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Just for Seniors 10 Reasons the First Coast is The Best Place for Seniors!

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Retirement-worthy weather!

The First Coast is blessed to have great weather all year long! Sun-filled days in the summers and mild temperatures in the winter allows seniors to enjoy the outdoors no matter the time of year.

Volunteer opportunities!

Volunteering is a great way for seniors to stay connected with the community. The First Coast has numerous programs and organizations to get involved in, including the Foster Grandparents Program, Catholic Charities, Seniors on a Mission Inc., and RSVP–one of the largest volunteer networks in the nation.

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The affordability!

For decades, seniors have been drawn to the First Coast due to its affordability. Individual retirement accounts, private and public pensions, 401(k)s, and Social Security have no state taxation, as well as no state income tax. The cost of living in Jacksonville is 5 percent below the national average according to payscale.com.

Healthcare!

First Coast seniors have access to the best healthcare available, with many large hospitals and health systems in the area. Northeast Florida is home to Baptist Health, UF Health Jacksonville, Ascension St. Vincent’s, Mayo Clinic and Flagler Health+. For veterans, there are VA clinics in Jacksonville and St. Augustine.

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Our active adult communities!

Northeast Florida is home to many top-notch active adult communities that offer resort-style amenities and recreation. Seniors can choose from several types, styles, and price points that meet any budget.

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Gorgeous parks!

Seniors have endless opportunities to explore the great outdoors here. Jacksonville is home to the largest urban park system in the country, with more than 400 parks. There are also many beautiful state parks in the area to explore.

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Senior centers!

The First Coast has numerous community and senior centers that offer enriching programs, classes, events, meals and more. For a senior center near you, see our list on page 99.

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Attractions!

The First Coast is full of attractions that offer senior discounts, such as the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens, the Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens, and the Museum of Science and History (MOSH).

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Sports!

Seniors can enjoy every kind of sporting event here on the First Coast, with professional football, baseball, hockey and more. Our area is also home to The PLAYERS Championship golf tournament.

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Our location!

Popular vacation destinations such as Daytona Beach, the Gulf Coast or Walt Disney World are just a short drive away from the First Coast. Our international airport, JAX, can also get you anywhere in the world.

Exciting Annual Senior Events!

Seniors on the First Coast can enjoy exciting events throughout the year. For the most up-to-date information on events please visit coj.net, the City of Jacksonville Senior Services Division Facebook page or call 255-5667.

Fish-A-Thon

Held at Hanna Park, this annual fishing tournament for seniors includes games, contests and more. Seniors can win awards for catching the largest fish, smallest fish, most fish, prettiest fish and ugliest fish.

Forever Fit 50 & Beyond: Jacksonville Senior Games

This annual event celebrates fitness after age 50 and has seniors compete in various games and athletic events at multiple venues throughout the city.

Holiday Festival for Seniors

Celebrate the holiday season at the Prime Osborn Convention Center with dinner, dancing and festive entertainment for seniors.

Safety and Security Seminar for Seniors

This seminar gives seniors the tools they need to protect themselves not only physically, but from fraud and scams.

Senior Expo

Hosted twice a year, this two-day expo shares information, programs, and resources available in the area for seniors. There is also live entertainment and free health screenings.

Senior Prom

For more than 30 years, the City of Jacksonville has hosted an evening of dinner, live music, dancing and door prizes for the senior community at the Prime Osborn Convention Center.

Spring Fling

Join the City of Jacksonville for a night of fun! Each spring seniors can enjoy a night of delicious food and dancing at this exciting event.

Walk for Senior Wellness

This scenic walk around TIAA Bank Field celebrates senior fitness and wellness. Before the walk, participants can warm up by stretching and dancing.

First Coast Senior Centers

Senior Games, photo courtesy of COJ

BAKER COUNTY

Baker County Council on Aging.................259-9315

CLAY COUNTY

Clayton & Mildred Revels Senior Center....284-3134 Orange Park Senior Center ........................269-4731 Weigel Senior Center.................................291-3520 William M. Beam Senior Center..........352-473-7121

DUVAL COUNTY DUVAL-BEACHES

Bennie Furlong Beaches Senior Center ......241-3796 Neptune Beach Senior Activity Center........477-0386

DUVAL-NORTH

Frances Padgett Arlington Senior Center....723-6142 Jim Fortuna Senior Center.........................996-0211 Leroy D. Clemons Senior Center................693-4918 Oceanway Senior Center............................696-4331

DUVAL-SOUTH

Mandarin Senior Center.............................262-7309 Windy Hill Senior Center ...........................630-0724

DUVAL-WEST

Carvill Senior Center .................................764-0330 Charlie T. Joseph Senior Center.................768-4762 Clanzel T. Brown Senior Center..................764-8752 Hammond Senior Center............................786-8554 J.S. Johnson Senior Center .......................630-0949 Lane Wiley Senior Center ..........................783-6589 Lincoln Villa Senior Center........................765-2654 Longbranch Senior Center .........................630-0893 Louis Dinah Senior Center.........................630-0728 Mary L. Singleton Senior Center................630-0995 Maxville Senior Center ..............................289-7157 Riverview Senior Center.............................765-7511 Wallace Small Senior Center......................630-0724

NASSAU COUNTY

Janice Ancrum Senior Life Center..............261-0701 Nassau County Council on Aging ..............261-0701 Westside Senior Life Center.......................845-3331

ST. JOHNS COUNTY

Coastal Community Center ........................209-3647 Council on Aging Center at Flagler Health+ Village at Nocatee..........819-3234 Hastings Senior Center..............................729-9161 Players Community Senior Center, The......280-3233 River House...............................................209-3631 Trout Creek Senior Center..........................209-3631

Pickleball on the First Coast

Pickleball, photo courtesy of COJ Combining the elements of tennis, badminton and ping pong, Pickleball is becoming a popular sport among seniors! It’s a great way to not only have fun but stay fit and active. The following are resources for playing pickleball on the First Coast.

North Florida Pickleball www.northfloridapickleball.com

Pickleball by the Sea www.pickleballbythesea.com

USA Pickleball Association www.usapa.org