Living in Florida brings with it an abundance of sunshine, warm temperatures, and access to incredible oceanic views. For people who thrive on spending a lot of time on the beach or golf course, Florida offers many opportunities to indulge in both.
If you're considering buying a home in Florida, you do need to give careful thought to the kind of lifestyle you'd like to enjoy. Temperatures and weather conditions can vary noticeably from Jacksonville, in the north, to Miami, in the south, so it's a good idea to know what you want and to factor those preferences into your decision.
If you decide to focus your house hunting efforts on suburban or rural areas, chances are you'll still be reasonably close to beaches, golf courses, and bustling big cities. There's a tremendous amount of beach access up and down the Florida coast, and it's generally not difficult to find a quiet stretch of beach on which to stroll and relax.
Before buying a home in Florida, it's essential to research all aspects of the area you're interested in, including real estate prices, market conditions, property tax rates, commuting distances, traffic conditions, crime statistics, school district reputations, nearby amenities, and other quality of life issues.
While some Floridians thrive in touristy areas, others prefer to live a comfortable distance from the crowds. Although tourism is one of the major industries in Florida, there are hundreds of charming neighborhoods, suburban areas, historic sections of town, and quiet communities that offer the best of both worlds. Whether you're attracted to the excitement of city life or the slower pace of outlying areas, the diversity of Florida offers many options for home buyers.
The key to becoming a satisfied Florida homeowner is to visit the areas you're considering moving to and choose a real estate agent who's familiar with the characteristics of those neighborhoods and cities. In addition to talking to locals and asking them what it's actually like to live there, a lot of helpful information can be gleaned from Internet research. For example, surveys conducted by reputable polling companies, such as Gallup, can shed light on the quality of life in different parts of the state.
In a nationwide Gallup survey conducted in 2015 and 2016, three communities in Florida ranked among the top ten (out of 189) in the United States, in regard to overall satisfaction with life, personal wellness, and local ambiance. Naples and a couple nearby areas earned the number one spot in the poll. North Port, Sarasota, and Bradenton were ranked number six.
In addition to gauging the physical, financial, and social well-being of respondents, the survey also asked residents if they liked where they live and whether they had pride in their community. The feedback residents provided reflected their level of satisfaction with their location and quality of life. Other cities that were ranked in the top 40 included Port St. Lucie (#30), Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach (#35), and Cape Coral–Fort Myers(#38). The report was part of the Gallup-Healthways State of American Well-Being series.
