The Ultimate Guide to Relocating to South Florida
South Florida has it all. Most would agree that living here is like being on vacation every day, and the secret is out! As of 2021, Florida’s residential real estate market is absolutely booming – with nearly 1,000 people moving to the Sunshine State daily. Among those, roughly 45 percent head down to South Florida. While there aren’t any official boundaries, the term “South Florida” generally refers to the Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach, and Monroe counties. The ongoing pandemic has greatly accelerated Florida’s housing market, and, increasingly, buyers are moving toward permanent living over vacation or winter homes – and it’s popularity isn’t expected to ebb any time soon. In fact, Florida is expected to gain an average of 845 new residents a day until 2025, according to state projections.
At Signature International Real Estate, we strive to provide our clients with the dream of homeownership and the benefits of living the SoFlo lifestyle. Wondering what’s so sunny about living in the Sunshine State? Allow us to take you on a journey through all of the exciting things that your relocation to South Florida will bring your way.
Plenty of Sun & Sand
Did you know that out of the 365 days each year, an average of 237 of them are sunny in Florida? The warm and pleasant year-round weather is one of the Sunshine State’s most alluring attributes, and it’s not hard to see why. And with nearly 1,200 miles of coastline, Florida is a wonderland for beach connoisseurs. Each Florida beach has its own gems to offer; some are great for surfing; some are great for shelling; some are great for socializing. Other beaches have miles of soft powdery sand and no people in sight. Some must-see South Florida beaches include Juno Beach, John D. MacArthur Beach State Park, Delray Beach, Fort Lauderdale Beach, and South Beach.
Florida boasts some of the best weather conditions year-round, outside of the occasional sun shower and potential for tropical storms and hurricanes. People who live in South Florida can usually go the entire year without needing to put on so much as a sweater. Though, once you get settled here, you’ll probably consider any temperature below 70 degrees Fahrenheit to be chilly!
Thanks to the tropical climate and mostly clear skies, Floridians spend more time in the sunshine – a proven way to boost mental and physical health – due to Vitamin D (also known as the “sunshine vitamin”). You’ll have plenty of opportunities to spend time outdoors and soak in the magnificent Florida sunshine at the beach, pool, tennis court, or during late afternoon grilling sessions. We’ll put it this way – moving to the Sunshine State can improve your well-being. Just be sure to pack your sunscreen!
Low Taxes
Lucky for Floridians, the taxes are as nice as the weather. Considered a “tax-friendly” state, Florida is one of the few states that doesn’t levy a state income tax or estate tax. Residents enjoy reasonable property taxes of about .98%, which is slightly lower than the national average of 1.08%. To compare, New Jersey has the highest rate at 2.47%. Florida also offers other property discounts, such as homestead exemption up to $50,000 for primary residences, “early bird” discounts for those who pay taxes before a designated date, and Save Our Homes (SOH) caps that prevent a disproportionate tax increase on homes as properties increase in value.
As an added bonus, everyday items such as groceries, utilities, and transit tend to be cheaper down South, too, according to Best Places’ Cost of Living index. Overall, on a scale where the national average cost of living is 100, Florida scores 102.8, while New York scores 120.5, New Jersey scores 120.4, Connecticut scores 107.8, and California scores 149.9.
Breathtaking Scenery & Endless Fun
Florida offers everything you can imagine and more. Whether you’re looking for an ocean-view, championship golf courses, white sand beaches, or Miami chic living, you’ll find it somewhere in South Florida. Growing families and active seniors appreciate the Sunshine State’s commitment to updated sports complexes and fields. The region has highly-ranked public and private golf courses, premier tennis facilities, and top-notch playing fields and facilities for football, soccer, baseball, lacrosse, swim, pickleball, and croquet.
Kayaking, paddleboarding, and jet skiing are all popular water sports in the area. And for those who dream of spending time under the sea, there are countless great spots for snorkeling in scuba diving in South Florida. The region also features miles of biking, birding, and horseback riding trails, dozens of museums, and many cultural venues such as the Kravis Center, Jupiter Maltz Theater, the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, and Crest Theatre at Old School Square.
Blissful Retirement Years
When it comes to picking a location to retire, there are endless factors to consider. After all, you’ll be spending your golden years there! Retirement certainly doesn’t have to be boring. Not here. South Florida has an abundance of recreational outlets and amenities, including golf courses, fitness studios, sportfishing charters, boating destinations, and endless beaches.
There’s something for every retiree here. Not to mention, the Sunshine State has one of the largest retirement communities in the country, with an abundance of charming fifty-five and up neighborhoods, active living communities with resort-style amenities, and luxurious country club communities thriving across the state. South Florida cities like Boca Raton, Delray Beach, Boynton Beach, Palm Beach, Ft. Lauderdale, and Pembroke Pines are on the top of the retirement list.
When considering relocating after retirement, you’ll want to pick somewhere that will support you in your endeavor to enjoy your retirement dreams. If you're not sure where that place is yet, South Florida is the ideal place to start looking.
Signature is Here to Help Your South Florida Dreams Come True
Here in sunny South Florida, our communities range from cities bursting with vibrant nightlife, incredible restaurants, luxurious spas, and world-class shopping to natural areas meant for hiking, biking, birding, boating, fishing - and of course, hitting the beach. Before you know it, you’ll have friends and family coming down for regular visits and holidays. Host them at your new home, or recommend one of South Florida’s many Five-Star hotels. Better yet, pack an overnight bag for yourself and go on vacation in your new hometown. Start exploring things to do that you can only find here in SoFlo. To learn more about available properties in South Florida and beyond, contact a Signature real estate professional today!