West Palm Beach-Ft. Pierce FL Metro 55+ Active Adult Retirement Communities

Florida active adults looking for a retirement community should consider one of the many communities between West Palm Beach and Ft. Pierce. There are sunny beaches, tranquil lakes, varied attractions, and endless entertainment opportunities spread throughout the area. Most of the active adult communities in the area offer well-built, low-maintenance homes along with great resort-style amenities.

Climate & Geography

The weather in the West Palm Beach-Ft. Pierce area is certainly a draw for many active adult retirees. The West Palm Beach winters maintain a daytime average temperature of 74°, while an average summer day will reach 90°. Fort Pierce has a similar climate although it does tend to be a little cooler than West Palm Beach. Both cities offer plenty of sunshine year-round, making either place an ideal location for those who enjoy outdoor recreation.

West Palm Beach is in Palm Beach County which is one of Florida’s largest counties. It spans 1,971 square miles of land, not including its 488,000-acre Lake Okeechobee. Fort Pierce is in the smaller county of St. Lucie which is considered to be part of the Treasure Coast region of central Florida.

Recreation, Culture & Entertainment

Many recreational and cultural attractions are found throughout the area including numerous parks, hiking trails and beaches. Residents and visitors enjoy prime fishing, water sports and other outdoor activities. The area has also been called the “Golf Capital of the World” as it offers more than 150 public and private golf courses. Some of the more notable attractions near West Palm Beach include the South Florida Science Museum, Mounts Botanical Garden, Norton Museum of Art, and Kravis Center for the Performing Arts.

Fort Pierce is the home of the Navy SEAL Museum, which features both indoor and outdoor exhibits and is very popular with visitors. Fort Pierce has many beaches and state parks allowing residents to enjoy hiking, boating and other watersports. Fort Pierce also offers a variety of entertainment, restaurants, and shopping in the downtown area.

Cost of Living & Taxes

The cost of living in West Palm Beach is just above the national average while Fort Pierce is below the national average due to less expensive housing options.

Florida has a sales tax of 6% but has no income tax. While property taxes are less than the national average there are also exemptions such as the Senior Citizen Exemption. This exemption is available in certain counties only and is valued up to $50,000 for residents 65 and older with a gross income below $20,000.

Health Care

Active adults concerned about the level of health care in the area can rest easy, there are numerous hospitals and medical centers in the area offering world-class health care. The John F. Kennedy Medical Center in West Palm Beach is one of the top cardiovascular hospitals in the country and offers excellent care in the way of emergency services and orthopedics. Other high-ranking hospitals in West Palm Beach include Palm Beach Gardens and St. Mary’s Medical Center.

U.S. News & World Report’s rates Fort Pierce hospitals Lawnwood Regional Medical Center and Heart Institute as high performing. Other hospitals in the area include St. Lucie Medical Center and Indian River Medical Center.