[justjim]

While waiting for a doctor appointment (I was a bit early) I picked up a magazine I believe was called “retirement”life”. The Article was called “8 shocking reasons retirees are fleeing Florida”. Briefly as I remember:
1. Insurance too expensive. Florida homeowners is well above the national average.
2. Rise in HOA fees.
3. Unavailable affordable housing for retirees.
4. Overdevelopment and loss of small-town appeal.
5. Higher Utility bills.
6 . Extreme weather conditions
7. Groceries cost above national averages.
8. Quality and lack of adequate
Healthcare.

According to this article a subtle yet significant shift is changing peoples minds regarding the Sunshine State as a destination for the ultimate retirement paradise it once was. I found the article interesting “opinion” more than factual with no empirical data to backup the opinions. Florida continues to grow in population each year as shown by the data I’ve seen. It’s certainly true (growth) with regard to The Villages. Maybe Florida isn’t paradise but the fact is it probably never was.

We have been in TV going on 18 years and can identify with overdevelopment, higher insurance costs and the loss of small-town appeal. Yes, groceries are more costly but isn’t that true elsewhere? - its called inflation! Finally, there are healthcare issues here but the shortage of Doctors, Nurses and health facilities are not just a Florida issue it’s nationwide. Fore!

[Michael 61]

I’m sure there are some seniors leaving Florida for any one of the reasons cited. There is probably even a segment of Villagers who leave for those reasons. However, I would bet that there’s an even larger number of young adults leaving the state who were born and raised here that can’t afford to live here. State migration is not unique to Florida, but occurring in many states. However, Florida continues to grow in population, and The Villages continues to be a magnet for retirees, especially those in their late 50s / early 60s age group. South of 44 is booming with new Florida residents. For those that have done their homework prior to moving to Florida, and in particular The Villages, some of the reasons cited in the article come as no surprise.

[Papa_lecki]

Interesting.
“Among the top ten states to retire, Florida comes in at number one, followed by Colorado, Virginia, Delaware, Wyoming, Idaho, New Hampshire, Minnesota, Montana and Pennsylvania. The next 15 states also earn the distinction of being good states to retire in 2024. “

From Kiplinger
Best Places to Retire in the U.S. | Kiplinger

#9 - Forgot about the high estate tax rate in Florida.
#10 - high tax rate on retirement income

[Stu from NYC]

More people coming than going. Will continue until we run out of water

[dewilson58]

Florida jus passed 23,000,000 people.

Thank God there are eight reasons for some to leave, it would be too crowded.

[kcrazorbackfan]

Originally Posted by justjim

While waiting for a doctor appointment (I was a bit early) I picked up a magazine I believe was called “retirement”life”. The Article was called “8 shocking reasons retirees are fleeing Florida”. Briefly as I remember:
1. Insurance too expensive. Florida homeowners is well above the national average.
2. Rise in HOA fees.
3. Unavailable affordable housing for retirees.
4. Overdevelopment and loss of small-town appeal.
5. Higher Utility bills.
6 . Extreme weather conditions
7. Groceries cost above national averages.
8. Quality and lack of adequate
Healthcare.

According to this article a subtle yet significant shift is changing peoples minds regarding the Sunshine State as a destination for the ultimate retirement paradise it once was. I found the article interesting “opinion” more than factual with no empirical data to backup the opinions. Florida continues to grow in population each year as shown by the data I’ve seen. It’s certainly true (growth) with regard to The Villages. Maybe Florida isn’t paradise but the fact is it probably never was.

We have been in TV going on 18 years and can identify with overdevelopment, higher insurance costs and the loss of small-town appeal. Yes, groceries are more costly but isn’t that true elsewhere? - its called inflation! Finally, there are healthcare issues here but the shortage of Doctors, Nurses and health facilities are not just a Florida issue it’s nationwide. Fore!

And yet late last week it was announced the we now have 23,000,000 residents. Don’t seem like they’re fleeing out of Florida, more like fleeing in.

[MorTech]

9. Too many old people.

[justjim]

Originally Posted by MorTech

9. Too many old people.

I’ve read just north of 20% are “old people” - perhaps a little more depending how you define “old”. My definition gets a bit older everyday.

[Pugchief]

Originally Posted by justjim

1. Insurance too expensive. Florida homeowners is well above the national average.
2. Rise in HOA fees.
3. Unavailable affordable housing for retirees.
4. Overdevelopment and loss of small-town appeal.
5. Higher Utility bills.
6 . Extreme weather conditions
7. Groceries cost above national averages.
8. Quality and lack of adequate
Healthcare.

1. Paying half in TV compared to my other home UpNorth.
2. $194/month is reasonable, and when you consider that you are NOT also paying county taxes for Park District, it's a bargain.
3. Patio Villas are not expensive. Don't buy a Premier with a view unless you can swing it.
4. Absolutely true. That's one so far.
5. Also cheap compared to similar UpNorth. To be fair, I'm not there in the summer, so I don't run the A/C.
6. There is extreme weather everywhere, except when there isn't. If they're referring to hurricanes (which I assume they are), central FL is relatively unscathed. Stay away from the coast. It's kind of like buying in a river flood plain and then complaining that it floods.
7. Food prices higher UpNorth (in general). Prob varies by region.
8. This is certainly true if you are comparing TV to a major metro area in any state.

So I count 2 correct out of 8.

@Papa_lecki's #10: If you are referring to Estate Tax, FL also lower than in my UpNorth state. Regardless, FL has zero income tax on retirement income like 401k, IRA, pensions, social security. Since most other states tax those payments, you are saving a fortune by living in FL.

[Pugchief]

Originally Posted by MorTech

9. Too many old people.

That's a bad thing?

Maybe if you are stuck behind them in traffic, but "old people" rarely commit crimes.

[CarlR33]

I’m not leaving even IF a Hooters is coming into town, LOL

[Papa_lecki]

Originally Posted by Pugchief

.

@Papa_lecki's #10: If you are referring to Estate Tax, FL also lower than in my UpNorth state. Regardless, FL has zero income tax on retirement income like 401k, IRA, pensions, social security. Since most other states tax those payments, you are saving a fortune by living in FL.

It was humor, showing how ridiculous the original post was
Hahaha - there isn’t an estate tax in FLA.
That’s why 20% Floridians are old.

[Davonu]

We’re moving to North Dakota to save $129 per year in overall expenses!! 🤓

(My attempt at sarcastic humor is not intended in any way to be a slam against North Dakota. 🤪)

[billethkid]

I want to know where the booths are that the people leaving go in and tell why!!!!

[village dreamer]

Originally Posted by CarlR33

I’m not leaving even IF a Hooters is coming into town, LOL

i aint going nowhere now that hooters is coming to town.