Choosing a place to retire isn’t a decision you should take lightly. Do you want to spend your golden years close to home, or are you looking for a destination for retirement?

Florida is one of the most popular choices for retirement. In 2019, around 145,600 retirees moved to the Sunshine State, though approximately 78,500 moved out, creating a net migration of 67,000, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. If you’re planning to retire to Florida, what do you need to do to prepare, and what should you expect?

A Tax-Friendly State

Unlike many other states in the U.S., Florida is one of the few that doesn’t require its residents to pay a state income tax when they file every year. If you’re planning to live out the rest of your days in the Sunshine State, it’s important to note that there is no estate or inheritance tax here, so it’s easier to leave your assets to your heirs or family members.

Medical Care Can Be Hit or Miss

Good medical care is essential during your golden years, and if you need specialist care, Florida might not be the best option for retirement.

Florida is ranked as one of the worst states for health care in the United States, coming in 41st out of 50 plus the District of Columbia. You may be able to find excellent care in Florida, but it is hit or miss.

Houses Are Affordable – If You Can Find One

Despite the tourism, housing is very affordable. According to Zillow, the median home value in 2021 was $273,094, right in line with the median home value for the United States.

The problem isn’t the cost of housing – it’s availability. According to Florida Realtors, the statewide inventory of single-family homes has dropped by 56.3% over the last year because of an ultra-high sales rate. Buying or selling a home is already stressful enough without worrying about whether you’ll even be able to find one.

Be Ready for Foul Weather

Do you know that Florida weather meme where you’ve got sunshine ahead of you and a roiling thunderstorm in the rearview mirror? Be prepared to live it. According to the National Lightning Safety Council, Florida is the lightning capital of the United States.

The peninsula’s proximity to the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean also puts it directly in the path of powerful hurricanes yearly. If you’re not a fan of afternoon thunderstorms and losing power for days or weeks at a time, retiring in Florida might not be the best idea.

Plenty of Outdoor Activities

It isn’t all doom and gloom in the Sunshine State. If you enjoy being outside, there are many outdoor activities. Head to the coast and spend time in the water, explore the state’s many rivers by kayak, canoe, or boat, and get some sun. Head to theme parks or join in any of a million activities within your local community.

Watch Out for Creepy-Crawly Creatures

Florida is not the best place to retire if you aren’t a fan of insects, snakes, alligators, or other creepy crawlies. The state’s sub-tropical climate means it’s the perfect place for insects and reptiles, which will inevitably end up in your home or yard. Yes, even alligators can occasionally turn up in your living room.

Choose Urban or Rural

Do you want to live in the city, or do you prefer to set up shop as far as humanly possible from your nearest neighbors? Florida might seem over-populated, but there are still plenty of stretches of nearly empty space where you can live comfortably without worrying about nosy neighbors.

What Are Seasons?

Do you love watching the leaves change in the fall? Don’t retire to Florida. It’s uncomfortably warm for most of the year, except for the state’s few allocated winter days sometime in January. Florida might be a good option if you can live without the changing of the seasons or are tired of snowy, frigid winters.

Retire in the Sun

Floridians might try to scare you away from retiring in their home state, but it can be a great place to spend your golden years. Make sure you’re prepared for the potential negatives before you make that final decision.