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Retire in St. Marks, Florida?
Overview: At the confluence of the Wakulla River and the St. Marks River on the eastern end of the Florida Panhandle, the tiny, peaceful town of St. Marks was once known as Tallahassee's port city. It has a history stretching back to the Spanish conquistadors and even though it is just 15 miles south of the state capital, it feels a world away.
The town mostly sits in San Marcos de Apalache Historic State Park, which is one of the nation's oldest wildlife refuges and home to coastal marshes, islands, estuaries and an iconic, enduring lighthouse. Boaters, fishermen and some tourists come to this town tucked in the wilderness in search of solace, scenery and a little adventure. Shield's Marina has a ships' store, bait, and boats. Kayak guides and outfitters are scattered about. Shell Island Fish Camp offers speckled trout fishing, cabins, and a motel, and town parks have at least one boat ramp at St. Marks River. The St. Marks Stone Crab Festival draws thousands of visitors to town every October.
Homes are spread out and a little on the ramshackle side. The Villages of St. Marks is a semi-complete master-planned community. At least one grocery store and a gas station are here, but other services and supplies are found in Crawfordville, about 13 miles away. The Tallahassee-St. Marks Historic Railroad Trail attracts horseback riders, walkers and bicyclists. Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park, site of the world's largest and deepest springs, is only minutes away.
Population: 275 (city proper)
Age 45 or Better: 48%
Cost of Living: 10% below the national average
Median Home Price: $145,000
Climate: Summer temperatures are in the 80s and 90s, and winter temperatures are in the 60s and 70s. On average, the area receives 55 inches of rain per year.
At Least One Hospital Accepts Medicare Patients? No. The closest hospital to accept Medicare patients is 15 miles away in Tallahassee.
At Least One Hospital is Accredited by Joint Commission? No. The closest accredited hospital is 15 miles away in Tallahassee.
Public Transit: No
Crime Rate: Meets the national average
Public Library: No
Political Leanings: Conservative
College Educated: 28%
Is Florida Considered Tax Friendly for Retirement? Yes
Cons: This area is susceptible to to Hurricanes. In fact, Dennis caused damage in 2005 and Michael caused significant flooding in 2018. Some folks are still recovering.
Notes: The town has maintained its population during the last decade and has little racial diversity.
Recommended as a Retirement Spot? Maybe. The remote locale, lack of services and hurricane threat should be weighed.
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.
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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