Florida is a wonderful place to live and has a lot to offer. If you are considering a move to the Sunshine State, one of the most important factors to consider when moving is money. To make the decision about where you’ll be able to live comfortably depends on where you can find affordable home prices.
Florida doesn’t have a state income tax, which is a plus. Its sales tax averages 6.7 percent, varying slightly in each county. Property taxes are reasonable, and there isn’t an estate or inheritance tax.
Of course you’ll also want a place with great local healthcare and enjoyable amenities. There are many locations to retire in Florida, and here are a few places folks are talking about:
For affordable living
Sebastian
Located in Indian River County, near the Atlantic Coast’s golden-shored beaches and just north of elegant Vero Beach. Sebastian offers low home costs and affordable property taxes. In addition to having a low population, this town offers a lot to do for beachcombers and fishing enthusiasts. Along with beautiful parks, Sebastian’s Indian River Lagoon features a dazzling riverfront district. Sebastian has a golf course, shops and restaurants. It also hosts city festivals each year, including concerts in the park, and monthly arts and crafts shows. The winter weather is ideal as temperatures average 74 degrees under sunny skies. For transportation, Sebastian has public bus transportation run by GoLine, and there is easy access to I-95 and the Florida Turnpike. For healthcare, Sebastian has many healthcare providers, as well as Sebastian River Medical Center. The nearest airport is Melbourne International Airport (MLB), which is a 30-minute drive from Sebastian. Two airlines serve this airport, US Airways and Delta. For more information about retiring in Sebastian, [click here](http://www.sebastianretirement.org/).
For average incomes
Vero Beach
Scoring 41 on Top Retirements 2015, Vero Beach has beautiful beaches, historic buildings and sunny, 74 degree weather. This small city on the Treasure Coast is in Indian River County and is a relaxing place to retire. There is much to do, such as golf at the Indian River Club, and there are a variety of community events that are held at Grant Historical House and Fisherman’s Park. Baseball fans can watch the Los Angeles Dodgers’ spring training at their Vero Beach camp. Vero Beach hosts a variety of helpful senior services, and for nearby healthcare, there is the Indian River Medical Center. Vero Beach’s public buses are run by GoLine, and the nearest airport is Melbourne International Airport (MLB), just a 30-minute drive from Sebastian. Two airlines serve this airport, US Airways and Delta.
For higher incomes
St. Augustine
Located southeast of Jacksonville, the charming town is the oldest city in the United States. It’s often likened to Charleston, South Carolina, but smaller. Set on Florida’s First Coast, St. Augustine scored [#35 on Top Retirements 2015](http://www.topretirements.com/reviews/florida/Saint%20Augustine.html). There are plenty of reasons for why it rates so well: St. Augustine has a mild climate during the winter, and there is much to do for the active individuals, such as golf and strolling along its beautiful, white sandy beaches. Being a historic city, shopping is like a walk back in time along St. George Street, which features shops, restaurants, tours and much more. For healthcare, Flagler Hospital offers “Centers of Excellence” in bariatrics, heart, cancer, maternity, orthopedics and sinus care. For public transportation, the buses are run by The Sunshine Bus Company. The nearest airport is the Jacksonville International Airport (JAX), which is approximately 50 minutes north of St. Augustine. It is served by national and regional airlines connecting to most major U.S. cities.