Top 10 Places to Retire - Safety Harbor Florida

If you are looking for one of the top 10 places to retire in Florida, be sure to check our safety Harbor, Florida. Only a stones throw from St. Pete and the Tampa, Clearwater area, it is a rare gem, indeed.

One of the first things that you notice is that it has a large walking and bicycle community ... on top of that, they are quite dog friendly.

Safety Harbor enjoys a unique place in the history books and in the hearts of its citizens and visitors. Nestled along the northwest edge of Old Tampa Bay, the first inhabitants were the Timucuan Indians who called the area Tocobaga. In 1528 Spanish adventurers led by the explorer Navarez landed on its shores. Safety Harbor, located in Pinellas County, is the home of the historic Espiritu Santo Springs. Given this name in 1539 by the Spanish explorer Hernando de Soto, who was searching for the legendary Fountain of Youth, these natural springs have attracted attention worldwide for their curative powers.

The Safety Harbor Resort and Spa on 22 acres of Florida coastline is one of the world's finest spa destinations and continues to attract health conscious visitors to the area. Safety Harbor was first homesteaded by Count Odet Philippe, a French surgeon in Napoleon's navy, who is credited with introducing citrus growing to Florida. Established in 1823 the Count's homestead is now the site of Philippe Park a 122-acre Pinellas County owned and operated facility that is very popular among the residents and visitors.

Safety Harbor was formally incorporated as a City in 1917 with a population of 200 persons. Today 17,000 persons call Safety Harbor their home. Primarily a residential community the City has maintained the character of a family oriented community while preserving the environmentally sensitive lands and revitalizing the historic downtown Business District.

When you begin your search for the best places to retire, you should definitely put Safety Harbor, Florida on the short list!