Exhausted from the family holidays in Orlando but still pining to spend time in Florida? It could be time to explore the Sunshine State’s Gulf coastline and snap up a holiday home to enjoy in your golden years.
British owners can spend up to 90 days at a time at their vacation home in the US. And compared to most of Europe, there’s more flexibility on how often you can visit. This makes sunny Florida ideal for escaping the UK in your retirement, especially during the winter months.
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Top-notch coastal spots for retirees in Southwest Florida
Sarasota, Florida, USA downtown skyline on the bay at sunrise.
Spending long stints in Florida is just as easy – arguably easier – than it is in the EU post-Brexit, where the 90/180-day rule now applies to non-EU citizens. This is thanks to the ESTA pass, a form of travel authorisation granted under the US’s Visa Waiver Program. ESTA allows you to stay in the US for up to 90 days at a time without the need to keep applying for a visa. And there are no rigid restrictions on when you can return, so long as border control is satisfied you are visiting for genuine tourist reasons (but be careful not to breach tax residency rules). If you want an even longer stay, perhaps for those looking to retire to Florida on a part-time basis, there is the B2 visa, which lets non-immigrant tourists stay in the country for up to 180 days at a time.
Both Florida’s coastlines – its Atlantic Eastern Seaboard and so-called Southwest Florida (SWFL) on the Gulf Coast – have plenty to offer second homeowners. But here are some highlights in SWFL.
Areas like Tampa are increasingly attracting retirees
Sarasota & Tampa Bay – city buzz!
Starting in the north, the Sarasota and Tampa Bay areas offer a culturally rich, metropolitan lifestyle. Wrapped around Tampa Bay are the cities of Tampa, Clearwater and St Petersburg, where the seven-mile waterfront park is the third largest in North America. Just below is Sarasota, which combines a world-class nautical hub with a vibrant arts scene, especially around its trendy downtown area. Another attraction is its string of keys (islands), including the famous white sand Siesta Key, regularly voted the best beach in the US, and Longboat Key, with its exclusive waterfront homes.
Tampa Bay and Sarasota are working metropolises with world-class amenities and entertainment, where property options include modern urban communities with mixed demographics, such as Lakeland Ranch, as well as period townhouses and desirable waterfront homes, such as those on Anna Marie Island. Both destinations benefit from still being a short drive (2-2.5 hours, depending on location) from Orlando, which might be great for those who retire to Florida, especially when the lure of Disney gets the better of you or the visiting grandchildren!
To reach the Sarasota/Tampa Bay, your go-to options are direct flights from London into Orlando or Tampa. A backup could be flying into the regional Sarasota Airport via Atlanta.
Property guide (mid-range): $250,000-$400,000 for a condo apartment in Gulfport, a waterfront district in Tampa; $500,000-$800,000 for a downtown condo apartment/townhouse in Sarasota.
Cape Coral lies on the southwest coast of Florida
Cape Coral & Fort Myers – waterfront living!
Always fancied a home overlooking the water with a boat moored up outside? Then the coastal community of Cape Coral, with more than 400 miles of canals and stunning waterfront neighbourhoods, should do the trick. Fifteen minutes away across the estuary is the colourful coastal city of Fort Myers, nicknamed the city of palms and popular for its beaches as well as its downtown area, the River District, with its period architecture and friendly leisure scene. Much of Fort Myers’s residential areas are built around canals too.
The surrounding area is predominantly a protected natural park, including the islands of Sanibel, famous for its shells and old-fashioned charm, Captiva and Pine. Neighbourhoods on the mainland facing the islands, so on the edge of Fort Myers and in south Cape Coral are popular, especially resort communities with lots of amenities that are a short drive from the beaches and the bright lights of downtown. Life around here revolves around the water – whether that’s the warm Pacific beaches, a water-based sport or leisure activity or engaging with the natural ecology. If you’re looking for a calm, peaceful place to retire to in Florida, this bay-orientated area offers a pleasant lifestyle.
Property guide (mid-range): $200,000-$400,000 for a waterfront condo apartment in Cape Coral or Fort Myers.
Residential neighbourhood in Bonita Springs, Florida
Bonita Springs – beaches, golf & barrier islands
Encapsulating everything great about SWFL, Bonita Springs is a relaxed coastal resort with access to beaches, natural parks, waterways, golf and a friendly town centre suited to the outdoors lifestyle. The pretty coastline is home to two prominent protected areas, each heavenly for recreational activities: the Barefoot Beach Preserve Park, one of the last undeveloped barrier islands along SWFL and Lover’s Key State Park, made up of four barrier islands. Many homeowners who retire to Florida’s Bonita Springs opt for a golf and country club community, such as Copperleaf, The Brooks and the Palmira Golf & Country Club.
For access, the Southwest Florida Regional Airport is only minutes away and offers connecting flights across the US.
Property guide (mid-range): $300,000-$5500,000 for a condo apartment in Bonita Springs.
A typical Naples home
Naples – the jewel in the crown!
Bigger budgets in search of exclusivity and who love golf should head to Naples, an upmarket resort with serious golden beaches and serious international cachet. For decades, its lush, manicured small-town feel has attracted the US’s more discerning super-wealthy who lean towards the ‘country club’ scene rather than brasher, neon-illuminated destinations.
Naples is one of the richest cities in the USA by average income per capita and boasts more golf courses per capita than any other area in the country. It also claims to be the only destination in the world with two Ritz-Carlton resorts. The resort’s beating heart is Old Naples, with its famous Fifth Avenue and traditional-style mansions set amongst palm trees. Other key residential areas close to the action include anywhere on Naples Bay and Downtown Naples. Or purpose-built Park Shore is a modern resort area, with fabulous beachfront and waterfront shopping and dining within the Venetian Bay marina development.
Otherwise, the resort’s 10-mile coastal strip is a carpet of pristine golf communities, suited to a whole range of budgets. To name a few – Fiddler’s Creek, Naples Square, Naples Lakes Golf & Country Club, Kensington Golf & Country Club, Wyndemere Country Club, Mercato and Aqua at Pelican Isle. Don’t be put off by the plentiful multi-million-dollar villas – away from the exclusive areas, there are more affordable options.
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