As the second biggest magnet state in the country, Florida is growing in a big way. Many of the people moving in are retirement age, but a large percentage are also young professionals, growing families, and international residents who want to put down roots in one of the most welcoming and vibrant areas the United States has to offer.
While most people associate life in Florida with sandy beaches and tropical blue skies, this 59,000 square mile state has more to offer than just coastline. Depending on what you want out of your relocation and how you plan to make life in Florida your own, here are the regions to consider.
North/Northwestern Florida
The north/northwestern region of Florida (commonly known as the Panhandle) is a unique area that combines typical Florida living with more of the traditions of the South. Life is a little bit slower, the focus is on football and food, and you’ll actually find more forests and farms than beaches (although there’s plenty of those).
Although all of Florida is known for its wide-open spaces, this area takes them to new heights, and you can enjoy a huge expanse of vegetation and wildlife just a few minutes outside of the larger cities like Jacksonville, Pensacola, and Tallahassee. Of all the locations in Florida, this one also has the most military presence, with the famous Pensacola Naval Air Station (the home of U.S. Naval Aviation) as well as several other bases and forts.
Central Florida
Central Florida’s most famous offering is Orlando, where theme parks and family entertainment are the norm. Although the presence of Disney and its counterparts makes this area an attractive tourist hub, Central Florida is much bigger than just the Orlando region. You won’t find many beaches unless you head toward the coast, but when you want family-friendly neighborhoods, old Florida charm, picturesque views, and a lower cost of living (with that same great Florida climate), this region has much to offer.
South Florida
South Florida is an entity unto itself. Most famous as the home of Miami, Palm Beach, Ford Lauderdale, and Key West, this is the most populated region of the state as well as the one most people think of when they picture Florida living. Although you can find quiet family neighborhoods and small towns aplenty, it’s the bustling, vibrant metropolitan centers and crowded beaches that make this such an amazing place to live.
Here in South Florida, the colors are brighter, the cost of living is higher, and you can expect people to embrace a much more fun-oriented lifestyle. Of course, not all of it has to be fast-paced. Key West and the Florida Keys tend to showcase a much more beach bum attitude than the metropolitan beaches, which means you can find the perfect fit no matter where in South Florida you plan to settle.
