With about 250 sunny days a year, Florida is called the Sunshine State for good reason. And that’s one of the reasons more people are thinking about moving there. Year-round nice weather, relatively low taxes, and an easy-going lifestyle are more than enough reasons for many people to relocate there. If you’re thinking about getting away from cold winters and cloudy skies and investing in real estate in Florida, there are a few Florida cities that might fit the bill.
Tallahassee
Tallahassee is your typical American college town. Home of Florida State University, Tallahassee is known for its strong pride in the Florida Seminoles. But there’s more to the city than just its universities and college football. Tallahassee is also the capital of Florida and just 22 miles from the Gulf of Mexico and its beaches.
Tallahassee is also a great family town. With the median price of a home at about $250,000, it’s not difficult for families to carve out a spot for themselves there. In addition, Tallahassee’s unemployment rate is below the national average, and Leon County continues to make strides in reducing crime. Although a city of nearly 200,000, Tallahassee manages to maintain a small-town feel.
Orlando
When you think of Orlando, you probably think of Walt Disney World or one of the many other resorts that the city is known for. But if you get away from the touristy environs, you’ll find a liveable city with a forward-thinking outlook. Travel downtown and you’ll discover a modern city with art galleries, museums, and beautiful parks.
Orlando has a population of about 280,000, and the average price of a house there is around $325,000, though it’s possible to find cheaper properties in areas outside the city. Orlando is also a city that continues to grow. According to one estimate, the Orlando region welcomes more than 1,000 new residents a week.
Key West
Key West might not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of putting down roots, but many are attracted to the strength of its close-knit community and the slow pace of life. If you’re not familiar with Key West, it’s the southernmost island in the Florida Keys, known for its pastel-colored houses, Key Lime Pie, and its devotion to Ernest Hemingway.
The island would also serve as a great spot for vacation property investors looking to capitalize on its tourist trade, as Key West gets more than five million visitors a year. Still, the island is not only for tourists. You might be surprised to learn that Key West has about 25,000 full-time residents, which makes the city larger than a lot of small towns on the mainland.
Fort Lauderdale
Fort Lauderdale is a city that some have accused of lacking a distinct character. This is probably because the city is sometimes outshined by Miami, which lies just 30 miles to the south. But Fort Lauderdale’s relatively low profile is one of the great things about living there. You can enjoy the city’s beautiful beaches and balmy weather without all the touristy hassles.
Fort Lauderdale also gives you the impression of being a more progressive town than Miami. With about 180,000 residents, the city is home to an incredibly diverse population. In fact, it’s one of the most diverse cities in the country.
Fort Myers
If you’re looking for a smaller quiet town without all the glitz and glamor that can go with more touristy cities, Fort Myers could be the right place for you. Located in the southwestern part of the state, Fort Myers is known for its beaches. But with a population of only 80,000 people, you’re just as likely to find deserted beaches as you are to find crowded ones.
The typical cost of a home in Fort Myers is around $300,000. And the city has been enjoying a construction boom. Incidentally, Fort Myers was voted one of the best places to retire. And although the city isn’t the cheapest in the nation, it does stand up well against others.
Choosing a city to live in can be difficult, but if you think you’re ready for year-round warmth and sunshine, Florida could be your new home. Cities such as Tallahassee, Orlando, and Fort Lauderdale have a lot to offer in terms of their cultural diversity, laidback way of life, and community pride. And although there is no perfect place to live, the sunshine and warmth of Florida are big positives.
