To new homeowners or those looking to invest in a second property, at first glance, especially South Florida might appear to be an expensive area of the country to buy but when you dig a little deeper, you’ll find plenty of affordable properties in this beautiful climate that are close to all the lively things to do and explore in the area – and the prices are only going up, making right now the most imperative time to make the leap and buy a home in South Florida.
The sunshine state has one of the hottest real estate markets in the country and here are our top reasons why:
1. The Obvious reason. The Climate
It will come as no surprise that the tropical climate and 237 days of sunshine is a big draw for most people. Why shovel snow and clear ice off your car windshield when you can leave it all behind, especially if you work remotely. Why not drive your convertible or motorcycle all year round not just summer. While it’s true the rainy season can bring hurricanes along with it, the rain allows the greenery to grow and thrive creating a beautiful landscape all year round. If you are planning to relocate permanently or are looking for a holiday or retirement home, you can look forward to lots of sunny days ahead.
2. There is a lot to to do..A lot
You’ll never have to hear those dreaded words, “I’m bored” when you’re in Florida. There is something to do around every corner. With golf resorts, buzzing nightlife, exciting cities, and the world-famous Theme parks on your doorstep (including resident discounts), there’s something to keep everyone busy. Not to mention amazing beaches, natural springs and the one and only Everglades National Park. South Florida is the gateway to latin America and the Caribbean with a culture infusion like no other, hosting World class events such as Formula 1, Art Basel and the South beach Wine and food festival. This state will definitely keep you busy all year round.
3. The Beaches...There is a few..Everywhere.
Time to trade in the snowmen for sand castles. We could write a whole blog dedicated to Florida’s iconic beaches. With almost 1,500 miles of coastline, you won’t have to travel far to find a beautiful beach. Notable beaches include Pete Beach, Palm Beach and Siesta Key which has won awards for having the softest sand in the world. Buying a home in Florida is about creating a better lifestyle for yourself and your family. It’s almost guaranteed that a fun-filled or relaxing day at the beach will do that.
4. It’s a (fairly) easy process
Buying a home can be a stressful time especially when it’s international. But buying in the USA can be a smooth and uncomplicated process. Engaging with a good Florida realtor will help to ensure everything goes according to plan. You could invest in an older property that needs some work or move straight into a beautiful custom home. You also have the benefit of no language barrier and a regulated buying process. Contact us to get more information on how easy the process can be.
5. The Cost.
Even in today’s climate, you will be surprised what you can get for your money in Florida. There are lots of great properties to choose from and the availability is great right now. Forbes recently found that house sales in Florida had risen by 32% from May 2020 to May 2021. There are lots of opportunities for renovations to make a house your own or even build a home that’s perfect for you. We work with over 50 home builders in several areas of the state and can definitely assist you in matching you with the best builder for your needs.
6. No Income Tax
Florida is famous for being one of the few states with no state income tax, though residents must of course still abide by federal income tax laws. This means that you get to keep a larger portion of your wages, and don’t have to worry as much about keeping track of your information throughout the year for the state tax season. Florida does not collect state personal income tax and instead generates funds from sales and tourism taxes.
7. Strong Local Investments
Since the area is so highly trafficked by tourists and locals, you will find an abundance of local businesses and ventures to invest in along with your new home. Additionally, you may want to consider buying another house or other property as real estate in Florida is in high demand, and over time the return on your investment will skyrocket, if you do your research and work with us, we can guide you to success.
8. Enroll in Top Universities
Along with exciting activities, Florida is also known for its stellar universities. Since the state enacted the Bright Futures Scholarship and Florida No Child Left Behind Act Florida schools and educational centers have improved tremendously. Some of the best public universities in Florida include:
University of Florida: ranks no. 6 nationally of public schools in the US
University of Central Florida: ranks no. 14 best online undergraduate programs
Florida State University: ranks no. 4 best colleges for criminal justice in America
With that being said, if you or your family members want a fantastic education, Florida is one of the best (and most affordable) states to enroll in!
9. Retire in Paradise
According to recent surveys, retirees in Florida make up 20.9% of the state’s population. This makes Florida the best place for retirement because the state is full of senior-friendly activities and peaceful communities. Furthermore, if you imagine spending your golden years on the golf course, Florida offers some of the best (and most famous) greens in the country! Some of the most popular courses around Florida include:
PGA National Golf Club (Palm Beach Gardens, Florida)
Waldorf Astoria Golf Club (Orlando, Florida)
TPC Sawgrass Golf Course (Ponte Vedra, Florida)
10. President and Celebrity Getaway. They Can't Get enough.
Florida is one of a handful of “swing states” that helps to determine the outcome of our presidential elections. Regardless of your political views one thing everyone agrees on is that Florida is the place to be. From the early years it was always considered a weekend getaway for many of our nations leaders and their families. Harry S. Truman spent so much time in his Key West home that it became known as “The Little White House.” John F. Kennedy wrote his presidential inaugural address from his family home in Palm Beach. The Bush family, which includes two U.S. presidents, has vacationed regularly in Florida since George H.W. Bush was a child. Donald Trump spent most of his weekends at Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach during his presidency and was there full time after. Of course The Celebrities from J-Lo to John Travolta, Julia Roberts, Oprah Winfrey, Judge Judy, and many more have called Florida home.
11. Economic Growth and Jobs
Florida has one of the nation’s largest GDPs (gross domestic products). In fact, the state’s GDP equals roughly that of the entire country of Mexico. Not surprisingly, it takes a lot of employees to run an economy of that magnitude, and jobs are plentiful. Top industries include aviation, financial services, information technology, manufacturing, and distribution as well as Hospitality and tourism. Admittedly, the jobs aren’t always high-paying ones. However, if you have a degree or experience in an in-demand industry, you should have no problem finding a good job in Florida.
12. The Food and Drinks are quite diverse.
From its famous stone crabs to its locally made craft brews, Florida is home to a plethora of delectable dining options. With its many climate zones and thriving farms, it’s a mecca for fresh produce such as its world-famous oranges, sugarcane, tomatoes, watermelon, avocados and strawberries. Florida restaurants serve plenty of Island-inspired and Caribbean-style foods such as key lime pie and coconut shrimp. No matter where you are in Florida, you’ll be able to find fresh and tasty fare nearby.
If you’re looking to relocate, have a vacation home, investment property or retire in Florida, you may be wondering what kind of property to get. It is not an easy decision, and there’s quite a bit to look into before starting the process. The first step when it comes to buying a house is to engage a Florida realtor. We can guide you based on our experience and the current market conditions and the information you need, and represent you effectively. This will make the process smooth and help you find a home that suits your lifestyle and when you SEE IT and you LIKE IT you can OWN IT.
