Tamarac, FL 55+ Active Adult Retirement Communities

Overview 

A sprawling inland city just north of Miami, Tamarac is a great destination for retirees looking for a quiet community with easy access to larger cities and beaches. Residents can enjoy the offerings of the nearby Everglades, several golf courses, and community events. With year round warm weather and affordable housing, Tamarac is a popular city for active adults.

Climate & Geography 

Situated further inland between the coast and the Everglades, Tamarac’s tropical climate is similar to that of other cities in Southeast Florida. Summers are long, wet, and hot, and winters are drier and mild. The seabreeze from the Atlantic Ocean doesn’t quite reach Tamarac, and therefore summer temperatures can be much hotter than its coastal neighbors. Much of Tamarac is split between flatlands and swamplands, especially because of its proximity to the Everglades. Residents can expect higher than average rainfall, especially in the summer, and over 250 days of sunshine each year. 

Tamarac’s residential neighborhoods are distinguished around bodies of water, and the city has changed its borders frequently over the past 50 years. The city expands several miles east of the everglades, creating borders around recently developed residential areas.

Recreation, Culture, & Entertainment 

Residents have plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation in Tamarac. Bordering the Everglades, retirees can enjoy boat tours, fishing, shopping, and dining on the national wildlife area. There are also several golf clubs both in and around Tamarac, including the popular Woodlands Country Club, Colony West Golf Club, and Woodmont Country Club. 

Tamarac also offers community events, like a Sunday farmers market, Rock N’ Ride Car Show with live music, and special holiday festivals. Active adults can also head to nearby Fort Lauderdale or Pompano Beach for access to the Atlantic Ocean.

Cost of Living & Taxes 

Tamarac’s overall cost of living is slightly above the U.S. average, which is similar to the average in Florida. Transportation is the biggest factor, whereas housing, health care, and utilities are all far below average. Groceries, like much of Florida, match the national average.

Florida is an enticing state for retirees because it levies no income tax, including any form of retirement income. On average, property taxes are below other states, whereas sales taxes are typical of the U.S. Two major expenses for retirees, groceries and medicine, are not taxed. 

Health Care

The larger Miami-Fort Lauderdale metro area scores well on Gallup’s Well-Being Index. Just recently, it scored in the top 20 communities in the U.S.

The closest U.S. News nationally ranked hospital is the Cleveland Clinic Florida in Weston, and is the No. 5 hospital in Florida. Other high performing hospitals within 10 miles of Tamarac are University Hospital and Medical Center, Plantation General Hospital, Westside Regional Medical Center, Northwest Medical Center-Margate, and Holy Cross Hospital-Fort Lauderdale