Land O'Lakes, FL 55+ Active Adult Retirement Communities

Overview 

Located north of the Tampa Bay area in the Central Gulf Coast, Land O’Lakes is a warm region with plenty of outdoor and water recreation. Retirees can enjoy hiking, fishing, and camping in the many lakes and nature preserves, as well as local beers and wines. With warm weather, easy access to amenities in larger cities, and no income tax, Land O’Lakes in Florida is a popular destination for retirees.

Climate & Geography 

Just inland from the Gulf of Mexico and 20 miles north of Tampa, Land O’Lakes is technically a census-designated place rather than a city, and has incorporated several former towns in the past 20 years. Recent expansion has dramatically increased population. 

Land O’Lakes experiences typical Floridian subtropical weather with hot and humid summers and mild, dry winters. Late summer has frequent thunderstorms, increasing rainfall above average.

In general, the area is part of the flat, coastal plain with little elevation.

Recreation, Culture, & Entertainment 

Like the name suggests, Land O’Lakes has no shortage of lakes, giving residents abundant fishing opportunities. The Conner Preserve to the northeast has hiking trails, and the Cypress Creek Flood Detention Area to the southeast offers hiking, fishing, and camping in the woods and wetlands. Other popular outdoor recreation spots include Suncoast Trail Cycling, Crewes Lake Wilderness Park, Lake Park, and four golf courses.

Residents can also enjoy local craft brews and wines at Craft Life Brewing, In the Loop Brewing, Land O’Lakes Winery, and Florida Estates Winery, among others. Nearby Tampa has abundant amenities like name-brand shops and restaurants. Beaches on the Gulf of Mexico are also a short drive away.

Cost of Living & Taxes 

The overall cost of living in Land O’Lakes is higher than average. Housing costs are the biggest factor, but transportation, utilities, and groceries all rank above the national average as well. Health care is just below average.

Florida is tax friendly to retirees because it does not tax any form of income. In addition, property and sales taxes are close to the national average.

Health Care

The Tampa metropolitan area ranks within the top 100 communities in the U.S. on Gallup’s Well-Being Index. The highest ranked factor is the sense of community in the area, meaning residents take pride in their community and have a sense of safety.

The closest hospital to Land O’Lakes is AdventHealth Wesley Chapel, five miles away, and rated by U.S. News as high performing. Nearby Tampa has several high performing hospitals, including St. Joseph’s Hospital-Tampa and Florida Hospital Tampa. H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute is nationally ranked and No. 8 in the U.S. for cancer treatment.