Southeast Florida Description/Overview
The South Atlantic Coast of Florida stretches 240 miles from Key West in the south to Palm Beach in the north. It consists of four counties (Monroe County, Miami-Dade County, Broward County and Palm Beach County) and includes popular retirement communities and cities such as Coral Gables, Fort Lauderdale, Wilton Manors, Hollywood, Sunrise, Pompano Beach, Boca Raton, West Palm Beach and Jupiter. The mild climate, fueled by the Gulf Stream, and the area's proximity to the ocean have made it a haven for retirees for nearly a century. The establishment of Coral Gables in 1921, one of the country's first planned communities, brought down a wave of retirees from New England states that wanted to escape the cold and crowds back home. The trend of retirees flocking to 55+ active retirement communities in Florida that started in the 1920's continues today and has made Southeast Florida one of the best places to retire in the country.
The South Atlantic Coast of Florida is home to nearly 6 million people. The major population center is only several miles wide and stretches from Miami northward to Palm Beach in a continuous patchwork of communities that lack any real population center or downtown. It is often difficult to tell where one city ends and another begins. Major congestion throughout the region, arguably the worst in all of Florida, can be a deterrent for many retirees, however, the amenities and cultural attractions continue to make the region a draw for much of the 55+ crowd. The popularity, however, comes with a price, as the four counties that make up this region are the most expensive in Florida in both cost of living and real estate prices. Still, there are an amazing variety homes and active retirement communities that fit nearly any budget.
The region is home to nearly every type of housing imaginable. In the narrow strip of buildable land between the Atlantic Ocean and the Everglades, buyers can choose from condos in high-rises along the ocean, active adult communities, luxury single family homes on a canal or inland waterway, age-restricted communities, mobile home parks, retirement communities and golf course communities. The limited availability of buildable land coupled with the area's popularity has led to continually increasing real estate prices over the years. Respectively, from south to north, the four counties that make up this region (Monroe, Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach) are the four most expensive counties in the state. Most of the construction in this area tends to be in the form of new high-rises along the ocean and Intracoastal Waterway or by the draining of swampland in the Everglades to make way for new residential construction.
The area enjoys a pleasant tropical climate all year round that is moderated by the cooling effects of the Atlantic Ocean in the summer and warm Gulf Stream in the winter. Most of the area experiences summer highs in the mid-80's and lows in the lower 70's. In the winter, January highs still manage to climb into the mid 70's and only fall to around 60 at nighttime. Most of the region experiences approximately 60 inches of rain annually.
The area is full of recreational opportunities for active adults. Key West is renowned for its world-class diving and snorkeling. The islands that make up the Florida Keys are home to over 500 shipwrecks and the coral reef is the third largest in the world. Boating and fishing is a favorite among many who live in the region and the extensive Intracoastal Waterway, rivers and canals makes for thousands of miles of navigable waterway. Beaches are plentiful in the region and the Fort Lauderdale beachfront is among the most attractive and inviting beaches around the world. Active adult golfers and tennis players will find plenty of opportunity to get out and play. In fact, Palm Beach County alone is home to over 150 golf courses and 1,100 tennis courts. Other sports enthusiasts can enjoy Florida Marlins baseball, Miami Heat basketball or Miami Dolphins football. Plus, the University of Miami offers numerous sporting and recreational events.
The South Atlantic Coast of Florida has attracted a wide variety of residents over the years. Much of the area has been populated by Caribbean island immigrants, artists, writers and retiring New Englanders - many of which have deep pockets. As a result of the South Florida's diversity and wealth, the area is alive with culture. There are countless art galleries, museums and performing arts centers in the region and many of the area's cultural activities are focused towards 55+ active adults.
The region is home to the University of Miami and there are numerous community colleges. Many of the colleges offer special programs for older adults who are looking for continuing education and lifelong learning programs. In addition, the large population center means that full and part-time work is readily available for the 55+ crowd.
