Top 10 Reasons to Retire in Vero Beach Florida
One of Florida’s secret gems, this best small beach town in Florida has quietly attracted the mega wealthy and budget conscious retirees for decades. Orchid Island, Johns Island and Windsor are Vero Beach’s wealthiest addresses on the barrier island. Less than 10 miles west of the ocean, fixed income retirees can easily find new Vero Beach homes under $150k. The wealth and philanthropy have infused into the city a world class Center for the Arts and Riverside Theater bordering the Intracoastal Waterway. The Indian River Lagoon offers some of the best boating in its spacious protected waterways dotted with islands, in addition to quick Atlantic Ocean access via the Sebastian Inlet. With 30% of the population in Vero Beach over age 65, businesses and city services already cater to an aging population.
Here are 10 reasons to consider owning Vero Beach real estate at retirement:
FLORIDA’S MOST BEAUTIFUL BEACHES
There are approximately 30 miles of unspoiled white sandy beaches stretching from the Fort Pierce Inlet to the Sebastian Inlet and most of the beach is private. Million dollar homes and private community clubhouses limit public beach acces. Just a few mid rise condominiums are located along the coast, if you’d prefer a maintenance free Vero Beach condo. Public beach access areas include the Sebastian Inlet, Wabasso Beach across from Orchid Island, Humpston Park in Vero Beach and Avalon State Park closer to Fort Pierce. For the most part, the hard white sandy beaches are secluded in Vero. The ocean water is gorgeous blue and emerald green. The coral reefs are so close to shore, you can easily see submerged Spanish shipwrecks from the waters edge. At sunrise, the seashore bustles with activity. Dolphin and schools of fish jump teasing fishermen as sandpipers run along the shore. If you enjoy beach combing, this best beach town in Florida offers peacefulness and scenic beautiful everyday.
BOATER’S PARADISE
Indian River Lagoon stretches across 5 miles at the widest part of the river, across from the Sebastian Inlet. The Intracoastal Waterway north south corridor passes through the center of the river dotted by dozens of isolated islands. This waterway separates the mainland from the barrier island. Indian River Lagoon is home to more than 2,000 bird species and is a protected estuary spawning ground. Almost half of Florida’s manatees pass through the river during the migrating season. The diverse wildlife attracts kayakers, snorkelers and speed boaters alike passing through this beautiful corridor. Vero Beach homes with private docks stretch out into the river. Living along the Indian River Lagoon is an ideal place to retire without worrying about boating in the rough seas.
SALTWATER SPORTSMAN NIRVANA
The Sebastian Inlet is known for some of the best fishing in Florida, especially when the tides shift. Gamefish such as Snook, Bluefish, and Spanish Mackerel running through the inlet can be caught from both the massive jetties or from a boat anchored in the cove. Sebastian Inlet is known for the best surfing in Florida. Exciting surfing competitions take place annually at the inlet. No matter what thrill level you seek on the water, just about every type of water sport takes place on the waterways of Vero Beach.
VERO BEACH GOLF COURSES WITH RECIPROCAL PRIVILEGES
Beautiful sunny weather sets the stage for perfect days on the links in Vero Beach. The majority of the golf courses in Vero Beach are located in private gated communities. However in the summer time, 17 Indian River private clubs open up their courses to full golf club members at reciprocal clubs such as Bent Pine Golf Club, Grand Harbor Golf & Beach Club, Riomar Country Club, and The Moorings Club. In addition to the private golf courses, there are two inexpensive Vero Beach public golf courses: Sandridge Golf Club and Sebastian Municipal. Ask our trusted colleague to find a Vero Beach home in your price range at one of these private gated communities, so you have access to all 17 golf clubs.
ARTS AND CULTURE
As you explore Vero Beach real estate, you’re like to stumble across the collection of life size painted sea turtles decorating the city’s sidewalks. Rating Guide to Cities named Vero Beach as the best small city in Florida and is one of only four Florida towns included in The 100 Best Art Towns in America. The $2.5 million Center for the Arts and Riverside Theater are the largest combination of art museum and teaching venue in the state of Florida. The Vero Beach Art Club has 600 active members. Best Vero Beach annual art festivals include Art in the Park, Under the Oaks, and Art by the Sea. On the first Friday of every month, art enthusiasts can check out the latest exhibits in historic downtown Vero during the evening Art Gallery Stroll. Riverside Theatre is a professional theatre showcasing off Broadway performances, comedy headliners and the Distinguished Lecture Series.
OUTLET MALLS, UNIQUE BOUTIQUES AND BEST RESTAURANTS
Vero Beach Outlets on the corner of Interstate 85 and State Road 60 is where you’ll find the region’s first outlet mall with stores like Ann Taylor, Calvin Klein, Chico’s Outlet and Polo Ralph Lauren. The Indian River Mall is also on State Road 60 and is the city’s traditional shopping mall. Big box stores like Best Buy, Dillard’s, Macy’s, Sears, and JC Penneys are located in the mall. One of kind boutiques and interesting shops are located on Ocean Avenue and along the side streets at the beach. There are dozens of fantastic restaurants in the Vero Beach area. Our favorites include the Red Onion Eatery, Sake Japanese & Thai, Ocean Grill and Captain Hiriam’s in Sebastian where you can enjoy lunch or dinner barefoot in the white sandy beaches along the river.
LOW COST OF LIVING
Vero Beach has both the America’s wealthiest addresses and is home to average Americana. Retirees on a fixed home can still buy new Vero Beach homes under $150k along the city’s west corridor. On the opposite side of the pendulum, the most expensive home sold in Vero Beach exceeded $30 million. Real estate taxes in Indian River County are approximately $17.091 per $100 of the assessed home value. Florida has no state income tax and Florida’s sales tax in Indian River County is 7%. Fruggle shoppers and retirees can control their living expenses by shopping at discount stores such as Wal-Mart, Dollar Store and Food Lion Grocery Store which are common in the area.
OUTSTANDING MEDICAL CARE
Indian River Medical Center has been ranked #1 Heart Program in Florida. The hospital is affiliated with Duke University Health Care System. The hospital is also nationally recognized for its cancer center and surgery. Celebrating 80 years, the modern Indian River Medical Center is a 335 bed not for profit hospital. Sebastian River Medical Center is a smaller 154 bed hospital just north of Vero and has 100 physicians on staff. With 30% of the Vero Beach’s population over age 65, these medical facilities are up to speed already caring for the elderly. Buyer’s searching for Vero Beach real estate near the best medical care will not be disappointed retiring in this best beach town.
LESS THAN 2 HOURS FROM WALT DISNEY, UNIVERSAL AND ORLANDO ATTRACTIONS
Most retirees have grandchildren so being close to Orlando’s top tourist attractions is important. Highway access is easy from Vero Beach via Interstate 95 connecting with the Beeline Expressway (SR 528) west. Orlando International Airport (MCI) off the Beeline is where you’ll find the cheapest airline flights, both domestic and international. Or Palm Beach International Airport (PBI) is about an hour and a half to the south.
If you’re searching for where to retire in Florida and want to live in a best beach town, ask us to introduce you to our trusted colleague who lives here. She can show you Vero Beach homes on the mainland or on the barrier island. Write info@communityfinder.com or call us toll free at 866.384.1799.
