If you're thinking of retiring to Orlando, you'll be joining the thousands of new residents who are making the move to this thriving, sunny, popular metropolis. With a strong economy, no state income tax, mild year-round weather, close proximity to beaches, and some of the world's biggest attractions, it's so easy to see why Orlando is one of the best cities for retirement.
When it comes to where to retire, Orlando and its suburbs are an attractive possibility. That’s why the area makes so many of the top 10 lists. (In WalletHub’s 2022 Best and Worst Places to Retire survey, Orlando ranked a close second to Charleston, South Carolina.) Centrally located and comparatively affordable, the Orlando area is becoming a year-round home to a large number of retirees.
“The cost of living and taxes should be two of your top financial considerations,” Tamara L. Wolske, a University of Indianapolis assistant professor who specializes in Aging Studies, says in WalletHub’s report. “Additionally, if you’ll be living on a fixed income in retirement, be sure to plan your expenses and lifestyle accordingly.” Let’s see how the Orlando region stacks up when it comes to the retirement lifestyle.
The Cost of Living: Orlando’s reasonable cost of living applies to housing, utilities, food, and more. Plus, there’s no state income tax in Florida, so moving to Orlando will relieve you of any obligation to pay state taxes on Social Security benefits, pensions, IRAs, 401(k)s, and other retirement income. There isn’t a state inheritance tax or estate tax either. Orlando is a pretty tax-friendly paradise for active adults.
The Climate: With an average of 236 sunny days a year, Orlando is an active adult playground. Sunshine and warm weather mean plenty of opportunities for golf, hiking, and fishing. Days by the lake, pool, or beach are common from April to October. Golf courses are open all year long, and the winter months are ideal for hiking, biking, and wildlife watching. Afternoon rain showers are common, but they cool things down during the hot summer months.
The Location: Orlando covers almost 120 miles in Central Florida! It has two international airports and sits right off Interstate 4 and the Florida Turnpike. Tampa is about an hour and a half away, and the beaches in Jacksonville and Daytona are also close by. Walt Disney World and all its theme parks are on the western edge of the region. No doubt, friends, and family will love to visit.
When it comes to places to live, there are great suburban neighborhoods right outside the city. Local communities within half an hour of Orlando include Kissimmee, St. Cloud, Winter Park, and Winter Garden. We, of course, have quite a soft spot forWinter Garden!
Located about 25 minutes west of downtown Orlando, Winter Garden offers the perfect combination of Old Florida charm and modern amenities. You’ll love the historic downtown district along with the lake lifestyle, the thriving cultural scene, the weekly farmers’ market, and the impressive restaurants. As far as we’re concerned, Winter Garden is the best city for retirees!
Take Your Pick from Any of Our Gorgeous Communities
Harvest at Ovation
Winding Bay
Oakland Park
Nestled in a quaint preserve,Harvest at Ovationis located in the heart of everything. Just one mile from Flamingo Crossings Village with ample shopping and dining, entertainment is minutes away, too. Area attractions are within a 25-minute commute and close to 429, a connector road to all major highways. The Horizon West area, Hamlin Town Center, and Winter Garden Village are all within a short distance as well. Children attend Orange County schools, including Water Spring Elementary School, Water Spring Middle School, and Horizon High School.
Harvest at Ovation offersthree innovative townhome floor plans, ranging from 2 to 4 bedrooms, 2.5 to 3 baths, and 1,785 - 2,195 square feet. These homes feature luxury appointments, smart home capabilities, a full Samsung appliance package, and window blinds. The townhomes include four different design packages including deluxe kitchens, solid wood cabinetry, stone countertops, tastefully designed tile in baths and laundry rooms, and so much more. The model home will be located at Avalon Road and New Hartzog Road, Winter Garden, FL 34787.
Winding Bay, located in beautiful Horizon West, is just minutes away from 429, providing access to all major highways. It is within 30 minutes of the airport and Downtown Orlando, and just 10 minutes to Walt Disney World, the Orlando Health Hospital, and the Horizon West Town Center. Horizon West is considered one of the fastest-growing master-planned communities in the nation, featuring a comprehensive neighborhood plan oriented around community schools, green spaces, and village centers. Homeowners will have convenient access to stores, services, restaurants, and community-centric events such as farmers' markets and food truck nights. Children attend Orange County public schools, including Water Spring Elementary School, Water Spring Middle School, and Horizon High School.
Winding Bay consists of 107 single-family homes withluxurious included features, surrounded by incredible amenities such as a resort-style pool, splash pad, dog park, tot lot, park, and cabana. The Rear-Entry Garage Homes (the Whitman, the Twain, and the Fitzgerald) range from 3 to 5 bedrooms, including the optional finished space above the detached garage. They also have options such as a parcel entry off the front porch, handy pocket offices, and spacious lofts. The Front-Entry Garage Homes (the Hemingway, the Faulkner, the Elito, and the Frost) range from 3 to 5 bedrooms, and include flex rooms that can be whatever you need - guest suite, home office, meditation room, etc. They also include an optional parcel entry off the front porch, generous outdoor spaces, and handy lofts. There areQuick Move-In homesavailable, too. The model home is located at 15487 LeBeau Loop, Winter Garden, FL 34787
Oakland Parkis a beautiful master-planned community located on the border of two growing areas, the City of Winter Garden and the Town of Oakland. Significant attention to detail has been taken in the design of the community as well as the design of each and every home built. On top of its unique character, this community offers resort-style amenities such as a community clubhouse with a zero-entry pool, conference room, and kitchen, a playground, parks, trails, pavilions, and picnic areas. Residents also have easy access to nearby shopping, dining, and entertainment in Downtown Winter Garden and Winter Garden Village.
There are several distinctive home designs available at Oakland Park, ranging from 1,749 - 2,255 square feet, with 3 - 4 bedrooms and 2 - 3 baths. The rear-entry garage homes feature a live/work/play space, or a private guest hideaway. There areunique featuresin each home, including main floor owner suites, upper-level lofts, courtyards, and lanais. Standard features in each home include granite countertops, ceramic tile floors, stainless steel appliances, and a variety of energy-efficient features. The model home is located at 896 Tilden Oaks Trail, Winter Garden, FL 34787.
While we could go on and on about what makes Orlando a great place to retire, we’d love for you to visitour communitiesin Winter Garden, FL, and let us show you. The homes for sale in Winter Garden, FL will be the icing on top of an already great decision to move here. RockWell Homes has spacious homes set in a town with all you need for a high-quality life. Connect with us today to learn more about our amazing communities. We look forward to helping you!
