Nine cities in Florida, where life is best

Americans are leaving the expensive states of California and New York in large numbers and moving mainly to the south: Florida, Texas, Arizona. If you, too, are thinking about moving south, here are the best places—from affordable to luxury—to live in Florida, reports Travel & Leisure.

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What used to be a retirement plan has now become something of an American dream for people of all ages and walks of life: to move to Florida. The popular holiday destination is home to about 22 million people all year round. It has sun, over 1600 km of coastline, a favorable tax climate and a "live and let live" philosophy that attracts people from all over the world. Florida has small towns, big cities, stunning nature reserves, luxury hotels, quirky traditions, and even a tropical island chain that feels like a Caribbean getaway.

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But without a doubt, the Sunshine State is an expensive place to live. As of October 2022, the typical U.S. home value was $357 (up 589% from 13,5) and the median home in Florida was $2021 (up 406% than in 876).

However, depending on your situation, the high quality of life and the absence of a state personal income tax, not to mention the abundance of both natural beauty and man-made attractions at your doorstep, can more than offset the higher costs. Besides, Florida unemployment rate was 2022% as of October 2,7, compared to 3,7% in the US, and the state minimum wage is currently $10 an hour (compared to the federal minimum wage of $7,25).

From city centers to tiny towns, here are nine of the best places to live in Florida.

Miami

Miami is arguably the busiest city in Florida. The average cost of a house in this coastal metropolis is $ 474 701. Of course, there are many different areas in this big, bustling city, with big price differences, such as between South Beach and the hinterland. Yet as a global center for finance, culture, the arts, and international trade, Miami offers its residents a unique combination of business opportunities, Florida-Cuban culture, vibrant nightlife, and life by the sea.

If you want to live in a big city with a tropical twist, Miami is your best bet. It may be an expensive place to live, but the unemployment rate here is 1,7%which is much lower than the national average. And while the per capita personal income in the US is $55, you can expect to earn more in Miami - $ 64that can balance out the higher cost of living.

West Palm Beach

Want to be closer to Miami? Move to West Palm Beach, where the cost of a typical house in the region is $ 437 (up 28,8% from 2021 to 2022).

While this world-class city has all the perks of a much larger metropolitan area, it has retained its small-town charm thanks to its historic districts, locals, and strong commitment to purposeful development.

Just under 118 people live in West Palm Beach, and the level unemployment is 2,3%. Although the cost of living is higher than in less attractive metropolitan areas, Palm Beach County has the most high The median salary in Florida is $61. And in recent years, the city has led the state in terms of income and population growth.

The lack of affordable housing is offset by job opportunities, outdoor activities (especially in and around water, including scuba diving), and vibrant arts, cultural and recreational activities in the city centre. There are Broadway shows, art galleries and open-air amphitheatres.

Jacksonville

In Jacksonville, Florida's largest city (and, believe it or not, the largest city by area in the continental United States), the cost typical for the home region, $378—lower than the state but slightly higher than the country.

Add to that the abundant job opportunities (Jacksonville's unemployment rate is 2,5%), 35 miles of beaches, good highways, 270 days of sunshine a year, the best school district in Florida, and so much more to do, you'll see why so many families flock to this city. According to Visit Jacksonville, it is also one of the youngest cities in Florida, with an average age of 36, as well as the largest city park system in the country.

Jacksonville is a city that has it all, including plenty of room to welcome newcomers.

Tampa

Located on the picturesque Tampa Bay along Florida's Gulf Coast, Tampa is a hub for business, cultural institutions and outdoor events, with some of the state's best restaurants and a high standard of living. Plus, the popular Busch Gardens amusement park is just as fun as any Orlando theme park, and you don't have to drive long (although Orlando is about an hour and a half away if you want to make the trip).

You can head to Tampa's Ybor City Historic District, built by Cuban and Spanish cigar factory workers in the early 1900s, for restaurants and nightclubs like no other. The city is becoming an increasingly popular relocation destination for young professionals and families.

There is a lot to see and do here. Employment prospects here are also very good, with an unemployment rate of 2,6%. The cost of a typical house for the region is $ 391 314.

Cape Coral

Cape Coral is a small town near Fort Myers and the Gulf of Mexico on the southwest coast of Florida. Its population of about 204 lives close to Gulf Coast beaches, golf courses, and other attractions, including 500 km of canals (and thus ample opportunities for boating, fishing, and water sports). Here, the cost of a typical home for the region is $640, up 431%. more from 2021 to 2022.

If you want to get the full picture of Florida, you can be sure that there are plenty of ways to enjoy the outdoors in Cape Coral, including tennis courts and nature reserves. Life on Cape Coral is calmer and slower, and for some this is just the goal.

Orlando

Orlando is one of the most popular cities in Florida. The cost of a typical house for the region $ 402 and the unemployment rate 2,8%.

Home to many theme parks and various other attractions, Orlando has no shortage of things to do. You can choose from a range of lifestyles, from living in the city center to private residences in the suburbs. It also has a first-class university with thousands of students every year, so the city is ready for further growth.

The Villages

The Villages, a massive, carefully planned age-restricted community spanning parts of Lake and Marion counties in central Florida, is the most active adult retirement community in the nation.

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With three old-fashioned city squares (all with nightly entertainment), world-class medical facilities, boutiques, and plenty of recreational opportunities, it's like living in Disney World for people of a certain age. In addition, almost all areas are connected by golf cart lanes, so despite the busyness, you can forget about traffic headaches.

While only people aged 55 and over can live in communities owned by The Villages, anyone can move to nearby areas and take advantage of the many amenities open to the public. According to Zillow, the cost of a typical home in The Villages for the region ist $438 197. And things are only getting better: The average home value in The Villages rose by a whopping 34,6% between 2021 and 2022.

Ocala

According to Zillow, Ocala has long been a haven for horse enthusiasts due to its thriving horse community, and is also one of the top 2022 cities in Florida with the lowest median housing costs. As of October XNUMX, the cost of a typical home in Ocala for the region was $289 which is lower than in the US. The city may seem small, but within an hour or two of driving you can reach the beaches, Orlando theme parks, and some of the most beautiful places in Florida.

In addition, with the recent opening of an $800 million resort and the fact that it is one of Florida's top metropolitan areas, seeing the highest growth in median home value from 2021 to 2022 (up 32,8% year on year), you can to say that Ocala is on the rise.

Lake city

Lake City in northern Florida is another option near the state's stunning natural springs, but it also has history, cultural attractions, parks, boutiques, and some mouth-watering Southern cuisine.

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If you're looking to move to Florida but can't afford expensive destinations like Naples or Key West, Lake City, with a population of around 12, is a good option. Lake City saw a significant increase in median home values ​​from 000 to 2021. Growth increased by 27% up to $238, but this is still well below the national figure.

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