The Southeastern state of Florida is the fourth largest state in the country and home to a wide array of different types of people and cultures. Also known as the “Sunshine State”, its climate is both warm and tropical attracting people from all over to visit and to live. A large majority of the state is a peninsula surrounded by the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean. Most of the major cities are but a short distance from the coast. Jacksonville, Miami, Ft. Lauderdale, and Tampa are all along the coast. Much of the success of these major cities can be attributed to its warm, coastal environments they offer.

The state has had an increase in population at a steady rate since the 1980’s. Most of the new residents are retirees who find the state a perfect place to settle down. With resorts, numerous hospitals, and no sales tax it is very attractive to those looking for a low cost of living and affordable healthcare. The popularity of major cities such as Miami, Jacksonville and Orlando has also played a huge part in the large increase in population for the state. Miami and Orlando offer so many different attractions ranging from amusement parks like Seaworld and Disney World to resorts like Busch Gardens and Universal Orlando and even the World’s largest cruise ship port in Miami. Tourists coming into the state often find the cities and communities so attractive that they end up moving there.
Due to the steady increase of new residents since the 80’s, the state has had to adjust to the higher population. Increasing property taxes and a rise in unemployment have made it a tough market for new housing. Due to the market, builders have had to drop prices in order to survive. Fortunately for consumers, lower housing prices offer a great opportunity for buying a home today. Smaller resort type cities in Florida can offer very affordable housing, close to any of the major cities. Read more »

Sales Trends
Orlando is one city that is surviving well in the state. Generating plenty of jobs in 2008, it continues to grow. With 120,000 new jobs created since 2005, it has had the opportunity to continue building new homes for residents at a steady rate. There were a total of 10,284 building permits issued last year for the Orlando area. With an average home price of $167,800 for a new home, the city is offering a large amount of affordable new homes. With prices lower than most of the country, it won’t be surprising to see more and more people moving to the city.

Other Key Trends
As the economy begins to rise, tourism should began to increase again as families can afford to take vacations. With some of the lowest home prices in the country, tourists will be influenced to consider moving to the sunshine state. A stronger housing market provides less worry for selling homes out of state. This can provide even more assurance when considering retirement. Florida, with low housing prices and resorts abundant, may again become the retirement and tourist destination place that it has been for so long.  « Close »