Find your happy place
Do you dream of trading in winter blizzards and shoveling snow for Florida’s endless summers? While the polar vortex grips northern locations, Florida’s moderate year-round climate provides ample opportunities to enjoy and explore the state’s natural treasures, ranging from natural springs to vast conservation areas that include the Everglades, where you can spend days hiking, cycling, paddling, swimming or birdwatching. Central Florida, the country’s top amusement park destination, is perfect for young and old alike. With 10 professional sports teams plus dozens of minor league and collegiate teams, Florida is a sports fanatic’s playground. In fact, many of baseball’s top teams call the state home during their spring training season. And with more than 663 miles of beaches along its Atlantic and Gulf Coast shores, you’re never more than 60 miles from the ocean. If you have a permit to work in the US, the state of Florida has no state income tax— a definite plus—and the cost of living is less expensive when compared to other major US states. It all adds up to a better quality of life.
Those who are ready to buy into the Florida state-of-mind have many choices, thanks to an abundance of new homes and condos available across the state to fit any budget or desired lifestyle.
LOCATION OR LIFESTYLE
When searching for a Florida home, there are two basic approaches to consider: location and lifestyle. You may already know where in Florida you want to live. If so, you should familiarize yourself with the neighborhoods, look at typical houses, townhomes or condos, get a sense of prices, and contact a real estate professional who understands the local market and can help you make the right choice.
Another strategy is to focus on your desired lifestyle. Do you picture yourself in a private golf community, a high-rise on the beach or in a scenic, rural location? Then, you’ll want to compare homes, prices and amenities in different locations around the state. Those over age 55, for
example, might want to compare the offerings at On Top of the World in Ocala with The Villages northeast of Orlando. Again, a real estate professional can help you make a well-informed decision.
RESIDENTIAL OPTIONS
If you’re considering a move to Florida, be aware there are some differences in home design and construction compared with houses in cooler climates. For instance, few Florida homes have a basement because of the underlying hard limestone rock and high ground-water level. Newer homes may be more spacious and feature modern kitchens, baths, flooring and fixtures.
A number of leading homebuilders in Florida develop residential communities throughout the state. Minto Communities USA, based in Florida since 1978, has represented integrity and value to homeowners for over 40 years. Minto builds exceptional new homes and communities to meet every lifestyle, with more than 25,000 new homes built in 48 communities. Minto is dedicated to continuous improvement in design quality and customer experience.
Featuring award-winning homes and world-class recreational amenities, Minto’s master-planned communities are located in the Sunshine State’s most popular locations, including Sarasota/Bradenton, Naples, Sunrise, Palm Beach County, Port St. Lucie, Daytona Beach and coming soon to Watersound in the Florida Panhandle. Minto offers a home style for every lifestyle, from waterfront condominiums to townhomes and coach homes, villas and single-family homes—priced from the low US$200s to over $1.5 million.
In addition, Latitude Margaritaville is a new portfolio of active adult communities developed by the global lifestyle brand Margaritaville and Minto. Offering resortstyle amenities, Latitude Margaritaville is the ideal destination for those looking to live the Margaritaville lifestyle as they grow older, but not up. The communities feature a resort-style pool, fitness activities, game and hobby rooms, arts and learning programs, live entertainment, signature Margaritaville food and beverage concepts, and more. The first Latitude Margaritaville community in Daytona Beach was ranked the nation’s most popular active adult community of 2018 by 55Places.com.
Condos and apartment buildings vary widely in design and construction and often develop distinct “personalities.” A high-rise condo with 600 units is akin to a miniature city with many services and amenities, which command a higher monthly maintenance fee. However, if the purchase price and monthly fees are a big consideration, you may prefer a smaller building with a pool, spa or entertainment area—or no amenities at all.
Condos have been a major part of the Florida market since the 1970s, so the age and condition of a building can affect its desirability and price. A recently constructed residence may have a more appealing design, new appliances, marble baths and other modern features compared to an older unit that has never been updated. However, the older unit may still appeal to buyers on a tight budget.
SEASONAL RENTALS
If you love the Florida lifestyle, but aren’t ready to buy, consider a seasonal rental. You can enjoy the beach, boating, golf, shopping and all the attractions for several weeks or months without making a permanent financial commitment. It’s also an excellent way to “sample” different locations and lifestyles to see where you feel most comfortable if you do decide to purchase in the future.
Almost any type of home, condo or apartment around the state can be used as a seasonal rental. For example, Royal Shell, voted “the Best Vacation Rental Company on Sanibel Island” for 10 consecutive years, offers hundreds of quality vacation rentals on Sanibel and Captiva, Fort Myers, Bonita Springs, Naples and other locations in Southwest Florida, as well as in the Ocala area in Central Florida. Similarly, Wyndham Vacation Rentals manages Florida vacation rentals in Orlando as well as across the Panhandle.