It’s no secret that the state of Florida has become a haven for retirees. In fact, websites, such as WalletHub, consistently rank the state as the number one place to retire. However, since Florida is approximately 54K square miles, finding the right city may seem daunting. While notable options may include Fort Myers, Miami, and Orlando, there’s another often overlooked city that’s perfect for retirement.

 

Wellington, Florida is an affluent village located just west of West Palm Beach. Part of the Miami metropolitan area, the village houses a population of around 65K residents, making it the biggest village in the state. Besides the fact that Wellington real estate is more accessible than ever, the village itself is an excellent place to retire for a number of reasons.

 

If you’re looking to retire and live your golden years in the Sunshine State, here is why Wellington, FL is a great option. 

 

 

Given the nature of the village, Wellington residents are a very close-knit community. Even with a population of 65K residents, which has grown by nearly 4,000 people since 2020, the village has a small-town feel where you are likely to bump into friends and acquaintances when you run your daily errands. This sense of community is great for retirees looking to live a social lifestyle and surround themselves with like-minded people. The minute you arrive in Wellington, you will feel like you belong there.

 

One of the reasons for this sense of community is the fact that the village hosts a number of community programs and annual events. From toddlers to seniors, there is always a class or program going on in Wellington. Seniors in particular can look forward to classes on aerobics, Zumba, and ki-waza, as well as programs like bingo and smart driving courses. These activities are available for residents over the age of 55 years old.

 

While these classes and programs are always changing, you can count on finding something available throughout the year. If you’re interested in finding out what classes or programs are coming up, check the current list of activities over at WellingtonFL.gov online or in person at the Community Center or in Village Park.

 

Florida is known for its tropical climate that hits unbearable highs during the summer months. However, certain cities within the state are cooler than others. In that regard, Wellington has a great climate year-round, according to the Weather Network.

 

The “hot” season in Wellington runs from June to September and typically averages around 86°F, which is much lower than other cities in the state such as Jacksonville (average of 92°F) and Tampa (average of 90°F). Like other parts of Florida, the summer months in Wellington can bring rain and clouds, however, these rain storms usually only last a short duration.

 

The “cool” season in Wellington runs from December to February and typically averages around 77°F. While it rarely gets to freezing cold, the area can get down to the 40-50s on some days, however, these cold spells are often short-lived. For the most part, even during the winter, you may turn your AC back on.

 

With an average temperature between 60°F to 86°F, Wellington is an excellent place for retirees looking for warm weather year-round.

 

 

The state of the Wellington real estate market is quite good. While still a seller’s market, the area is heading toward a balanced market, which means the amount of inventory available and the number of buyers are about the same. This type of market favors neither sellers nor buyers.

 

As of August 2022, 68% of buyers were able to purchase a home for under the asking price. This is great news for retirees looking to buy. The median sold price currently stands at $645,800, seeing an increase of 29.7% since August 2021. This shows that home appreciation is strong, another good sign.

 

While Wellington does offer a majority of single-family homes, retirees may be more interested in the village’s condos, villas, or townhomes. Additionally, the area offers a number of 55+ active adult communities, which each include an abundance of amenities and living arrangements. These communities also include a host of supportive services for individuals who need a little extra help.

 

Centrally located west of West Palm Beach, Wellington is a short drive from other popular Florida cities and locations, as can be seen on TravelMath. Delray Beach, Boca Raton, and Miami are all to the south of Wellington and are accessible by the main north-south thoroughfare, SR-7 (Route 441). Off 441, you’ll find a number of stores and shops, including grocery stores, banks, restaurants, and salons. The Wellington Regional Hospital is also located on SR-7.

 

There are a number of other major roads and highways accessible from Wellington. Forest Hill Boulevard runs east-west from the village and eventually crosses over Southern Boulevard, which will take you to the Palm Beach International Airport (PBI) about 15-20 minutes away from the city. The Florida Turnpike is a main tollway in Florida that runs northwest to southeast for approximately 309 miles long. The Turnpike requires a Sunpass and is accessible from Southern Boulevard. The main interstate highway, I-95, runs up the coast of Florida and is accessible from Forest Hill Boulevard or Southern Boulevard.

 

Due to the village’s sense of community, great weather, and excellent location, Wellington is a perfect place to retire. Not only will you find a group of like-minded individuals living out their golden years, but you’ll also find a great place to call home. Even better, the state of the current real estate market is more accessible than ever, making now an excellent time to get in on the action.

 

If you’re interested in Wellington real estate and ready to move to the area to retire, contact Wellington real estate expert Darlene Streit today at (561) 531-2727 or e-mail [email protected].