A small city in the much larger Lakeland-Winter Haven area, Davenport is one of the best places to retire in Florida because of its attraction-rich, out–of-the-way location. Nestled within Central Florida’s natural beauty, it sits within driving distance of some of the country’s most desirable locations (e.g. Walt Disney World) and is one of the most convenient, and fastest-growing, areas within the I-4. If you want to enjoy the best of Florida living during your golden years, Davenport is the place to choose.
What to Expect
Area
Davenport is a small city of about 9,000 that is located about an hour’s drive from Orlando and Tampa and just 30 minutes from famous Kissimmee. While tiny in comparison to these bigger cities, Davenport uses its small size to its advantage. This is a place where you can enjoy the best of small town living without giving up access to the amenities available in these larger cities. If you are willing to drive for just a few minutes, you can enjoy a close-knit community AND indulge in everything that makes retirement worthwhile, from fine dining to upscale shopping, hot air balloon flights to golf. Davenport is beautiful Florida living at its best.
Weather
Davenport enjoys glorious weather all year round. Nearby Winter Haven earned its name because of its near-perfect weather, and Davenport shares that same warmth and sunshine. January, the coldest month of the year, enjoys highs around 70, while the area’s lows rarely get below the mid-40s. Even summers are bearable, with temperatures in the low 90s and humidity rarely getting above 80 percent. Retirement here will be devoid of snow, cold, and dangerous winter driving.
Safety
Settle into Davenport in the confidence that this small city enjoys the same sense of safety and security that you would expect from any other small town. The city earns a B- safety rating from CrimeGrade, while the vast majority of its neighborhoods get an A or A+ rating for their low crime rates. Just avoid the southeastern and westernmost neighborhoods in the city for the safest locations for your retirement. Instead, settle into our Emerald Lake community and feel extra secure: We are located in one of the city’s safest areas.
Practical Living
Airport
Davenport does not have an airport of its own, thanks to its small size. However, getting in and out of the city to enjoy far flung visits and vacation is still convenient, thanks to the Orlando (MC) International Airport, Tampa International Airport (TPA), and Orlando Sanford Airport (SFB). And, while driving your own car to and from the airport is likely to be the most economical approach, you can also hire a car, grab a taxi, or take the 407 bus to Kissimmee and then grab a taxi to the Orlando Airport. Florida living for seniors is always better when you can easily get in and out of your community to enjoy all of the adventures your retirement holds.
Getting Around
Davenport is a small city, but is not particularly walkable. As such, this city is best traversed by car. Typically, traffic is manageable, although you can expect to encounter some busyness in the winter months when tourists pass through on their way to the amusement parks nearby.
You can also enjoy transportation in Davenport, since the city has a bus station operated by Florida Shuttle Transportation. This company provides shared and private transportation to 40 locations throughout Florida, making travel even further afar easier without a car.
Shopping
Davenport may not be walkable, but it has organized many of its shopping plazas to be very pedestrian-friendly. This feature will come in handy if you enjoy shopping, since you will have dozens of stores from which to choose.
Live minutes from essentials, such as grocery stores, pharmacies, home improvement stores, and clothing stores. Or, enjoy proximity to no fewer than 3 malls within Davenport and along I-4. In addition, Davenport’s proximity to Tampa and Orlando put all of the shopping you could desire within an hour’s drive or less.
Doctors/Hospitals
You can, of course, find first-class healthcare in Orlando and Tampa, which should put your mind at ease, no matter what health concerns you have as you go into retirement. However, Davenport also offers comprehensive healthcare right in town, primarily in the form of AdventHealth Heart of Florida. This Christian-based medical center offers a variety of healthcare options and providers, including the following:
Weight care
Emergency care
Cancer care
Heart care
Diabetes care
Home health care
And more
In addition to AdventHealth Heart of Florida, you can also access a variety of smaller doctors and healthcare practices for routine care and a more personal feel.
Banks
Banking is also convenient in Davenport. The city is home to a wide variety of financial institutions, including big names such as Wells Fargo and SunTrust. However, if you prefer to bank more locally, you can also access smaller institutions, such as MidFlorida Credit Union. These institutions make it easy to manage all of your finances without leaving the Davenport area.
Mail
You can also stay in Davenport to run all of your post office errands. From mailing letters to buying stamps to mailing packages, you can conveniently complete all of your tasks in one location just minutes from your home. In some communities, such as our Emerald Lake community, you can even do some of your postal errands without leaving your neighborhood.
Things to Do
Beaches
Davenport is a true Florida retreat with a beach less than a mile from town. Playalinda Beach is a highly rated beach with a boardwalk that you can enjoy every day if you wish, thanks to its proximity to almost every location in Davenport.
If you want to enjoy the most famous Florida beaches, you will need to travel a little bit. Most of the biggest and best-known beaches, such as Clearwater Beach and Daytona Beach, are all about an hour and a half away, still close enough for a day trip or weekend getaway. It is time to retire to a place that has the best Florida living for seniors, including all the swimming, fishing, kayaking, and canoeing you could desire.
Hot Air Balloon Rides
Retirement should be all about adventure and exploration, which Davenport provides in the form of hot air balloon rides out of nearby Orlando. These rides last several hours and take you over the entire Orlando and Davenport areas, ending with a champagne toast for an unforgettable and elegant experience. Booking flights is easy, and the rides, while exhilarating, are also very safe.
True Blue Winery
Nestled in historic Davenport is the perfect spot for a relaxed afternoon of wine tasting and eating: True Blue Winery. Their homemade wines are award-winning and feature a blueberry wine crafted from the winery’s own bushes.
In addition to incredible wine, you can also expect to find pick-your-own blueberries beginning at the end of March, dinner show entertainment, and a mouth-watering bistro. If you choose to retire to one of the best places for Florida living, you may find yourself a regular at this Davenport staple.
Golf
If 18 holes is your idea of the perfect retirement activity, then you are in luck. Davenport is home to multiple golf clubs. Enjoy carefully manicured courses, beautiful scenery, endless amenities, and a luxury golfing experience.
Dining
There is plenty of delicious dining to be done in Davenport. Indulge in Italian, grab pizza, enjoy sweet treats and desserts, and choose from an array of food types, from Chinese to American. Davenport offers access to chain restaurants, such as Cracker Barrel, as well as delicious local places, such as Sh-Booms Ice Cream and Sweets. Florida living for seniors includes enough food options to keep your taste buds dancing for years to come.
Find a Home
Bedrock Communities Living
Davenport’s median home price sits at $359K, which is outside the budget of many retirees. The good news, however, is that our Emerald Lake community is designed for retirement affordability, with manufactured homes well below the area’s median home price. The best in Florida living fits into your budget!
Features
Our Emerald Lake community is designed to create a relaxing, and rewarding, retirement experience. That is why we offer all of the following features:
A peaceful community on Lake Emerald
A short drive to shopping, dining, and attractions
Beautiful mobile homes for an affordable price
Pet-friendly policies
An active and friendly 55+ community
Amenities
Our Emerald Lake community also boasts many amenities right within our community. Enjoy a peaceful, and enjoyable, retirement surrounded by friendly neighbors and beautiful nature. Find all of the following at Emerald Lake:
Extensive social activities
Clubhouse with activities
Pool
Recreational facilities
The best Florida living for seniors is right here at Emerald Lake in Davenport. A quiet community, exciting amenities, and all the activities you can think of allow you to craft retirement on your terms. Contact us today to learn more!
