January 25th is Florida Day and we’re a bunch of proud Floridians at Top of the Coast. That being said, of course we wanted to honor the holiday by highlighting some of the reasons we love living in Florida. So, without further ado, here’s our list in no particular order.
Amazing Weather Year-Round
There’s a reason they call it the Sunshine state and one of the perks of living in Florida is the weather. The average year-round temperature in Florida is 71.75 °F and the state has, on average, 237 days a year of sunshine. Those of you who love the outdoors will have plenty of days to enjoy activities.
Top Rated Beaches
Florida has approximately 1,350 miles of coastline and 189 official beaches. The state has no shortage of white sandy beaches and crystal-clear water for beachgoers to enjoy. There are gorgeous beaches located throughout the state, each with unique offerings, so there is no need to travel long distances for Floridians to enjoy a day at the beach!
Great Food
Florida has the cuisine to satisfy even the most fastidious foodies. The state’s oceanside location of course means great seafood. However, Florida also offers a wide variety of delicious cuisine that reflects the diverse culture of the state. Expect to savor some of the best restaurants in the country in cities like Orlando, Miami, and St. Augustine. Food and Wine Magazine also recently published an article on why they are loving the current Jacksonville culinary scene. Head to Edible Northeast or Edible Southeast Florida to read more about Florida’s delicious cuisine.
Art and Culture
Florida offers an abundance of art museums, symphonies, concert halls and entertainment venues which showcase amazing work every season. Each major city in Florida contains world-class arts and entertainment venues offering musicals, operas, ballets, and other performances. The state has several large universities with established programs that also contribute to richness of the state’s art and culture. Head to Florida’s Division of Arts and Culture website to read more about the subject.
Amazing Vacation Destinations
Some of the top attractions and theme parks are in Florida. The city of Orlando is one of the most popular vacation destinations for family fun. Some of the most famous attractions call this city home including, Disney World, Universal Studios, Legoland Florida and SeaWorld. Orlando also has a wide variety of entertainment, shopping and dining selections which make this city a hot vacation spot. Miami is another popular vacation destination which features a lively nightlife, year-round festivals, fantastic music, and food. Amelia Island, Fort Lauderdale and Daytona Beach are just some of the other great vacation spots in Florida.
Professional Sports Teams
Floridians have a variety of options when it comes to cheering on a beloved sport team. Florida has three National Football League teams, two Major League Baseball teams, two National Basketball Association teams, two National Hockey League teams, two Major League Soccer teams, one Women’s Soccer team and many minor league teams in various sports.
Affordable Real Estate & Cost of Living
Floridians enjoy a much lower cost of living than comparable states.The same can be said for Florida real estate. Floridians have the option of owning more choice properties set on prime locations for a much lower cost per square foot compared with states such as California and New York. To learn more about Florida real estate head here to be connected with some of our recommended real estate experts.
Variety of Events
There is no shortage of events in the sunshine state. There is always something to do in Florida, and the state has something for everyone. Floridians can enjoy an abundance of events, festivals, and gatherings year-round.
Strong Economy and Job Market
Florida’s economy is the 15th largest in the world. It continues to grow, with approximately 3.4% growth over the past 5-years. The state also recently reported an increasing growth of its job rate, this past fall the rate was three times larger compared to the rest of the nation.
No State Income Tax
Florida is one of the handful of states that have no state income tax. This means that Floridians can enjoy less money being taken out of their paychecks each month and come tax season they only must submit a federal return.