Wanting To Retire in Florida? Here’s How To Turn Everyday Vacay Into Affordable Reality
After our family friends bought a holiday home in Florida, we visited a few times a year. I was mesmerized by those sunny places and would definitely consider Florida for my retirement really soon.
However! There’s one little problem. Am I even able to afford it? Would I be fine with the state taxes?
We’re on the same page. I did some digging for you, and here’s what I managed to find out.
The US fastest growing state of Florida offers mild weather and fun activities all year round. Whether you’re a beach goer or sports enthusiast, it’s a great idea to retire in your favorite travel destination.
I’ll go ahead and surprise you with the following 10 cheap places for a proper Florida retirement.
1. Madison County
With the median property tax bill of $928 and the median home price of $105,900, Madison County is officially the cheapest Florida county.
It’s surrounded by pricier neighborhoods but has a small community atmosphere for seniors. Perfect for outdoorsy individuals, Madison County hosts natural springs and rivers, like the Madison Blue Spring State Park.
The closest big city is Tallahassee, and the nearest beach spot is fishing haven Keaton Beach.
2. Gadsen County
With the median property tax bill of $854 and the median home price of $154,700, Gadsen County is quite relatively cheap and affordable as well.
Located right south of Georgia, it’s close to Tallahassee and four other national parks: Apalachicola National Forest, Torreya State Park, Seminole State Park, and Florida Caverns State Park.
I am convinced this wonderful Florida location will suit lake lovers that would like a slower pace of living.
3. Lafayette County
With the median property tax bill of $850 and the median home price of $131,600, Lafayette County is another great retirement option in Florida. If you’re into the rural vibes and would opt for a peaceful lifestyle, you need to consider Lafayette County.
An essential aspect before rushing in is the county’s partial prohibition. While beer is normally sold, hard liquors and most wines are not. Rules on alcoholic beverages can be changed by county authorities based on trends.
On the other hand, this area hosts lots of dog parks, a pet washing station, and natural trails.
At the end of the day, I think I could go for a drier but pet-friendly retirement option!
4. Hamilton County
With the median property tax bill of $806 and the median home price of $110,400, Hamilton County is a historical area in Florida. Named after the first US Secretary of the Treasury, Alexander Hamilton, the county is home to historic sites of American culture.
You can find the Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center which honors Foster’s song ”Old Folks at Home” that became Florida’s official state anthem.
Or perhaps you’re more interested in visiting Hamilton’s Old Jail House or County Museum. One thing for sure is, history enthusiasts will love a good and affordable retirement in the area!
Conveniently located just between Tallahassee and Jacksonville, you can easily explore beautiful and sunny Florida.
5. Washington County
With the median property tax bill of $787 and the median home price of $156,000, Washington County has below the national average house taxes. Even with the highest median home price on our list, it still offers some of the greatest retiree benefits in the state of Florida.
With that being said, Washington County will most likely attract adventure seekers like myself. There are several things I see myself doing, from off-roading in a swamp park to boating in the Holmes Creek Canoe Livery.
Just a 15-minute drive to Panama City Beach, Washington County is so worth considering.
Still peaceful, but a different kind of peace right here!
6. Calhoun County
With the median property tax bill of $743 and the median home price of $134,000, Calhoun County is known as Florida’s fifth-least populated area.
Unless you’re a social butterfly, you might as well take advantage of the lower county prices.
Located nearby other above-mentioned affordable retirement Florida counties, Calhoun offers the very same natural parks and rivers for lots of activities.
For my ocean people soon retiring, check Calhoun out and make sure you write down Saint Joseph Bay. You’ll thank me later!
7. Taylor County
With the median property tax bill of $724 and the median home price of $100,200, Taylor County is known as the “Tree Capital of the South” and is an active supplier of timber in Florida and beyond.
I will go ahead and speculate that lower house prices are thanks to the availability of construction materials, but either way, Taylor County is wonderfully homey and combines peaceful living with the outdoors, history, and fun. Honestly, you can have them all.
Perfectly located by the ocean, Taylor County hosts Econfina River State Park that meets the Gulf of Mexico via Apalachee Bay.
After researching Taylor County, I will surely go visit next time I’m down in Florida. It just seems too nice to miss.
Any chance you’re keen on cooking or social brunches? Remember sunny Florida with our recommended customized dish towel and spread the love of souvenirs.
8. Dixie County
With the median property tax bill of $715 and the median home price of $96,900, Dixie County is the southern neighbor of Taylor County. With a low density population, the rural Dixie County offers some great prices and cost of living.
If you’re chasing near-ocean vibes and outdoor adventures, Dixie County can be your go-to.
It is also conveniently located in the ‘Big Bend’ region of Florida, where the Florida Panhandle transitions to the Florida Peninsula south and east of Tallahassee. This makes it perfect for traveling if you have to plan first!
9. Jackson County
With the median property tax bill of $625 and the median home price of $113,900, Jackson County is cheaper than most surrounding areas. In fact, if everything suits you fine, this might be the best and cheapest place to retire in Florida!
Jackson County is all about nature, so do step back if you passionately hate mosquitos.
Fortunately, the beach is just a quick drive away, but you can also opt for Florida Caverns State Park and Blue Spring swimming.
10. Holmes County
With the median property tax bill of $527 and the median home price of $101,400, Holmes County neighbors Alabama and has lots to offer.
This can be considered a cowboy’s haven, with over 80 years of rodeo tradition and the annual Northwest Florida Championship Rodeo.
Holmes County offers easy access to numerous state parks and national parks. So, you know the drill, nature lovers!
Do you have any other cheap retirement options in mind? Share it down below in the comments for the world to see. If you haven’t done your research yet, Easy Seniors Club offers a wide range of US destinations for retirees. Search relevant locations here.
If you found this useful, continue with Retirees Are Flocking to Europe… Why? And Where?
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