Warm weather, pristine sandy beaches , and tall palm trees that gently sway in the breeze. There’s no question that South Florida is an ideal getaway location, a perfect escape from routine daily life. But what about moving here? South Florida may be great for a week-long vacation, but does it have any inherent qualities that make it an attractive place to settle down? Believe it or not, there are many things that make South Florida a great place to make the move. From affordable real estate, greenspace, and world-class golf to a nationally renowned education system South Florida is not only the ideal vacation spot, but also the perfect place to make a new start. Here are a few reasons why South Florida is such an amazing place to live!
While Canadians Barbara and Steven Sexsmith purchased a home here for the warm weather, American Jeffrey Kamikow and his wife made the move to enjoy more golf during their semi-retirement. With Jeffrey working from home due to the pandemic, the couple were able to start enjoying more time together and on the course sooner than anticipated. Janie Edmonton, a single mother from New Jersey, relocated so she could enjoy a more affordable home without sacrificing her daughters’ education. “The schools here in Palm Beach are wonderful,” she said. “And we love being able to enjoy our yard all year round.”
Climate
It is well known that regardless of the time of year, the weather in South Florida typically stays warm, which is why it is such a popular place for northerners to get their respite from the cold winter. The official climate type of South Florida is Subtropical. Year-round the weather is warm, with frequent rain and thunderstorms in the summer months and dry, hot winters. Though this may not be attractive to all people, it’s perfect for those who love to spend their time outdoors and don’t mind higher temperatures.
South Florida is no stranger to severe weather. It is estimated that the state of Florida sees hurricanes every three years or so, with most landing in the northwestern part of the state. The state also leads the nation in tornadoes annually, but most of these storms fall on the weaker end of the intensity scale. Overall, residents should be wary of severe weather during the times of year it frequents the state, but it shouldn’t be a deterrent for those looking to settle down here.
Education System
On average, Florida’s statewide education system peaks above the national average with an 86 percent high school graduation rate. On top of this, the state has some of the lowest university tuition rates in the country. Students also pay significantly less for books, fees, and living expenses compared to other schools across the nation. University of Florida is ranked 30th nationwide, with other universities such as the University of Miami not falling too far behind.
Throughout Florida, there are also hundreds of private schools to choose from, with many of these schools ranking top 1 percent in the country. Of course tuitions will vary depending on your location and desires, but with the wide array of choices, you’re sure to find a school that suits your needs.
Real Estate
Among the most desirable attributes of living in the Sunshine State is its affordability. Florida real estate is reasonably priced, with many houses selling in the low hundred thousands. Take for example, Cape Coral, which has median housing prices of just $180,000, or Palm Bay, where housing prices average just $90,000! These communities are not only affordable, but they’re also beautiful and full of attractions that are sure to please.
The downside for residents is that a lot of jobs pay comparatively lower wages than other states, so while housing may seem cheaper, it’s all relative, and people living in these areas may disagree. On top of this, residents also have to pay higher taxes and deal with higher insurance rates than many other places.
Greenspace
When the Sunshine State comes to mind, wildlife may not be one of the first things you think of. Believe it or not, there are 11 different national parks throughout the state for tourists and residents alike to enjoy. Each of these parks offers something unique for visitors to experience, from mangrove swamps to beautiful cypress forests.
Florida is also home to some of the most illusive and captivating flora and fauna of anywhere in the United States. From alligators, to giant snakes, and large wildcats, the vast amounts of green space and protected land grants these creatures plenty of space to thrive. Florida also has some gorgeous specimens of avian life, making it an attractive destination for bird watchers and ornithologists.
Florida may be one of the more popular tourist hot spots, with its beautiful weather, raging nightlife, and many exhilarating attractions, but unbeknownst to many individuals, there are so many reasons why this is an ideal location to settle down. From the year round warm weather, various educational opportunities, to the affordable real estate and extensive green-space, you’ll be sure to fall in love with everything the sunshine state has to offer.
