Before you buy property in Florida, you need to learn about the pros and cons of living in the state’s various cities and see which one is best for families with children.
Content:
- Florida’s advantages and disadvantages for relocation
- Top Florida cities for families with children
- Apartment prices in Florida
Florida’s advantages and disadvantages for relocation
In the US, Florida is known as a retirement state. There are many gated communities where the average age of residents is approaching 70 years. Other Americans most frequently name the following disadvantages of the state: a lack of culture, dangerous local fauna (primarily alligators), snakes and mosquitoes, high humidity, seasonal hurricanes, and traffic congestion, especially in the Greater Miami area. Many also note that salaries in Florida are lower than those in California, so it makes no sense to move here to pursue the almighty dollar.
Affordable rental rates, a relatively low price at which you can buy an apartment in Florida, a low cost of living compared to super-expensive locations such as California or New York, an abundance of magnificent beaches, and everlasting summer are the state’s huge advantages. What expats love here the most:
- Climate with bright sun and no winter.
- A large number of jobs that do not require high qualifications.
- A well-developed tourist and entertainment infrastructure, concerts, nightclubs, and sports competitions.
- The opportunity to rent or buy a house in Florida at a reasonable price.
- Good communication with Europe: there are direct cheap flights to major European capitals from Miami, Orlando, and other international airports.
Despite the reputation as a retirement state, overseas families with young children often move here, especially those with parents able to work remotely. Year-round swimming in the emerald waters of the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean, washing the peninsula on which the state is located, amply makes up for it being ‘remote from New York culture.’
Top Florida cities for families with children
The list of the most family-friendly places in Florida was compiled by experts in the local real estate market at the end of 2022. Each of the locations listed below has its own advantages. Let’s take a closer look.
1. Melbourne: good schools and a low crime rate
- Population: 85,000 people.
- Average single-family house price: $217,500.
- Average annual salary: $51,740
The city is part of the Palm Bay – Melbourne – Titusville, Florida Metropolitan Statistical Area with over 620,000 residents. This region ranks 19th in college readiness among the largest metro areas in the United States. This is the best rate in all of Florida. The crime rate in the city is low. Based on the average annual salary and low unemployment, the local labour market ranks 42nd among major US cities. Melbourne has lots of beaches, gardens, and nature trails. There are many golf clubs where you can spend time with the whole family.
2. Sarasota: great beaches and a low crime rate
- Population: 55,000 people.
- Average house price: $387,630.
- Average annual salary: $48,180.
Sarasota, with small beautiful houses on the coast of the Gulf of Mexico, is perfect for both retirees and young families who will appreciate its greenness and low crime rate. The city is home to some of the country’s finest beaches along the Gulf of Mexico, with soft white sand and a smooth entry into the water, suitable for small children. There is an opera house, many restaurants and cafes.
3. Jacksonville: a rich cultural life and well-developed job market
- Population: 955,000 people.
- Average residential property price: $348,852.
- Average annual salary: $49,940.
The city is the most populous in Florida. The average annual salary of its residents, although below the US average (which is $56,310 per year), is higher than that of most other cities in Florida, including Daytona Beach, Port St. Lucie, Orlando, and Sarasota.
The city has many restaurants and entertainment venues, so families can lead a fun-packed life here. Children are sure to enjoy Jacksonville Beach, a water park, historical and art museums, theatres, conservations areas and hiking trails, sports complexes, as well as outdoor playgrounds.
4. Pensacola: entertainment and a low crime rate
- Population: 55,000 people.
- Average single-family house price: $200,800.
- Average annual salary: $45,170.
Due to its low crime rate, the city ranks 17th on the list of the 150 best places to live in the United States. Rich entertainment offerings make the city attractive for families with children.
There are conservation areas, a science museum, a naval aviation museum with 150 aircraft on display, theatres, amusement parks, a mini-golf course, horse riding tours, and many historical and cultural attractions.
5. Tampa: good schools and a well-developed job market
- Population: 390,000 people.
- Average house price: $369,299.
- Average annual salary: $51,770.
Tampa ranks 23rd out of 150 US metro areas in college readiness. The overall crime rate in the city is 19% lower than the US average. Tampa is one of the top five cities to live in Florida. The city is a business and cultural hub with many museums and attractions. Children will love the local amusement park, Busch Gardens, where you can watch African animals.
Apartment prices in Florida
Rental properties
Here are some examples of residential properties that you can currently rent in Florida:
- A 70 m2 one-bedroom apartment in Tampa can be rented for $1,150 per month.
- A 90 m2 two-bedroom condominium in Tampa $1,550 per month.
- A 51 m2 one-bedroom apartment in Orlando $1,000 per month.
- A 212 m2 four-bedroom apartment in Orlando $4,000 per month.
- A 118 m2 three-bedroom apartment in Miami Beach $4,760 per month.
- A 116 m2 two-bedroom condominium in Sarasota $5,500 per month.
- A 74 m2 one-bedroom apartment in Melbourne $1,250 per month.
- A 144 m2 one-bedroom apartment in Melbourne $3,000 per month.
For-sale apartments in Florida
You can buy an off-plan apartment in Florida at about the following prices:
- A 77 m2 one-bedroom condominium in Tampa costs $90,000.
- You can buy a 195 m2 two-bedroom apartment with a terrace in an off-plan project in Florida, in Miami Beach, at a price of $4 million. Construction is set to be completed in mid-2025.
- A 446 m2 three-bedroom condominium in Orlando is for sale at $2,880,000.
- A 143 m2 two-bedroom condominium in Orlando costs $470,000.
- A 118 m2 three-bedroom condominium in Sarasota can be purchased for $285,000.
- A 72 m2 one-bedroom condominium in Melbourne costs $225,000.
- A 181 m2 three-bedroom condominium in Pensacola can be purchased for $850,000.