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Tampa, Florida: A Hidden Gem for LGBTQ+ Seniors Seeking Retirement Bliss

Man holds up pride flag behind him

Where you retire can have a big impact on your happiness and quality of life. With its tax advantages, hundreds of miles of beaches, variety of cultural and entertainment options and envious weather, it’s no wonder Florida is such a draw for retirees from across the country. When you add in LGBTQ friendly cities like Tampa and its surrounding area, Florida can truly be a great spot for people of all backgrounds and preferences.  

Tampa, Florida Ranked Among Most LGBTQ Friendly Cities

According to Life Care Services (Freedom Square of Seminole’s management company, which is also ranked #1 in Independent Living and #1 across all six factors of resident satisfaction by J.D. Power), Tampa was number eight among The 10 LGBTQ-Friendly Cities for Retirement in 2024. Here’s what they had to say about it: 

“Metro Tampa Bay is a diverse, inclusive, senior-dense region encompassing Tampa, St. Petersburg and Clearwater. Tampa has some of the best beaches in the country and has long been a welcoming place for LGBTQ seniors. 

The area offers big-city amenities, including a vibrant restaurant scene, great shopping, world-class museums, arts and culture. It’s also home to many LGBTQ venues, businesses and events, including the Tampa Bay International Gay and Lesbian Film Festival and the largest LGBTQ pride festival in the state. 

Tampa also enacted anti-discrimination ordinances, banned conversion therapy and earned a perfect score on the HRCME index. The LGBTQ population is approximately 4.8%, one of the highest in the nation, and the entire senior population is just over 13%. There’s no state income tax, and the overall cost of living is low. You’ll also find affordable senior living communities offering LGBTQ senior care.” 

Speaking of health care, the Tampa Bay area features organizations committed to helping seniors who identify as LGBTQ+ find needed health care options, including home care and mental health. 

Benefits of Freedom Square

Being part of a friendly community of support is vital to enjoying life, especially during your retirement years. At Freedom Square, you’ll find an engaging lifestyle with outgoing neighbors and plenty of social opportunities and classes, including the following: 

  • Lifelong learning, including arts and crafts 
  • Scheduled transportation 
  • Personal concierge services 
  • 15 acres within a certified wildlife habitat 
  • Beautifully designed gardens and courtyards, bridges and ponds, and shaded walking paths 
  • Multiple dining options, including a café/bistro and pub 
  • Fully equipped fitness center 
  • Heated indoor pool and spa 
  • Arts and crafts studio 
  • Game room and extensive libraries 
  • Full-service salon and barbershop 
  • Private dining room for family gatherings 
  • Wellness center 
  • Business center with computers 
  • Plus, there are plenty of things to explore nearby: 
  • Tennis courts, golf courses, boutiques, cafés and breweries 
  • Museums, galleries and other cultural attractions 
  • Beachside towns and communities 
  • Seminole City Center 
  • Lifelong learning classes at the University of Florida 

You’re Free to Be Yourself

Ready to find your community in one of the best places in the nation for LGBTQ+ seniors to retire to? Schedule a visit with us today by using our Community Assistant chat feature or contacting us here.