If you’re like me and thought the snow this year was particularly brutal in the north, it may be time to start searching for that retirement home in one of these popular Florida cities. Home prices and values boomed during the pandemic, but they’ve since eased, making it a perfect time to buy.
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Best Places to Buy
The biggest choice you’ll need to make is between quiet luxury, a bustling social life, or proximity to cities. Whether you’re an empty nester looking to downsize or a retiree ready to leave the cold behind, Florida real estate is within your reach.
Related: We Asked Real Estate Pros What Boomers Get Wrong About Buying a Retirement Home and They All Said the Same Thing
Cape Coral-Fort Myers and Lakeland-Winter Haven
Places like Cape Coral-Fort Myers saw some of the largest drops, averaging 9%, taking the median home price down to $341,250, while affordable cities like the Lakeland-Winter Haven area have become places for retired adults to build wealth through their homes. Florida real estate is only going to continue to appreciate as more people migrate around the country.
Ocala
Are you looking for a quiet place to relax, or is your vibe more active? Depending on how you like to spend your time, you may want to choose one region over another. Ocala is for horse lovers, often being dubbed “The Horse Capital of the World” and boasts an impressive number of active residents who love continued learning, golf, and a variety of other activities.
Naples-Immokalee-Marco Island
Luxury resides in the Naples-Immokalee-Marco Island region, with homes becoming more affordable. The catch is that insurance prices have climbed over the years, particularly in areas prone to hurricane damage. Don’t let that deter you, however, because an April report shows that insurance prices are leveling off across the entire state. More companies are entering the market, and fewer claims are being made. This is great news for home buyers who want to live in a slice of paradise without paying the highest premiums.
Related: Best and Worst Places To Retire in Florida, According To Real Estate Pros
Time to Buy
For several years, owning a home in the Sunshine State may have felt out of reach. Prices soared during the pandemic as working professionals left their expensive city apartments in exchange for homes where they could work remotely.
Now, however, prices have begun to stabilize, leaving retirees or anyone on the brink in a great position to buy. Choosing a place to live in Florida no longer has to rely on price. Buyers can choose a city that meets their social needs and fits their budget. The only thing left to do is pack.