At retirement living, there are all kinds of activities you might join and meet people.
They plan outings as well, going to restaurants anda events you might enjoy. Even my husband (an introvert) has told me he wants to go a retirement home to play cards, his favorite hobby, and meet others. Anyway, the more you find out what is offered at a retirement place, your decision might change.

I, also, had (have) the same situation. I moved from my childhood home in Michigan to Sarasota, Florida not quite two years ago. My daughter’s and grandkids are still in Ohio. It feels like I just got “dropped” into this area. I didn’t know even one person here. I have a cousin in Bradenton, which helped. I knew Florida was the place I wanted to be (after my mom died in 2019), but Sarasota was never a place in Florida I even thought about. I didn’t have much time to find somewhere affordable. My sister (the best sister EVER), drove my car pulling a U-Haul with about 1/10th of my life in it. I found a 55+ mobile home community. It’s very nice, my double-wide was totally furnished (I’ve since sold much of it), and it was under $30,000. The only drawback is that we “rent” the land and “my” land is $938 a month. Unfortunately, there’s nowhere in Sarasota these days where you can even get a one bedroom apartment for under $2,200! I have a dog, a beautiful garden space, there’s a pool, many activities, and I splurged and bought a used golf cart. I miss my family very much, but I’m done Ohio/Michigan weather. I have friends and acquaintances here, but living alone does get lonely.
The “rules” here aren’t anything I can’t live with. They just expect you to keep your space clean, trash-free(!), and if there’s a park problem, just fill out an HOA form and cross your fingers! I live at The Winds of St. Armands North at 4000 Tuttle in North Sarasota. Check it out. You might find it easier to downsize if you have an idea of where you’re going!
I, also, have health issues. The latest being a torn meniscus and ligaments behind my knee. Apparently, those “doctors” expect me to sit in a leg brace all day and be sedentary. Maybe he should come and clean, let my dog out, shop, things that need to be done! Think about being close to the Gulf, living with others close to your/my age, etc. We have a huge tour bus (that takes anyone who wants to go) shopping on Tuesday’s and Lido Beach on Thursday’s. The bus is free.
I’m done rambling! Sandy

Hi retirement75,
I am in the same situation....no family in the area and my friendships are "waning" I have been trying to set up a support group for those of us in a similar situation to share experiences and resources. Any ideas? Are you interested in this type of group?