Sun City Center, Florida is a growing part of Hillsborough County.
It is a unique 55+ community that has been designed to give residents access to everything they could want.
It is conveniently located near the Gulf and offers countless neighborhoods and activity centers for its residents.
By exploring the pros and cons, you can decide if you’d like to live here.
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Pros of Living in Sun City Center, FL
There are lots of positive aspects of living in Sun City Center, Florida, which is why so many people are choosing to retire here.
1. Beautiful Weather
Sun City is known for having beautiful weather.
It is sunny almost year-round, and there is never any worry of it snowing.
It is why people choose to visit Florida during the winter from places in the north.
You will find that the weather is enough to spend more time outside, whether it is fishing, playing golf, or even enjoying a swim in one of the many pools around SCC.
2. Lots of Things to Do
The 55+ community has been rated as one of the premier retirement communities in the US.
There are always events and activities to do, so you will never have to worry about being bored.
There are arts and crafts, cards and games, dance and music, tennis, golf, stage shows, and even opportunities to travel as a group.
There are also over 100 clubs and organizations that you can choose to become a member of to expand your social circle.
3. All-Inclusive Communities
The communities are designed to be all-inclusive.
There is literally no reason for you to leave Sun City Center because they have everything right there.
Particularly if you or someone living in your home has limited mobility, this can be quite the lifesaver.
You will have shopping, restaurants, and recreation all within your backyard.
4. Diverse Restaurant Scene
There is a lot of diversity in the restaurants that you will find in and around Sun City Center.
Whether you want American, German, seafood, or something else, you will find it.
There are also many food-centered events happening at the many events centers, allowing you to partake in a potluck or a backyard BBQ.
Whether you want to dress up and enjoy fine dining or dress down and enjoy home-cooked food, there are countless options available to you.
5. Close to Many Bigger Cities
Sun City Center is well-positioned so that you are only about 30 minutes away from Tampa.
You are also about an hour and a half away from Fort Myers as well as Orlando.
This means that when you want a weekend getaway to enjoy the beaches, the vibrant city life, or even the theme parks, you will not have to go very far.
6. You Get to Experience Publix
Publix is a grocery store that is quickly growing throughout many southern states, but it got its start in Florida.
The store is famous for its “Pub sub,” a sub sandwich made to order at the deli counter.
You will also have access to sushi, fried chicken, and all sorts of other culinary treasures that are made fresh each and every day.
7. Drive Your Golf Cart Everywhere
SCC was built as a golf cart community, so you will find that there are golf cart paths everywhere.
You do not even need a car – just drive your golf cart to the restaurant, to the store, or over to a friend’s house.
Many shopping centers even have special golf cart parking for your convenience.
Various places will sell new and used golf carts, provide you with ways to personalize, and even service and maintain them.
The added benefit is that you don’t have to pay vehicle registration for the cart.
8. Golf is Abundant
Golf is one of the favorite sports of Florida, and much of that has to do with the nice weather that spans throughout the year.
There are plenty of golf courses for you to choose from so that you can play 9, 18, or even 36 holes in a day.
Some of the courses are public while others are private or semi-private.
In total, there are 11 courses either in or very close to Sun City Center.
Various clubs in SCC even meet to play golf, ensuring that you always have someone to play with.
9. There’s an Information Center
One of the best ways to familiarize yourself with what Sun City Center offers is by taking advantage of the Information Center.
There are volunteers there who will take you on a full tour of the community and all that it has to offer.
And if you are interested in shopping for a home, the volunteers will provide you with a list of the realtors that sell inside of SCC.
It is a one-stop shop to learn about everything.
Cons of Living in Sun City Center, FL
There are some cons to living in Sun City, Florida.
It is important to know about them before making any life-altering decisions so that you can see if they impact you enough.
1. You Have to Worry About Hurricanes
Hurricane season is something that every Floridian knows all too well.
It goes on from June 1 all the way until November 30.
The natural disaster can cause a lot of damage if one strikes too close to home, all because of the high winds and greater chance of flooding.
You will be given notice, though, so you will need to pay attention – and have a hurricane kit in case of an emergency.
2. Cost of Living is High
The cost of living is high in a number of ways.
Florida has been growing extensively over the past few years.
Auto insurance is high, property taxes are high, and even the cost of housing is high.
While Sun City Center works to provide affordability (HOA fees are only $300 a year), the cost to live in Florida is higher than in many other states around the country.
3. Almost Everyone is Retired
At least one person in every household within Sun City Center, FL has to be 55 or older.
This means that the majority of people in the city are retired.
The low age diversity can make it difficult to make friends when you are on the younger side of the age minimum.
Additionally, as long as one household member is 55, everyone else in the household has to be at least 19.
This means that those who are 25 and living with their parents or who may be in their 30s or 40s and have married someone who is older will struggle if they have to work.
4. Weather Can Be Unpredictable
There is a saying in Florida that if you do not like the weather, just wait five minutes.
That tends to be true throughout the year.
It could be sunny and beautiful out and, then, without any warning, there could be a thunderstorm tearing through the sky.
It can make it difficult to plan outdoor activities – and you may have to cancel plans at the last minute.
You will want to get in the habit of carrying an umbrella everywhere you go.
5. Those Under 18 are Limited to Their Stay
If you have grandchildren (or even children) visiting, there is a rule in Sun City Center.
Anyone under the age of 18 is limited to a 30-day stay.
The HOA is extremely stringent on this rule, and there are plenty of neighbors who will be the eyes and ears to make sure the rule is upheld.
The simplest reason: young children are disruptive to the peaceful retirement life that people come here to enjoy.
6. HOA is Very Strict
The HOA tends to be very strict about a lot of things.
Since there are different neighborhoods throughout the city, it is divided into more than 100 HOAs.
For quick math, that is about six HOAs for every square mile.
You will need to learn how to maintain your home or face fines.
A neighborhood watch will be volunteering to keep an eye on you and everyone else.
7. Taxes are High
Florida is known for some of the higher taxes that go into their education, their roads, and more.
You will be paying property taxes that are higher than in many other states.
The sales tax inside Hillsborough County is also relatively high.
Florida sales tax is 6%. Hillsborough County sales tax is 1.5%.
As such, you will be spending 7.5% on top of your purchases in tax alone.
8. Humidity Can Be Brutal
Many people move to Sun City Center from other parts of the country.
The humidity in this area is often over 60%, which can take a significant amount of getting used to.
You may have bad hair days as a result of the humidity.
When it is hot and humid, it can feel as though you are walking around in a sauna.
The humidity is also relentless for most of the year, so you will have to grow to love it – or at least tolerate it.
Pros and Cons of Living in Sun City Center, FL – Summary Table
| Pros of Living in Sun City Center, FL | Cons of Living in Sun City Center, FL |
|---|---|
| 1. Beautiful Weather | 1. You Have to Worry About Hurricanes |
| 2. Lots of Things to Do | 2. Cost of Living is High |
| 3. All-Inclusive Communities | 3. Almost Everyone is Retired |
| 4. Diverse Restaurant Scene | 4. Weather Can Be Unpredictable |
| 5. Close to Many Bigger Cities | 5. Those Under 18 are Limited to Their Stay |
| 6. You Get to Experience Publix | 6. HOA is Very Strict |
| 7. Drive Your Golf Cart Everywhere | 7. Taxes are High |
| 8. Golf is Abundant | 8. Humidity Can Be Brutal |
| 9. There’s an Information Center |
Florida Safety Overview
READ THE FULL REPORT: Florida Safety Review
Safety Index:
- OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM
- TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: MEDIUM
- PICKPOCKETS RISK: MEDIUM
- NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM
- MUGGING RISK: MEDIUM
- TERRORISM RISK: HIGH
- SCAMS RISK: MEDIUM
- WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top employers in Sun City Center?
If you are living in Sun City Center and do want to work, there are a few employers to consider.
This includes Publix, Quest Diagnostics, Verizon Wireless, and DaVita.
How much rainfall is there a year in Sun City Center?
The city gets a significant amount of rainfall every year, with an estimate of 54 inches.
For comparison, the US average is 38 inches.
What is the demographic makeup of the city?
There is not a lot of diversity in Sun City Center, FL.
87.3% is white, 6.4% is white, and the remainder is a combination of Hispanic and two or more races.
What is the average cost of a home in Sun City Center?
The real estate market is growing in the area.
Currently, the average cost of a home in Sun City Center will be around $375,000.
What is the crime rate in Sun City Center?
The crime rate in Sun City Center, FL is considered good.
Violent crime is at 22.5 with the average in the US being 22.7.
Property crimes are higher at 44.2, with the US average being 35.4.
Sun City Center, FL offers a unique 55+ community with beautiful weather, plenty of things to do, and all-inclusive neighborhoods.
However, it’s important to consider the cons such as hurricane season, high cost of living, and strict HOA rules. Overall, it’s a great place for retirees looking for an active lifestyle.