I recommend Wakulla county which is directly below Leon county where Tallahassee is located. I’ve bought six pieces of rental property there and plan to move there when I can. It is rural and will remain so because of the percentage of land owned by the government as forests; 67% if memory serves. It is a short 30/40 minute drive to a first rate hospital or a small airport. There is probably a retirement community if you look. It is a short drive to excellent beaches and boating. Best of all...trees everywhere you look. Darned little concrete. Very nice folks and friendly atmosphere.
It all sounds great. You read so much that is negative about Florida, so it’s good to get the positive reviews, too. The cost of living amazes me. I was pretty well resigned to retiring at 70 here in Maryland, but with the cost of housing I am seeing in Florida, I really can retire at 66. Hope it doesn’t change too much in five years.