Dubbed the “Sunshine State,” Florida has been in the eyes of many Americans who wish to enjoy a little bit more time under the sun. Millions of Americans have long visited it for spring breaks and summer vacations, but in recent years it has emerged as one of their top relocation choices. Florida has steadily become more popular among Americans to move into, at least during the past decade.
From April 2020 to April 2021, almost 330,000 people moved to Florida - that's roughly 903 people moving in every day!
So in today’s blog, we’re going to share with you the top 3 cities people are moving into in the Sunshine State, but before we go through that juicy stuff, have you ever wondered why people are moving to Florida?
Aside from the promise of year-round summer vibes, we think people are moving to Florida because: first, it is one of nine states without an income tax, which makes it particularly appealing to upper-class households coming from states with higher top individual income tax rates like New York and New Jersey, which are 10.9% and 10.75%, respectively. Low-income and middle-class families, who claim that their move to Florida is due to the low cost of living, are also drawn to it.
Second, there are a lot of job opportunities in Florida. Among the job opportunities in this state are tourism, aviation, aerospace, defense, home security, and cryptocurrency.
Last but not least, we think the regulatory environment in the state is among the most favorable in the country. Since 2015, Florida has enjoyed the highest economic and personal freedom among states.
People have also cited the diversity of cultures as one of the reasons why they chose to move to Florida. The state stands out for its reduced tax rates, diverse and thriving economy, goodwill toward businesses, and relatively minimal government.
Now, onto the meat of the story.
Here are the top 3 cities in Florida that people are moving into:
Avon Park
The city got its name from Stratford-upon-Avon, England. Avon Park has a rich history and has played host to famous guests, including Clark Gable and Babe Ruth - both have stayed at the Hotel Jacaranda in Avon Park.
People prefer Avon Park for several reasons, including the fact that it doesn't have an income tax, is close to the airport, has a diverse population, and is less susceptible to hurricanes, earthquakes, wildfires, and even volcanic eruptions. The city also promises pleasant weather for a significant portion of the year. If you plan to move into this lovely city, you’re looking at homes with an average price of around $237,000.
Sarasota
Sarasota is one of the most popular retirement communities, but it is home to more than just retirees. People come here for numerous reasons, such as the beaches, the arts, and the shopping at St. Armands Circle.
People chose Sarasota because of its warm and sunny weather, beautiful beaches, access to quality health care, plenty of cultural activities, good food, and a wide choice of dining options. If you are an outdoor person, then you will have your fill with Sarasota's selection of outdoor activities. The city also has a convenient central location and a moderate cost of living.
If you’re planning to purchase a home in Sarasota in the future, the current median for listing is around $545,000.
Ocala
As the world's horse capital, this city has long been associated with the equestrian world. However, aside from equestrianism, this quaint city has lots to offer, including the Wildlife Safari Park and zip line adventures. You can find the longest zip line over water in the U.S. Ocala National Forest, where you can also catch a glimpse of the famous Florida black bears.
Ocala is known for being a family-friendly small town. Like Sarasota and Avon Park, it has an affordable cost of living and no state income taxes. With plenty of fun things to do and lots of outdoor activities to choose from, you will not get bored in this city.
If you’re planning to move here in the future, the median price for homes in Ocala is around $305,800.
Final Words
People flock to Florida for its cultural diversity, affordable cost of living, and minimal to no income taxes. We invite you to experience the Sunshine State for yourself and see why people have fallen in love with it. To know more about the real estate status here in Florida, check out www.velindahittinger.com
