Year after year, cities along the west coast of Florida continue to be ranked high when it comes to best places to retire in the United States. Up and down Florida’s Gulf Coast, there are many wonderful destinations can fulfill a retirees dreams. There are the white sands at Siesta Key, the unique cultural aspects of Venice, the excellent fishing and fresh water canal access of Port Charlotte, the hospitality and fun in Punta Gorda, yet according to NeighborhoodScout.com, one Gulf Coast city surpassed them all. Englewood, which is nestled between Venice and Rotonda West, is a quiet city that is not as well-know as some of the other areas along the Gulf Coast and it is here that NeighborhoodScout.com rated as the number one place to retire.

According to NeighborhoodScout.com, the reason that Englewood is the number one place to retire is due to the following: “On Lemon Bay in Southwest Florida, south of Sarasota and north of Port Charlotte, beautiful Englewood is less well known — and that helps it retain its incredible retirement value. The Town Center neighborhood is one of the safest in Florida, with incredibly low crime rates. It’s a quiet, educated neighborhood with lots of seniors (and other age groups). Despite its quality, safety, and subtropical Gulf Coast amenities, Englewood offers an incredible median house value of just over $200,000.”

This is certainly accurate and well-deserved reasoning as to why Englewood is a great place to retire. However, I wanted to dig a little deeper and tell you why I think Englewood is such a fantastic place and highlight some of the best aspects about this quiet little Florida town.

For one, Englewood is close enough to the hustle and bustle of a major city, big name corporations, popular restaurant chains, and stores that, quite frankly, you could visit almost anywhere else in the United States. The beautiful thing about Englewood, aside from the landscape, is the small-town culture. It is here where we will begin looking at the “hidden gems” that Englewood has to offer.

For those who visit Englewood, Florida, a trip down Dearborn Street is absolutely essential. Palm trees line both sides of the street where you can find a variety of eccentric shops, including art galleries, antique stores, cigar shops, gift shops, shops for clothing and apparel, barbers and salons, taverns, cafes, and of course many charming, local restaurants.

One thing that I have always found fascinating about Englewood, Florida is how there seems to be so many delicious restaurants that will satisfy anyone’s taste buds. One of the best places at which I have ever eaten in the entire state of Florida is Lock & Key Restaurant. Whether you are looking for a nice lunch, an “Early Bird” dinner, or a place with a large selection of dinner items, or if you need delicious food catered for a party, this is the place for you.  Lock & Key offers a variety of seafood items, chicken, pork, beef, salads, as well as many tasty desserts. And for those who are looking for a great Happy Hour, there is none better than Lock & Key. Furthermore, there is generally live entertainment every Wednesday through Sunday. Did I mention that this place also sits right on the beach?

Aside from the great shopping and amazing dining options that Englewood has to offer, the one reason that many retirees seek Southwest Florida as a retirement destination are the beaches the area has to offer. The beaches in Englewood are covered with pristine, soft, white sand that leads into the clear water of the Gulf of Mexico. The Englewood Beach in particular has been renovated with brick sidewalks and updated restrooms. In addition, for those looking for a little more activity at the beach, there are volleyball and basketball courts so that you can work up a little sweat before cooling off in the Gulf.

Englewood is a safe, gorgeous, relaxing location on the Gulf Coast of Florida. Affordable home prices, a charming atmosphere, charismatic culture, and the tropical feeling you get in Englewood is what makes it such a great place to retire. Click here to start your search today and let your Suncoasteam know how we can help you retire in America’s number one retirement destination.

If you would like more information about specific properties in Englewood, Florida, please contact Jim Mulligan, Suncoasteam Realty, 941-235-7474.