Moving to Florida –10 reasons to make Florida your new home
Posted on 29. May, 2013 by adminBlogFL+ in Blog Categories
For many Americans, moving to Florida is a lifelong aspiration; but all too often, it is a plan that is postponed until retirement. Each year, Florida is one of the top relocation destinations in the US, particularly among senior citizens. In fact, more than 17% of Florida’s population is over 65 years old (much higher than the national average). But Florida is not just a destination for the elderly. It is a beautiful, relaxing, and rejuvenating place to live for people of all ages. The winters are mild, gorgeous beaches are plentiful, there is no state income tax, and there are more golf courses per capita than any other state in the US. So why should you wait for retirement? Read on for 10 reasons to end the wait and make Florida your new home.
1. Unparalleled beaches. Florida is the only US state which borders both the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico. It possesses the longest coastline of any state at nearly 1,200 miles long, and as such, it is home to some of the most beautiful and scenic beaches in the world. The exotic Sanibel Island beaches, the ritzy Naples Beaches and the charming Destin Beaches all feature gorgeous white sand, stunning scenery, and a quiet exclusive charm. For a more exciting and charged party-atmosphere, visitors may find Miami Beach, South Beach or Palm Beach to their liking.
2. Luxurious weather. Florida is the southernmost state in the continental US, and as such, its weather is uniquely tropical. In Florida, the highest concentration of rainfall occurs during the summer months, and Florida’s winters are some of the warmest in the country. Daytime highs during the winter in South Florida are often in the 70s, so it’s no surprise that Florida is the top winter destination in the world.
3. Nature and Wildlife. Florida is home to some of the most diverse swamps and wetlands in the nation. Along the southern tip of Florida lies the famous Everglades National Park; this flooded grassland presents a unique ecosystem that hosts a diverse collection of wildlife. The park is home to some of the most exotic flora and fauna in the Country. Everything from alligators, panthers, and manatees to the rare Bald Eagle and the beautiful Ghost Orchid can be found in the Everglades. The Everglades National Park is Florida’s biggest eco-tourism destination, and nature enthusiast may find the Everglades to be a beautiful and exotic diversion.
4. Family Attractions. Florida is the number 1 travel destination in the world, and it is easy to see why. Florida is home to some of the most famous theme parks in the world including Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, Busch gardens, and Lego Land. Visitors of all ages enjoy viewing and interacting with the exotic animals at Florida’s zoos and nature preserves such as the Miami Zoo, the Florida Aquarium, Dolphin Cove, Lion Country Safari, and Jungle Island. Considering all the attractions that Florida has to offer, it’s no wonder that families flock to Florida in droves each year to share in the fun and excitement.
5. Sports and Entertainment. Florida is home to countless sporting venues, and there are teams for every professional sport based in Florida. There are numerous race tracks in Florida, including the famed Daytona Speedway and the distinguished Sebring Raceway. There are over 1,250 golf courses in Florida, which is more than any other US state. Florida has some of the most famous courses in the PGA; such as TPC Sawgrass and Seminole. Florida is also the home of Major League Baseball’s famous spring training “Grapefruit” league, which draws die-hard Baseball fans from across the nation every year.
6. A Rich History. Discovered by Spanish explorer Ponce de Leon in 1513, Florida or “flower-land” was so named for its beautiful coastal plains, draped in wild flowers. The first settlement in Florida was established in St. Augustine in 1565 by the Spanish, and it is the oldest European-established city to be continuously occupied in the entire country. Florida is the home of the oldest masonry fort in the United States; the Castillo de San Marcos, which was built in the 1600s. Florida is also the home of the Kennedy Space Center, which has hosted every one of NASA’s manned space flights since 1968.
7. Excellent schools. The University of Florida (UF) was established in 1853, and has operated on its Gainesville, Florida campus since 1906. The University is well-known for its research activity, and was declared a “Public Ivy” league school in Richard Moll’s book The Public Ivies: America’s Flagship Public Universities. The famous sports drink “Gatorade” was invented at the University of Florida in order to hydrate the school’s football team, the Gators. Florida State University, located in Tallahassee, was ranked the 47th best public school in the nation by U.S. News and World Report, and the University of South Florida (USF), located in Tampa, Florida had the 9th highest number of US patents granted to any college in the world in 2010.
8. Famous Cities. Orlando, Florida is one of the most well-known cities in Florida since it is the home of the Orlando Magic, Disney World, Universal Studios, and Sea World; but there are many other cities in Florida that have a lot to offer as well. Miami offers a famously exciting nightlife, and a youthful “spring break” party-culture. Key West was once a fishing and salvage town that preyed on shipwrecks, but it now features a “Shipwreck Museum” and some of the most exclusive real estate in state of Florida. Key West was once the home of the famous American author Ernest Hemmingway, and while there, he began writing his epic war novel, “A Farewell to Arms.”
9. A Strong Economy. Florida remains the nation’s fourth largest export state, and an international gateway to the United States. Florida’s export sector supports hundreds of thousands of jobs and is a primary economic driver in the state. Over 40% of all U.S. exports to Latin and South America pass through Florida’s ports. As much as 85% of Florida’s exports are manufactured goods, but there is also a huge market for Florida’s agricultural goods. Florida leads the southeast in agricultural income, and Florida’s oranges are world renowned. Florida produces over two thirds of the U.S.’ oranges and accounts for almost 40% of the world’s orange juice supply. Florida’s economy is also bolstered by the tourism industry, and its attractions bring more than 60 billion dollars in revenue each year.
10. No income tax. Florida ranks very low in terms of the tax burden placed on its residents, largely because Florida is one of only seven US states that has no Income Tax. It is no surprise that Florida is one of the most popular relocation destinations in the US, particularly among senior citizens. In fact, Florida contains the top five congressional districts with the most Social Security recipients in the entire nation.
Florida’s population is approaching 20 million people, and its population growth rate is one of the fastest in the US. To date, nearly two thirds of Florida’s population was born outside of Florida, and it is this constant influx of new arrivals that keeps Florida’s economy strong. With all that Florida has going for it, it’s no wonder that thousands of people from all over the country are moving to Florida every day. So don’t wait for retirement; move to Florida now and experience all the Sunshine State has to offer.
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