Whether you’re a Northeasterner wanting to escape the dreary winters or a first-time homebuyer looking for the best place to live, why not consider Florida as the destination for your next move? With its beautiful beaches, thriving economy, and excellent quality of life, Florida is a great place to call home.
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Beaches
One of the biggest draws of Florida is its world-renowned beaches including Clearwater Beach, Siesta Key Beach, South Beach and Cocoa Beach. The state boasts over 1,200 miles of coastline, with 825 of those miles being sandy beaches.
From the Gulf Coast to the Atlantic Ocean, there are countless beaches to explore, each with its own unique characteristics. Looking for coral reefs and scuba diving? Head to Key Largo. Want to relax on pristine white sand? Give Pensacola Beach a try.
Economy
Florida’s economy is thriving and the state is frequently cited as having one of the lowest unemployment rates in the country. Home to several major industries, notably tourism, healthcare, and finance, the state’s economy benefits from these major sources of employment.
Major companies like Walt Disney World, Carnival Cruise Line, and Publix Supermarkets are just some of the businesses headquartered in Florida, making it a great place to start a career or find new job opportunities.
Entertainment
Who doesn’t want to live down the road from Cinderella’s castle? In addition to its beautiful beaches, thriving economy, and excellent quality of life, Florida is also home to many attractions like Walt Disney World. Universal Studios, SeaWorld, and Busch Gardens are some of the other exciting amusement park options in the state.
For outdoor enthusiasts, explore the Everglades National Park, Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, or Dry Tortugas National Park. The state also has several professional sports teams, including the Miami Heat, Tampa Bay Lightening, Miami Dolphins and Jacksonville Jaguars.
Higher Education
Florida is home to several top-ranked universities, including the University of Florida, Florida State University, and the University of Miami. US News & World Report recently ranked Florida as the number 1 state for higher education, thanks to large enrollment numbers in state universities, high retention rates, and relatively lower tuition fees.
Cost of Living in Florida
The cost of living in Florida varies depending on where you live, but overall, it’s relatively affordable compared to other states. According to Numbeo, the cost of living in Florida is about 2% lower than the national average. Housing is the biggest expense for most Floridians, but the state offers a range of real estate options. Other expenses, like groceries, transportation, and healthcare, are generally in line with the national average.
Real Estate
Florida’s real estate market is diverse, with options for every budget and lifestyle. According to Florida Realtors, the median price for a single-family home in Q1 of 2023 was $399,900. In Q1 of 2023, the median price for a condo townhouse was slightly lower at $316,500. However, those numbers fluctuate depending on the city. For example, the median price for a home in April 2023 was only $322,950 in Tallahassee, yet the median price reached $585,000 in the Miami-Fort Lauderdale area.
So whether you’re looking for a luxurious condo apartment or a suburban bungalow, you can find it in Florida. The state is also home to several active adult communities, making it a great place to retire.
Best Places to Live in Florida
If you’re considering a move to Florida, you’ll want to check out these top cities:
Orlando
Known for its theme parks and vibrant nightlife, Orlando is a great place to live for young professionals and families. The cost of living is slightly above the national average, but the city offers plenty of job opportunities and a high quality of life. The median price for a home in Orlando was $370,000 in April 2023 according to the Orlando Regional Realtor Association.
Tampa
Located on Florida’s Gulf Coast, Florida’s third-largest city is growing with a strong economy and a diverse range of neighbourhoods. The cost of living is relatively low, and the city offers plenty of outdoor activities and cultural attractions. The median sale price for a home in Tampa in April 2023 was $290,750 according to the Greater Tampa Realtors.
Jacksonville
With a population of over 1.5 million people, Jacksonville is the largest city in Florida and offers plenty of job opportunities and a low cost of living. The city is also home to several top-ranked universities and a growing arts and culture scene. The median sale price for a home in Jacksonville in May 2023 was $386,990 according to the Northeast Florida Association of Realtors.
Gainesville
Home to the University of Florida, Gainesville is a great place to live for students and young professionals. The cost of living is relatively low, and the city offers plenty of outdoor activities and cultural attractions. The median sale price for a home in Gainesville in April 2023 was $350,000 according to Florida Realtors.
Sarasota
This small city offers the best of coastal and beach living with its rooftop bars, vibrant arts scene and downtown bayfront. The cost of living is high, but the city offers a strong job market and a charming, laid-back atmosphere. The median sale price for a single-family home in April 2023 in Sarasota was $520,000 according to the Realtor Association of Sarasota and Manatee.
Florida has it all – from beautiful beaches to a thriving economy, top-ranked universities, diverse real estate options, and various attractions and activities. Join the many who have made the Sunshine State their home and discover what makes Florida one of the most popular places to live in the US.
If you’d like to explore more real estate options, give us a call! Our real estate agents can help find the perfect home for you.
