Page 32 - Travel Guide to Florida 2020

LIFESTYLE LIVING

A SUNSHINE STATE-OF-MIND

BY RICHARD WESTLUND

WATERFRONT CONDOS, DOWNTOWN MIAMI • SHUTTERSTOCK/DANIEL KORZENIEWSKI

A DREAM HOME ON PINE ISLAND • f you're looking for reasons to move to less expensive when compared to other
V&V HOSPITALITY & MEDIA SERVICES
the Sunshine State, here are some that major U.S. states. It all adds up to a better
Imight seal the deal on your dreams. quality of life.
While the polar vortex grips northern Those who are ready to buy into the
locations, Florida’s moderate year-round Florida state-of-mind have many choices,
climate provides ample opportunities to thanks to an abundance of new homes and
enjoy and explore the state’s natural condos available across the state to fit any
treasures, ranging from natural springs to budget or desired lifestyle.
vast conservation areas that include the
Everglades, where you can spend days LOCATION OR LIFESTYLE
hiking, cycling, paddling, swimming or When searching for a Florida home, there
birdwatching. Central Florida, the country’s are two basic approaches to consider:
top amusement park destination, is perfect location and lifestyle. You may already
for young and old alike. With 11 profes- know where in Florida you want to live. If
sional sports teams plus dozens of minor so, you should familiarize yourself with
league and collegiate teams, Florida is a the neighborhoods, look at typical houses,
sports fanatic’s playground. In fact, many townhomes or condos, get a sense of
of baseball’s top teams call the state home prices, and contact a real estate profes-
during their spring training season. And sional who understands the local market
with more than 663 miles of beaches along and can help you make the right choice.
its Atlantic and Gulf Coast shores, you’re Another strategy is to focus on your
never more than 60 miles from the ocean. desired lifestyle. Do you picture yourself in
If you have a permit to work in the U.S., the a private golf community, a high-rise on
state of Florida has no state income tax— the beach or in a scenic, rural location?
a definite plus—and the cost of living is Then, you’ll want to compare homes,

30 2020 TRAVEL GUIDE TO FLORIDA