Moving to Florida or buying a nice house near the beach is no guarantee that you'll suddenly become happier, healthier, and more relaxed.
However, if you love the ocean, enjoy outdoor activities, and like the idea of settling down in a vacation-like atmosphere, then Florida might be the ideal backdrop for the next chapter of your life!
Since Florida is not a one-size-fits-all real estate market, it's important to know the lay of the land and how to match your desired lifestyle with the right location, climatic conditions, and amenities. If the idea of living in Florida appeals to you, but you're not that familiar with the characteristics of different cities and regions, then your first step might be to do some online research. U.S. News & World Report, for example, ranks cities on desirability and publishes the results in its 100 Best Places to Live in the USA list.
Using criteria such as the strength of the local job market, quality of life, and other values, the media company provides an overview and rankings of what it's like to live in different areas. The cities in Florida that are ranked in the report are: Sarasota (#21), Tampa (#35), Orlando (#40), Jacksonville (#45), Melbourne (#49), Lakeland (#64), Fort Myers (#70) Daytona Beach (#82), and Miami (#92). Statistics are included that offer insights into the cost of living, average temperatures, and average commuting times. While everyone's experience is going to be different, accurate information will help you weigh the options and make an informed choice.
Even though living in a bustling city is not a preferred lifestyle for many Florida residents, there are scores of smaller towns and quieter outlying communities that offer the best of both worlds. If a small-town atmosphere is more of what you're looking for, there's no shortage of appealing suburban communities, quiet neighborhoods, and out-of-the-way places that are often just a short drive to shopping, entertainment, and beaches.
After you've made some decisions about your desired lifestyle, the type of Florida home you can afford, and where you'd like to live, the next step is to begin working with a knowledgeable real estate agent. They have the resources and training to help you match your lifestyle goals with the available homes for sale in a specific area. If you were to plunge into a real estate search all on your own, it may end up being a "hit or miss proposition". On the other hand, when you're working with a professional who understands the region, the real estate market, and the characteristics of different communities, you'll be in a much stronger position to find a new home that will satisfy you and your family in the long run.
The secret to success, then, is to decide what you need in a Florida home, do some research, and then find a seasoned, local real estate agent who will ferret out the best possibilities and guide you through the process from start to finish!
