Retiring in Florida is a goal for many across the country and the world, for that matter.
Tax advantages are another major draw.
Florida also has no estate or inheritance tax.
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Residents who buy a home in Florida and declare that it’s a primary residence receive an exemption.
An added protection on property taxes is the cap on annual assessment increases.
That said, retiring in Florida and taking advantage of its tax benefits requires some planning.
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Florida’s cities varyin terms of lifestyle, cost of living, natural environment, and amenities.
Plant Museum, and theFlorida Museum of Photographic Arts.
They can also cheer on the New York Yankees during their annual spring training camps atGeorge M. Steinbrenner Field.
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Home prices vary greatly and are, unsurprisingly, higher the closer you are to the waterfront.
The weather is warm almost all year long, with humid summers and temperatures reaching 90 degrees Fahrenheit.
The city has several highly rated hospitals as well as a trauma center at Tampa General Hospital.
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In fact, this isone of the best cities for veterans to live.
A variety of beaches and small islands along the coast provide sandy shores and opportunities for water sports.
Shopping and dining inSt.
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Ballet, opera, Broadway shows, concerts, and musical events at theVan Wezelfill the winter season.
Hospitals here include the highly-rated Sarasota Memorial Hospital and HCA Florida Sarasota Doctors Hospital.
TheHarn Museum of Art,Florida, Museum of Natural History, andA.
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Quinn Jones Museum & Cultural Centerare a few examples of local cultural attractions.
Health care is also available through two hospitals in Gainesville.
Fort Lauderdale
On Florida’s southeast coast, Fort Lauderdale has long been a popular vacation and retirement community.
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The population is about 185,000, and snowbirds increase that number significantly during the winter.
From high-rise condos to waterfront homes to gated communities, retirees have many options for places to live.
For excitement, there’s horse racing atGulfstream Parkand gambling at theSeminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino.
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Several hospitals, including highly-rated Holy Cross Health, are located in the city.
Plus, the notable Gulf Coast Medical Center is located in Fort Myers.
TheBarbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hallhosts Broadway musicals, dance performances, classical music concerts, and entertainment year-round.
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Baseball fans can head to Fort Myers to watch the Boston Red Sox and Minnesota Twins during spring training.
See Florida’s beloved underwater mammals atManatee Park, especially during the cooler months.
But a number of other theme parks and water parks make this central Florida city a popular destination.
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Phillips Center for the Performing Arts,Orlando Shakes,and nearby art museums also offer enrichment.
NBA fans can root for the home team, the Orlando Magic.
Health care is available through several area hospitals, including the highly rated AdventHealth Orlando.
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Health care is readily available in Pensacola, with several hospitals in nearby Milton too.
Art galleries, restaurants, and shops make strolling through St. Pete’s downtown streets a pleasure.
Residents can cheer for their NFL team, the Jacksonville Jaguars.
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Themuseum sceneis quite extensive.
Learn more about Jax’s local history at theBeaches Museumand the Clara White Mission’sEartha M. M. White Museum.
Locals, calling themselves “conches,” ride bikes or walk, not needing a car for days.
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The weather is warm and tropical year-round and humid in the summer.
But keep an eye on hurricane season from June through November.
The area is sometimes affected by flooding during passing hurricanes but tends to bounce back quickly.
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In addition to some of thebest golf resorts in Florida, the area also boasts beautiful beaches and parks.
HCA Florida Memorial Hospital and several Baptist Medical Centers can be found closer to the beach.
It’s home to 23 golf courses, while an additional 12 courses are within a 20-mile radius.
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It’s also great for seeing sea turtles hatch and return to the ocean.
Manatee spotting is another popular activity here, as is treasure hunting.
TheMount Dora Arts Festival, held in early February each year, is another crowd-pleaser.
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