Best Places to Live in Florida

Miami South Beach

Where is the best place to live in Florida?

In this extremely comprehensive article you will find the answer of this question as well as many other additional details.

You’ll find out what are the pros and cons of living in Florida, what is the safest place to live in the state, and what is the best place to work.

You will find information about which places are best for living for a family with children, for students, for retirees, for people who want to start their own business or simply for tourism and entertainment.

We offer information about what are the places with the highest levels of crime and how to protect yourself.

You will also find out how much money you need to meet your daily and monthly expenses, how much you need for housing or to buy your own home, whether a small apartment or a huge oceanfront villa.

You will find information about the weather in Florida, about some of the most famous cities in the state, and you will eventually touch the world of the incredible American celebrities, who live in the Sunshine State.

How many people live in Florida?

Miami South Beach
Miami South Beach by Markus Tacker

According to estimates, in 2014, the population of Florida was about 19,893,297 people.

According to this information, if Florida was a country in Europe, it would be the tenth most populous of all the 51 European states.

Is it expensive to live in Florida?

While the United States is one of the richest countries in the world, the cost of living in Florida may be lower than most people would expect, and this may be quite a good surprise for you.

One of the most expensive cities in the United States is Miami, but at the same time, it is far beyond the most expensive cities on the planet.

Actually, the cost of living in much higher in cities such as London, Paris, New York, Tokyo, Oslo, Geneva, Moscow and Sydney.

However, it is deeply recommended to carefully research everything in details before taking the serious step to settle down in Florida for permanently.

What are the most unpleasant surprises of living in Florida when it comes to prices?

One of the most unpleasant surprises in Florida is the fact that property taxes are very high in the state.

It is a well known fact that many people buy property in Florida, but later they see that they cannot afford it because of all the additional costs and taxes.

For this reason, many people decide to sell their house or apartment and move to another cheaper place.

Where to live in Florida?

Florida is one of the most attractive states to live in the US, and the biggest prove is that it has the third largest population after California and Texas.

Also, Florida is fifth in population growth as a percentage of the total population after North Dakota, Texas, Colorado and Utah.

The reason is basically its year-round sunshine and warm weather, but also the best opportunities for doing business, great universities, beautiful wild nature, wonderful beaches, excellent opportunities for investment in real estates, as well as the relatively low cost of living.

If you’ve planned to settle down in Florida, perhaps you are interested in questions such as which part of the state and which cities are the most attractive to live in, but the truth is that for most people there is no universal solution.

In fact, anyone who have ever lived or visited the Sunshine State has different impressions and preferences.

It all depends on what social groups you are part of, what is your age and your favourite way to spend your time.

Where is the best place to live in Florida for a family with children?

south beach from above
South Beach from above by Senia L

With certainly, raising children is one of the most difficult things in our life. It requires a lot of attention, affection, time, compromises, funds, and of course, it requires a good environment, where your children will be able to grow up undisturbed and happy.

The truth is that most places are not appropriate for a child to grow up. It is very important to offer your kid a chance to be healthy, happy and to get a good education and good start in life.

Also, it is very important to choose a place that offers good opportunities for his or her personal and professional development, and last but not least, it is very important where you live if you want to offer the chance your teenager to feel safe when meeting friends.

Here are some of the best places to live in Florida for families with children:

Located in the quiet and calm Northwest of the state, two small in size counties, Escambia and Santa Rosa, form together one of the best areas for your children to grow up in Florida.

Here is located the city of Pensacola, which is famous for its Naval Air Station Pensacola.

Along with several small neighboring towns, such as Brent, Pace and Milton, Pensacola forms an average size agglomeration that covers parts of the territory of two counties.

The urban area is known for its good economic growth over the last years, rapid population growth, low property prices, low unemployment rate, low average age of the population, lower crime rates and excellent perspectives for the future.

The agglomeration of Pensacola gives you an excellent opportunity to live in a great location in one of the most attractive states of the USA at reasonable prices and with a very good standard of living.

Among the advantages is that in a close proximity is one of the most beautiful beaches in North America – Pensacola Beach and Navarre Beach, which may overshadow with their beauty almost every beach in the US.

Seminole and Orange Counties

Seminole and Orange Counties, which are located in the interior of Florida, are considered one of the best places in the state, at least when it comes to raising children.

Some of the cities, for example Orlando, Winter Park and Oviedo, provide excellent opportunities to get a good education.

Also, they offer good self-realization options as well as a really dynamic but not stressful city environment.

Seminole and Orange are counties that offer beautiful scenery with countless fascinating lakes.

Don’t underestimate the fact that the local beautiful landscape provides an excellent opportunity for you to teach your children to love nature.

Indeed, the counties are not located on the coast, but the Atlantic Ocean is not that far as you may think, so you can always go to the beach over the weekend and have fun with your whole family there.

One of the numerous advantages is the fact that property prices here are much more affordable compared to the coastal cities, and the cost of living is significantly lower in comparison with expensive super-cities such as Miami.

Not to mention that Orlando is the city of Disney World – one of the biggest and most attractive amusement parks in the world.

Gainesville (Alachua County)

key west seaside
Key West Seaside by Sebastian Gregorzyk

Gainesville (Alachua County) is one of the best places for families in the southeastern US, and is often called the city with the most family-friendly environment.

It offers quiet and peaceful streets, charming houses, green parks and gardens, mild climate, good schools, and safe living environment.

As a typical southern city, Gainesville allows its residents to lead a relaxed pace of life.

However, the city is far from being isolated because here is one of the best universities in Florida, which means that the city, even if relatively small, is a modern place in every respect.

The wonderful climate of Gainesville will allow you and your family to spend much more quality time outdoors, even in winter.

Fort Lauderdale

Fort Lauderdale in Broward County is considered one of the best places in South Florida for families with children. The city is much more calm and quiet than Miami, and the crowds of tourists are not so huge.

The city is safe and offers excellent schools, health care, sports facilities, and in addition, it is located on the ocean shore. All residential buildings and houses in Fort Lauderdale are situated amidst a relaxing park setting.

Fort Lauderdale offers its residents the opportunity to live in a very reputable and elite environment, and makes them feel as they live in the center of the world.

In contrast with the reality of the big cities, however, the city of Fort Lauderdale is devoid of stress, which is a typical element of the life in a large city.

The charm of Fort Lauderdale is something you can feel at every step, and choosing this place, you will give your family the best it deserves.

Jacksonville

Jacksonville is among the largest cities in Florida, but at the same time the city is mainly family oriented. Overall, Duval County offers really good opportunities to get a good education and to find a good job.

Property prices are reasonable, and you can even buy a nice house near the ocean coast for a reasonable price of about 450,000 dollars – something that is nearly impossible when it comes to coastal properties in other parts of Florida or other states, where probably you will have to pay over a million.

Of course, in Jacksonville there are some more expensive properties for over $ 2 million, but the price – quality ratio in Jacksonville is more attractive compared to other states and places.

Moreover, the city is very relaxed and quiet as it remains away from the large tourist flows. Many of its neighbourhoods are really very safe and pleasant to live.

Among the most attractive places in Jacksonville and probably the best place to live in the entire Duval County is Jacksonville Beach, which combines all the best sides of the life in Duval County together.

Tallahassee

Beach at Fort Lauderdale
Beach at Fort Lauderdale by Daniel Dudek-Corrigan

Tallahassee is a great place to start your your life as a family man or woman.

Here, away from the city of Miami, real estate prices are much more attractive, so you could change your mind and settle down in the city, even if you have never even thought about living in Tallahassee before.

The city offers a lot of advantages, including high quality education in the local schools and colleges.

Tallahassee is a wonderful place to settle down for families, because it offers the opportunity to enjoy peaceful and relaxed lifestyle as well as better standard of living.

Since the city is by far not into the list of favorite places for millionaires to live, you can find your dream home for quite reasonable prices of between 100 and 200 thousand dollars.

If you are on a limited budget, you can find something interesting even for less than 100 000 dollars!

In addition, the city offers enchanting atmosphere, and you will surely fall in love with it because it is one of the greenest cities in America.

The first thing to do here is to enjoy a short walk around its green neighbourhoods, which will make you feel like you’re in a lovely park.

Note:

Although many cities in Florida offer excellent conditions to raise a family, the most attractive of them are definitely located in the interior of the state or the far to the north.

Where is the best place to live in Florida for retirees?

Florida is a unique place that attracts a huge number of elderly settlers who come here in searching of better climate after retirement. In this respect, the state is one of the most popular destinations in the world.

For this reason Florida has the highest percentage of population aged over 65 years.

Although many settlers live here year round, many others spend here only the winter season and move to the north during the summer heat, which seems to be quite heavy in Florida.

The Sunny State is an attractive destination not only for retirees from the United States but also from Canada, Germany, Britain, the Netherlands, Sweden, Norway, Russia and many others.

Here are the best places to spend your golden years in a quiet and relaxed atmosphere:

Florida Keys

Among the most attractive places to live for retirees in Florida is the island chain of Florida Keys.

Its remote location, good living standard, relaxed pace of life, and generally peaceful atmosphere are just part of the advantages that attract elderly people here.

In addition, if you have a limited budget, you can always find affordable property to rent or to buy. Among the numerous advantages of Florida Keys is their natural beauty.

The island chain offers a number of exciting places to visit, charming architecture, and warm and welcoming people.

You will be able to meet many other people like you, who have decided to retire at this wonderful place. Just a few steps away are some of the most beautiful beaches in the US.

If you are keen on marine life, you can find here some of the best places in North America for diving and snorkeling.

In general, Monroe County and especially Key West are considered by many the best place in the world for retirees.

Lee County

navarre beach
Navarre Beach by Rusty Ray

Lee County, which is located on the west coast of the state, is another attractive place that many retirees choose. Whether you are wealthy or have limited finances, the county will be a real paradise for you.

It combines beautiful coastline, warm and quiet coastal waters and pleasant temperature for swimming and sunbathing throughout the year.

Lee County offers a number of small and green towns situated into a charming park setting.

Charlotte County

Charlotte County is another pearl, which is also located on the west coast. The Gulf of Mexico and its warm waters offer very good conditions for swimming and bathing throughout the year.

Depending on your finances, you will be able to choose between a house in the interior of the county or on the shore of the gulf. No matter of your choice, you will definitely need a car.

In this respect Charlotte County is very similar to many other places in the United States.

If you don’t have your own car, you will be very limited in everyday activities such as shopping, visiting cultural events, going for a walk, and many others.

Pinellas County

Pinellas County is one of the friendliest places to live in the state for retirees. Located on the shore of the Gulf of Mexico, it is known for the famous cities of Clearwater and St. Petersburg.

There are numerous advantage to live here, especially considering the great options for entertainment for elderly people. You will always find a nice place to walk or an interesting event to visit.

Another advantage of this beautiful county is the beach, which attracts with its white sands and pristine sea waters. The sea water temperature is about 20 degrees even in January.

Broward and Palm Beach

If you prefer the east coast of the state, then it is better to choose between the counties of Broward and Palm Beach, which offer perfect climate conditions, especially during the winter months.

They offer some really quiet, calm and relaxing places to live, which can be pretty good for elderly people.

Furthermore, there are very attractive properties at reasonable prices, although most of the properties along the coast are quite luxurious and expensive.

Leon County

Leon County, Florida, is considered to be among the most attractive places for retirees in Florida. The heart of the county, and according to many, the heart of the whole of Florida, is Tallahassee.

The city offers everything you may need to have a good quality of life. Tallahassee is beautiful, very green and peaceful, with a very high level of health care, and the cost of living here is just excellent.

Where is Miami in the list?

Miami Dade is definitely the most famous county in Florida, and is arguably the place that offers the most entertainment options and attractions.

Moreover, here you will find the best climate and the best health care. On the other side, however, this part of Florida seems to be too expensive and not affordable to everyone.

Where is the best place to live in Florida for rich people?

If you are trying to find out what are the best places to live in Florida for rich people, our list could be very interesting for you.

However, let’s not forget that Florida covers a huge area, and the number of upscale cities and suburbs is significant, so we have mentioned just a small part of them.

Naples

daytona beach
Daytona Beach by Ricymar Photography

Naples is considered one of the best places to live for wealthy people not only in Florida but also in the US. The city is located on the Gulf of Mexico.

It offers fabulous snow-white beaches, and because of the warm tropical climate, the beach is dotted with numerous coconut palm trees.

For tens of miles along the coast, amidst lush tropical vegetation, are nestled luxurious beachfront villas with huge private swimming pools.

The average price of a property in the city is over $735,000, but when it comes to luxury beachfront villas, you can expect something between 1 and 5 million dollars.

If you want to find something really expensive, there are mansion even at prices of over 30-40 million dollars!

Marco Island

Marco Island is a very quiet and idyllic place that attracts a lot of well-off people. The island is a great place to purchase a beautiful villa with a lovely garden and private swimming pool.

The average home price is around $ 560,000. Marco Island is located on the coast of the Gulf of Mexico, in southwest Florida.

It combines lush tropical vegetation, beautiful beaches, and plenty of sunshine throughout the year. Surrounded by water, Marco Island enjoys a pleasant cooling breeze even on the hottest summer days.

See also  25 Best Things to Do in Key West (Florida)

South Beach

South Beach is one of the most expensive places to live in the United States, and many locals are popular businessmen or celebrities.

South Beach is often compared to Beverly Hills, but the truth is that South Beach is even more attractive in some respects, for example when it comes to the closeness of the ocean.

Relaxed atmosphere and low crime levels are some of the typical features of this part of Miami. Visiting this place for the first time, you easily realize why they call it a paradise.

It all here looks like of a dream – azure sea, cloudless sky, white sand, palm trees, great places to walk, attractive bars, restaurants and clubs, excellent shopping opportunities and whatnot.

The average property price in Miami Beach is nearly $ 385,000, but differences sometimes vary considerably.

For example, if you are looking for a bigger house with three bedrooms or more, the average price is over $ 1,275,000.

Manalapan

If you have enough money to afford a property in Manalapan, Florida, then you are a really lucky person. The place is a paradise on the Atlantic coast. It offers peace and quiet, which is hard to find nowadays.

The small town falls within the Palm Beach County. It has incredible beach with fine sand, and the town itself is covered with lush vegetation.

Practically, Manalapan is completely surrounded by water, which makes it quite secluded and suitable for people who want to escape from it all.

Most of the properties here are quite luxurious. For the most part, the houses are very large, with swimming pools and large gardens. You can have one of them if you are willing to pay prices of around and over $ 5,000,000!

However, the average property price in Manalapan is just under $ 230,000, and you could find some very attractive properties around this price if you are ready to live in a smaller house.

Palm Beach

You just need 5 minutes to fall in love with Palm Beach. This is the time you need to decide that you want to live here and want to buy a house in the area.

Slow pace of life, tranquillity, beautiful properties with pools, excellent infrastructure and all this just a few steps away from the beach. Besides being a quiet, peaceful and idyllic paradise, Palm Beach is also a mecca for golfers.

The main advantage here is that the weather conditions for practising your favourite sport are excellent 12 months of the year.

In 2015, the average property price in the area was just over $ 928,000, but prices vary significantly from one property to another.

You can find an attractive house at prices of between $ 400,000 and $ 500,000, but also more luxurious properties at prices of around 5, 10 or even more million dollars!

Jupiter Island

Located in the central coastal area of Martin County, Jupiter is one of the most attractive places to buy property in Florida, and the county’s jewel is of course the green Jupiter Island.

This paradise is located away from the hustle and bustle of Miami.

At the same time, it is also located on the shore of the Atlantic Ocean, and because of the great weather, you can enjoy its beautiful beaches throughout the year.

Most of the properties in the area are just perfect and will definitely make you dream about living here.

Everything is immersed in lush greenery and silence. This is one of the most expensive places to live in Florida.

While the average price of a house in Jupiter varies between $ 250,000 and $ 300,000, the Jupiter Island property prices are usually about $ 2.5 million of more.

Fort Lauderdale

Leu Gardens Orlando
Leu Gardens Orlando by Ricymar Photography

Fort Lauderdale is a very interesting destination where prices vary widely, depending on the location. The average home price here is about $ 273,000, but the differences are significant.

For example, you could buy a charming apartment for $ 130,000 or $ 140,000, but also you can find a magnificent luxury villa for several million dollars.

Through the large system of canals the owners of luxury villas in Fort Lauderdale can easily reach from the ocean to the entrance to their property, which is a great advantage, especially if you are a yachting and sailing lover.

Florida Keys

Compared to the rest of Florida, Key West is a very different place. It has a specific historical atmosphere, which reminds of the Caribbeans, and its old colonial charm is perfectly mixed with the feeling of exotic natural beauty.

The average home price in the area of Florida Keys is quite high, ranging between $ 500,000 and $ 600,000, but some of the large and luxurious villas are available for more than 5 million dollars.

Besides Key West, Florida Keys offers other very attractive places to live, for example (but not only) Marathon, where you can find a relatively small number but really very attractive properties.

Key Biscayne

Located on a small island south of South Beach, Key Biscayne is usually on the top of the list of the most expensive and chic places to live in Florida.

Its greatest advantage is probably the combination between its closeness to Miami and the opportunity to find privacy and relaxing atmosphere away from the noise of the big city.

Local properties look really amazing and luxurious. The average price of a villa in Key Biscayne is about 1.1 million dollars.

However, some of the most luxurious properties in the area can reach the out this world price of around 17 million dollars! In this area of Florida even a small apartment could be really expensive, and prices rarely fall below one million.

Where is the best place to live in Florida for students?

Here are some of the best places to live in Florida for students and what makes them so different from all the other cities:

Miami

Miami is considered the best place for students in Florida, and the reasons are not just one or two. First of all, here you will find some of the best universities in the US, such as Florida International University and the University of Miami.

The counties of Miami Dade, Broward and Palm Beach form together the most dynamic and densely populated metropolitan area in Florida.

For this reason, the opportunities to get a good job are also the best in this part of the state.

Another reason why the metropolitan area of Miami is very attractive is the availability of good public transport. In this respect, Miami is probably the best of all the other places in Florida.

However, do not expect miracles, because here, as in many other places in the US, it is not very comfortable and easy to reach from one point to another without a car.

Surprisingly, the prices of food, rent and other household expenses in Miami are also quite good, at least while you are away from the most expensive neighbourhoods in the area, such as South Beach and Key Biscayne.

Moreover, Miami offers some of the best opportunities of entertainment, with no matter what your interests are. Whether you enjoy spending your free time in a museum, on the beach or in a club, Miami is unrivalled.

Gainesville

Ocean Drive, Miami Beach
Ocean Drive, Miami Beach by Ann Baekken

Gainesville is considered the best place for students in Florida outside the city of Miami. Actually, many say that the city of Gainesville is even preferable.

Located in the northern parts of the state, it is considered to be extremely safe, quiet and clean, with excellent infrastructure and well-developed public transport.

Prices here are also much better than in the big resort cities in Florida.

For this reason, for a student living on a budget Gainesville would be much more attractive than some of the coastal cities in South Florida.

The biggest advantage, however, is that here is the University of Florida, which is one of the most popular in the United States.

For 2013, News & World Report ranked the high school 14th in the United States in the list of the best public universities, and SmartMoney magazine described the university as second in the US when it comes to return on investment in education.

Last but not least, we must say that Gainesville is a typical student city with many opportunities for entertainment of all kinds.

Tampa and its surroundings

For the average student, the life in Tampa and its surroundings would be quite pleasant and entertaining experience.

Here is relatively comfortable and easy to get from one point to another, crime is lower than the average in Florida, food and rental costs are acceptable.

Here, just a few minutes drive from Tampa, are located cities such as St. Petersburg, Clearwater and Bradenton.

Winter Haven and Orlando are distanced respectively at 55 minutes by car and 1 hour and 30 minutes.

Tampa boasts a strategic geographic location, which makes it very convenient for students, because it allows them to travel around during the weekend and to reach very quickly various places in the state without having to spend too much time.

The city and its surroundings are quite diverse and interesting place to live, with numerous things to see and do. Museums, parks, restaurants, clubs, beaches and much more is available to the students in this area.

And finally, let’s not forget that the world-class University of South Florida is located here.

See also:  10 reasons to live in Tampa Bay, Florida

Jacksonville

Downtown Tampa, FL
Downtown Tampa, FL by Antoine Gady

Jacksonville is a favorite destination for thousands of students from around the world. The city is home to the University of North Florida, which is among the most prestigious in the country.

Most of the graduated students become successful scientists and businessmen not only in the US but also in countries around the world. Jacksonville itself is a very busy and modern city center.

It is located on the Atlantic coast, not far from the border with Georgia. Jacksonville is a very diverse city when it comes to entertainment, but it also offers enormous opportunities for getting a good job.

The cost of living in the city is among the lowest in the United States, and this is something very important if you are a student with low incomes.

Orlando

Orlando is a vibrant and dynamic city. It is a famous tourist destination, so you can expect large crowds of tourists throughout the year.

Furthermore, here is the University of Central Florida, which is the second largest in the United States. This is why they often call it “the youth capital of Florida”.

In addition, Orlando is equidistant from the northern and southern parts of the state, so that a student will be able to reach quickly, cheap and easy to all parts of Florida.

For example, Orlando is distanced at about three hours and a half drive from Miami and about a little over two hours drive from Jacksonville, which is located not far from Georgia.

In brief:

Among the best cities for students in Florida are Miami, Gainesville, Tampa, Jacksonville and Orlando. However, if you are looking for something different, these cities do not exhaust all the possibilities.

Where is the cheapest place to live in Florida?

If you mentally divide the states of expensive, moderately expensive and cheap, Florida will probably fall somewhere in the middle, in the group of the moderately expensive states.

It is definitely a cheaper place than California, Oregon, Alaska, New York and South Carolina, but it is certainly much more expensive than Kansas, Oklahoma, Nebraska and Texas.

Within the state’s borders, however, contrasts are enormous too. For example, the area of Miami is considered one of the most expensive places to live in the United States.

Many people call the area of Miami, Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach “The American Riviera”.

Just as it is in France, however, where not every single place is as expensive as the Cote d’Azur, there are many cities in Florida that are much more affordable in comparison with the metropolis of Miami.

Here are some wonderful cities in Florida that are charming and affordable and where most people would be very happy to live.

Tallahassee, Leon County

The Florida State University
The Florida State University by Jackson Myers

If you are looking for a big city in Florida that offers anything but is not so expensive at the same time, you might consider to settle down in Tallahassee.

The city in the northern part of the state is a popular destination for retirees who come here from around the world.

The combination of low real estate prices, affordable prices of most goods and services and even lower prices in most restaurants is just a small part of everything that attracts settlers of all ages. Tallahassee is an excellent place for people who live on a budget.

Daytona Beach, Volusia County

If you dream about living near the coast of Florida but still want to find something not very expensive, then you should think about some county in the north of the state.

This is a very good chance to get more for your money.

Traditionally, the tropical south of Florida is much more expensive. Among the places that are known for being more affordable is the resort city of Daytona Beach.

It is mostly popular among young people but not only.

In some of the surrounding smaller towns and neighbourhoods in the area of Daytona Beach, especially to the south of the city, you’ll find very irresistible prices of goods, services and properties.

For this reason, you will be able to enjoy better quality of life and higher living standard in combination with the closeness of the Atlantic. Daytona Beach is a very good place if you are on a budget.

Okaloosa County

Key West Beach
Key West by Penny Higgins

Talking about good prices and affordable places, we should mention the name of Okaloosa County.

This part of North Florida offers some really great options to buy the house of your dreams and to live peacefully away from the expensive and overcrowded cities of South Florida.

Some of the places that are worth to consider are Niceville, Valparaiso and especially Crestview, which is considered one of the best places in Florida for people who are on the budget.

The coast of Okaloosa County, and in particular the city of Destin, has always been traditionally a bit more expensive than the interior of the state.

However, Destin is a place where you could find very attractive properties near the beach at a price of between 300,000 and 400,000 dollars.

Navarre, Milton and Pace, Santa Rosa County

The property prices in Santa Rosa County are very attractive, but at the same time this part of Florida boasts all the charm of the sunny tropical south.

Beautiful nature, great weather, and breathtaking beaches, which are not very different from those on the Caribbean Islands, are just a small part of the positives of living here.

Similar to most other places in the United States, the closer you are to the beach the higher property prices are.

However, the cost of a house in this area is traditionally much more attractive than it is in South Florida.

In the lovely city of Navarre you can find a house not far from the beach even at the price of less than 100,000 dollars, which is just an incredibly good offer.

If you’re willing to pay between 300 and 400 thousand dollars, then you can get a house on the beach!

See also: 10 reasons to live in Navarre, Florida

Pensacola, Escambia County

Pensacola is another good example of a dynamically growing city that is still outside the list of the expensive destinations.

It is a very comfortable place to live in, because here you will find anything at a relatively small territory.

The properties are not very expensive, the same applies to most of the goods and services in the area.

Where is the best place to live in Florida for a young entrepreneur who wants to start a successful business?

According to United States Census Bureau, Florida is considered the best place to start a small business in the United States, and the number of reasons is significant.

On the one hand, Florida is among the most populous states in America, and on the other hand, let’s not forget that here are some of the most expensive cities, which are home to quite a large number of wealthy people.

Furthermore, let’s not forget that Florida is one of the most attractive tourist destinations in America.

Millions of people flock here every year because of the warm weather and famous resorts.

Most young people, however, are interested to know where is the best place to start a small business, and in most cases this is what predetermines their choice of place to live.

Let’s see what are the leading cities in Florida in this respect.

Maitland and Winter Park, Orange County

With an average income of business amounting to $ 4,503,311, Maitland is considered the best place to start a small business in Florida.

The city has a population of 15,751 people and is part of the agglomeration of Orlando, lying just north of the city.

Over the last few years its population increased very quickly, which is a good news when it comes to business.

Also, most people in the area have a good purchasing power, which is a solid foundation for a successful startup.

However, Maitland is not the only attractive place to start business in Orange County.

Talking about top destinations, Winter Park is a name we should definitely keep in mind.

Over the last years the city is considered one of the most attractive places in the US in this respect.

Doral and Coral Gables, Miami Dade

The agglomeration of Miami is undoubtedly one of the top places not only in Florida but also in the US when it comes to doing business.

See also  10 Reasons to Live in Tampa Bay (Florida)

Choosing this place for your startup, your business project will be able to grow dynamically not only because of the numerous well-off local residents but also because the huge number of tourists, who come from all over the world, could be interested in your services or goods.

Naples, Collier County

Miami from The Venetia
Miami from The Venetia by Ines Hegedus-Garcia

It would be a shame to talk about the best business spots without mentioning the city of Naples, which is often called “The Entrepreneur’s Paradise”.

The city is well-known by the fact that the majority of the working population has its own business, which pretty well reflects the American spirit.

Moreover, the annual average income of a business here is over half a million dollars!

Palatka, Putnam County

Small and not very popular, the town of Palatka is located halfway between Gainesville and the Atlantic Ocean, in the interior of North Florida.

Palatka is one of the very few top destinations for business that are not part of a big city or a densely populated area.

However, the average income of the business is more than $ 2 million, which can not go unnoticed by investors.

Sebring, Highlands County

Located in Central Florida, the town Sebring is comfortably situated along the shore of a beautiful lake, which home to a wide variety species of bird. Despite its beauty, the place is not very popular destination.

However, it is among the best places to do business in Florida.

According to Nerdwallet, the majority of businesses in the region are focused on agriculture, which distinguishes the city from most other business destinations in the state.

Longwood, Seminole County

The town of Longwood is located in the county of Seminole, in close proximity to Orlando.

Although the city of Orlando itself is not part of the list, many of the most attractive business destinations to choose from in Florida are located within a radius of several dozen miles of Orlando, and fall within its metro area.

When it comes to the town of Longwood, we should note that the average income of a business per year is more than $ 1 million!

Other top destinations to start your small business are the metro areas of Miami-Fort Lauderdale-Jupiter, Tampa, Jacksonville, Orlando and others.

Celebrities who live in Florida

Pensacola Beach, Florida
Pensacola Beach, Florida by Olin Gilbert

If you dream about living like a movie star and want to settle down in a place where live huge number of celebrities, Florida is what you are looking for.

Along with California, New York and London, the warm and sunny American state is one of the places in the world where you will see the largest number of celebrities.

Florida is home to hundreds of popular personalities from the world of showbiz, including a large number of movie stars, musicians and TV presenters, as well as a number of famous people from the world of sport.

Here live or own property stars like Phil Collins, Enrique Iglesias, Burt Reynolds, Billy Joel, Donald Trump, Celine Dion, Bill Gates, Gloria Estefan, Tiger Woods, Sofia Vergara, Shaquille O’Neal, Jennifer Lopez, Jon Secada, Kim Kardashian, Shakira and many, many other celebrities.

Where do celebrities live in Florida?

If you want to follow the example of the rich and famous, then it is best to choose some place in Southern Florida, especially Miami and its area. Most celebrities own attractive properties near the Atlantic coast.

The best place to live, according to most of them, is Miami Beach and especially the area of South Beach. Actually, this is the place to find some of the most expensive residential areas in America.

Star Island, Palm Island, Hibiscus Island, Rivo Alto, the islands of Lido di San Marco and San Marino and many others are popular residential areas for many celebrities and are parts of the famous South Beach.

Other places in the vicinity of Miami, which are home to many celebrities, are Fort Lauderdale, Palm Beach, Jupiter, and many others.

Although most of the celebrities in Florida live in the metro area of Miami, outside the colourful metropolis there are also a number of places that are not less attractive to live.

If you want to live like a movie star, but at the same time prefer more relaxed lifestyle, away from the hustle and bustle of the metropolis, there are other places in the state that will be much more attractive for you.

Among the more interesting are the city of Naples, which is located on the southwest coast of the state, on the shore of the Gulf of Mexico, as well as Marco Island, which is located not far from Naples.

Another center of attraction for many people who work in the film industry is Orlando.

Although Orlando significantly inferior to Miami and its area when it comes to the number of famous people who live there, Disney-MGM and Universal have their studios in Orlando, so the city is a great place to see popular faces from the world of showbusiness.

The weather throughout the year in different parts of Florida

Albert and Alberta at the University of Florida
Albert and Alberta at the University of Florida by Gainesville Apartments

Florida is the sunniest and warmest state in the continental United States, and this is what attracts millions of tourists and settlers here.

Temperatures are high throughout the year, but between the northern and southern parts of the state there are significant differences.

For this reason, if you are planning to move there, it is good to know exactly what to expect.

Since the weather is a factor of great importance, we would like to introduce to you the weather in Florida in more details.

South Florida

South Florida covers the territory between Florida Keys to the south and the city of Okeechobee to the north.

It has a humid tropical climate, which is very similar to the climate of the Caribbean and particularly the Bahamas.

This is the warmest part of the state and at the same time, the hottest part of the continental United States.

In South Florida falls the city of Miami, Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, Jupiter, Florida Keys, Cape Coral and many others.

Winter season in South Florida

Winter is the main tourist season in South Florida. In Miami, for example, the weather is nice and warm, with a very comfortable summer-like temperature.

January brings perfect weather with daytime temperatures of around 25°C and about 15 – 16°C at night. December and February are even a little warmer – about 26°C during the day and about 17°C at night.

These are the coldest months of the year, and at the same time, this is the best time to visit South Florida.

Winters in South Florida are very similar to summers in the temperate latitudes of North America and Europe.

The sun is in abundance and the clothing is typical for the summer season – t-shirts, shorts and opened shoes.

Winter coincides with the dry season. In January and February the number of rainy days is only about 6-7 per month.

Many people prefer to live in South Florida during the winter season from November to April because the weather is more pleasant, and the threat of hurricanes is lowest.

Summer season in South Florida

During the summer months the weather in South Florida is very hot and humid anywhere, regardless of the city and its location. Rainfalls are very frequent and intense, and they usually fall in the afternoon.

In August the number of days with precipitation is around 19. South Florida is one of the places in the world with the greatest number of thunderstorms per the year.

The average daytime temperature in August in Miami is around 33°C and around 25°C at night.

The relative humidity for the month is about 76-77% on average. This is a season of hurricanes and frequent tropical storms.

South Florida is a good place to live for people who want to find their tropical paradise but at the same time are not willing to leave the comfort and amenities of the big city.

However, in this part of the state it is much more difficult to find privacy and secludedness, since the area is very densely populated and has a highly developed tourism industry.

Central Florida

Central Florida extends between Okeechobee to the south and the cities of Ocala and Daytona Beach on the north.

The most famous cities in this part of Florida are Orlando, Tampa, St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Winter Haven, Lakeland, Palm Bay, Daytona Beach and others.

This part of the state has a transitional climate. This is where the hot and humid tropical air masses of the south meet the cooler subtropical air masses of the north.

These two types of climate are very different, which is why the weather in central Florida is quite variable during the winter season.

This will be probably one of the first things you’ll notice coming to live in this area.

Winter season in Central Florida

Winters in Central Florida are relatively warm.

However, the weather varies dramatically from one year to another or even in different days.

Temperatures are generally high and some days really remind for the hot summer season.

Other days are completely different. Relatively cold air masses from the north easily reach this part of Florida and replace the warm air for a while.

For example, in January there are some days that are great for sunbathing and swimming, but it could be also quite chilly and then warmer clothes are needed.

In colder days the weather in Tampa may not be warmer than in Southern Europe. Historically, in Central Florida have been even registered cases with temperatures below zero.

The average daytime temperature in January is about 22°C in Orlando, 22°C in Palm Bay, about 21°C in Tampa, Clearwater and St. Petersburg and about 20°C in Daytona Beach.

Even if cooler compared to Miami for example, this is a very warm and comfortable winter temperature and is for sure a bit warmer than Southern California.

Winter nights, however, can be a little cool. For example, the average night temperature in January in Tampa is about 11°C and about 10°C in Orlando.

However, as we already mentioned, the weather is very changeable, so the chances to find summer temperatures, cloudless skies and excellent conditions for spending some time on the beach are very good.

Even if you are not lucky enough to bathe in the Gulf of Mexico or the Atlantic Ocean, the weather in Central Florida during the winter season allows you to stay outside for hours every day, enjoying your favourite outdoor activities.

Even if not very hot, the weather is very sunny and relatively dry. The most pleasant winter days in January bring temperatures of about 24 – 25°C but sometimes is possible to reach even about 30°C.

Furthermore, your chances for good weather are a bit better in Palm Bay on the east coast of Florida, where temperatures traditionally are one or two degrees higher.

Summer season in Central Florida

Everglades National Park
Everglades National Park by böhme photography

Unlike the winter season, which could be a bit changeable in Central Florida, summers are very hot and heavy with no chance for cooler weather.

In combination with high humidity, the average daytime temperature of about 32 – 33°C can be quite uncomfortable.

Usually the season of very high temperatures and heavy rainfalls lasts from June to September.

At this time of the year the weather seems typical for a tropical humid climate.

The advantage of Central Florida is that it more rarely turns out to be directly in the path of hurricanes compared with South Florida.

North Florida

North Florida has a humid subtropical climate, which is very different from what most people imagine when they hear the name of the state.

Unlike South Florida, the coconut palm trees are not typical part of the city environment here and summers don’t last year-round.

In North Florida there are four different seasons – spring, summer, autumn and winter.

For example, summers in Tallahassee are longer and bring very high temperatures.

In July and August the average temperature during the day is around 33 – 34°C, and the heat is sometimes even greater than in the southern parts of the state.

Temperatures of around and over 40°C are not impossible.

Summer rainfalls are quite intense and accompanied by thunder and lightning, but fortunately, in most cases they don’t last long.

The weather from June to September is very hot and heavy.

Usually the weather is very nice in spring (April and May) and autumn (October), when the average temperature during the day is between 26 and 30°C and the nights are pleasantly fresh.

Winters last from November to mid-March and are usually mild and pleasant.

However, sometimes are possible severe frosts, because there are no high mountain chains or other geographical barriers to stop cold air masses coming from the north.

Otherwise, in normal conditions, in January you can expect a temperature of about 17 – 18°C during the day and about 4°C at night.

Conclusion:

If you are looking for a suitable city to settle down in Florida and want to choose a place with a tropical climate and year-round summer temperatures, where the beach season never ends, then you should choose one of the cities in South Florida.

Suitable destinations are Miami, Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, Naples, Marco Island and the island chain of Florida Keys in Monroe County and others.

The average daytime temperature on the Atlantic coast is one or two degrees higher compared with the Florida’s Gulf Coast.

If you think that slightly lower winter temperatures of about 22 – 23°C during the day and about 11°C at night are not too chill for you, then you could find cities such as Tampa, Clearwater, St. Petersburg, Palm Bay, Sarasota, Winter Haven, Orlando and others very enjoyable.

Their climate is transitional between tropical and subtropical, so during the winter season it might get very warm, but lower temperatures are possible as well.

What are the most important historical centers in Florida?

Naples Beach
Naples Beach by Reinhard Link

If you love history and prefer to visit places that bring the spirit of the past, Florida has several must-visit historical centers you could enjoy:

St. Augustine

St. Augustine has a population of only 12,975 people but is one of the most important historical sites in the US.

The reason is that the small coastal town is the oldest founded by European settlers city of the continental United States.

The city was founded in September, 1565, and it is actually much older than many European cities and even older than some European countries.

Today St. Augustine is well-known for its old historical buildings.

Key West

Key West is another must-visiting place if you want to feel the past of America.

Here you can enjoy the historic wooden buildings, many of which were built in the first half of the 19th century.

Here you you will be able to visit also the house of Ernest Hemingway, which was built in 1851.

Dry Tortugas

Dry Tortugas is an important place to visit for any lover of American history. It is famous for the massive fortress, whose construction started in 1847, about 25 years after the United States acquired Florida.

Dry Tortugas is a wonderful place not just from a history point of view. It is also a real paradise for lovers of diving, snorkeling and marine life as a whole.

Miami Beach

Panoramic view from the roof of Fort Jefferson, Dry Tortugas National Park
Panoramic view from the roof of Fort Jefferson, Dry Tortugas National Park by Matt Kieffer

Miami Beach, surprisingly for many, is also one of the historical places in Florida. It is well known for its interesting historical architecture.

Yes, there aren’t old castles or something like that, but instead, you can enjoy the art deco style architecture.

Many of the buildings in the city date back to the 30s of the 20th century and together form the Miami Beach Architectural District. One of the most impressive buildings here is the Museum of Arts.

Where are located the best beaches in Florida?

As we have already mentioned, Florida is famous for its amazing beaches. If this is the reason for why you want to visit or to live in the state, here’s what are the best places for you:

Florida Keys

Florida Keys is perhaps the most attractive destination in America when it comes to great beaches. The island chain of Monroe County extends south of the peninsula.

Besides for its warm climate, Florida Keys is popular for its clean, transparent waters and white sand.

Some of the most attractive beaches are Higgs Beach, which is located on the island of Key West, and the larger snow-white Smathers Beach.

The pearl of Florida Keys, however, is located far to the west.

It is called Dry Tortugas, and its beauty is memorable. The place was declared a national park and is a dream come true for the snorkeling lovers.

South Beach, Miami

South Beach, Miami is a global top destination, and one of the main reason is its beautiful beach.

Everything looks just perfect – cloudless sky, blue water, white sand, coconut palms and beautiful people with great bodies, enjoying the tropical sun.

South Beach is often compared with St-Tropez and other upscale destinations on the French Riviera.

However, the truth is that local beaches are incomparable.

Fort Lauderdale

Similar to South Beach, Fort Lauderdale is also an international top destination and a favourite place for tens of millions of American tourists who want to enjoy sunbathing and swimming in mid-January.

Beautiful coconut palm trees add some Caribbean feeling, and according to many, Fort Lauderdale is the only place on the east coast of the United States that could be compared with Miami Beach.

See also  10 Reasons to Live in Navarre (Florida)

Marco Island

With its white beaches, sand like a powder and transparent calm waters, the famous Marco Island looks like a paradise and is at the same so typical for the west coast of Florida.

The Gulf of Mexico offers year round good options for sunbathing and swimming.

The biggest advantage is that the beaches of Marco Island are usually much less crowded in comparison with the east coast of Florida and especially the area of Miami.

Naples

Naples is another great destination in Florida, especially if you are looking for white sand, coconut palms and mirrored seawater.

Well, probably Naples is not the best place in the world for surfing as the gulf is usually very quiet. On the other side, however, this is one of the very best places in America for those who want just to swim.

St. Petersburg

St. Petersburg is a typical tropical coastal city on the Gulf of Mexico. What we said about Marco Island and Naples applies in full force about St. Petersburg.

The sand is white and fine like a powder, the sea – calm and quiet, and the beach season lasts year-round with the exception of some slightly cooler winter days in January and February.

However, this shouldn’t scare you, because if you are coming from the north, you will probably enjoy local weather even in mid-winter.

Santa Rosa Island

The narrow but elongated island of Santa Rosa in the northwestern part of Florida is a famous destination for sea lovers. The out-of-this-world beach offers perfect sand, white and fine like a powder.

This is actually one of the most beautiful beaches of the United States, and the cities of Pensacola and Navarre are just a few minutes drive from here.

Although the season is not year round as in Miami for example, the weather conditions for sunbathing and swimming are absolutely good from early April to late October.

Sometimes great days for the beach there are even in November.

What it is to live in Florida?

Pros of living in Florida

Downtown Jacksonville Skyline
Downtown Jacksonville Skyline by amateur photography by michel

Although there are some disadvantages of living in Florida, though it can not be denied that the warmest state in the continental United States attracts people like a magnet.

Few places in the US and in the world as a whole can boast such a high population growth rate.

Let’s take a look what are some of the biggest advantages of living in Florida.

Warm winters

Warm winters are probably one of the biggest advantages of living in Florida.

The southern parts of the state enjoy year-round summer temperatures, and this is especially valuable during the winter months, when the biggest part the United States experiences quite low temperatures, and in most places there is a thick snow cover.

The good weather conditions attract thousands of settlers from the rest of the USA, but also from Canada and Europe.

Many people invest in properties here because they they just want to have a place to escape the cold winter days.

It can’t be denied that a few places allow the opportunity to lie down on the beach in the middle of winter while enjoying the warm sun and sea.

Moreover, the months of January and February are considered to be the most dynamic and busy tourist season in this part of the United States.

Beaches

Florida is known for its fabulous beaches of fine white sand. According to many, they are the most beautiful in the continental United States, and they could be compared only with the paradise beaches of Hawaii.

What most of you probably don’t know is that there are great beaches not only in the south of Florida, in places such as Miami, Florida Keys, Fort Lauderdale or Clear Water.

In fact, some of the very best beaches are located in the far northwest of the state.

For example, cities like Pensacola, Navarre and Destin are must-visiting places if you’re into white sands and crystal clear waters.

Beautiful scenery

One of the advantages of Florida is that wherever you are, you always feel the closeness to nature.

For example, much of the interior of South Florida is covered by Everglades National Park, which is a real treasury of species of plant and animals.

Moreover, the state offers a number of worth visiting natural reserves, especially if you are into bird watching.

In addition, Florida is the only place in the continental United States to find tropical coral reefs.

Local reefs offer impressive biodiversity. They are home to about 45 species of hard (stony) corals as well as nearly 500 species of fish.

You will find them in the south of the state, in the shallows of the Florida Keys, which is considered the best dive site in the country.

Practically, the whole of Florida is covered with lush vegetation, and its territory is a mosaic of rivers, canals, marshes, and lakes.

The proximity of the Caribbean

Some of the Caribbean Islands are located just a short distance away from Florida. If you own a boat, then you can spend a romantic weekend with your partner at some wonderful place in close proximity.

Bimini, for example, is located approximately 80 km from South Beach, Miami.

For the people who have never been there, this place is a paradise on Earth, and the proximity to Miami makes it an ideal destination even for a pleasant afternoon.

World top destination to investment in real estate

Although around the world are appearing more and more fast developing property markets, Florida traditionally attracts millions of investors.

It has the image of a world-class renowned destination, and it traditionally tops the list of the best places to invest.

Usually, the most developed countries in the world are not very attractive places to buy a house or an apartment because of the higher prices but Florida is different.

Already a few decades the Sunshine State remains one of the most attractive places on the planet for those who want to buy a holiday home or just want to invest in a retirement property.

Traditionally, Florida is a top destination for investors from Latin America, but also from Germany, Britain, Spain, Italy, the Netherlands, Scandinavia, Russia and many others.

Excellent infrastructure

Florida has a very good infrastructure. The roads of the state are in a good condition, there are regular public transportation connections between the cities, and in addition, all the cities and villages look aesthetically pleasing.

Moreover, the majority of the population enjoys access to fast Internet, and in addition, all the public libraries offer free access to the network.

Cosmopolitan and international environment

Living in a cosmopolitan country or in a city where live people from different nationalities and cultures is always enriching, and it helps your personal development.

Florida is just such a place.

Miami, for example, is considered one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the world, together with cities like New York, London, Toronto and Sydney.

Excellent opportunities for entertainment

If you are young and love to have fun or if you are adults but have not partied when you were young and you want to do it now, then Florida is one of the best places in the world to visit.

In the Sunshine State there is always where to go, what to see and what to see.

The fact that Florida is one of the main tourist destinations in the United States means that you will never be bored, with no matter of what your idea of having fun is.

Cons of living in Florida

Hurricane Joaquin
Hurricane Joaquin by NASA Goddard Space Flight Center

Maybe living in Florida is a dream come true for you. And indeed, this is one of the most attractive destinations in North America and the world. But perhaps as you might guess, nothing is perfect.

Be sure that Florida, as well as any other place in the world, will offer you things you probably won’t like.

This usually happens when the initial euphoria and enthusiasm of living here has gone and people get into the routine of their daily lives. Here are some of the biggest disadvantages of living in Florida.

The heat

The warm climate is one of the biggest advantages of Florida during the winter months, but at the same time the biggest drawback in summer.

While in January and February this place looks like a paradise on earth, and the beaches are full with locals and tourists, during the summer months, especially from June to September, the heat is often unbearable and makes many people feel discomfort.

If you are used to cooler climate, the combination of high temperatures and high humidity will not be very pleasant for you.

Maybe you think the heat is not dangerous, but do not forget that Florida is one of the top places in the US when it comes to heat strokes in children and adults.

Moreover, this state is one of the first places in the country as a number of people with sunburns.

Sharks attacks

The state of Florida is on the first place in the world as a number of shark attacks, and even places such as Australia and South Africa, which are traditionally considered the most risky, are actually less dangerous.

For example, for the period from 2005 to 2014 in Florida are recorded 219 shark attacks, of which 2 fatal and 217 non-fatal. The reasons for the large number of shark attacks are numerous.

Among the most important are the long summer tourist season, the high concentration of population and tourists in the coastal areas of the state, the large number of sharks in Florida’s coastal waters and many others.

In general, the risk is everywhere, but the area of New Smyrna Beach in the northeastern parts of the state is considered one of the riskiest because of the larger average number of accidents.

For this reason, it is recommended to stay cautious when entering the sea, especially at night when the risk is higher.

Hurricanes

salt water crocodile
Salt water crocodile by DeusXFlorida

The path of much of the hurricanes that form over the tropical Atlantic Ocean passes through the territory of the Florida Peninsula.

Thinking about that now, hurricanes may not seem so dangerous, but if you choose to settle down in the state, especially in the coastal areas, this power of nature will become part of your lifestyle.

According to the National Hurricane Center in the United States, hurricane season runs from May 15 to November 30, with the highest concentration of hurricanes and tropical storms in the middle of September.

One of the biggest disadvantages in the situation of an approaching hurricane is the need of evacuation in some cases. This happens under the threat of more powerful storms and increased risk existing for a given location.

Fortunately, the evacuation is not always needed and sometimes it’s much safer to stay at home.

If you are considering the idea to settle down in Florida, you must be very familiar with how to act in a case of a hurricane.

This includes measures to secure your home, stockpiling of essential products and many other that could save your life in a case of need.

Speaking of hurricanes, it is good for you to know that the danger is not the same in all counties of Florida.

For example, the coastal areas are usually exposed at a much higher risk during a hurricane, although under the conditions of more powerful tropical storms the interior of the state may also be affected.

The risk of hurricanes is highest in Monroe County, which includes the popular islands of the archipelago Florida Keys as well as Miami-Dade County.

Some coastal counties, however, are exposed to a lesser risk of hurricanes. Good examples are some of the counties to the northeast such as Duval, Nassau, St. Johns and Flagler, which are located close to the border with Georgia.

Among the places that are at a lower risk of hurricanes are also some counties on the west coast of Florida, especially Taylor County, which is located in the northern parts of the state, where the coastline makes a gentle turn to the west.

The rainy summers

Many people are highly attracted to Florida because of the weather, but many of them remain quite surprised by the heavy rainfall during the summer months.

From throughout the continental United States, Florida receives the largest amount of rainfall.

At certain times of the summer season the heavy rainfalls are almost daily and usually fall in the afternoons.

Miami is one of the cities in the top ten places with the greatest number of rainy days per year in the United States.

With about 1572 mm per year on average, Miami is actually the second rainiest city in America.

Dangerous animals

If you are planning to settle down in Florida is good to know that the tropical climate of the state, especially in the warmer regions of the south, is a favourable environment for the reproduction and distribution of a number of insects, some of which could be not only annoying but also harmful.

Mosquitoes are traditionally among the most unpleasant insects. For them, Florida is a paradise because it offers vast areas covered with stagnant water basins like marshes and lakes.

Among the dangerous creatures are also two types of species of poisonous spiders, six species of poisonous snakes and others. Florida is also home to scorpions.

Although not poisonous, they can cause painful stings and swelling at the site, as well as allergic reactions. Among the threats in Florida are also the alligators.

Many people in the state live near freshwater canals, ponds and other water bodies, where they sometimes meet these dangerous predators face to face.

Over the years, there are dozens of cases of people who were attacked and some of them even killed by alligators in the state. As one of the most dangerous animals in North America, the alligator should be avoided.

Sometimes it happens these huge reptiles to occur in densely populated areas, causing mixed reactions between curiosity and panic.

The risk to encounter alligator actually exists anywhere in Florida, but the likelihood is generally slightly greater in the western parts of the state, along the coast of the Gulf of Mexico.

In the area there are quite densely populated counties in combination with a large number of freshwater ponds and marshes nearby.

Some of cities where there is an increased risk of encounters between people and alligators are Port Charlotte, Sarasota, St. Petersburg and many others.

Crime

Although year after year Florida becomes a much safer and secure place to live, in 2014 the state was still among the ten most dangerous states to live in America.

However, although the population in 2013 was 19,552,860 people, the number of homicide was 972, which is a significant decrease compared to 1980, when the population was only about 9,567,112 people, and the number of homicides was 1,387.

There is also a significant decline observed in the number of robberies committed on the territory of Florida. For example, in 1980 they are 34,015 and in 2013 – about 23,200.

For the most dangerous place in Florida is considered the Mecca of tourists, Miami Beach, where approximately 11% of the people say they have been a victim of some kind of crime at some point in their lifetime.

Things to do in Florida

Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando
Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando by Davidlohr Bueso

We can not finish this article without saying a few words about how many things you can do in Florida.

Let’s not forget that living somewhere permanently is very different from just spending a week there.

Living in a city on a permanent basis, you will need to work, to meet new people, to have your cultural and social life, to socialize, to have fun with friends, to play sports, to start new business, to travel and explore the vicinity.

Let’s do a brief analysis of what you can expect and do in Florida.

– You can find a number of year-round beach destinations such as Miami, Key West, Fort Lauderdale and others.

-You can enjoy great surfing conditions in places such as Daytona Beach. In fact, it is sometimes even better than California in this respect.

– You can play sports outdoors all year round. The weather is just perfect.

-You can enjoy diving and snorkeling in the shallow-water coral reefs of Florida Keys, which are home to rare species and incredible marine life.

-You can visit various events throughout the year, such as concerts, exhibitions, film festivals, world-class sporting events and many others.

-You can visit some the most colourful amusement parks in the world.

-You can visit a huge variety of restaurants, clubs and bars, perhaps more than in any other place in the US.

-You will find here great opportunities for starting a new business, because this state is among the best in America for start-ups.

-You can study. The state is known as the place with some of the best universities in the world.

-You can meet dozens or even hundreds of new people. Florida is a place where most of the people come from other cities, countries or even continents, so you have bigger chances to make new friendships and enrich your social life.

-You can spend more time outside. Here are a number of unique protected areas to visit, including Everglades National Park – one of the most famous in the world

-You can reach by boat the neighbouring Caribbean islands just within a few hours.

-You can see some of the most popular celebrities, especially if you visit South Beach, the mecca of the rich and famous.

-You can learn and practice Spanish. About ¼ of the population of Florida speaks Spanish as their mother tongue.