The locals here know that this charming seaside town in Florida is one of the most perfect places to live. So it comes as no surprise that SmartAssets named Vero Beach as one of the “Best Places to Retire in Florida.” The statistics website included details such as the number of hospitals and tax rates in the area in addition to many other criteria. Residents of Orchid Island Golf & Beach Club, located nearby, also have their reasons to celebrate this popular destination.

The Community

Little details can say big things. SmartAssets noted that Vero Beach has the second-most recreation centers of any Florida city on its list.  This would include Vero’s active and outdoor lifestyle, which means that it’s always easy to find something that is fun and interesting to do, when you want to do it, with people that you want to do it with. Some fun outdoor activities you will find include boating, fishing, fossil hunting, canoeing and snorkeling. Not to mention the nature and wildlife is amazing here. If you really wanted to, you could spend the whole day enjoying one of the most historical nature refuges, Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge watching rare and exotic birds fly through the trees. Another historical spot is Jungle Trail where you can enjoy nature walking at its best. And, if you want to learn how to surf, well, just north in Sebastian, you’ll find some of the best surfing in the country, along with many surfing competitions.

The Culture

The cultural arts here won’t let you down. From the live music events, to art and wine festivals, to simply kicking back and watching the sun slowly set over the waves, this quaint seaside town has so much to offer. Vero Beach also has one of the best theatres and museums in the whole state, which is expected for the top 10 places to retire in Florida.

The Climate

It’s hard to turn down a place where the average high in the winter months is 73 degrees Fahrenheit. It’s tough to walk away from a town that has roughly 232 sunny days a year. And it’s impossible to say no to some of the best beaches and parks where you can enjoy a lifestyle of outdoor living. If you have dogs, there are plenty of designated dog parks in the area as well. No wonder why this is one of the top places to retire in Florida!

With an amazing history of its own, members of Orchid Island Golf & Beach Club love to call this place home. As you’ve read, Vero Beach is not a far drive and offers so much to do, but in reality, if they didn’t want to, Orchid members have everything they need without having to leave. Not only is the lifestyle simply amazing, it’s convenient. Where else can you take your golf cart from your home to the beach or back to the golf course?

Its Crown Jewel, the West-Indies style Beach Club, is an oasis of its own and serves as a gathering place for families and friends to come together. There is plenty of outdoor fun in the sun for the whole family from swimming in the pool, surfing the waves on the beach to having a tasty lunch or refreshing beverage at the Pool Grille & Turtle Bar. In addition, private club events and holidays are held in the dining room, poolside and along the Atlantic Ocean. Best yet, other amenities such as tennis, pickle ball, and a state-of-the-art fitness center are just a golf cart ride away

Nestled between the Atlantic Ocean and Indian River, this private community is committed to providing an unparalleled level of service. Golf is an experience, as the Arnold Palmer designed, 18-hole course is renowned as an Audubon Certified Cooperative Sanctuary or its commitment to natural preservation. Orchid Island Golf & Beach Club was also the proud host of 2018’s 57th Annual U.S. Senior Women’s Amateur Championship.

Love the Vero Beach lifestyle and thinking of making it your home? Luxury residential properties at Orchid Island range from the $800s to over $10 million and include custom estate residences, courtyard homes, cottage, or oceanfront condominiums. For a full list of available real estate listings at Orchid Island, visit OrchidIslandRealty.com

If you’re just getting started, request the inaugural issue of Orchid Island Lifestyles Magazine here to learn more about the Vero Beach area and the Town of Orchid Island.

If you’re in the area, stop by the oceanfront Orchid Island Sales Center and see the community’s beauty for yourself. Call 772. 388.3888 to schedule an appointment or for more information visit OrchidIslandFL.com.

Now’s The Time To Buy The Florida Vacation Home You’ve Always Wanted

In Vero Beach, Florida, you’ll discover the best of both worlds. That’s because Vero is at the eastern edge of the demarcation line that separates Florida into two different climate zones. North of Vero is a subtropical climate, and south of it is tropical. That’s why Vero Beach is known as the “Gateway to the Tropics” and is graced with a unique mix of vegetation. Growing here are coconut palms and bright tropical flowers that won’t grow even a few miles north. Alongside these tropical wonders, you’ll find a beautiful, rich landscape made up of ancient oak hammocks and dense pine forests. Add to that the area’s beautiful beaches and the citrus trees that thrive here, giving the area the title of “Citrus Capital of the World.” With all this environmental diversity, it’s easy to see why Vero Beach has so much natural appeal.

For many generations, Vero Beach and its surrounding areas were known as the benchmark for quality citrus production and shipment. People all over the world enjoyed the juicy Indian River citrus grown here. It wasn’t until Edwin Llwyd Ecclestone Sr. purchased the 3000-acre estate on John’s Island that the Vero Beach area began to thrive as a resort destination. Ecclestone and his team recruited Fortune 500 CEOs and entrepreneurs from up north to create a golf community that drew top tier individuals to this area. Ground was broken in 1969, and the first of three golf courses opened the next year.

In 1987, Orchid Island, north of John’s Island, followed suit, when it was sold to Robert Haines III of Avon, Connecticut, and a small group of limited partners. At that time, the town of Orchid had only seven inhabitants. Haines’ vision was to build a few hundred British West Indies–style homes overlooking the ocean, the Indian River and a spectacular golf course. Ground was broken on Orchid Island Golf & Beach Club in 1988. Just like on John’s Island, this spectacular community became a draw, attracting high-end individuals to this stunning oasis.

Soon, Orchid Island Golf & Beach Club was attracting people from every part of the country, as it had quickly become one of the most desirable oceanfront properties on the Treasure Coast, with one of Florida’s few barrier island golf courses. Throughout the generations of settlers in the Vero Beach area, there has always been a common thread—conservation and respect for the land. This long-standing culture began in the early 20th century, when Pelican Island in the Indian River Lagoon was designated as the country’s first wildlife refuge. The area has always been developed thoughtfully and with care. Instead of the urban sprawl that defines other parts of Florida, this area was planned in an organized fashion, taking green spaces into account and preserving beautiful, historic structures, allowing it to retain a charming, small-town flavor.

 For those who want to get close to nature and enjoy the creature comforts of home, the Orchid Island Golf & Beach Club amenities are second to none.   Orchid Island works hard to preserve a way of life for, not only the natural neighbors who live on the Treasure Coast, but the residents as well. Members and residents also enjoy the one-mile of private beach access and what are even better, Orchid Island spans from the Atlantic Ocean to the Indian River.

This private community is committed to providing a level of service that stands out from the rest. Golfing here is unparalleled, as the Arnold Palmer designed, 18-hole course is not only renowned among courses, but also holds an Audubon Certified Sanctuary status for its commitment to natural preservation.

Love the Vero Beach location? Request the inaugural issue of Orchid Island Lifestyles Magazine here to learn more about the Vero Beach area and how nature coexists with the residents.

If you’re in the area, stop by the Orchid Island Sales Center and see the community’s beauty for yourself. Call 772. 388.3888 for more information or visit OrchidIslandFL.com.

Luxury residential properties range from the $800s to over $10 million and include custom estate residences, courtyard homes, cottage, or oceanfront condominiums. For a full list of available real estate listings at Orchid Island, visit our real estate page.