06/10/2023
Hi Burton,
Every day, the Sunshine State attracts hundreds of newcomers to its sandy shores – and it’s not hard to see why. No state income tax, sunny weather, its diverse population, delectable food and exciting attractions make it a wonderful place to live.
1. The weather is fabulous
With more than 231 sunshine-filled days a year, South Florida offers exceptionally warm and sunny weather. Florida seasons are mostly mild and warm. You'll likely never need more than a sweater or light jacket during the winter. Miami, for example, the average winter temperature ranges from 76 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. In the summer, the temperature tops off at 90 degrees. You can apply these same temperatures to all of South Florida.
2.There’s no state income tax in Florida
Want to save money on taxes? Move to Florida. The state is one of the few in the nation that doesn’t require its residents to pay state income taxes. While you’ll still have to pay sales and property taxes, your overall state tax burden in Florida will be much less than in most other states. As a result, you’ll be able to save more of your hard-earned money for entertainment, vacations and belongings.
3.Florida beaches are fantastic
Life really all about the beaches in South Florida. Residents have access to some of the world’s best and most beautiful public beaches right outside their doors with sugar sand and light blue to nearly clear aqua ocean water. Boca Raton, Deerfield Beach, Delray Beach, Palm Beach all have clean, well-maintained beaches, to name a few. Of course, you can spend your day sunbathing on sugar sand, but you can also play beach volleyball, or go for a scenic jog. On the water, you can kayak, standup paddle board, swim and boat.
4.There’s plenty of cultural diversity
There’s no other state quite like Florida when it comes to cultural diversity. You’ll find people of every age, religion and background imaginable, making it one of the greatest melting pots in the country. In addition to those who are born and raised in Florida, many residents include snowbirds and transplants from different states who have moved for the weather, job opportunities and tax benefits. The state’s diversity is without a doubt one of the reasons why Florida is such an interesting place to live.
5.Locals receive discounts on a number of attractions
There’s a major benefit to living where others vacation. From Walt Disney World in Orlando where Florida residents receive 40 percent off a four-day ticket. Hundreds of Florida attractions and hotels offer resident-only discounts and bargains throughout the year. The majority of deals are available during the late spring, summer and early fall months when tourism slows down.
6.South Florida has a casual lifestyle
The lifestyle in South Florida is more casual simply because it’s a tropical climate. You’ll be more likely to see people in jeans, shorts, t-shirts, than button-up shirts and slacks. Although when the occasion calls for it, South Floridians can be seen in an open shirt, sport coat, summer dresses or cocktail gowns. While bathing suits, shorts and T-shirts, and golf gear are commonplace enough during the day, sophisticated restaurants, bars, and clubs can necessitate dresses and button downs, and even the occasional sports jacket.
7.There’s so much to do outdoors (and indoors!)
No more winters trapped indoors! There’s no shortage of things to do in Florida. Thanks to the 200-plus days of sunshine a year, residents are able to spend much of their time outdoors partaking in everything from water sports to cultural experiences. Popular water activities in Florida include swimming, boating, scuba diving, paddle boarding, and fishing. Residents also have easy access to a number of attractions such as Disney World and Universal Studios. Miami’s many art deco-inspired hotels and restaurants, along with the city’s annual Art Basel event, offer plenty to do as well. There is also a number of museums and great shopping malls.
Delray Beach has Atlantic Avenue where you’ll find night life, shopping and a variety of restaurants. Boca Raton Mizner Park offers shopping, fine dining and more. There is also Worth Avenue in Palm Beach an upscale shopping area. You can window shop there and find a number of affordable restaurants nearby to enjoy.
8. You can find a job
Florida has one of the nation’s largest GDPs (gross domestic products). In fact, the state’s GDP equals roughly that of the entire country of Mexico. Not surprisingly, it takes a lot of employees to run an economy of that magnitude, and jobs are plentiful. The increase in employment opportunities is indicative of more people moving to the area, with many industries like technology on the rise locally and as tourism rebounded after COVID, the region's hospitality jobs also returned.
9.Florida is a great place to retire
If your working days are behind you, the state ranks among the most retirement-friendly in the nation. Not only does Florida forgo state income tax but it also doesn’t tax retirement income such as Social Security benefits. And, it doesn’t have estate and inheritance taxes.
10.If you like team sports
From professional sports to college sports, Florida offers some of the best sports teams in the country to cheer on. While most states have one or two professional football teams (or none!), Florida has three. Florida also offers two professional baseball teams, two professional basketball teams, and two professional hockey teams. Popular teams in the state include the Miami Heat, Miami Dolphins, Jacksonville Jaguars, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Orlando Magic, Tampa Bay Rays, and Miami Marlins. Colleges such as the University of Florida and Florida State University also have teams for students and alum to rally around.
11.The food and drink are delectable
From its famous stone crabs to its locally made craft brews, South Florida is home to a plethora of delectable dining options. With its many climate zones and thriving farms, it’s a mecca for fresh produce such as its world-famous oranges, sugarcane, tomatoes, watermelon, avocados and strawberries. Florida restaurants serve plenty of Island-inspired and Caribbean-style foods such as key lime pie and coconut shrimp. No matter where you are in South Florida, you’ll be able to find fresh and tasty fare nearby.
12.You can vacation where you live
If you live in South Florida, you’ll never have to travel for vacation again. The state’s many beaches, theme parks and attractions mean there are hundreds of vacation (read: staycation) options for you – all within a few hours’ drive. From the sandy beaches along the coast to the family-friendly theme parks of Disney World, there’s no shortage of fun and exciting places to visit in your own state.
13.It’s easy to get away, too
When you do want to vacation out of state, Florida makes travel easy. Because the state is on the east coast, you can shave hours off a flight to Europe. Florida is also a great starting point for trips to Mexico, the Caribbean and South America. Additionally, Miami is recognized as the “Cruise Capital of the World” and serves as the homeport for more than 20 cruise lines, including such lines as Carnival, Norwegian, Royal Caribbean, Oceania Cruises, Princess, Disney, and Regent Seven Seas.
If it's your time to move to South Florida, call me and I'll help you find a home.
Burt Horwitz, Realtor - Keller Williams Realty Boca Raton
Phone: 561-289-5939
Website: www.southeastfloridahomesource.com/
Copyright Burton Horwitz 2023