If you love the ocean, golfing, and mild temperatures in the winter, then there's a good chance Florida is on your list of possible retirement destinations.

Whether you're thinking of buying a vacation home or moving here on a full-time basis, a little planning and research will help you get the most out of a Florida real estate purchase.

While there are a lot of factors to consider when contemplating a retirement property on the ocean, here are a few ideas to keep in mind.

Proximity to the beach: With hundreds of miles of sandy beaches surrounding the state of Florida, there are a lot of opportunities to buy a nice beachfront property (Being a block or two away from the beach wouldn't be too bad, either!) A home with an ocean view would not only provide you with a relaxing environment for retirement living, but it would also inspire you to take regular walks along the water's edge. Walking on the beach as the waves gently wash over your feet not only has a tranquilizing effect on the mind, but it can also provide you with health and fitness benefits.

Choosing the right location: Every city and region of Florida is unique and distinctive, in regard to culture, recreation, access to popular attractions, quality of life, climate, and demographics. While some communities are specifically geared for and cater to the needs of senior citizens, other areas are more frenetic and youth oriented. With the help of an experienced real estate, you should be able to find a desirable neighborhood, an upscale beach community, a maintenance-free condominium complex, or even a planned senior citizen development that meets your needs and expectations. If living in an urban or touristy environment is not to your liking, there are plenty of suburban areas that offer a more "small town" look and feel.

One way to begin narrowing down your list of potential Florida retirement spots is to turn to credible information sources, such as U.S. News & World Report. In its article on The Best Places to Retire in 2018, Sarasota, Florida is the first destination mentioned. In addition to beaches, interesting architecture, and the availability of health care services, the city also offers cultural entertainment, such as opera, theater, ballet, and orchestra concerts. Other Florida cities included on the list are Daytona Beach, Fort Meyers, Orlando, Jacksonville, Lakeland (located within an hour of Tampa and Orlando), Tampa, and Miami. According to the website, "These retirement spots provide a high quality of life at an affordable price." Interestingly, Forbes' Magazine only included two Florida communities on its list of 25 Best Places to Retire in the U.S.: Port Charlotte and The Villages. Southern Living offers its own unique point of view on the subject: It singles out Venice and Gainesville as the best places to retire in Florida.

While there are numerous surveys, reports, and online reviews you can refer to when deciding which Florida city or suburb would best meet your retirement needs, the most effective strategy involves actually visiting areas that interest you and being shown desirable properties by knowledgeable real estate agents. Only then, can you truly know whether a Florida community, condo development, historic neighborhood, or waterfront property would be a good match to your lifestyle goals and expectations.