There are so many reasons to move to Florida! With over 200 sunny days per year and no state income tax, Florida is an oasis for people seeking good times, affordable living, and a laid-back, easy-go-lucky lifestyle. Of course, not every community in Florida is the same. Before you can buy a home, you'll have to start by finding the right spot for you.
U.S. News and World Report Best Places 2020-2021 Rank: 114
As the capital of the state of Florida, Tallahassee is a cultural center. Packed with museums like the Museum of Florida History, Florida Historic Capitol Museum, and Tallahassee Museum, there's a lot to do and see in Tallahassee, whether you're taking a day trip to the area, or moving to Tallahassee from somewhere else.
What other features make Tallahassee the place to be? High school students in the area rank eighth for college readiness among the 150 most populous metro areas in the U.S. One more thing: because it's the capital of the state of Florida, Tallahassee has strong economic prospects for people who move to the area. If you're interested in a job in state government, this is the place to be.
U.S. News and World Report Best Places 2020-2021 Rank: 73
Port. St. Lucie has seen a healthy growth rate since 2014. Like a lot of the Florida Metro area, the cost of living in the area is relatively high - but that's for good reason! New York Mets do their spring training in Port. St. Lucie, which makes it a perfect place to live if you love baseball. Boating and fishing is a favorite activity in the area, but in reality, one of the best features about Port St. Lucie is its laid back environment and safe neighborhoods where people can raise a family. Port St. Lucie is close to the Atlantic beaches, though not directly on the beach. All this means that Port St. Lucie gives you access to some of Florida's finest features while providing a safe place to live.
U.S. News and World Report Best Places 2020-2021 Rank: 48
Home of Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando Resort, Orlando is a tourist destination. For homeowners in the area and people seeking to move to Orlando, there's much to do and also many job opportunities. What's the downside? You'll be the automatic preferred host for out of town family members coming to visit. Orlando also boasts warm weather and relative safety from hurricanes.
While cities on the coast of Florida must always be vigilant and homeowners must be hurricane-ready throughout the hurricane season, Orlando is located 60 miles from the nearest beach. In fact, Orlando is a place that some people on the coast evacuate to when a hurricane bears down.
U.S. News and World Report Best Places 2020-2021 Rank: 37
The panhandle of Florida is not the hottest real estate market in Florida - and that makes it a relatively affordable place to live! If you're buying your first home on a budget, Pensacola is a fantastic place to set down roots.
...And that doesn't mean there's anything wrong with Pensacola. White sand beaches make this city a perfect destination for anyone seeking a thriving metropolis with good jobs and opportunities for entertainment and relaxation. And of course, you'll have your choice of waterfront property.
U.S. News and World Report Best Places 2020-2021 Rank: 36
Tampa has experienced massive growth in recent years - and for good reason. With pristine beaches, clean streets, and a bustling economy, Tampa is a destination for homeowners and tourists. The city is also relatively sheltered from bad tropical storms that occasionally affect the cities on the other side of the state.
Because Tampa is a center of entertainment and pleasure as well as a fantastic place to get a job, it's a destination for retirees as well as people in the prime of their careers. What else is good about Tampa? Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, Florida Aquarium, and cultural centers like the Tampa Museum of Art. Come for a good economy... stay for the fun.
U.S. News and World Report Best Places 2020-2021 Rank: 16
So, we might be biased when it comes to our love of Sarasota, but we don't think so. Just one hour south of Tampa, we think Sarasota has everything that Tampa has and much more! Our quickly growing city has a thriving economy, beautiful beaches, and a healthy real estate market. Any home you choose to build or buy in Sarasota is a true investment in your future. Did you know that Sarasota is one of the cultural centers of Florida? It enjoys the nick-name "Florida's Cultural Coast." In Sarasota, we enjoy wine and food festivals, museums, and outdoor activities.
Florida is a huge state with a lot of diversity - diversity of people, diversity of entertainment, and environmental diversity. Living inland, you'll enjoy proximity to lakes and waterways, warm weather, and seemingly endless sunshine. On the coast, white sand beaches and sea coast breezes make life vacation-like.
The cost of living varies around the state, so do your homework. One way to make living in Florida more affordable is to purchase a fixer-upper home and make it your own. If this is your plan, be sure to work with a reputable contractor with remodeling experience when upgrading your new house.
If you're buying a pre-home in the Sarasota area and plan to remodel, it's important to work with a contractor with skills and a good reputation. Gilbert Design Build has almost 20 years of experience helping homeowners in the Sarasota area remodel. Call Gilbert Design Build today for a consultation.