As we continue to move towards a post-pandemic world, many of the country’s most populated states and cities are seeing booms in popularity. Florida has proven to be one of these, as the state has seen a growth of over 3 million new residents in the past decade. From the largest cities, like Miami and Orlando, to the smallest neighborhoods, this growth can be seen in every corner of the Sunshine State. In fact, Florida’s population has now exceeded the population of 17 U.S. states.
Experts say that this boom in population is being fueled by changes in work, quality of life, and housing with those moving to Florida. First, remote work has become exponentially more accessible to residents. In 2022, over 16% of all Floridians worked remotely, which is a number that is only expected to increase. There has also been a boom in entrepreneurship, with Florida holding the 3rd highest rate of new businesses applications per capita in 2022. Finally, the overall availability of work in Florida is making waves. In 2023, Florida saw the 3rd highest employment increase in the country with a 2.8% increase.
The quality of life in Florida is also something to consider when discussing the popularity of the state. The temperate climate keeps the average daily temperature at a pleasant level, hovering around 55 degrees at its coldest and 83 degrees at its warmest. There is also no state income tax for residents, and the cost of living is now lower than similar competing states.
Along with these changes to the Sunshine State, the housing market has made the biggest splash in recent years. The residential housing market has now exceeded $3.8 billion and Florida has now surpassed New York as one of the most popular destinations for movers. New constructions are at an all time high, and home prices are dropping in comparison to competing states like California and New York. The state has also become a perfect destination for first-time homeowners in recent years.
With all of these benefits, it is important for movers to stay informed on the best choices for their wants, needs, and what they can afford. Experts say it is helpful to talk to those already living in the community about the best ways to prepare for the move. These contacts can be anyone from real estate agents, to business owners, to other homeowners. Luckily, there are several services that have been created in Florida to guide potential new residents to success. The home-buying process often includes mortgages, loans, and discussions surrounding credit and other qualifying criteria. Especially for first-time homeowners, these processes can be daunting and confusing. With these services, one can educate themselves better on the process, streamlining an otherwise often complicated and tedious experience. No matter the level of knowledge or amount of help requested, movers are never alone in their search to find their forever home. The best part? Now is the time to make the move to the Sunshine State, and with support services like these, it has never been easier.