What If NYC

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 63,722 New Yorkers relocated to Florida in 2017. Apparently, New York residents are moving to Florida in droves — more more than a million New York residents have left the state in the last 10 years with the Sunshine State being the odds on favorite destination. If you’re wondering why, consider the following.

Weather

Winters can be harsh in New York with snowstorms, wild winds, and hail. Senior citizens have to worry, more than younger generations, about falling and breaking bones. The streets of New York can be treacherous during the winter months. This makes walking to shops, groceries, and entertainment centers dangerous for the elderly and those who rely on walkers and canes. 

It’s not unusual for seniors to suffer from weather-related aches and pains. You won’t have that kind of problem in the Sunshine State. One of Florida’s most prominent attractions for seniors is the temperate year-round climate. That makes Florida a good option for people who want to be as active as possible for as long as possible.

Cost of Living

A lot of seniors live on a fixed income, and New York can be an expensive place to live. If you’re not living in a rent-controlled or rent-stabilized apartment or own your own home, the cost of living in a safe, secure environment may be beyond your reach.

Retirement communities abound in Florida. You can rent an apartment or purchase a condominium or single-family home in one of them for a reasonable price because real estate is less expensive. That means you get a lot more land and house for your money than you will in New York. For the money it would cost you to rent just a small apartment in New York, you may be able to find a spacious loft, condo, or townhome complex that includes elevators, pools, walking trails, exercise rooms, and security.

Another bonus to living in Florida is that you won’t pay state income taxes. Florida has such a large older population that you’ll find senior discounts almost everywhere you go.

Accessibility

When you decide to relocate, you may be looking at leaving children and grandchildren behind. If you move west, to a state like Arizona that’s popular with seniors, it may be challenging to visit with loved ones as frequently as you would like. With New York and Florida both on the east coast, planning yearly visits will be easier, quicker, and cheaper.

Sense of Community

Isolation can be a real problem as you age. If you live in a New York City apartment, you may not know or trust your neighbors. It may be difficult to get to senior centers or other places where you can interact with peers. During the winter, many seniors find themselves virtually trapped in their apartments because it’s too cold and physically dangerous to go out.

In Florida, where the climate is temperate all year, people are more inclined to spend time outdoors. That makes it a lot easier to get to know neighbors and spend quality time socializing. Florida boasts a large population of retired former New Yorkers, and they don’t all live in Miami or Palm Beach. You can choose to relocate just about anywhere in Florida and find communities filled with ex-New Yorkers you can relate to and feel comfortable with.

According to the National Council of Aging, seniors who interact socially with others live longer and are healthier, both mentally and physically. Isolation, on the other hand, can result in loneliness, depression, and death.

New York is a great place to live, no doubt. But it can be a hard place for seniors with limited resources to survive. It can also be socially isolating for older Americans living in urban areas. Florida is an excellent option for Americans in their senior years seeking sunshine, warm weather, affordable housing, and the companionship of their peers.