LIVING IN SARASOTA. 5 MYTHS WE TELL OURSELVES ABOUT LIVING IN FLORIDA.

Are you thinking about moving to Florida? If so, then you should know the top 5 myths about living in Florida.

1. THE FLORIDA HEAT WILL NOT BOTHER ME.

This statement is expressed frequently by people considering a move to Florida. They say things like, “Heat does not bother me.” or “I am not worried about the heat at all – I’d much rather deal with the heat than the cold.” It is understandable where most are coming from on this matter. However, it can be unbearably HOT in Florida! During the summer months, the majority of the country is hot too, so most people can tolerating the heat for those 3 short months of summer. What most people don’t consider is the length of time that the insufferable heat can last in Florida. By May most of it can easily hit the 90-degree temperature mark on most days. As we go into July, August, and all through September the humidity levels top out between 75-90% humidity and no matter who you are this can be uncomfortable. More people leave Florida because they realize this is just too much for them year after year. The thought that the ‘heat won’t bother you is definitely a myth.     

2. THE ONLY THINGS TO DO IN FLORIDA: HIT THE BEACHES OR GO TO DISNEY WORLD.

When people think of Florida the first two things that cross people’s minds are the world-class beaches and Disney World. Most people forget that Florida is so much more than just these 2 things. Those are definitely treasures, but there are many other things to do and see as well. For instance, whether you live coastal or inland there will always be a lake to fish on nearby. And Florida has some of the best fishing around.  There are many beautiful national parks, including the famous Everglades National Park. This park protects an unparalleled amount of landscape that provides important habitat for numerous rare and endangered species like the American crocodile, manatee, and the elusive Florida panther.

Native tip: Head to Crystal River! The headwaters of Crystal River are known as Kings Bay, where the water temperature is a consistent 72 degrees year-round. During the winter months more than 400 manatees migrate here to escape the cold waters of the Gulf of Mexico, and each year some of them stay in the bay through the summer months. These migrating and resident manatees make Crystal River the perfect spot for you to get up close and personal with these gentle giants.

Another wonderful thing to do in the Sunshine State is to take in pro sports games with friends & family. Florida has two Major League Baseball teams, two National Basketball Association teams, two National Hockey League teams, two Major League Soccer teams, three National Football League teams, and 13 NCAA Division I college teams. In addition, we are home to PGA Tour and Nascar Racing. There are endless opportunities to cheer for the home team.

3. EVERYONE IS OLD IN FL

Another myth heard over and over again is that everyone in Florida is old. Or Florida is ‘Heaven’s Waiting Room’.  Yes, we do have an older population compared to some states. However, the average age in Florida is 41 years old. Actually, Maine and Vermont now have the highest number of residents per capita over the age of 65. With more and more people working remotely we have seen a large number of families and millennials make their way to Florida. The younger generation’s population numbers continue to climb and there is no sign of a slow down. Florida is not just for older people.

4. I WILL SAVE SO MUCH MONEY LIVING IN FLORIDA.

Many people choose to live in Florida for year-round warm weather. Likewise, another popular draw is that Florida has no state income tax. This is substantial savings and a definite benefit of living in the Sunshine State. But will this equate to living more economically? Not everyone can save big by living in Florida because housing, insurance, and food costs are all higher than most parts of the United States. Not to mention there is so much to do in Florida! Floridians tend to spend a fair amount of money remaining active and exploring all that there is to do. Before assuming that Florida will be cheaper – you should compare costs and perhaps discuss further with your accountant.

5. I WON’T MISS ANYTHING ABOUT WHERE I AM MOVING FROM.

Whether you are moving from New York, Seattle or Detroit there will always be something or someone you miss when you relocate to Florida. From the cooler summers, live Broadway shows, or loved ones that are a plane ride away -we all miss something about where we came from.  When considering such a big move please keep this in mind. There you have it! The 5 myths we tell ourselves when moving to Florida. Did I miss any that you may have heard or told yourself? Are you considering a move to the Sunshine State? Please feel free to contact us. We would be happy to help.