When many people picture a Florida retirement they imagine coastal shores in areas like Tampa Bay and Palm Beach County, or iconic cities like Orlando and Miami. However, some discerning retirees are expanding their search, and discovering Northern Florida's secret gem: the city of Jacksonville.

Located on Florida's northeastern coast, Jacksonville lies about 90 minutes north of Daytona Beach, and about the same distance southeast of Georgia's famous Okefenokee Swamp. This sprawling city stretches across over 840 square miles, making it the largest city by area in the continental United States. Yet, with an estimated population of just over 850,000, Jacksonville is much less congested than the country's more densely populated cities.

In addition to being the largest city, Jacksonville also has the distinction of ranking first among U.S. cities when it comes to its total acreage of parks. There are more than 57,000 acres of parks, including state and federal lands, in the city of Jacksonville. Pocket parks dot the urban landscape, along with athletic fields, playgrounds, hiking trails, bridle paths and boat launches.

Water lovers will be happy to learn that Jacksonville is located on the banks of the impressive St. Johns River. This beautiful waterway is the perfect place for sailing, kayaking, fishing and other water-based recreations. Providing beautiful areas to stroll, jog or simply take in the lovely scenic views, Jacksonville's Riverwalk stretches for over two miles on both the north and south banks of the river.

For even more water fun, sunny Atlantic Coast beaches are located directly east of the city center. The beautiful beaches near Jacksonville are less developed, and less congested with tourists, than many of the beaches found along Florida's peninsula coasts. Atlantic Beach, Neptune Beach and Jacksonville Beach offer miles of sandy coastline and tranquil ocean vistas.

In downtown Jacksonville, notable urban attractions include a variety of popular museums. The Cummer Museum boasts an impressive range of displays, including a permanent collection of over 4,000 items. Jacksonville's Museum of Contemporary Art features an innovative art collection, and the Museum of Science and History is fun for visitors of all ages.

Sports fans will enjoy taking in a game at Everbank Field. This impressive stadium complex is home to the NFL's Jacksonville Jaguars. Everbank Field was the site of the 2005 Super Bowl, and each year the city hosts the Gator Bowl, a college football classic. The Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville sets the stage for minor league baseball, and the Veterans Memorial Arena hosts a variety of athletic competitions and performances by world-class entertainers.

Retirees will also find some spectacular active adult communities in the Jacksonville area. Cascades at World Golf Village is a lovely intimate community which boasts many desirable features, including the famous Caddyshack restaurant, which is owned by Bill Murray and his brothers. Built just minutes from downtown Jacksonville, Sweetwater by Del Webb provides resort-style amenities in a prime location. And, just outside of the city, Riverwood by Del Webb is the only age-restricted neighborhood in the popular master-planned community of Nocatee.

When considering retirement in Florida, look beyond the state's peninsula to the northern city of Jacksonville. This beautifully designed area offers river and ocean access, parks and outdoor space, urban attractions and many communities which support an active adult lifestyle.

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Jacksonville Area 55+ Active Adult Retirement Communities ...

Fleet Landing is dedicated to keeping your days and nights full of fun, friends, excitement, and most of all full of life! Since 1990 our resort-style retirement community near Jacksonville, FL has made its name for service, stimulating activity and financial strength.

While many in our community spent their careers in the military, we are also home to a wide range of people who come from an even wider range of backgrounds. Whether you are sailing with a Doctor, sharing a meal with a teacher, or learning a new language with a stockbroker, you will find yourself doing incredible things with equally incredible people.

We cater to people with budgets of all sizes, offering a choice of 16 different floor plans. That means that you can find the kind of home you want that meets all your needs both personally and financially.

Our exclusive WELLInspired program offers an impressive array of activities and classes designed to not only keep you healthy, but to enhance your intellectual, social and spiritual horizons as well! We are also a satellite campus for Osher Lifelong Learning Institute(OLLI) at the University of North Florida which provides course taught by professionals on everything from the Civil War to Wine 101!

Also, we know the difference is always in the detailsand your health and well-being is the most important detail of all. Our retirement communitys highly rated health servicesassisted living, skilled nursing, rehabilitation and memory supportgive you access to some of the best care available in the greater Jacksonville, FL area.

Call us at 877.591.6547 to schedule a visit or click a link below to explore more online!

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Retirement Communities Jacksonville Florida | Fleet Landing

Since Jacksonville the city and its county merged together in the late 1960s, Jacksonville is now known as the largest city in land area in the United States as well as the 13th largest population wise.

Jacksonville is the largest city in Florida and has a lot of tourism related to golf so golf-loving retirees will find it a great new home. Jacksonville is also a major port so day cruises and longer cruises are available for quick vacations. Jacksonville also has many theaters and art venues so you can easily plan day trips. Jacksonville is close to St. Augustine, which is considered the oldest city in the United States.

Many consider Jacksonville Florida to be among the best retirement cities in the U.S. Here are some other reasons to choose living in Jacksonville.

Social Opportunities: studies have shown that a good group of friends is more important to a happy retirement than money or health. Jacksonville offers many opportunities with civic groups and hobby clubs to generate a solid core group of friends. These friends can help ward off the problems of aging like dementia and health issues.

Public Transportation: rural living isn't good for seniors who can't drive since they require someone's help to get around. The expenses of transportation add up quickly for fixed-income seniors so the public transportation of Jacksonville is quite beneficial. Even better is that most public transit systems have senior rates that are much cheaper than normal.

Access to Medical Services: it's pretty obvious that if you live near a hospital, you're more likely to survive a medical emergency. Despite how your mind feels, the body starts to break down and there's a good chance you'll need a hospital visit during your retirement years. Living in Jacksonville is great since there are more specialists and medical services available and at cheaper rates.

Access to Local Businesses: city living offers walking distance to most businesses that you'll ever use in your retirement years. Even if you need to travel, there are a lot more shopping centers and discount stores in urban areas.

Fitness: exercise is critical to keeping healthy during your retirement years. Cities have every type of fitness facility from standard fitness centers to niche fitness places like indoor rock climbing walls so there's something for everyone. Even if you want to exercise on your own, there's tons of parks or indoor malls to enjoy walking in.

Continuing Education: todays seniors know the importance of exercising their brains, as well as their bodies. Urban living provides access to a wide range of classes, through local universities, museums, city recreation departments, etc. Enrolling in these types of courses can help stave off the depression that some people feel once they stop working full time.

Food and Entertainment: retirement should be full of activities you never had a chance to enjoy while working. Dinners out to fancy restaurants or weekend getaways to a nearby city or historical site are all possible living in a city. Usually, cities have tons of entertainment venues like theaters and museums and there's always something going on.

Retirement Housing Options: In Jacksonville there are unique housing options which include condos, apartments for rent, hi-rises, retirement communities, lofts, co-ops, luxury condominiums, top end townhouses and other housing for over 55 boomers and seniors.

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Jacksonville FL Retirement Living - Best Retirement Cities

Set in the magnificent First Coast in Florida, the Glenmoor Resort has become one of the best retirement communities in northern Florida. As a non-profit, independent accreditor of health and human services communities, we pride ourselves on our extensive range of services. We are always happy to receive feedback that helps us improve our service to you.

We are among the top retirement communities and homes, and we offer a retirement community that provides assisted living, long term care facilities, on-site health care, and memory-support for those in the greatest need. Being a Life Care Center community, our aim is to give you the peace of mind in your retirement to make it as worry-free as possible.

If living near a golf course is your perfect idea of retirement, then look no further. There are world class courses right outside your front door. Your new retirement home can be a cottage, an estate home or an apartment right next to the beautiful and pristine Florida beaches. You can also enjoy the benefits of fine dining, elegant shopping and an abundance of cultural activities that will keep your retirement busier than your working life was. Only you can define how you live out your retirement and you can start by looking at Glenmoor. Want to enjoy the independent living facilities with a cushion for later on in your years, choose Glenmoor as your retirement home, you will be safe in the knowledge that when you need extra care it will be available to you.

If you are looking in the Florida area for your ideal retirement home, call for an appointment and we will be happy to show you around, let you know your choices and offer the financial options that will get you the retirement you deserve. If you can see yourself retiring to Florida, you can see yourself living in Glenmoor.

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Retirement Communities in Jacksonville Florida - Glenmoor

Florida Retirement Systemoffers two retirement plans, the Pension Plan and the Investment Plan.

Pension Plan: Traditional Plan (8 year vesting requirement, effective July 1, 2011). A defined benefit plan sponsored by the State of Florida which provides a monthly retirement benefit based on years of creditable service, the value of each year of service and the average final compensation of the five highest years of salary.

Deferred Retirement Optional Program (DROP) DROP is available when you are vested and have reached your normal retirement date. It allows you to retire while continuing to be employed by an FRS employer for up to 60 months (96 months under certain circumstances if employed as instructional personnel for the Florida School for the Deaf and the Blind or a grades K-12 school). You must elect DROP participation within (12) twelve months after you reach your normal retirement date, unless you are employed as "instructional personnel.

Investment Plan: After 1 year of FRS service. You are always fully vested in your own contributions as long as you remain in the Investment Plan. Your FRS-covered employer provides the majority of your FRS retirement plan contribution based on a fixed percentage of your gross salary (total employee and employer rate is 6.3% for Regular Class employees). A mandatory 3% pretax contribution is deducted from your paycheck and deposited into your retirement account.

Visit http://www.myfrs.com to learn more.

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Employee Benefits / Florida Retirement System

We Balance Assistance with Independence

Brookdale Mandarinis a premier senior livingcommunity in Jacksonville, Florida near the St Johns River. We offer Assisted Living carewith attentive service and well-appointedamenities, including a convenient location with shopping, banks, area hospitals, and physicians offices near campus. Residents and their families enjoy access to many local attractions, including beaches and waterways for swimming, fishing and other water sports. Popular attractions include the Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens, the Museum of Science and History and our regions world-class golf courses.

Just a short drivefrom the beach, our cozy campus features an outdoor covered porch, an outdoor courtyard, and beautifully-landscaped grounds with walking paths shaded by live oaks. We also have a heated, outdoor swimming pool with a pool deck. Our residents enjoy spacious common areas, including a comfortable family room perfect for entertaining guests or meeting friends, a bright elegant dining room complete with table linens and place settings, a bright lofty atrium lobby and our library with its extensive collection of all of your favorite books and magazines.

We understand you may be concernedabout the health and safety of your loved one. You may worry that they may not take their medications properly or that they may suffer a fall with no one around to help. You probably feel a little overwhelmed with demands on your time or withthe guilt of not being able to do more. Maybe you or your loved one fear moving and losing the comforts of home, independence, or connections with friends and family.

We can help you and your family as you consider a move. Assisted Living services are the unique contribution we can make to your loved ones well-being and quality of life. At Brookdale Mandarinwe serve our residents by providing just the right amount of assistance and care to make theirlives easier, while enabling them to live as independently as possible. Our associates are here to support the care that you and other family members already provide. We offer an engaging lifestyle and comfortable accommodations, combined with an exceptional blend of service, care and hospitality.

Experience our distinctive blend of hospitality, attentive service, and compassionate care. Complete the online form for more information or call today to schedule a tour.

There may come a time when you or your loved may need additional help with daily tasks. At Brookdale Mandarin, we offer Assisted Living care so youll be prepared, if or when you need more assistance.

It all begins with a personal service assessment. We take the time to listen to our residents, so we can understand their needs; then we establish clinical, dining and program support that works for them in a meaningful way. We partner with our residents, recognizing their individual needs and preferences, and adjust services to meet their changing needs. So whether its a unique snack, the celebration of a favorite season or a lifelong interest, we value the privilege of knowing our residents and building relationships with them to create a truly personalized living experience.

With our exclusive personal service system, you can live your life the way you want with the right care at the right time, delivered by the right people. Through years of experience serving seniors, we have developed a process that allows us to customize personal care plans for our Assisted Living residents. Your customized care plan means you only pay for the services you need and want, giving you the flexibility to change your plan.

Remember your own days in a college dorm or summer camp, living with people your own age that shared your interests and experiences? You played cards and board games, and talked for hours swapping stories. We recreate that fun, communal experience of living with a family of friends.Here at Brookdale Mandarin, we know that sustaining social relationships and friendships is an integral part of aging well. Well help your loved one connect with others who share similar interests, and enjoy a vibrant life.

We offer care that balances independence with assistance and delivers service with compassion, understanding and respect. With well-appointedaccommodations and an impressive line of features and amenities, Brookdale residents enjoy life with the confidence of knowing we are here, partnering with you and your family, to customize solutions that support your needs as they evolve.

Let us help provide the care you or a loved one need and amenities and services you want. For more information about our services or to schedule a tour, complete the online formor call today.

Brookdale Mandarinisa connected community where each of our four floor feels like a neighborhood. Our spacious, light-filled residences have full kitchens and several floor plan options, plus small pets are welcome.

Our monthly calendar is filled with enriching activities for residents to enjoy such as bunko, wine and cheese gatherings, music performances and fitness classes. We also offer devotional services, field trips for shoppingand lunch, and ice cream socials.In addition to an exciting calendar of activities, classes and outings, our residents enjoy the following amenities and services:

Learn more about the how we can help you or your loved one live an engaging life that balances independence and assistance. Complete the online form or call today to schedule a visit.

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Jacksonville FL Assisted Living Facilities

Jacksonville Florida is one of the hottest senior markets in the U.S. With fantastic weather and a wide range of available activities, many seniors move to Florida for their retirement. With over 14% of the population being elderly, much of Jacksonville has adapted to the needs of seniors to create more housing and senior care options. Jacksonville has at least 5 CCRC, dozens of independent living communities, and even more options for assisted living and nursing homes. Options range from affordable assisted living complexes to luxury assisted living communities.

Jacksonville also has over 30 Alzheimers care centers. If you are on a limited budget, make sure to check out the home senior care options. This service typically runs for about 40% of the cost of living in a facility and it can really stretch your retirement dollars if live in a debt-free home.

For proactive seniors, continuum care retirement communities and independent living communities are a great way to make the initial transition into senior living. Regardless of what type of senior living you desire, SeniorLiving.Org has every possible option listed so enter your desired area into the search bar to see all the surrounding senior care and senior living options.

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Jacksonville Senior Living Communities & Senior Apartments

Attractive Retirement Living, Even With A High Cost

For non-Jerseyites who may be considering New Jersey as a retirement destination, let's go ahead and address the negatives on the front end. Yes, in case you haven't heard, this is an expensive place to live. With a cost of living that is significantly above the national average and property taxes that rank among the highest of almost any State, there are not, in all honestly, a lot of budget-minded retirees rushing to stake their claim to a retirement dream house in the Garden State.

But for those already familiar with the many attractive features to be found here, in spite of the economics, the advantages of retirement in New Jersey are deemed to be worth the extra expense. First, the cultural and entertainment attractions, urban amenities and overall lifestyle attitude that flows outward from New York City and Philadelphia, are, for some, just too compelling to ignore.

And perhaps just as much a factor in pulling retirees to remain in New Jersey is the realization that once you look beyond the industrial boundaries of cities like Newark and Trenton, quiet, scenic regions such as the Delaware Valley, Jersey Shore and Northern Highlands are replete with dozens of appealing and alluring small and villages that have much to offer for retirement living.

As an example, consider Manchester Township, located just seventy miles from the New York metro area and approximately sixty miles from Philadelphia, and the borough of Wanaque, nestled in a picturesque setting at the base of the Ramapo Mountain State Park and bordered by the Wanaque River, yet just 34 miles from Manhattan. With a current population just under 40,000, Manchester witnessed a tremendous expansion during the 1960's, 70's and 80's, a situation which was largely attributed to growing number of retirement communities that were built here. Although significantly smaller with a current population of approximately 11,000, Wanaque has also recently attracted the attention of new communities for active adult retirees, specifically a Del Webb development.

For those who prefer an oceanfront retirement location, Cape May or some of the other small towns in the Southern Shore Region provide a laid-back atmosphere and cool summer ocean breezes. Located right on the extreme southern tip of the New Jersey coast, Cape May and nearby Bridgeton are both noted known for their architectural interest and relaxing lifestyles. In fact, Bridgeton's Historical District has more than 2,200 historic structures.

Neighboring Millville and Vineland are a little further inland but also relatively close to the shore. Residents of both enjoy small-town settings and still within access to the attractions of Philadelphia, New York and Washington DC, as well as the Jersey Shore. Millville has the advantage of the Maurice River, a federally-designated stream, running through its downtown area and is actively working to build upon its waterfront heritage. Vineland has repeatedly been selected as the one of the best places live in New Jersey.

Another choice for many retirees is Jackson Township, which sits at the northern edge of Ocean County and is less than an hour's drive from the Jersey Shore. Retirees are drawn to this area by the community's beautiful tree-line neighborhoods, its proximity to New York City and Philadelphia and inventory of affordable, quality senior housing.

In rural western New Jersey, the Delaware River Valley is a beautiful pastoral setting with a diverse and picturesque collection of small towns where retirees can be in either Philadelphia or New York in just over an hour. Here one is immediately struck by the sharp contrast between affluent, upscale villages with relatively high median household incomes and more blue-collar middle class neighborhoods such as Frenchtown, a tiny hamlet that is home to a colony of working artists' studios and galleries, fine antique stores, intimate little cafes, ethnic restaurants, coffee houses and book stores. Recently, there has a movement to renovate the architectural landscape of Frenchtown, as well as several other smaller communities in the Valley.

In Flemington, the county seat of Hunterdon County and the commercial center of the area, the downtown area is a historic district where the majority of the buildings are included on the New Jersey register of historic places. Here, as throughout all the towns of the Delaware River Valley, there is a tremendous sense of community respect for the heritage of the region, as symbolized in part by the tree-lined streets and well-manicured lawns seen almost everywhere.

While perhaps not as well known as its neighbor, Pennsylvania's Bucks County, Hunterdon County is considered by many to be just as scenic, and more affordable. With the 28-mile long Delaware and Raritan Canal, Biking and Hiking Trail passing through several of the area's charming small towns and a highway with bike trails below the sheer rock cliffs of the Delaware River, outdoor lovers find this a great retirement destination. Clinton, one of the most idyllic spots in the region, and Lambertville, once a sleepy factory worker's town, have both become trendy and upscale communities with fine restaurants, antique shops and distinctive art galleries that attract not only weekend visitors but retirees looking for an interesting and exciting place to live.

New Jersey may not be the first choice for retirees searching for an affordable place to retire, but for those willing to look past the cost of living here, this is a beautiful and interesting option that should not be taken lightly.

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Best Places To Retire In New Jersey

Hot Topics! For Members Pension Loans - Interest Rate and Administrative Fee for 2016 NJWELL - Click here for the Web site! Benefits Upon Layoff or Termination - Publications and Related Links Personal Benefit Statements About your Online Statement - Frequently Asked Questions Online Guide to Retirement - PERS or TPAF Members - PFRS Members Retirement Applications required online through MBOS - Find out more! Expired Accounts - Did you receive an Expiration Notice for your account? Get information on Withdrawal or Retirement! For Retirees Form 1099-R -Click here for more information Reimbursement of 2014 Medicare Part B and Part D Premiums for Retirees - Find out more Cost-of-Living Adjustments (COLA) - Future COLAs Suspended for All Retirees For Employers GASB 68 - Notice Page Employer Billing for 2016 - PERS and PFRS Post-Retirement Employment Restrictions and Notification of Employment After Retirement form Actuarial Reports - for Fiscal Year 2014 GASB 67 - Information regarding Fiscal Year 2014 Comprehensive Audited Financial Statement Report for Fiscal Year 2014 Chapter 52, P.L. 2011 - Annual Membership Certification - Enrollment/Transfer form updates - Enrollment Training - About Chapter 52 GASB 43 as of July 2014 - Valuations for Postemployment Health Benefits

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NJ Division of Pensions and Benefits - New Jersey

Tis the time of year to make New Years resolutions. And financial resolutions are popular every year. Most people say they want to save more, spend less or pay off debts. But rather than make a general resolution thats easy to lose track of, think about a specific goal. A financial goal should always have an amount and a time-frame attached to it. See how you can make a worthwhile resolution even better.

Better Resolution: Starting with the first 2016 payday, I will save $50 (or other amount) per paycheck in KPERS 457, my employers retirement savings plan or another savings vehicle.

Tip: Make savings automatic with payroll deduction.

Better Resolution: Increase my retirement savings by 1 percent (or more) starting in January.

Tip: Save a percentage instead of a dollar amount, your savings will get a raise whenever your pay increases.

Better Resolution: Cut $50 per month off my food spending.

Tip: Clipping coupons, buying store-brand or shopping in bulk for nonperishables can help chop your grocery bill. By planning meals ahead, you may find yourself eating out less.

Better Resolution: I will find a budget-tracking tool that works for me, and use it to track my spending each month.

Tip: See our Budgeting Techniques article on page 2.

Better Resolution: Pay off $100 (or other amount) of debt each paycheck or each month.

Tip: A vague goal to pay off debt may not get you far. Instead, make an achievable, realistic goal with a specific amount. Over the year, youll knock a big chunk out of your debt.

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