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Outdoor living, history, and cultural offers are part of its appeal.
Beach lovers know Pensacola for its stunning quartz-sand coastline, while aviation enthusiasts may immediately think of the Gulf Coast city as the "Cradle of Naval Aviation" and the Blue Angels. But recently, Pensacola, along with 20 more Florida cities, was named as one of the best places to retire in the Sunshine State by Investopedia.
Located in the northwestern section of Florida, referred to as “The Panhandle,” Pensacola combines natural beauty with cultural offerings and a lively downtown. Investopedia reports that the city "has the coastline that most people associate with Florida, but without the high price tag that comes with many popular Florida destinations, such as Miami, Naples, and parts of Tampa."
The average home value in Pensacola is $267,121, less than both the national average ($370,320) and Florida's average ($377,578), according to Zillow. Real estate in neighboring communities, such as Gulf Shores, Alabama, and Navarre and Gulf Breeze, Florida, also comes with a significant premium. However, potential residents should also be aware of Pensacola’s hurricane risk and costs for flood and windstorm insurance coverage.
Downtown Pensacola is a haven for arts and culture enthusiasts. It is home to shops, cafés, the historic Saenger Theater, the Pensacola Museum of Art, the Pensacola Symphony Orchestra, the Pensacola Opera, local theaters, and the weekly Palafox farmers' market. Meanwhile, historic Pensacola Village highlights the area’s heritage with museums, self-guided tours of historic homes, and period-dressed guides. Pensacola Bay Center hosts concerts and a variety of performances.
However, the main draw remains its miles of white-sand beaches surrounding the city. Gulf Islands National Seashore, one of only 10 in the country, is a ferry ride away from downtown Pensacola, and activities there include boating, camping, swimming, fishing, snorkeling, and diving. As part of the Great Florida Birding Trail, birdwatchers delight in the possibility of seeing more than 300 species of migrating and resident birds. Miles of hiking and biking trails, state parks, and dog-friendly beaches are other ways to explore the area. Investopedia also reports that Pensacola's climate supports an active outdoor lifestyle, with temperatures ranging between 45°F and 89°F.
Historic sites within the Gulf Islands National Seashore take visitors back to the days of the American Revolution and Civil War, with ongoing ranger tours and events highlighting the area’s past. The Naval Air Station (NAS) Pensacola is home to the Blue Angels, and their practices are open to the public from March to November. The NAS is also open daily for visitors to the National Aviation Museum, Maritime Museum, Pensacola Lighthouse, and Fort Barranca.
Tax advantages are part of Florida’s appeal. Residents do not pay state income taxes, an important consideration for some retirees. In addition, Florida residents over age 65 are eligible for property tax benefits, depending on their individual situations. Healthcare is widely available through several local hospitals, and Pensacola offers a variety of senior and assisted living facilities. Local transportation includes beach trolleys and buses through Escambia County Area Transit.
Investopedia’s report on the best places to retire in Florida includes small towns like Sebring and Homosassa Springs, as well as large cities like Miami, with 21 Sunshine State communities dominating its list of the 100 Best US Cities for Retirees.
Read the original article on Travel & Leisure
