Should you move to Florida?

Thinking About Moving to the Sunshine State?

Whether you live in Washington or Wisconsin, chances are good that you have visited Florida at least once.

After all, the Sunshine State is not only the theme park capital of the world but also boasts miles and miles of gorgeous coastline and some of the best opportunities for outdoor recreation in the country.

Maybe that’s why so many people are also deciding to move to Florida. They want to feel like they are on vacation for all 365 days of the year.

However, it’s important to realize that in many ways Florida is much like other places. You won’t have to look far to find quiet suburbs, great schools, parks where local families play and wonderful places to work.

While it might not feel like vacation all the time, it certainly does come close. That is just one of the benefits you get from choosing to live in a state that also happens to be a top vacation destination.

What are some of the biggest reasons why you should move to Florida?

Keep reading to find out!

1. Florida Is So Much More Than Theme Parks

Look beyond Orlando’s theme parks, and you’ll discover a state that’s loaded with charming and impressive cities. Miami, Tampa, Fort Lauderdale, Tallahassee, Destin and many others are all waiting to be explored.

Each Florida city is unique. Some of them are quite small and have a distinctive historical flavor. Others are large and pulsing with life. Whether you are looking for an urban center that’s filled with skyscrapers or somewhere a little more intimate and relaxed, you’ll find it in Florida.

2. The Beach Is Always Close

Who doesn’t love to spend their off hours at the beach? When you live in Florida, then going to the beach can be your main pastime. In fact, you could even choose to live in a single-family home or condominium that’s right on the ocean. Not only will you enjoy coastal views from your windows but also you’ll be able to dip your toes in the sand whenever you like.

Of course, seaside living isn’t for everyone. Perhaps you would rather find a home that is situated on one of Florida’s lakes or streams? Even if living on the water isn’t your destiny, it’s still nice to know that Florida’s beaches are just a short drive away no matter where you are in the state.

3. No State Income Tax

Florida is one of the few states in the union that does not have income tax. This means that you get to take home more of your pay, and that can be extremely attractive to many people.

Of course, Florida does have a sales tax, which currently is set at six percent. There are exceptions to this tax, which means that living in Florida could be financially advantageous for you.

4. A Hot Economy

Florida is fortunate to have a bustling economy that recently reached one trillion dollars. Unemployment rates are down, and new jobs are continuously being added. If you are looking for a new employment opportunity, Florida may be the place to find it.

5. Booming Industries

Florida is a great place to establish a business or join a thriving industry. Some of the top industries in the state include agriculture, international trade, aerospace and aviation, life sciences, financial services and tourism.

All of these industries are traditional highlights for the state, but tech is emerging as a new hot spot. Young professionals who are hoping to enter the tech field would do well to consider relocating to Florida. Startups abound here as do well-established firms.

6. Warm and Sunny Weather

For most of the year, Florida’s weather is exceptionally fine. Think sun and warmth for most days of the year. Summers do tend to be hot and humid, but most indoor places are air conditioned, and the mild winters make up for the sticky summers.

7. Cultural Diversity

If you want to be surrounded by a vibrant world of cultures, then Florida is the place to be. It’s a gathering place for people of all age groups, nationalities and religions. Many of the people who now call Florida home were not born in the state. This means that they all have diverse backgrounds and histories to share. It’s a wonderful place to meet new people and learn about other cultures.

8. Spectacular Outdoor Recreation

With more than 200 sunny days in the average year, outdoor recreation is a huge attraction in Florida. Pretty nearly anything that you can imagine is available from kayaking and canoeing to hiking, cycling and fishing. You can even choose to join upscale golf and tennis clubs or opt for a more rugged experience in the Everglades. Whatever kind of adventure you thirst for, you’ll find it in Florida.

9. Sports Fans Are Everywhere

Are you a fan of college or professional sports? If so, then Florida is the perfect place for you to call home. The people here are intense about their favorite teams. You’ll find them cheering for the Orlando Magic, Miami Marlins, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Jacksonville Jaguars and many others. Plus, with the teams at Florida State University and University of Florida to cheer for, there’s also a game to watch or attend.

10. Outstanding Food and Drinks

With its miles of coastline, it’s easy to see why fresh seafood is featured on so many dining tables across the state. However, you won’t just find fish on the menu. Given the state’s cultural diversity, you’ll find food that’s influenced by Cuba, the Caribbean and ports of call around the world. Remember that agriculture is big business in Florida too, so this is an excellent place to sample some of the freshest produce anywhere.

Let Waypointe Realty Be Your Guide

Do you want to learn more about the Florida lifestyle? You just might be surprised by all of the diverse options that are available to you. From a high-rise condominium in the middle of downtown to a quiet and secluded suburban street lined with single-family dwellings, you’ll find it in Florida. Whether you want to live on the golf course or the beach, Waypointe Realty can help your dreams come true.

Florida is a fabulous place to live, but it isn’t always easy to find the best cities and neighborhoods. That’s why it’s important to have the expert local Realtors at Waypointe Realty along with you on the journey.

Call us at 407.801.9914!

What to expect when moving to Florida

Are you thinking about moving to Florida? If so, then there are some essentials that you need to know about.

That’s because Florida is unlike any other state, and while there are theme parks aplenty, this state is about so much more.

If you are new to Florida or are considering a move here, then keep reading. You’ll gain some valuable insights that will help you make a smooth transition into being a Floridian.

Always Assume There's a Gator

Florida is home to lots of alligators. In fact, there are so many of these crocodilians that it’s always wise to assume that there’s a gator lurking in every freshwater lake, river, marsh, pond and canal. That applies equally to natural and manmade water features.

Despite the large number of alligators, deaths by alligator are rare. Since 1973, there have been just 23 such fatalities. Some of these have come about because people think that it might be fun to feed their picnic lunch to an alligator. Because alligators have a superb sense of smell, it’s wise to never swim or sunbathe in close proximity to bodies of water, and it’s never a good idea to feed alligators.

Sinkholes

sinkhole in Florida

Chances are good that if you’ve been thinking about moving to Florida, then you’ve encountered news stories about sinkholes. While these phenomena do happen, they’re not as frequent as you might fear.

Sinkholes are depressions that form as a result of a collapse at the surface level of the planet. Some sinkholes are small while others are large enough to swallow whole buildings or neighborhoods.

The western side of Florida is more prone to sinkholes than the eastern side. Accordingly, if sinkholes frighten you, it might be wise to live on the eastern side.

Even if you decide