Cost of Living: 17% above the national average

Median Home Price: $550,000

Climate: This area has a humid subtropical climate, meaning two seasons a year. Summers and early fall are hot and humid, while late fall and winter are less humid and cooler.

Hospital: Ascention Sacred Heart Gulf is 11 miles away in Port St. Joe

Public Transit: No

Crime Rate: Meets the national average

Public Library: Yes

Political Leanings: Conservative

Is Florida Considered Tax Friendly for Retirement? Yes

Cons: Future hurricanes are possible.