Top 7 Reasons Retirees and Empty Nesters Are Moving to Fort Lauderdale

Why are so many retirees trading their lifelong homes for the Sunshine State?

Fort Lauderdale isn’t just a vacation destination. For retirees and empty nesters seeking beauty, ease, choice, and community, it’s a place to reinvent life on their own terms.

Quick Answer

Retirees are choosing Fort Lauderdale because of its climate, tax advantages, robust healthcare, active aging lifestyle, walkable neighborhoods, cultural amenities, and proximity to family and travel hubs. All of this, combined with a real estate market full of right‑sized options, is making it one of the most attractive retirement relocations in the U.S.

1. Sunshine & a Year‑Round Outdoor Lifestyle

One of the biggest draws is simply the weather. With warm temperatures, sunshine, and mild winters, Fort Lauderdale enables retirees to stay active outdoors nearly all year. Golf, walking, boating, yoga, garden time — these become daily possibilities, not seasonal luxuries.

The weather removes many barriers that older adults face in colder climates (slippery sidewalks, snow, short daylight). In South Florida, the calendar invites motion, connection, and presence.

2. Tax Benefits & Financial Freedom

Florida doesn’t tax state income—meaning Social Security benefits, pensions, IRA/401(k) withdrawals, and retirement income are not taxed at the state level. That’s a powerful advantage.

Also, Florida offers homestead exemptions for property owners, which can reduce the taxable value of your home (especially for those 65+). These tax benefits help retirees preserve more of their nest egg and stretch fixed incomes further.

3. Access to High‑Level Healthcare & Aging Support

For retirees, health is priority #1. Fort Lauderdale and Broward County have a dense network of top hospitals, specialists, clinics, and senior services.

Having trustworthy, local medical resources means peace of mind. It also makes downsizing or relocating more feasible, knowing you’re not trading convenience for care.

4. Abundant Right‑Sized Housing Options

Many retirees don’t want to maintain a large house any longer — they want something lower maintenance, safe, walkable. Fort Lauderdale offers:

• Condos with full services

• Townhomes in managed communities

• Single-family homes in compact, friendly neighborhoods

• Waterfront and canal homes that let you embrace the water lifestyle without extra yard work

These options let retirees “right-size” without compromising comfort or aesthetics.

Note of caution: Some older condo buildings face high repair costs or assessments (especially in coastal areas), so due diligence is essential.

5. Active Aging & Social Connection Built In

This is more than golf and shuffleboard. Fort Lauderdale supports wellness, creativity, volunteerism, lifelong learning, and connection. Whether it’s:

• Walking groups or canal paddle clubs

• Art classes, music, theater

• Volunteer opportunities

• Book clubs, garden clubs, local meetups

Retirement here often means a richer social life than many had before.

6. Walkable Neighborhoods & Proximity to Essentials

One of the greatest advantages for older adults is reducing friction in daily life. In neighborhoods like Victoria Park, you can walk to cafés, shops, parks, grocery, and restaurants. You’re closer to beaches, water access, culture, and healthcare.

When errands, leisure, and social life don’t require long drives, your freedom increases—and stress decreases.

7. Location, Travel Access, Family & Lifestyle Perks

Fort Lauderdale is well positioned:

• Proximity to airports & regional travel — flights, connections, Gulf & Caribbean access

• Family-friendly for visiting loved ones — kids or grandkids can come easily

• Cultural & entertainment richness — food, art, waterfront events, boating, festivals

• Water access, boating, canals — ideal for retirees who want lifestyle AND ease

It’s not just where you retire — it’s how you live.

Local Spotlight: Why Victoria Park Appeals to Retirees

Victoria Park offers:

• Tree-lined sidewalks and a human scale

• Close proximity to Las Olas Boulevard, fine dining, galleries

• Access to parks and green space

• A mix of housing (well-maintained bungalows, modern builds, condos)

• A serene balance of community and convenience

For many retirees making the move, Victoria Park strikes that sweet spot between calm and connected.

Things to Watch & Smart Tips for Relocating

• Insurance & coastal costs: Homeowners & flood insurance can be expensive and variable near the coast — factor this into your budget.

• Aging building assessments: Some older condo buildings now require costly structural inspections and repairs, particularly under new safety legislation.

• Climate considerations: Hurricanes and flooding risk is real. Choose properties with good elevation, storm resilience, and emergency plans.

• Test the rhythm first: Consider renting or spending longer stays before deciding.

• Local due diligence: Work with agents familiar with senior/retiree relocations, who understand the nuance of maintenance, access, and services.

Conclusion & Invitation

Fort Lauderdale isn’t just for vacations — it’s a destination for reinvention. For retirees and empty nesters seeking purpose, connection, ease, and joy, it offers a unique combination of natural beauty, infrastructure, and community.

If you’re considering relocating here, downsizing, or redesigning your life in retirement — Melissa Carbonell, REALTOR is here to help you find the right home in the right neighborhood, with all the support to make your golden years the best years.