The Florida Lifestyle

Florida has felt the sting of these tough economic times, with foreclosure rates and unemployment numbers at their highest. One would think that maybe the “sunshine state” has lost some of it’s luster, especially for the financially weary American generation, to even consider relocating. However, a new national survey by the Pew Research Center’s Social & Demographic Trends Project finds that nearly half (46%) of the public would rather live in a different type of community from the one they’re living in now-and two of the ten most popular cities, Tampa and Orlando, are right here in this great state of Florida. Also, Florida is no longer labeled as simply a retirement haven, it’s also growing in popularity with the younger generation as well. In fact, according to this survey, more people between the ages of 18-34 want to make several cities in Florida their new postal address.

We were one of these young up and coming families frustrated with the fast pace and cramped space of our New York life. During one of our vacations to Orlando, I convinced my husband that we venture into one of the newly constructed communities. I wanted to look at a model home, maybe get a few decorating ideas, and a few free cookies for the kiddies from the Welcome Center, with no further expectations. Once we drove through the gates and passed the lake and the fountain, continued on through perfectly manicured lawns and the community park and pool, my thoughts drifted to “one day, I will live in a place like this.” We met one of the new home consultants who offered to take us to one of the homes by way of a golf cart. The kids were excited to take a ride, my husband less enthusiastic, and my curiosity took the better of me, so we agreed. Once we walked through the double glass doors into a foyer with columns and ceramic tile, I thought to myself ” so this is how the other half lives?” Our overly talkative home consultant handed us the flyer. I didn’t even want to look at the asking price, but again, that nagging curious nature of mind, I had to just take a peek. It was then that I gasped at the price, I looked again in disbelief, it was…..AFFORDABLE. But my New York cynicism kicked in. What’s the catch? Was it a typo? Did this model have 1 million dollars worth of upgrades? Were the closing costs actually worth a year’s wages? But I had, in fact, discovered the beauty of home buying in Florida. Florida is full of beautiful subdivisions, which are like small tight knit communities. Neighbors can gather together at the pool for a community barbecue, and friends can work out together without membership fees at a community fitness center, and kids can ride their bikes around the lake, where you meet your neighbors at the community’s park for weekly play dates.

If the gated suburban lifestyle isn’t what you had in mind, there are communities in Florida still located on acres, yes acres, of land. One of my dear friends, owns a home in an equestrian community. Her home sits on 5 acres and she has the most incredible view of a lake from her back porch . My personal preference is to walk across a paved street to my neighbors home to borrow sugar, not by way of horseback, over the river and through the woods. But the great thing is whatever your lifestyle preference, you can enjoy it.

Now let’s mix in sunny days in winter, golf courses, new malls, outlets, a Starbucks, and you have the Florida lifestyle.

If you’ve been thinking about relocating or purchasing a second/vacation home, but thought it might be nearly impossible, why not talk to one of Global Real Estate’s expert team members? You can contact them at 1-800-280-9516. Let them send you some information and links with current listings, just take a look, you’ll be glad you did!!!