Weeki Wachee, Florida

The area grew up around the famous Weeki Wachee Springs tourist attraction. This synchronized underwater mermaid show began in 1947 and reached its heyday in the 1950s and 1960s. Even Elvis Presley, Esther Williams and Arthur Godfrey came to Weeki Wachee to see the performance. These days, vacationers still come not just to see mermaids but also a wildlife show, boat tours and more. They also visit to kayak and canoe along the incredibly blue Weeki Wachee River. Businesses are spread out along a couple of main arteries as there is no defined downtown. The Shoppes at GlenLakes is a nicer strip mall with a Publix.

Somewhat haphazard neighborhoods with older ranch ramblers mingle with new, well tended custom home subdivisions. Glen Lakes is a large, gated golf community.

Population:  10,000 (Weeki Wachee, North Weeki Wachee and Weeki Wachee Gardens combined)

Age 45 or Better: 64%

Cost of Living: 4% below the national average

Median Home Price: $389,000

Climate:   This area has a hot, humid climate. Summer temperatures are in the 80s and 90s with high humidity levels and frequent rainstorms.  Winter temperatures are in the 60s and 70s.

At Least One Hospital Accepts Medicare Patients? No, but Oak Hill Hospital, 12 miles away in Brooksville, accepts Medicare patients.

At Least One Hospital Accredited by Joint Commission? No, but Oak Hill Hospital in Brooksville, 12 miles away, is accredited.

Public Transit:   Yes, but it very limited.

Crime Rate:  Below the national average

Public Library:  Yes

Political Leanings: Conservative

College Educated: 28%

Is Florida Considered Tax Friendly for Retirement?    Yes

Cons:   North Weeki Wachee has lost 5% of its population in the last decade, but Weeki Wachee Gardens has grown by 50%.

Notes:     Weeki Wachee was dissolved a few years ago and has very few people. Nearly everyone lives in North Weeki Wachee, which abuts Weeki Watchee, or in Weeki Wachee Gardens, which sits next to the Gulf. Home prices have increased 11% since a year ago.

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.