Florida is not known as the Sunshine State for nothing, and this is perhaps one of the main reasons people decide to move there. After all, what’s better than waking up to beautiful sunshine almost every day of the year? Climate aside, what are the other great things about living in this part of the U.S.? And are there any downsides to moving here?
The Most Beautiful Beaches
Coupled with the fabulous weather are some of the most stunning beaches you can find. In fact, Florida has 663 miles of stunning beach where you can spend your time chilling on the sand watching the waves lap the shores or getting involved in some exhilarating water sports. If you are a member of the LGBTQ community, the folk at OutCoast tell us that you can also find a number of gay beaches and gay hotels in Florida in cities such as Miami and St. Pete.
Low Taxes
Florida does not have an income tax, which is a big draw for many people. The state gets most of its revenue from property and tourism taxes and the people who live there benefit from not having to pay income tax.
Plenty of Jobs
If you are considering a move to Florida, you will be glad to know that jobs are plentiful in the state. The state has a GDP that is roughly equal to that of Mexico and, with so many different industries, including the massive tourism industry, it is quite easy to find work.
Lots to Do
There is plenty to do in Florida. In addition to the amazing beaches, where you can scuba dive, fish, or paddle board, Florida is home to some of the most amazing theme parks, national parks, and other attractions. You will also find a wide variety of bars, restaurants, and cultural experiences. Put it this way, you will never get bored in Florida.
Is Florida All Good?
There are so many positives to living in Florida, so you might be wondering whether there are any downsides. The fact is that like anywhere else in the world, Florida has its good and bad points. But what might be seen as a downside to some may be viewed differently by someone else. Below are a few of what you might consider negative about living in this part of the world.
Too Many Tourists
With Florida being the world’s theme park capital, it goes without saying that people from all over the U.S. and other parts of the world like to visit. You might enjoy seeing so many diverse cultures, but you might not appreciate the fact that beaches are regularly crowded and that there tends to be heavy traffic, especially near the main tourist attractions. This is partially because of the snowbirds who ship their cars to Florida each year.
Bugs and Wildlife
Florida is home to fire ants as well as mosquitoes, and don’t forget the abundance of alligators and snakes that like to visit residential homes from time to time. Most people who live in Florida are used to seeing these creatures, but newbies can find them a bit intimidating. Remember, both snakes and gators would rather have nothing to do with you either.
Heavy Rain is Not Uncommon
While Florida is the sunshine state, it can also rain quite heavily, particularly between June and September. And lightning strikes are also common. If you hear sirens, it is likely a warning that you should stay inside because of severe lightning.
To conclude, Florida is a wonderful place to live, with so much to do and fantastic weather. But while it has many positives, it also has what some might consider negatives.
