Waterfront living is a dream for many seniors, and studies have shown that settling down near the ocean promotes health and may extend longevity. With about 1,350 miles of coastline, Florida offers a variety of retirement destinations, including Englewood, recently named one of the 21 best places to retire in Florida by Investopedia.

The laid-back Gulf town, located about 30 miles south of Sarasota, offers water sports, fishing, and a beach with a scenic boardwalk and spectacular sunset views. In fact, retirees have already discovered Englewood, as people over the age of 65 make up 60 percent of the town’s 20,800 residents. Comprehensive senior services, including in-home support, needs assessment, and application assistance, are available through local agencies. There’s also an elder helpline for local assistance with meals, specialized care, and daily living. Healthcare is available through Englewood Hospital and the Englewood Community Care Clinic.

While real estate is expensive in many coastal communities in Florida, the Englewood area includes a number of neighborhoods, both coastal and non-waterfront, offering a variety of price points. Englewood’s median home value is $324,178, down 11.1 percent over the past year, according to Zillow, while the median rent is $1,242. However, keep in mind that the overall cost of living in Englewood is five percent higher than the national average.

Cultural opportunities in local communities include art galleries, theater performances, museums, and the Peace River Botanical & Sculpture Gardens, with miles of walking trails in a serene setting. Englewood hosts the annual Englewood Beach Waterfest with boat races, marine life education, and food courts. Meanwhile, the Englewood Seafood & Music Festival highlights local sustainable seafood. Other nearby beaches on Manasota Key are known for abundant seashells and fossilized shark teeth, as well as boating, wildlife, restaurants, and white sandy shores. Residents can keep busy on land thanks to a number of golf courses, parks, and walking trails.

Florida cities and towns dominate Investopedia’s list of the best places to retire in the U.S. In addition to year-round sunny weather, the state offers tax advantages for residents, making it an affordable retirement destination. Florida is one of nine states that do not tax income, a significant saving compared to states that levy taxes on Social Security, pensions, and investment income. In addition, Florida residents over age 65 are eligible for property tax benefits, depending on their individual situations.

Other communities in the Sunshine State on Investopedia’s report include Bradenton, Sarasota, Hialeah, and Miami.

You can read the complete report on Investopedia.com.

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