Are you considering retiring and trying to decide what state and maybe the area you want to live in? It’s a big decision, and you have worked hard for years and years and years to enjoy this time in your life. You want to make sure that you make the best decision. 

In this video, I will tell you about Florida and whether we were rated the number one state to move to and a town in Florida that you may not even have considered living in. So come with me and join me in this video. 

According to Bank Rate, Florida is the top spot for retirement out of all 50 states. Also, Stuart, Florida, is number 10 in the state of where to move. Southern Living Magazine gave Stuart the number 6 spot of the South’s Best Small Towns, the only town listed in Florida. If that’s not enough, Stuart clinched the number one spot in the United States for the top summer fishing destination in 2021. This is why I want to tell you about this small town if you are considering Florida. you’ll understand why this is such a terrific area where I’m a long-time resident. I want to make sure you know why not only Florida but also Stuart, Florida, is one of our best-kept secrets. This or maybe the surrounding area may be your next home. 

Hi, I’m Maria Wells, on the Treasure Coast of Florida, where I have lived most of my adult life. I enjoy meeting people considering moving to Florida, especially this area. I am so happy seeing the delight on their faces when they discover this gem on the Florida southeast coast. 

The five broad categories that Bank Rate considered when ranking Florida was:

  • Affordability
  • Wellness 
  • Culture 
  • Weather 
  • Crime

Bank Rate placed affordability as the highest weighted category when selecting Florida as the number 1 place to retire in 2021. Brilliant Asset, a consumer-focused company that supplies financial information to consumers, selected Stuart, FL, as one of their top 10 places to retire. 

They analyzed: 

  • Tax friendliness 
  • Medical care,
  • Social opportunities. 

I want to ensure you understand because these news outlets have given us so much recognition. Let me break down the categories with facts for you to decide if this area, especially Stuart, is the place for you. 

Affordability and Taxes in Florida

We will start with affordability since that took the highest rating in the survey. Our cost of living here in Florida is about power around the United States other than our groceries and a few other minor things that are less expensive. However, Florida ranks so high because we have no state income tax. That is huge, and our property taxes are lower than in most places around the country. Our state also has a homestead exemption benefit and many additional deductions for seniors. We also have a few holidays during the year for specific reasons, such as back-to-school supplies. Now I know you’re retired, but you may want to buy school supplies for the grandchildren without paying sales tax. In addition, we have a tax-free hurricane week, a household tool tax-free week, and a recreational item week where you can buy tickets to different attractions around the state without paying sales tax. 

The Housing in Florida

Our housing is a little more pricey than in many countries. That’s really due to the high demand. Many people want to come and live in the sunshine state. We have quite a few great retirement communities comprising either condominiums or single-family homes. These communities are worth the investment because they’re active communities and have a great lifestyle to enjoy what you have worked so hard for.  Depending on the size and area, condominiums can be as low as maybe $180K and go up from there, and the homes start at about $300K and go up to possibly $600-700K depending on how large of a home you want… 

Wellness and Weather in South Florida

What could be better than always being outside in the fresh air? Yes, the summers are pretty hot. However, most of the year, we have pleasant, sunny, and balmy weather, perfect for walks, bike rides, pickleball, tennis, all sorts of things, or even just going to the beach. We know that the sun and fresh air will make you feel better. 

In Stuart, Florida, on the southeast coast, we have a warmer winter than many others. This is because the gulf stream is seven miles offshore and provides a more balmy winter. Also, because of the winds created by it, we get fewer insects. Don’t forget that the gulf stream provides fantastic deep-sea fishing! Some of you may not know, but Stuart is known as the sailfish capital of the world.

You can enjoy all sorts of water sports with all the different waterways, such as the rivers, the Intracoastal, and the ocean. Along with our beaches, we helped name Stuart as the Best Little Seaside Town. 

Now, regarding wellness, we not only have many workout gyms for you to join, but we also have great medical facilities in our area and ones that are very close by. 

Let’s talk about the culture in Stuart, FL

It is a very diverse and friendly community. We have fishing abounds and water sports, but there’s something for everyone. Like our charming historic downtown Stuart, where boutique restaurants, coffee shops, ice cream shops, shopping for clothes, and a farmer’s market happens on Sundays.

There is entertainment along the river on most weekends and the Riverwalk; in downtown Stuart, take a walk along the St. Lucie River and let all your worries be cast to the wind. We have many, and I would say dozens of, parks for you to enjoy, whether it’s a picnic, biking, or tennis, and you can fish from many of them.

Hopefully, after learning more about Stuart, this little pearl on the East Coast of Florida, and why we’re the top-rated state in the country, you may want to make this area your next home. If you decide to come to look, make sure you have plenty of sunscreens, and a hat because you have to be very careful in this Tropical sun. Contact me before you come; I would enjoy helping you discover this area! If you have any questions, concerns, or comments, I’d love to hear from you! 

Why Florida is the #1 State for Retirement is probably not a surprise; however, this is confirmed by at least three different publications and their surveys. In this video 🎬 I will define the categories Florida was ranked on to become the #and1 state for retirement and how we clinched the No. 1 spot in the US for the top summer fishing destination.

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Search for homes on the Southeast Coast of Florida called the Treasure Coast, which includes🏝:

  • North Palm Beach
  • Jupiter, Jupiter Island
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  • Sewall’s Point
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I am Maria Wells, Broker/Owner of Lifestyle Realty Group. Located on the Treasure Coast of Florida, I am your neighborhood expert in Stuart, Jensen Beach, Palm City, Hobe Sound, Sewalls Point, Hutchinson Island, and more. With six real estate designations, I bring you knowledge and insights beyond the average Realtor. I will listen to what you are asking, read between the lines, and provide information you may not know to ask. As the 2017 elected State President of Florida Realtors, the largest state trade organization in the US serving over 180,000 members, and, in 2019 elected Region 5 Vice President for the National Association of Realtors, I convey tremendous experience and knowledge to handle the complexities of real estate to be your strong advocate. My Concierge philosophy and resources will provide you with personalized attention and service! As a persuasive negotiator, I will get you to the closing table, manage all the details for a worry-free transaction, and be a resource for all your real estate needs for years to come.

If you are looking for my “Selling Senior Style” services, I have worked with hundreds of families to solve all of the issues regarding personal and real property for seniors and their families. My designation Senior Real Estate Specialist (SRES) will give you tremendous value if you are on this life journey.

I live in Jensen Beach, Florida with my husband, where we raise Orchids 🌸, polish up our Harleys 🏍 , and enjoy our grown children and one adorable grandson.👶🏻 🍼.

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