For decades, Florida has been synonymous with retirement thanks to its warm climate and relaxed lifestyle. Although many people who relocate to Florida are seniors, there’s a shift happening as young professionals are making Florida their home. This trend is completely revamping Florida’s demographics and infusing its cities with fresh energy and innovation.
Here’s why people of all ages are moving to Florida, and why you might want to join them.
1. Booming job opportunities
Florida’s economy is thriving, and there are plenty of employment opportunities to be found that are attracting people of all ages, but especially business professionals. For example, the tech industry is growing fast in Miami and Tampa as companies like Magic Leap emerge and create even more jobs.
The finance and healthcare sectors are also doing well in Florida, which attracts young professionals who are just starting their career. If you’re not looking for a career and are building your own business, Florida has a host of business-friendly policies that encourage and support startups and innovation, making it an ideal destination for aspiring entrepreneurs.
2. Affordable living
With the cost of living rising rapidly across the U.S., many people are looking to relocate where rent is still affordable. However, in some locations, rents are lower while other costs are sky high. That’s not the case in Tampa, where the overall cost of living is lower than the national average. And you don’t need to sacrifice comfort to get a good deal on an apartment. Communities like Casa Marti offer affordable, classy living spaces in the heart of Ybor City, one of Tampa’s coolest neighborhoods.
If you want to buy a home in Florida, many cities, including Lakeland and Daytona Beach, have median home prices of around $250,000 to $300,000. Generally speaking, wherever you land in Florida, utilities and transportation costs won’t break the bank. You can build a comfortable lifestyle without experiencing financial strain. There’s also no state income tax, which means you’ll be able to save more of your hard-earned income.
3. A vibrant social scene
If you’re looking for a place that has a vibrant social scene, nightlife, and rich cultural diversity, you’ll love Florida. Areas like Brickell in Miami have a lively nightlife scene with numerous bars, clubs, and nice restaurants.
For cultural enrichment outside of food, Florida is home to many art and music festivals, like the Art Basel art fair in Miami Beach and the Gasparilla Music Festival in Tampa.
If you’re into sports, many popular teams are based in Florida, like the Miami Heat and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
4. Educational opportunities
Florida is committed to the type of education and research that attracts a younger crowd of professionals seeking career growth. For example, the University of South Florida offers advanced degrees and research opportunities, while the Bellini College of Artificial Intelligence provides cutting-edge education in cybersecurity and artificial intelligence.
Naturally, these educational opportunities come with networking opportunities that can help entrepreneurs find business partners, clients, and potential collaborative projects.
5. A favorable climate
It’s hard to find anyone who isn’t attracted to Florida mainly for the warm weather. It’s one of the only U.S states that offers a warm climate year-round with easy access to beautiful, sunny beaches. Florida averages 230 sunny days each year, and that opens up many possibilities for outdoor activities, not to mention the health benefits of being outdoors and getting some sun.
6. Water sports
You can swim, surf, kitesurf, sail, and take a boat out in any ocean, but if the water is cold and the sun is hiding behind the clouds, it’s not going to be that enjoyable. Florida offers easy access to many coastline areas with warm water where you can swim, surf, and boat, among other activities.
7. Diverse communities
If you’re looking for culture, you’ll find plenty in Florida. Florida attracts people from all different cultures, which is reflected in local dining options, festivals, and other activities. Miami is especially culturally diverse, although it can be on the expensive side to live there.
8. Remote work opportunities
Now that remote work has become common, remote work hubs are popping up all over the place. For example, St. Augustine is one of the most popular hotspots for remote workers in Florida. There are also plenty of coworking spaces if you need an office, but don’t want to rent an entire building.
Florida is a great spot for entrepreneurs
Florida is beginning to earn a new reputation for innovation rather than just being a destination for retirees. This shift is fueled by Florida’s business-friendly environment that allows startups and existing businesses to seamlessly integrate into the local communities.
Whether you’re looking to relocate or retire, Florida is a great option.
