Three Questions to Ask Yourself When Considering a Move to Florida

Are you considering a move to Florida?

If so, you’re in good company. More than 1,000 people move to Florida every day, according to many recent estimates. The Sunshine State lives up to its name with gorgeous weather year-round, low taxes, boating, golfing, and a wide array of amenities to suit every lifestyle.

Within the state, Southwest Florida will experience the fastest growth of any metropolitan area according to a variety of forecasts. For example, you can view population projections by the University of Florida’s Bureau of Economic and Business Research here.

That’s because Southwest Florida has plenty of room to grow. You’ll enjoy a more relaxed lifestyle without the big city hustle and bustle. With that in mind, here are three questions to ask yourself when considering a move to Florida.

“Can I live without snow?”

Florida has seasons, but they’re not as pronounced as they are in northern states. You won’t be raking giant piles of leaves in the fall or shoveling feet of snow in the winter. For example, in January the average temperature is 64 degrees in Fort Myers, according to Weather Underground, the weather-reporting site. In October, it’s 77 degrees.

As a result, you might need to replace your wardrobe. Instead of heavy coats, wool sweaters, and snow boots, you’ll need sandals, shorts and light sweaters. Don’t forget you’ll need more bathing suits, too.

When you visit your relatives up north, you might feel like a tourist. And Florida’s balmy weather means the kids and grandkids will be eager to visit, especially in the winter time. You might need to have a guest room in your new Florida home.

“Do I enjoy being outdoors?”

Year-round gorgeous weather means you’ll be spending a lot of time outdoors. Cabin fever doesn’t exist in Florida. Consider the variety of outdoor recreation you can enjoy year-round:

• Golf is a popular pastime and there’s no shortage of options. There are 1,103 golf courses and 524 golf communities in Florida, according to a 2015 report published by the Florida Golf Impact Task Force. Florida hosts nearly a dozen major tournaments so you can watch your favorite players begin.
• Boating fans will love the variety of saltwater and freshwater options in Florida. The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles recently reported that Floridians renewed 567,083 vessel registrations for the most recent fiscal year.
• Cycling, hiking, birding, fishing, and camping are favorite activities enjoyed year-round in Florida. In the most recent fiscal year, for example, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission sold nearly 1.8 million fishing licenses. Florida ranks #1 in the nation in the number of saltwater anglers and world-record fish catches.

“Do I like to have a social life?”

Florida’s population has only grown since the invention of air conditioning, so most people you will meet moved to the state from somewhere else. That means Floridians are an especially friendly lot and they’re quick to invite you over to their house for cocktails.

Homebuilders such as those at Babcock Ranch are designing homes with front-porches and screened outdoor enclosures for entertaining. You can view the builders and floor plans here.

Floridians love to eat out and the tourism industry has helped spawn 39,143 restaurants in Florida, according to statistics from the National Restaurant Association. From professional sports teams to performing arts centers and museums, there’s no shortage of entertainment. You can find things to do by selecting the area you’re interested in on Visit Florida’s website.

You can get answers to all your questions about a move to Florida by calling Babcock Ranch at (941) 235-6900. We’ll be happy to speak with you and schedule your visit.