Is Orlando, Florida a Good City for Retirement?

Orlando, Florida currently attracts over 51 million tourists a year. Its airport, the Orlando International Airport, is the thirteenth busiest airport in the United States, and the city is one of the busiest for conferences and conventions. It’s home to over 120 companies and is the hub of the nation’s military simulation and training programs. Of course, we can’t mention Orlando without talking about that famous Mouse and other giants in the entertainment industry. Film, television, and gaming are all important to Orlando’s economy, especially when it comes to Disney and Universal Studios!

This all sounds great! But, what’s so good about retiring in Orlando?

The Sunshine State is popular with seniors for the warm weather. Average summer temperatures are in the 80s! Water lovers are never bored and there is no shortage of things to do on the mainlands! In Orlando, the cost of living is a bit higher than the national average (about 4%), but there is no tax on Social Security benefits, pensions, IRAs, 401(k)s, or any other retirement income!

Orlando has a large network of healthcare facilities and lots of active adult retirement communities! It’s a bit more fast-paced than other cities for Florida retirement, but one that is sure to please seniors who don’t do loungy life!

Things for Retirees to Do in Orlando

Theme Parks

Orlando is best known for the Walt Disney World Resort and the Universal Orlando Resort. Orlando is also home to the SeaWorld theme park and the Wet ‘n Wild Water Park. With the exception of Walt Disney World, most major attractions are located along International Drive.

Kennedy Space Center

A stay in Florida isn’t complete without a trip to Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. Just east of many popular Orlando, Florida vacation destinations and theme parks, NASA’s launch headquarters is the only place on Earth where you can tour launch areas, meet a veteran astronaut, see giant rockets, train in spaceflight simulators, and even view a launch.

Wildlife

At 110- acres, Gatorland provides affordably-priced family fun with thousands of alligators & crocodiles to see, an aviary, a breeding marsh with an observation tower, a petting zoo, a nature walk, award-winning gift shop, and a one-of-a-kind reptilian shows including the Gator Wrestlin’ Show, Gator Jumparoo and the Up-close Encounters Show.

Enter the lush tropical world of the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens. A relaxing, entertaining, and educational experience for the entire family. Besides seeing over 400 animals, you can take to the sky and enjoy our aerial adventure course, Zoom Air Adventure Park, or cool off in the Wharton-Smith Tropical Splash Ground.

Vineyards

Lakeridge Winery & Vineyards opened its doors in February 1989 in Clermont, Florida, and sits on a 127-acre estate in gently rolling countryside some 25 miles west of downtown Orlando. Visitors can enjoy its extensive tasting room, festivals, and gift shop. Lakeridge Wines are sold under the Lakeridge and Lakeridge Reserve brands wines at the winery and at major supermarkets and wine shops throughout Florida. Together, these labels have won more than 700 awards for excellence in winemaking.

Other Fun

From the best of independent film at the Florida Film Festival to fine arts museums, cultural options in Orlando offer traditional and modern entertainment for all. For those with more traditional tastes, the city’s theaters entertain with options from Shakespeare to children’s classics. Also, area museums and galleries showcase local and global artists.

More than 150 golf courses can be found in and around Orlando, with the most famous being Bay Hill Club and Lodge, home to the Arnold Palmer Invitational.

While Orlando is full of unique outdoor and sporting activities, those seeking a more laid-back experience can opt for a stroll through one of the many gardens and parks or enjoy an early morning hot air balloon ride over the Central Florida treetops with Painted Horizons. With numerous tennis facilities and hundreds of lakes for fishing and boating, Orlando is a sportsman’s paradise.

55-Plus Retirement Communities In Orlando, Florida

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Lakeshore Landings

Lakeshore Landings is a 55-plus gated community on Lake Catherine featuring resort-style amenities in the heart of Orlando, Florida. There’s a sparkling 60-acre lake that is a playground for nature enthusiasts and fishing lovers. Amenities include clubhouses, a heated swimming pool, fitness center, fishing pier, boat dock, boat ramp, and a covered lakefront pavilion.

Gulfstream Harbor

Celebrate the good life at Gulfstream Harbor, a 55-plus retirement community in Orlando, FL. This resort-style community offers picturesque views, thanks to its sparkling catch-and-release fishing lakes and charming homes. Amenities include three clubhouses, three swimming pools, lighted tennis courts, fitness facilities, a putting green, and more! Gulfstream Harbor is conveniently located near the heart of Orlando, with downtown only 11 miles away.

Resources For Retirement In Orlando, Florida

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