The 10 Best Places to Retire in 2012

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During the 2003 boom I was ready to build new homes in this area. When the market went bust I moved to GA. Now that the market is coming back I have been looking at other areas in FL. to start building again. Unfortunately everywhere was raising the prices and I knew many of these areas. I decided to look at the Rotonda,East Englewood areas again because I knew of the distance was from PC and I agree PC is not worth the look. However these areas are closer to Boca Grande and Cape Haze plus Manasota Key. you will find beautiful beaches and if boating is your choice you can score a great bargain house not on the water and many place have boat ramps with all day parking that offer no bridge access..There are thousands of lots so thats great for peaceful driving but also will bring new homes that builders already are trying to advertise 200,000 and up but there are builders like myself who can offer 150,000 for the same house and probably better. many other areas throughout FL are older populated areas with older neighborhoods that bring low rents and cheap housing. Check out this area..

Mike Vell of GA 8:03PM May 05, 2013

I guarantee if anyone went into Rotonda or South Gulf cove ,Cahe Haze maybe even Guf cove they would buy a lot or house. Boca Grande and Palm Island are great boating and living areas as well. They are considered Port Charlotte but far away enough you will not even go into that area. Or want to..These areas are out the main land and are the best places to retire or start over. Great prices. lost 5 min. to beach 3000. new hurricane 160 mph homes for 160,000.. awesome beaches and great fishing. 15 min to sarasota.. worth the look..

Mike vell of GA 7:52PM May 05, 2013

Retirement and Good Living just released its 2013 selections for best places to retire and also the 10 best Golf courses. Check it out at
retirementandgoodliving.com/best-retirement-locations-in-the-us-2013/

carly of NY 3:20PM February 20, 2013

Port Charlotte FL is listed as a great place to retire with $60,000 homes and the article says most homes are on water with boats in the backyard, with access to the Gulf. The truth is, PC is one of the lowest areas in Florida with many high risk flood zones and those cheap old homes will cost you a fortune to insure because hurricanes can wash them away. Read the "Florida Move Guide" for the truth. Many of those canals are nothing more than drainage ditches to move flood waters out to the Gulf. Only a fool would have a boat in the backyard because they won't fit through the storm pipes. PC is also a very transient area, as is most of FL. Most that move there will move back north.

Dan Chapman of NY 1:11AM January 01, 2013

THE BEST PLACE TO RETIRE IS:
PUYO PASTAZA ECUADOR.
ALTITUDE 954 METERS OVER SEA LEVEL, NOT HOT NOR COLD, YEAR ARROUND.
NO SNOW.
NO CRIME. NO DOPE.
RENT 200 A MONTH A GOOD THREE BED. APARTMENT.
OR 60000 TO PURCHASE A NEW HOUSE.

MARCO VEGA of FL 7:54PM December 16, 2012

Colorado has it all my friends! Great weather, even in the winter, no humidity and enough of everything to keep you healthy, fit and happy.

Colorado Momma of CO 11:56AM December 12, 2012

nice place to live . people are real friendly and lots of places to shop and good places to eat.

maggie bruce of KY 6:33PM November 17, 2012

The best place to retire may be the home you already live in. According to the Florida Move Guide, most who move to FL end up moving back after they learn about 9 months of humidity and 6 months of hurricane season every year. It's great for real estate agents and movers when you move somewhere and then move back, but it can be a nestegg buster.

jersey shore jake of NJ 7:53AM November 15, 2012

For that price in these states? What forest fire affected this town in California?
And; Wich hurricane hit this town in Florida?

William Angel of OH 3:38PM November 13, 2012

I am surprised that the 3 lake areas of Branson Missouri was omitted. This area has extremely low cost of living, especially real estate taxes, food & eating out, Median home prices are $150K and part time employment is plentiful. There is plenty to occupy retirees: 100 live shows in Branson and a plethora of restaurants, flea markets, multiple shopping centers, lake Taneycomo and the other super big, clear, lake... Table Rock Lake with a number of small towns and communities that have lake shores in the Tri-lakes area. A beautiful place to retire or attend the local college or find full time employment.

June Constable of MO 9:31PM November 06, 2012