Davenport 55+ Retirement Communities

Davenport is a small, affordable community in Central Florida with a variety of outdoor activities and shopping for retirees. Its year round warm weather, as well as its proximity to larger metropolitan areas, make this a popular destination for active adults. Besides that, no income tax in Florida and low local housing costs are all attractive qualities for snowbirds.

Climate & Geography

Located 25 miles inland from the Tampa Bay area and just south of Orlando, Davenport experiences the humid, tropical climate typical of Florida. Summers are hot with increased rain, whereas winters are mild with no snow. Davenport experiences an average of 216 days of sunshine a year.

Recreation, Culture & Entertainment

Davenport has several options for active adults seeking outdoor recreation, including ten golf courses in and around the city. There is also the Northeast Regional Park, which offers basketball, tennis, soccer, racquetball, running and hiking trails, a boat ramp, and a lake. Other Davenport hot spots are the Posner Park Shopping Mall, filled with big-name brands, and the True Blue Winery for local wine lovers.

One of Davenport’s biggest draws is its proximity to Orlando. It is a short drive away from Disney Springs, a high-end shopping district, Downtown Winter Park, and of course Disney World and other theme parks.

Cost of Living & Taxes

While Florida generally has a higher cost of living than the U.S., Davenport’s cost of living is below the rest of the state. Housing and health care are below average for Florida, whereas groceries, utilities, and transportation are above the national average.

Florida is a tax-friendly state for retirees because it has no state income tax, meaning Social Security, 401(k)s, IRAs, and all other forms of retirement income are untaxed. There is also no inheritance or estate tax. Property taxes match the national average, and Davenport’s 7 percent sales tax is also typical of Florida.

Health Care

Considered part of the Lakeland-Winter Haven Metropolitan area, Davenport generally ranks within the top 100 communities in Gallup’s Well-Being Index.

There are no nationally ranked hospitals in Davenport or Lakeland. The Heart of Florida Regional Medical Center in Davenport is ranked by U.S. News as high performing. High performing hospitals within a 25 mile range of Davenport include Osceola Regional Medical Center, Winter Haven Hospital, Health Central Hospital, Lakeland Regional Health Medical Center, and Lake Wales Medical Center.