Overview
Palmetto is a coastal city is Southwest Florida popular for its warm weather and many marinas. Retirees seeking outdoor recreation in a small community can find it in Palmetto. Besides this, its proximity to major metro areas and its affordability make it popular for active adults ready to retire in Florida.
Climate & Geography
Located south of Tampa and north of Sarasota, Palmetto is a peninsula on the Gulf Coast of Florida. It experiences a subtropical climate characterized by long, hot summers and mild winters. Precipitation is frequent during the late summer, resulting in higher than average rainfall. There are, on average, 242 days of sun.
Palmetto’s terrain is generally level and sandy. It is bordered by the Manatee River to the south and the Terra Ceia Bay to the north. Sea breezes from the Gulf help moderate temperatures throughout the year.
Recreation, Culture, & Entertainment
Outdoor recreation is abundant in Palmetto. There is no shortage of boating and fishing opportunities on the city’s many marinas. In addition, residents can hike the trails and view the wildlife at the Emerson Point Preserve and the Felts Audubon Preserve. There are also two golf courses within city limits, and many more in surrounding areas.
Palmetto has all the necessary daily amenities, including brand-name shops and local breweries. Residents seeking more community events, farmers markets, and smaller boutiques can head to Bradenton’s downtown and Riverwalk, located just minutes away. Sarasota, a half-hour drive south of Palmetto, has even more shopping, art galleries, and dining.
Cost of Living & Taxes
The cost of living in Palmetto is slightly above the national average. Housing, transportation, and grocery costs are all above average, but utilities and health care costs are below the national average. Though Palmetto’s cost of living is above the U.S. average, it is below Florida’s average.
Florida does not tax any income, including Social Security and retirement income. Property taxes are below average, and sales taxes are similar to the rest of the U.S.
Health Care
The Sarasota metro area scores well on Gallup’s Well-Being Index, ranking in the top 10 communities across the country.
There are no hospitals in Palmetto, but the closest hospital that is rated as high performing by U.S. News is Manatee Memorial Hospital in Bradenton. Also in Bradenton is the high performing Blake Medical Center. Other nearby high performing hospitals include Sarasota Memorial Hospital in Sarasota and St. Anthony’s Hospital in St. Petersburg.