What you need to know about life in Florida: regions, economy, and real estate

General description of Florida

Florida is the southernmost state in the United States and is located in the southeastern part of the country. To the north, it borders Alabama and Georgia, while to the west and east, it is washed by the waters of the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean, respectively. To the south of the state lies the Florida Strait, which serves as a connecting artery between these two bodies of water.

Geographical dimensions

In terms of size, Florida ranks 22nd among all states, with an area of 170,300 square kilometers. At the same time, it ranks third in population, which exceeds 21 million people, and eighth in population density, indicating a high concentration of residents in a limited area.

Miami is the largest city.

Miami, serving as the largest and most famous city in the state, has a high population density. However, there is a misconception that it is the capital of Florida. In reality, the capital of this state is Tallahassee. The skyline of Miami showcases the splendor and diversity of its urban architecture.

The economy of Florida

The economy of FloridaWith a total volume of 1 trillion dollars, it ranks 4th in power among all American states. If Florida were considered an independent country, its economy could rank 16th in the world. As of 2018, the state was in 58th place in terms of population among all states.

• The average income per capita in 2017 was $47,684, which ranks 26th in the U.S.
• The unemployment rate in September 2018 was 3.5%, which placed Florida 18th among all states in the country for this indicator.
• Florida exports goods worth approximately $55 billion annually, ranking it 8th in the U.S. in terms of export volume.

The economic center of Miami is the largest urban economic zone in Florida and the 12th largest in the United States, with a gross domestic product of $345 billion in 2017. The state is home to 51 billionaires, most of whom own real estate in South Florida.

Advantages of living in Florida

The state, with a population of around 20 million people, offers numerous key advantages:

• Warm climate
• High-quality educational institutions
• Various medical services
• A variety of places to relax

These factors make Florida increasingly attractive to residents, especially from the northern regions of the United States.

Planning the move

If you are planning to move to Florida or are already in the process, you should pay attention to choosing a neighborhood and housing. You will also need to take care of obtaining all the necessary documents, such as a residence permit and driver's license, and consider the characteristics of the climate and culture of this region.

Choosing a neighborhood to live in

First of all, decide which specific area of Florida you want to settle in. Pay attention to the available amenities typical for most neighborhoods, such as:

• Educational institutions
• Workplaces
• Medical infrastructures
• Other factors affecting quality of life

Don't forget that Florida is a vast and diverse state, where the blend of cultures and opportunities makes it a unique place to live.

Choosing a city in Florida

If you are looking for the right city in Florida, it's important to understand that the state is divided into five original regions, each with its own charm and advantages. The largest agglomeration is South Florida, which includes cities like Everglades, Miami, West Palm Beach, and Key West. Key West is located at the southern end of the Florida Keys archipelago and is considered the southernmost point of the continental United States, situated just 150 kilometers from Cuba, making it a particularly attractive destination.

Panhandle region

Moving on to the Florida Panhandle, we encounter its administrative center — the city of Tallahassee. This region is famous for its stunning beaches that stretch along the Gulf of Mexico. Tallahassee is located just 48 kilometers from the Georgia border, and the local residents' mood is full of friendliness and openness, which also reflects the general atmosphere of the southern states.

Northern Florida

Northern Florida is distinguished by major cities like Gainesville and Jacksonville. These cities serve as centers of cultural activity and are home to preserved historical landmarks. In Jacksonville, there is a wonderful light show at the Friendship Fountain, which makes this region even more appealing to tourists and residents.

Central Florida

Central Florida is known for its famous attractions such as Disney World, SeaWorld, and the Kennedy Space Center. This region also features many charming towns, picturesque lakes, and beautiful spots, making it particularly appealing to tourists as well as to locals who appreciate tranquility and nature.

Southwest Florida

Southwest Florida delights visitors with resorts such as Tampa, St. Petersburg, Naples, Sarasota, and Fort Myers. This region is famous for its art museums, theaters, and, of course, its unique beaches. The city of Tampa offers its residents and guests a wealth of cultural events and excellent recreational opportunities.

The crisis in the real estate market

A few years ago, Florida was severely affected by the real estate crisis in 2008. Since then, housing prices have largely recovered, but in some cities in the state, you can still find quite advantageous options. For example, in Jacksonville, the average home price is about186,519 dollarsand more than half of the residents own their homes.

The situation in Miami

The situation in Miami is different, as the overwhelming majority of people here prefer renting.70%Local residents are renting housing, likely due to higher housing prices compared to other major cities in Florida. The average home price in Miami reaches317,273 dollars...which is a significantly high bar for many.

Rental in Miami

Renting in this city can be a very justified choice: as of March 2019, the average rental price for an apartment in Miami was1355 dollarsper month. For comparison, a similar apartment in Daytona Beach costs approximately1018 dollarsOn a national scale, the average rental prices for apartments are around1175 dollarsper month.

Choosing a place to live

When choosing a place to live in Florida, it's important to consider all these nuances to make the best decision for living or vacationing.

Real estate rentals

As a result, the cost of renting housing in Miami turns out to be $180 higher than the national average, while in Daytona Beach, on the contrary, there is a savings of almost $157. Utility prices are significantly influenced by fluctuations in energy resource prices. In the state of Florida, they are quite high.

Utilities

According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), the average monthly electricity bill in this region is $126.44. This is 13% higher than the national average.

Purchase or rental of real estate

Buying or renting real estate are two popular options that help solve the housing question. While renting may seem like a more economically justified solution, if you plan to live in Florida on a permanent basis for several years, purchasing a home will become a more profitable and sustainable option considering long-term prospects. In cases where you plan to spend winter holidays in Florida, your own property can generate additional income through off-season rentals.

Real estate market research

To begin with, it is important to carefully study the real estate market in the regions that interest you. Florida attracts many retirees and those looking to spend the winter months in a warm climate, so property prices here are constantly rising. Before making a decision to move, it is advisable to conduct detailed research to understand which area you can buy a home at a reasonable price. For example, the average price of a home in Miami exceeds $300,000, while in the Panhandle it is less than $140,000.

Choosing a neighborhood to live in

Choosing a neighborhood to live in is just the first step. Once you've settled on a location, you need to start looking for a suitable house or apartment. Don't forget to use online resources that allow you to compare various real estate listings within your budget.

• When negotiating with the owner or their representative, it is important to find out whether the property you have chosen is in a flood or hurricane risk zone.

Employment in Florida

If you are considering employment opportunities in Florida, it is worth reaching out to a recruiting company that can assist you in finding a suitable job. The process of searching for job openings from abroad often requires a lot of time and effort. However, job vacancies in the Florida labor market may be accessible with the help of local recruiters who can offer job options even before your move.

• Recruiters will analyze your work history and help gather information about your skills to find suitable job offers.

Obtaining a driver's license

The next important step towards a comfortable life in Florida is obtaining a driver's license from this state. For many Americans, it serves as a substitute for a passport and is necessary for various legal transactions, such as dealing with loans and real estate.

• You can obtain a driver's license at any DMV office — Department of Motor Vehicles.
• To do this, you will need to provide documents confirming your previous registration and auto insurance, as well as a document proving your residence in Florida.
• The cost of registering a car is 25 dollars.
• Please note that you will not be able to register a car in advance, as you need to already have an address in the state for that.

Florida: a unique state

Florida is a unique state that attracts many people with its opportunities, climate, and diverse culture. In summary, I realize that this region can be seen as a true gem of the USA. It has everything: from the bustling beaches of Miami to the quiet towns of Central Florida. Each region has its own characteristics that can meet the various needs and preferences of new residents.

The economy of Florida

Florida's economy is impressive — it not only ranks fourth in the U.S. but also shows strong growth rates. This is due to a stable workforce and a thriving entrepreneurial environment, making the state attractive for investment and business.

• Fourth placein the USA by economic volume.
• Good growth rates thanks to a stable workforce.
• Developing entrepreneurship.

At the same time, the standard of living in different parts of the state can vary, which opens up additional opportunities for those who want to be part of this dynamic economy.

The climate of Florida

The climate of Florida also plays a key role in its appeal. Warm winters and sunny days attract both tourists and people looking to move to this state permanently.

However, it is important to remember that adaptation to special conditions, such as high humidity and periodic hurricanes, is also crucial for successful living in these areas.

Moving to Florida

If you are considering moving to Florida, take the time to explore every corner of the state in advance to understand which area resonates with you the most. Also, don't forget about practical aspects such as:

• Obtaining residence documents.
• Obtaining a driver's license.

As practice shows, this process can be either enjoyable or unbearable, depending on your preparation.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Florida is a diverse and promising place to live. Whether you are a seeker of new opportunities, a lover of sunny days, or simply looking for a new home, this part of the USA has something special to offer you. The key is to understand your needs and choose the region that will become your new home, taking into account all its charms and challenges.

I hope my review has helped you get a general idea of the opportunities that Florida has to offer.