Florida destinations have a “slow pace,” but they still boast activities that retirees enjoy, new reports find.
Currently, according to results published on March 11, Sebring’s small city is ranked among the top 50 locations in the country to retire.
To create a list of the best retirement destinations, Travel + Leisure Magazine has partnered with financial website Investopedia. We used data from the US government and other sources to study counties across the country. Each location was assessed on four metrics that could appeal to seniors: cost of living, access to travel, access to healthcare, and access to entertainment.
“Editors have looked at different population densities and states to ensure readers have a variety of options,” the magazine wrote in its report.
Why is Sebring ideal for resignation?
Sebring was the only place in Sunshine State to win a spot on the list called “Destination: Retirement 2025.” The city, which is about 11,000 people, is a drive about 85 miles south of Orlando.
“We don’t find too many attractions in the bustling nightlife or Sebring, but don’t count this Florida town… we haven’t left yet,” Travel + Leisure wrote in the report. “In fact, this is exactly this slow pace, with low cost of living and it will be one of the best places to retire in the Southeast.”
The magazine said residents can get warmer weather while shopping in downtown or attending events at Sebring International Raceway. Meanwhile, Investopedia praised the approaching state parks and the median median housing costs under $800 a month for “attractive” medians.
“Sebring in Highland County, Florida is a great option for retirees without fighting spring breakers or sudden price tags, taking advantage of Florida’s retirement-friendly tax policy to enjoy outdoors and one of many casual dining restaurants,” the finance website wrote in its report.
The city, which also provides access to hospitals and activities at the nearby lake fronts, has received a recent boost. Several of Sebring’s homes and businesses have been renovated with the HGTV show “Home Town Takeover,” according to the Visit Florida Tourism website.
“The history of Sebring’s hurricane damage and the excess of empty storefronts in the once bustling downtown shopping district have proven to be a challenging obstacle, and despite being one of the oldest raceways in the country, spectators didn’t leave without fond of local businesses.”
Nationally, several state destinations have been named the best places for retirees to live in. The winners were not listed in the order they were ranked, a Travel + Leisure spokesperson told McClatchy News in an email.
