| Many people have misconceptions about Florida and | | | | Florida has a very varied landscape. Although areas |
| Florida retirement living. This article will address 10 | | | | near the coastline and beaches are mostly level, there |
| myths about living in Florida defies those myths: | | | | are areas of elevation. In fact, three of the top 25 |
| Myth #1: Florida is overcrowded. | | | | most elevated cities in Florida are Hernando, |
| Actually West Central Florida and Citrus County has | | | | Brooksville, Spring Hill, and Istachatta. Ocala, a city |
| done a great job of controlled growth. It has a | | | | famous for its horse farms and rolling hills, is also a |
| population density of only 202 persons per square mile. | | | | great example of Florida's landscape. |
| Myth #2: Florida is for Tourists. | | | | Myth #7: Florida lifestyles are centered around the |
| The areas surrounding Citrus County are certainly | | | | beach only. |
| attractors for tourists. The abundant nature, beautiful | | | | The West Central Florida are offers access to |
| wildlife, and access to many waterways make it so. | | | | beautiful beaches without the hassle of greater traffic, |
| Tourists, however, are mostly attracted to the large | | | | higher crime rates, and violent weather conditions |
| amusement parks in the central part of the state. The | | | | found when living directly on the beach. |
| amount of tourism coming to West Central Florida is | | | | Myth #8: Florida's property taxes are too high. |
| enough to keep businesses thriving and property taxes | | | | South Florida is known for its high property taxes, but |
| low, but not enough to disturb our tranquil lifestyle. | | | | the West Central Florida area has property taxes well |
| Myth #3: Florida's wildlife, such as snakes and alligators, | | | | below the national average. Florida offers a |
| make it a dangerous place to live. | | | | homestead exemption for the owners property of |
| These fears are greatly exaggerated. General | | | | residence, and recent legislation has been passed to |
| precautions, such a keeping grass mowed and never | | | | keep property taxes low. Of course, now is the time |
| feeding alligators or crocodiles are common sense | | | | to lock in the lower property tax rates available in the |
| approaches to avoiding encounters with these | | | | depressed housing market, Floridians with homestead |
| creatures. Only 4 alligator attacks are reported each | | | | exemptions can not have throe property taxes raised |
| year in Florida. In addition, of the 50 species of snakes | | | | by more than 3% in any one year. |
| living in Florida, only 6 are venomous. | | | | Myth #9: All Floridians are senior citizens. |
| Myth #4 Florida is always hot and humid. | | | | Florida is a great place to retire and attracts many |
| Florida is actually quite seasonal, with far less | | | | seniors due to its temperate climate and attractive |
| extremes than other areas. Average highs during the | | | | pricing. It's also true, however, that Florida's |
| winter months are in the 60s; average lows in the 40s. | | | | business-friendly laws offer families and younger |
| The summer months have average highs of 90 and | | | | people a great place to live and work. This means that |
| lows in the 70's. During the hottest months, Florida has | | | | West Central Florida provides a mix of residents. |
| a rain pattern that provides almost daily showers that | | | | Those who with to live in a retirement only community |
| cool the evenings and keep plants and lawns green. | | | | can certainly find many to choose from, while those |
| Myth #5: Florida is in constant danger of hurricanes. | | | | who desire a greater mix of ages will easily fulfill their |
| The North Atlantic hurricane season overall in 2009 | | | | desires. |
| ranked as the slowest since the El Nino year of 1997. | | | | Myth #10: Florida's traffic is terrible. |
| Myth #6: Florida is completely flat and non-scenic. | | | | |