Why Do People Retire in Florida? Weather, Taxes, and Care Access
The answer to, why do people retire in Florida? is simple. Warm weather, tax advantages, and excellent services for seniors make Florida retirement living extremely attractive. That's why in 2024, Florida was the second most popular place for retirees to move to, accounting for 19% of all such moves according to AARP.
For stylish, comfortable aging in South Florida, there's no better community than Oakmonte Village of Davie. The town of Davie is situated just minutes from Fort Lauderdale, yet retains its own distinct identity. It is known for its waterfront communities, Wild West-themed downtown, and outdoor lifestyle - perfect for an active retirement.
What Is the #1 Retirement State?
It can be tough to rank which state is best for retirees, as studies use different criteria when making their judgments. However, Florida routinely lands at or near the top of national rankings.
For example, in WalletHub's 2025 Best & Worst States to Retire, Florida took #1 spot overall. This was driven by its affordability, quality of life, and excellent access to healthcare.
This decision was echoed by financial news site The Currency. It ranked Florida and Wyoming as the top states for retirement.
At the community level, it's hard to look further than Oakmonte Village of Davie. With multiple levels of care offered on one resort-style site, robust wellness and activity calendars, and outstanding amenities, it truly represents Florida retirement living at its finest.
Why Is Florida So Good for Retirement?
First, let's discuss why Florida is consistently ranked as the best state for retirement finances. It is one of the most tax-friendly states, collecting no state income tax. That means that at the state level, your Social Security, pensions, 401(k)/IRA withdrawals are not taxed.
Other retirement benefits in FL include no inheritance or estate tax.
Climate and Lifestyle
You don't need us to tell you that Florida is warm and sunny year-round. That's great for older bodies, which often benefit from warm weather, which is kind to aching joints. Because it is home to many retirees, most attractions are senior-friendly. This makes it easier to maintain an active social life, which is great for our physical and emotional health.
Access to Senior Services
One of the best retirement benefits in FL is the abundance of excellent medical services for seniors. Not only are there great hospitals, but they also have years of experience in treating seniors and ensuring they receive excellent care.
Resort-Style Senior Care in Davie
Not every state is able to offer resort-style senior living that makes you feel like you're on a permanent vacation. However, that is exactly what you can enjoy at Oakmonte Village of Davie.
We provide three types of senior living - supervised independent living, assisted living, and memory care. If your needs change, you may be able to transition from one community to the other, all on one site. We have a range of floor plans, all carefully designed with senior comfort and safety in mind.
We take advantage of southern Florida's beautiful climate by organizing activities such as a walking club, lunch outings, and shopping trips. And our residents can enjoy taking advantage of our heated pool and cabana area at all times of the year in our stunning climate.
Why Is Florida Called "The Retirement State"?
Florida has been attracting seniors from all over the country for a very long time. In fact, migration from the Northeast and Midwest started in earnest in the mid-20th century and has never slowed down. Aging in South Florida is something that never goes out of style!
The steady influx of seniors has meant that Florida businesses have adapted, setting out to meet the varied needs of older folks. This includes establishing excellent senior living communities, like Oakmonte Village of Davie, that provide the very best of Florida retirement living.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's Special About Retiring in Davie and Greater Broward County?
Davie is the largest town in Florida with a population of around 100,000, yet it fits the Goldilocks test. Not too big and not too small, it has everything seniors need without sacrificing its welcoming, small-town feel.
It offers lots of green space, horseback riding trails, and is close to several excellent beaches. It's a spot your family will love to visit. Easy access to the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport makes connections a breeze.
How Do Florida's Tax Rules Help Retirees Stretch Their Budgets?
Florida's retiree-friendly tax rules mean its older residents have more of their fixed incomes in their pockets each month. Over a 10 or 20-year retirement, these tax advantages can run to many thousands of dollars in extra spending money.
If you pair those savings with downsizing and eliminating home maintenance costs by moving to Oakmonte Village of Davie, you can further simplify your finances. Our team would be happy to talk you through the cost of making the move.
Why Should I Move to Florida Over Other States?
Florida offers a mix of conditions and services that few other states can match. It's not just about having a great climate. Florida is also diverse and culturally rich, meaning there is always something new to experience.
The amenities and senior services available make it a safe, comfortable, and enjoyable area to spend your golden years. And where else can you choose a resort-style senior living community that feels like a vacation that never ends?
So, Why Do People Retire in Florida?
We hope the answer to, why do people retire in Florida? is now clear. A warm, sunny climate, tax-friendly policies for seniors, and excellent services for seniors are just three features that attract thousands of retirees to Florida each year.
Plus, Florida is the only area to experience Oakmonte Village of Davie - a resort-style senior living community that can elevate your lifestyle to a whole new level. Our residents love our heated pool and cabana, and our three senior living options, which include supervised independent living-a feature few other communities offer.
Schedule a tour today to see first-hand what resort-style living in South Florida looks like!