Category: Florida Living

Best Places to Retire in Florida: Zephyrhills

Posted on November 10, 2021 by - Florida Living

Zephyrhills neighborhood

Settled in 1882 as the town of Abbott, Zephyrhills quickly adopted its current name because of the warm zephyr breezes that blow over the area’s many beautiful hills. This city, which is as peaceful and as beautiful as its name implies, has attracted retirees since 1910, when it became home to a retirement community for veterans.

Today, Zephyrhills is still one of the best places to retire in Florida, thanks to an abundance of warmth and sunshine, beautiful scenery, low-cost housing, convenience, amenities, affordable living, and more. If you are considering a move to this beautiful city, here is everything you need to know to help you enjoy the rewarding retirement you deserve.

What to expect

Area

Zephyrhills is a small city of about 17,000 in Pasco County, Florida, just 30 miles north of As a destination for retirees, it is highly desirable because of an abundance of retirement communities and low-cost housing, as well as beautiful weather and lots of convenient amenities within a short walk or drive of the area’s many retirement communities and homes.

Weather

The entire state of Florida is known for beautiful weather that rarely dips below 50 degrees, even in the middle of winter. Zephyrhills is no exception. When you embrace retirement here, you can expect to encounter that same year-round warmth and abundant sunshine. In fact, the city averages 0 inches of snow a year, and an impressive 249 days of sunshine annually.

You should, however, expect to encounter some changes in the seasons. Cloud cover, precipitation, wind, and more all change throughout the year so you can enjoy a rhythmic feel to the weather while still enjoying the warmth of the Florida climate. Add in the gentle, warm breezes that gave Zephyrhills its name, and you have a city that offers a retirement replete with warmth, sunshine, and relaxation.

Safety

Zephyrhills is also a very safe place to live. The city’s violent crime rate is significantly lower than the rate in other, similarly-sized cities, and 2 percent less than the national average. With multiple locations known as stable and secure places to reside, it is easy to find a place to retire where you can feel entirely secure over the long-term.

Practical Living

Airport

Zephyrhills may be a small city, but it has its very own airport, the Zephyrhills Municipal Airport (TPA). Multiple major airlines fly into this publicly owned and operated airport, including the following:

  • Frontier
  • Delta
  • American
  • Southwest
  • United
  • JetBlue

This means that you can fly in and out of your retirement home easily, and inexpensively, without needing to navigate the larger and more distant Tampa Airport.

Getting Around

When you choose one of the best places to retire in Florida, you expect exceptional transportation that makes getting around easy. This is exactly what you will find in Zephyrhills. This city is bisected by major U.S. 301, which travels north to south throughout the state. Zephyrhills is also located within 15 minutes of multiple major roads and interstates so you can easily get to major points of interest in the state, including Tampa and the Gulf Coast.

In addition, Zephyrhills is served by GoPasco, the county’s public transportation company. You can use low-fare trolleys and buses to get around the county. GoPasco also offers specialized services to those who qualify as transportation disadvantaged.

Shopping

Shopping is plentiful in Zephyrhills, no matter where you prefer to shop. Choose from big box stores such as Walmart, thrift stores, local specialty stores, and more. In addition to the wide variety of shops in Zephyrhills itself, you are only a short drive from Tampa and all of the shopping options available there.

Doctors/hospitals

While nearby Tampa offers many healthcare options for both routine and critical care needs, you can also access high-quality doctors within Zephyrhills itself. The city is home to two major hospitals, AdventHealth Zephyrhills and Zephyrhills Hospital, which provide access to an ER, children’s emergency care, cardiac care, ENT services, GI care, and more. Whatever your needs, you can receive personalized and attentive treatment near to home in Zephyrhills.

Banks

Zephyrhills provides convenient access to numerous banks and credit unions. Choose from big names such as Wells Fargo or more local options, such as the First National Bank of Pasco. Use these financial institutions to conduct everyday banking, seek out loans, save, and successfully manage your retirement finances.

Mail

Satisfy all of your postal needs in Zephyrhills with a local post office. In some retirement communities, such as Bedrock Communities, you can even complete some tasks right within the community.

Things to Do

Beaches

Zephyrhills is not one of Florida’s coastal towns, but you can still easily access some of Florida’s most beautiful beaches from here. Tampa, for example, is only about a 30-minute drive away, while the renowned Clearwater Beach is a drive of about an hour away. That means you can enjoy swimming, fishing, sunbathing, boating, and more, without the high real estate prices and heavy traffic that comes with living in a coastal city.

Museums

Zephyrhills is home to two major museums: The Depot Museum and the Museum of Military History. A restoration of the original 1927 Atlantic Coast Line Depot, the Depot Museum now houses multiple exhibits and a model train display to help you understand and appreciate the transportation history of the area.

The Museum of Military History preserves the history of World War II soldiers who trained in Zephyrhills, and includes displays from other conflicts as well. It is located on the old Zephyrhills Army Airfield.

Skydiving

Zephyrhills is considered a premier skydiving destination in the state. If you are feeling a little adventurous, stop by the city’s skydiving center to enjoy excitement, adrenaline, and fun in a location that is ideal for this thrilling activity.

Golfing and Tennis

If you prefer to remain on solid ground, you can enjoy more traditional outdoor activities, such as golfing and tennis, in Zephyrhills. The city is home to multiple tennis courts and golf courses, and some retirement communities may offer easy on-site access to these activities.

Parks

Green space is abundant in Zephyrhills. If you want to take the grandkids out for the day, enjoy a walk, or simply relax surrounded by greenery, consider using one of the city’s many parks.

Find a Home

Bedrock Communities Living

With a median home price of $299,000, Zephyrhills housing can feel a little high. However, housing is even more affordable when you choose Bedrock Communities’ Winters community. This 55+ community mobile homes that offer attainable Florida living at a cost that is less than the area’s median home price.

Features

Our Winters community provides many features designed to provide you with a home that fits your lifestyle and a community that complements your taste. Here are just a few of the features you can expect when you choose Bedrock Communities’ Winters community in Zephyrhills:

  • A short drive from shops, dining, entertainment, beaches, and Tampa.
  • Access to Florida beaches
  • Beautiful mobile homes for an affordable price
  • Pet-friendly policies
  • An active and friendly 55+ community

Amenities

In addition, our Winters community provides amenities to make your life more comfortable and more convenient. Stay active and connected right within the Winters community with amenities such as the following:

  • Heated pool with ADA accessibility
  • Shuffleboard court
  • Clubhouse
  • Library
  • Pool

A comfortable and rewarding retirement is within reach when you choose Bedrock Communities’ Winters community. Take advantage of everything Zephyrhills has to offer, along with an affordable home and attainable Florida living. Contact us today to learn more!

Top 10 Reasons to Retire in Ruskin, Florida

Posted on October 14, 2021 by - Florida Living

Old Asian couple

Nestled along the banks of the Little Manatee River in Hillsborough County, and located less than 30 miles from Tampa, Ruskin is a growing small town with lots to offer. If you are looking for a place to put down roots after retirement, you may want to consider Ruskin before you head over to larger, better-known cities such as Naples or Tampa. Here are 10 of the most exciting reasons to retire in Ruskin, Florida.

Access to Incredible Beaches

Sunset at beachFlorida, of course, is known for its gorgeous beaches, including the incredible white-sand stretches of Clearwater Beach. However, you don’t have to go to a big city to enjoy oceanside views, sunbathing, and swimming.

Ruskin sits less than 10 minutes from a number of beaches known for their stunning white sand and beautiful views. Choose from Apollo Beach, with its included nature preserve; nearby Beer Can Island, which is far prettier than its name implies, or beaches a little further afield, such as Siesta Key Beach or St. Pete Beach. When you retire in Ruskin, you have access to them all.

Endless Golf

Beaches are not the only amenity that Ruskin offers the active retiree. This little town also boasts an oversized number of golf courses you can reach in about 10 minutes.

Try your hand at those hole-in-ones at the luxurious Cypress Creek Golf Club, with its immersive course and newly renovated clubhouse. Challenge yourself at nearby Sun City Center’s Freedom Fairways. Check out the amenities and perfectly maintained courses throughout the Ruskin area. When you retire in Ruskin, you enjoy endless golf anytime you choose.

Retiree-Focused Activities

Retirement, no matter where it happens, should be a time of relaxation and fun. That is what makes Ruskin such an exciting plate to live when you finally stop working – An abundance of opportunities and activities tailored specifically to retirees like you.

One of the town’s prime retiree-focused opportunities is the Ruskin Senior Center. With completely free membership, constant activities, from baking to bingo, and bilingual offerings, this is one of the best locations for connecting with other retirees and accessing important resources that make retirement easier.

Another incredible Ruskin location for retirees is Bedrock Communities‘ 55+ Little Manatee community. Our community-driven social calendar is always full, and there is always something to do and someone to connect with.

Beautiful Outdoor Spaces

Florida is home to some stunning natural areas, and if you retire in Ruskin, Florida, you can enjoy having some of them within just a few minutes of your home.

Take, for example, E. G. Simmons Park, where you can camp, fish, and boat surrounded by lush greenery, tall palm trees, and clear blue water. Other nearby nature areas include Bahia Beach Nature Preserve, Little Manatee River State Park, and Common Good Park’s waterfront picnic areas.

Gorgeous Antique Shops

Antique stores are alive and well in Ruskin, making it easy to pursue your antiquing hobby. Find that perfect piece of furniture, that beautiful lamp, or that vintage art and jewelry. It is all in or near Ruskin, and when you retire here, you get the opportunity to browse all of those shops as often as the mood strikes.

Delicious Restaurants

Ruskin’s small-town feel means you get to indulge in some homestyle cooking and delectably fresh food. Some local favorites include the Ybor Grille, whose Cuban-inspired dishes receive rave reviews from locals and tourists alike. Other places to enjoy a memorable lunch or dinner include the Ruskin Diner, Sunset Grill and Beach Bar, and The Fish House. Enjoy your retirement with endless access to a variety of Florida’s best food.

Relaxing Boating and Fishing

Don’t just enjoy beautiful views of the ocean when you retire in Ruskin. Embrace life on the water by taking advantage of Ruskin’s many opportunities to go boating and fishing. You can grab a deep sea fishing charter almost any day of the week, or spend the day on the river catching freshwater fish. Spend all day on a charter, or a half a day pursuing that perfect catch. If you live in our Little Manatee community, you can even use our on-site boat ramp to take your own boat on the water anytime you desire.

Unique Entertainment Options

Entertainment is alive and well in Ruskin. Retire here and you will never be bored. For example, the Ruskin Family Drive-In offers a vintage and increasingly rare delight – Outdoor movies, while whale watching in the nearby waters can make for a memorable afternoon or full-day outing. In addition, you can access all of the entertainment available in nearby Tampa. A 30-minute drive can put you within range of Busch Gardens, the zoo, an aquarium, bars, museums, and more.

Affordable Living

Retiring means giving up your regular income, but that shouldn’t cause you any concern when you retire in Ruskin. This town is very affordable, with a cost of living that is well below the average in big Florida cities such as Tampa. Pay less for housing, transportation, food, and more, so your retirement income goes as far as you want it to. You can enjoy even more affordable living in our Little Manatee community, where we focus on attainable Florida living with beautiful homes that fit right into your budget and plentiful amenities that mean you pay less for life’s necessities, and little luxuries.

Strong Sense of Community

You deserve to live in a place that feels like home. Ruskin can offer you that kind of community, thanks to its small-town feel. The town may be growing, but the residents still hold onto the small-town ideals of relationship, friendliness, and support that make this area a wonderful place to live. Here at our Little Manatee community, you will find yourself among people who are willing to welcome you into an active and vibrant life together where you can pursue all of your favorite activities, meet new people, and build relationships that make your retirement a rich and rewarding time of life.

Ruskin has many advantages to offer retirees. Choose Little Manatee to enjoy everything this town has to offer along with attainable living, abundant amenities, rich community, and the retirement experience you deserve.

10 Best Activities for Seniors in Riverview, Florida

Posted on April 13, 2021 by - Florida Living

If you live in Riverview, FL, you will never be bored. This beautiful area along the Alafia River offers access to attractions, entertainment, and dining both in Riverview itself and in nearby cities like Tampa.

If you are a senior (55+), you are welcome here too! From our active Crescent Lake 55+ community to endless things to do in the surrounding area, you can enjoy activities that suit your personality and taste.

Need some ideas to get started? Check out our list of the 10 very best activities in the area.

? Bowling

Riverview, and the surrounding Tampa area, are chock-full of exciting places to bowl, from modern alleys to those with a more down-home feel. Bring your own shoes or rent them, and don’t forget to enjoy some of the bowling cuisine these places offer (Many places provide more than your standard pizza and soda).

? Fishing

If getting out on the water is your preferred activity, you are only a few minutes away from Tampa, where fishing abounds. Fish from shore or get a fishing charter for off-shore fishing and bigger catches. You can even fish within the Crescent Lake community, thanks to an on-site boat ramp and fishing pier.

?‍♀️ Spa

Pamper yourself at spas and salons in Riverview and the surrounding area. Get the full treatment, or just enjoy a manicure, pedicure, or facial. The choice is yours!

?️ Golf

From Topgolf’s relaxed atmosphere to more traditional golf courses, the Riverview area has multiple options for enjoying a relaxed afternoon of fun on the green.

? Bird Watching

Riverview is near the beautiful Alafia Scrub Nature Preserve, where you can also catch sight of the stunning Alafia River and an abundance of natural beauty.

? International Independent Showmen’s Museum

Entertainment history comes alive at the International Independent Showmen’s Museum. Dedicated to the history of carnivals, this museum features full-size rides on display, along with many other intriguing artifacts. Entry is inexpensive, but there is enough here to keep you fascinated for hours.

? Thai Sunday Market

Set in a Buddhist temple, the Thai Sunday Market boasts an exciting open-air market with vendors selling everything from beautiful orchids to authentic Thai food. Come for brunch and stay to explore the beauty and wonder on display.

? Zoos and Aquariums

There are a number of zoos and aquariums to enjoy in the Riverview/Tampa area. Try Lowry’s Zoo, Jenny’z Petting Zoo, or the incredible Manatee Viewing Center.

? Theaters (including a drive-in)

Don’t settle for traditional theaters if you don’t want to. The area houses a number of theaters, including a drive-in theater for an old-fashioned feel, and the Partyflix Tampa outdoor theater.

? Dining

The area boasts a wide array of dining options, from more relaxed environments to fine dining. Try out a variety of places to find your favorites, and don’t forget Riverview staples like Fred’s Market and Ruth’s Steakhouse.

Settling in Riverview gives you access to a peaceful environment with lots to do. Enjoy bowling, good food, fascinating attractions, and more, all right outside your door. And don’t forget: When you choose a community like Crescent Lake, you can enjoy activities right within your community too. See you soon!

10 Reasons to Migrate to Fort Pierce, Florida

Posted on October 12, 2020 by - Florida Living

Fort pierce promenade

If you love quaint architecture, iconic museums, art galleries and of course amazing beaches and marinas, consider moving to Florida. In its waterfront city of Fort Pierce, the warm southern sun rises on vintage charms and modern miracles alike. With a welcoming community of residents, retiring seniors can socialize in a secure and friendly environment.

So whether you’re planning to permanently hang your hat down south or put on your backpack for a wintery sojourn, here are 10 reasons to migrate to Fort Pierce:

1. Low cost of living

Fort Pierce farmer's market sunny dayOne of the main attractions of the city is its high degree of affordability. Although the place doesn’t lack contemporary amenities, they are inexpensive. You can still find modern shopping and exceptional fishing opportunities to enjoy without guilt. In fact, the city’s cost of living is lower than the national average by 12.4 percent. Residents often take pride in the weekly Farmer’s Market held on Saturdays.

2. Plethora of amusement activities

One thing you can never run out of here is wholesome entertainment. Recreational water-sport including boat rentals and paddling trails may be the most iconic symbol of the place but it is also equally popular for its theatres, vintage walkways and great dining. Did we mention Bike Night?

Similar to the Lakeland Fl retirement communities, Fort Pierce communities build a support network of like-minded seniors who can enjoy their golden years together. Some of these facilities keep you super busy with cycling trips, billiards, deep-sea fishing or angling. There are libraries for the voracious reader and kitchens to cook up a storm. These are usually situated within easy walking or driving distances from the city centre. The city itself is indolent and offers a quite charm lost on busy port towns further south.

3. Climate

Situated in the balmy south, Fort Pierce is naturally sunny. The best seasons are undoubtedly spring and winter. So, plan your stay for March and April. November and December are cooler. However, the nighttime winter temperature seldom drops below zero. Snowbirds flocking to the south prefer these times of the year when the north is reeling under unforgiving cold. Retirees often find the gentler weather and laid-back lifestyle of the south more on track with their future plans.

4. Real estate

The price of a house in Fort Pierce stands at around $150,000 on an average. For all your real estate needs, there are highly active agents who can cut the deal for you. At present there are more than 400 agents working in the sector and the top ones can help you get thousands of dollars more for your plot or old house. Connect with the right agent to get an estimate of your listing in real-time.

Many factors should be considered before you can select the top ones, though. Some of these are the median price of their properties, the number of days it spends on the market, number of transactions, volume of listing and the like.

5. Growing population

It is not really isolated as it sounds. With a population of over forty thousand residents, the city is steadily filling out and pushing its borders. And the crowd is expected to see a growth of about four percent. There are more than 16,000 families and almost half of them are homeowners. There are renters too, some staying permanently while some visiting for just the winter months.

Mobile homes are quite common. They cater to the elderly population, just like the 55 and over mobile home communities in Lakeland Florida. Around 14 % of the population falls in the age group of 60 to 85 and community homes for these elderly citizens here are some of the best ones found in the state.

6. Easy and quick transportation

By now you know this city is neither too busy nor too jam-packed. Expect to set a twenty minute travel time for most locations in your neighborhood. This is especially true for senior citizen communities which are located in planned accommodations that bring the downtown closer home. It has been seen that transport in Fort Pierce is faster than the national average.

7. A growing economy

Economic growth indicators are pointing in the right direction currently. The resident community encourages trade. And as trade grows, the city develops. Although it has been affected by the recent economic slowdown felt across the country, it is gradually coming out of its clutches. Job opportunities, for instance, are rising and promise an upward curve.

8. Education

If you have young children, Fort Pierce has the right schools for them. Public school systems are up to the mark and spend a little over $9000 on each student. The pupil-teacher is also quite healthy, being 17 to 1.

9. The best small-town main street in the US

The city’s main street won the honors in 2015, beating 2000 other entries. No mean feat, since it was one of just two Florida main streets to qualify. The residents are often credited as the real winners by the management due to their unswerving efforts for constant growth.

The Main Street has a vintage setting with palm trees on both sides offset by contemporary Spanish constructions. The city itself is located on the famed treasure coast, and urban myths around it allude to a Spanish ship laden with riches that sank nearby.

10. Rich diversity

The earliest communities settled down in these parts near the beginning of the twentieth century. As per records, people had started arriving in this city by 1900 and it had then been home to a modest 300 inhabitants.

Over the years the place has seen rapid growth. The St Lucie County is poised for development and hopes are up for its spoils to trickle down to Fort Pierce. If ever there was a perfect moment for moving to Florida, it is now.

Fort Pierce is the melting pot of the past and the future. At once slow-paced and vibrant, it is one of the safest places for the retiring population. Special attention to them as seen in Lakeland FL retirement communities, and those in Fort Pierce and elsewhere are steeped in southern warmth and generosity.

Snowbirds in Florida: 10 Reasons to Migrate to Ruskin, Florida

Posted on August 17, 2020 by - Florida Living

Ruskin Florida neighborhood with overlay text

Florida’s warm winters attract hundreds of thousands of winter-weary Northerners every year. Drawn to the state’s beautiful beach cities and coastlines, snowbirds tend to migrate toward cities such as Tampa, Naples, and St. Petersburg, Florida.

The real hidden treasures of Florida, however, are often their smaller, coastal cities and towns. With access to the water and a lower cost of living, they have much to offer.

One of these places is Ruskin. Just 24 miles from Tampa, it is famous for its proximity to beautiful beaches, fishing, dining, and more. If you are thinking about moving to Florida, here is a look at 10 reasons to consider migrating to Ruskin.

1. White, Sandy Beaches

Ruskin’s beaches, such as nearby Apollo Beach, are defined by stunning white sand and wide open views, and are the perfect place to sunbathe, swim, picnic, or relax with friends and family. Gorgeous and just a short drive away, they conveniently deliver the ideal Florida experience. Since Ruskin is very close to the coast, you enjoy your pick of locations. Apollo Beach is the closest, but Siesta Key Beach, St. Pete Beach, and Treasure Island are all also within reach. If you choose to live in Ruskin, you will have plenty of time to explore some of central Florida’s best beaches.

2. Abundant Fishing

Ruskin may lie close to beautiful beaches, but it is best known for the fishing opportunities it provides. One of the top pursuits of its more than 22,000 residents, fishing is an integral part of Ruskin life, and easily accessible thanks to its proximity not only to the ocean but also to the Little Manatee River. Enjoy deep sea charters and river fishing alike, with many charter companies offering packages that range from full-day adventures to shorter half-day excursions that you can tailor to your schedule.

3. Adventurous Boating

Pursue your love of the water on a boat when you migrate to Ruskin. The Freedom Boat Club and other boating organizations in the city allow you to boat as often as you like, on whatever boat you desire. Deck boats, pontoon boats, sailboats, you can find them all in Ruskin. Or, bring your own and cast off from the local marina, or from the boat ramp located in our Little Manatee 55+ community.

4. Delicious Dining

The Tampa area, where Ruskin is located, is known for its culinary delights. For those who want to stay closer to Ruskin rather than venturing out toward Tampa, however, there are also some delicious dining options. Local favorites include the Ybor Grille, Beanies Bar and Sports Grill, and the Hot Tomato. Thanks to its coastal location, Ruskin and the surrounding area offer wonderful seafood platters and meals as the stars of many restaurant menus.

5. Affordable Living

Living near the Florida beach is an expensive proposition if you are trying to live in the city. In smaller coastal towns, like Ruskin, however, you can enjoy attainable and affordable beach living. Hillsborough County mobile home parks and 55+ mobile home communities in Ruskin, FL, for example, offer quality living that is also affordable. Find the right community, like Bedrock Communities’ Little Manatee community, and you can enjoy amenities, low lot rental rates, and a desirable location for a price that even tight budgets can easily manage.

6. Proximity to Tampa

The small-town feel of Ruskin is appealing to many snowbirds who want to enjoy a peaceful environment. However, for those who want to also enjoy everything a big city has to offer, Ruskin offers the perfect combination of peaceful town and big city proximity. Just 24 miles from Tampa, Ruskin makes it easy to enjoy access to healthcare, shopping, and entertainment in the city. Minutes away from major expressways, residents can also easily access almost any other city in the area with ease.

7. Small Town Feel

Ruskin may be close to Tampa, but it loves feeling like a small town too. The town eschews the recent development in the area and embraces events such as the town farmer’s market and the annual Tomato & Heritage Festival. It is a place where you can get to know your neighbors and become a part of a community. You can enjoy that community feel even more if you live in one of the retirement communities in Ruskin, Florida. Sun City Center, for example, is right next door, and our Little Manatee 55+ community gives you the opportunity to connect with neighbors through numerous social events and a friendly atmosphere.

8. Outdoor Areas

The summers may be hot, but the rest of the year provides beautiful weather that you can enjoy at any of Ruskin’s many outdoor areas. Simmons Park, for example, delivers breathtaking views of Tampa Bay, while the Ruskin Family Drive-In Theater offers double features through a nostalgic outdoor format. Parks, playgrounds, and river access also deliver family and retiree-friendly access to the outdoors year-round.

9. Cultural Opportunities

The Tampa area is home to many places where you can enjoy cultural pursuits, such as art and science. Head to Tampa to enjoy the Salvador Dali Museum, the Art Museum, and the Museum of Science & Industry.

10. Manatee Viewing And Zoo

Finally, Ruskin may just be the place for you if you want to learn more about the animals for which the Little Manatee River is named. The Manatee Viewing Center in Tampa allows visitors to see these beautiful creatures up close, where you can enjoy one of the most unique and fascinating creatures Florida has to offer. Learn more about animals other than the Manatee near Ruskin, as well. The nationally-renowned Lowry Zoo is just a short drive away, and offers educational opportunities as well as the chance to view stunning animals.

Whether you want entertainment, shopping, food, beaches, boating, fishing, or more, Ruskin offers you tantalizing choices for a reasonable cost of living. If you want to migrate to Ruskin, consider our Little Manatee community. Attainable, affordable Florida living is within reach with beautiful homes nestled along the Manatee River and numerous amenities and social activities allowing you to pursue the Florida life you are dreaming of.