10 Best Independent Living Communities in Winter Haven, FL

Independent Living

Independent Living Communities provide seniors with a handy balance between an independent lifestyle and not having to concern themselves with chores. Meals, recreational activities and housekeeping responsibilities are taken care of while you are unrestricted to use your time as you desire. Along with their daily needs being met, residents can enjoy the opportunity to live among peers, in a community with others of similar ages and backgrounds. Typically comprised of a private living space and a full kitchen, these communities offer residences with many of the amenities of apartment life but without the hassle. Guests can be invited over and entertained, and there will be more time to spend with them with the basic maintenance of daily chores out of the way. While policies vary between locations, a number of residences allow pets as well. If residents decide they would like to employ the services of independent medical professionalls, they always have the option. There are an assortment of benefits and expenditures to balance while choosing an independent living community. It is important to determine if these amenities are covered in your plan: utilities, parking, cable TV, Waiting list deposit, housekeeping, initial assessment fee, private phone, and meals. The conveniences associated with independent living include community activities, healthcare center, restaurant-style dining hall, game/TV room, golf course, fitness center & swimming pool, beauty salon & barber shop, and transportation.

Cost of Living

The location where a community is located might have a huge influence on the cost of care. The overall cost of living can be a major factor when selecting which care option works for your loved one’s needs. The median home value in Winter Haven is about $120,527 and the median cost for rent is $751 per month a month. The rent burden for Winter Haven is about 17.0% of the average person’s monthly income.

Demographics and Values

Winter Haven has a population density of 497 people per square mile. In Winter Haven, 17.3% have some form of disability, 18.7% live in poverty, 51.4% participate in the labor force, and 13.5% do not have health insurance. Demographically, Winter Haven is 0.2% Native American, 3.1% mixed race, 13.7% Hispanic, 66.4% white, 1.0% other or not specified, 1.2% Asian, 28.0% black, and 0.1% Pacific Islander or Native Hawaiian. In terms of education, 32.9% have a high-school diploma, 19.0% have a college degree, and 5.9% have a graduate degree. In Winter Haven, 11.0% of the people are veterans. Based on gender, 53.3% are female and 46.7% are male. The median age of Winter Haven is 44 years old.

State Information

An overview of Florida

In terms of resources, Florida has a cost of living index of 98.9, a grocery index rating of 104.0, and a housing index rating of 95.4. These index ratings are based on a system where 100 is considered the national average and anything below 100 is considered less expensive than the national average. The quality of life enjoyed by the average Florida citizen is ranked 13th nation-wide. Additionally, Florida is ranked 29th by standards of healthcare. Residents of Florida enjoy its natural beauty which ranks 21st in the United States. There are 218 general hospitals and 108 health centers that provide care for 21,626,797 Florida residents. The top three hospitals in the state are considered to be St. Joseph’s Hospital, Sarasota Memorial Hospital, and Jupiter Medical Center.

Social demographics of the state

During the latest presidential election, 49% voted for the Republican candidate while 48% voted for the Democratic candidate. The state of Florida ranks 8th in the country for diversity, and the state is considered LGBTQ friendly. The state has a median age of 42 and 34% of its population being over the age of 55. In Florida, 35% of the population attend some form of religious service and there are 15,611 different congregations. The top three non-Christian denominations in the state are Jewish-3%, Muslim-<1%, and Buddhist-<1%, with the most common Christian denominations consisting of Evangelical Protestant-24%, Mainline Protestant-14%, and Historically Black Protestant-8%. In Florida there are 290 masonic lodges.

State-wide weather information

On average, Florida has an air quality index rating of around 37.0 AQI. The average air quality index rating peaks in the month of April with a rating of around 47.9 AQI. The average humidity across the state is 75%. Humidity levels tend to reach their peak in the month of September at around 78%. During the winter, the average temperature in Florida drops to around 60F. The average high winter temperature is around 79F in the month of February. The average low temperature during the winter drops to around 36F in the month of January. The average temperature in the summer rises to around 82F. Over the summer months the average high temperature peaks at around 95F during the month of July. The average low summer temperature is around 66F in the month of June. The most precipitation occurs in June with an average of 11.50 inches of precipitation a month. On average, the state receives 4.54 inches of precipitation a month. While residents of Florida mostly enjoy pleasant conditions, it’s important to be aware of inclement weather as well, which in Florida can include hurricanes and floods.

Wildlife to be found in Florida

The state of Florida has a diverse array of plant and animal life. Local plant life can consist of muhly grass, sand pines, a wide variety of palms, and cypresses. While venturing throughout the state, you might see animals such as the gray fox, the west Indian (Florida) manatee, the mockingbird, or the six species of sea turtle. The state animal of Florida is the Florida panther.