Where are the Best Places to Live in Florida?
Here's what I learned - every American knows that Florida is a world famous southeastern state . That infamy comes from a lot of different places - surely world famous Disney World is one but also the unique features of this place have attracted people long before Disney was around. Did you know the Atlantic coastline on the east side of Florida is over 1,200 miles long? Of course like my brother the warm water of the gulf is matched only by the attractiveness of the sunny warm climate. It's called the Sunshine State for a good reason. Oh and did I mention the beautiful beaches? Florida also has a low crime rate, its a great place to be active and sports lovers are drawn to the sate for everything from Golf to Baseball to Fishing. Yes, there's a lot to love about Florida and I'm sure it will remain one of the best states to live in. Now there there are numerous places which could be considered the "best places to live in Florida" but like anywhere it is up to individual tastes and interests. For examples people with kids need family friendly spots where by the retiree may want something completely different. Lets' look at the short list for what most would consider the best.
Tampa and the Tampa Bay Area
Tampa Bay is on the West coast in central Florida . It's known as the largest open water estuary in the states and covers more than 1031 sq kilometers. As a naturally protected harbor Tampa is safe and one of the best places for families to live. The port of Tampa Bay is an important commercial hub while the beaches and downtown area attracts many visitors as it's considered one of the Florida Hot Spots for entertainment and fun. This area offers plenty of lifestyle and community activities with festivals and events held throughout the year. Stores, restaurants, and the longest continuous running sidewalk meanders along the bay, perfect for walking, riding and roller blading. There are numerous condominium complexes that typically have great swimming pools and activity centers making this Florida place one of the best places to live for singles and families alike.
Jacksonville - northeast Florida
Jacksonville is another large and well known Florida city. The metro parts of this city are best for the young hip single crowd including students fresh business people and those who are looking for good business work opportunities. The ultra friendly people of this city really create the atmosphere and make Jacksonville one of the best places to live in Florida. Move out of the downtown and into the burbs and you'll find excellent neighborhoods for young families. Jacksonville is located on the northeast coast of Florida. One interesting fact many people are unaware of is that it is the largest city in relation to total land area in the United States.
Miami - Southern Florida East Coast
Miami is located on the Atlantic ocean - the east coast of southern Florida. Truly a city that is all international, Miami is known as 'The Gateway to the Americas'. There are numerous corporate headquarters, TV studios, educational institutes - media, music, fashion, film and performing arts abundantly spread all over Miami creating a colorful impact on life and living in this, best in Florida place. Miami is home to a very busy port with cargo and passenger shifts on a continuous move. Miami is a good consideration for younger people, students, singles, multinational executives, art-lovers... well it could be consider one of the best cities to live for just about anyone who is into the hip urban scene.
Fort Lauderdale - Southern Florida East Coast
Over the decades Fort Lauderdale has constructed an elaborate maze of internal canals earning it the nickname - The Venice of America. Although this tropical paradise looks nothing like Venice and there are no signs of the famous Italian gondolas it's true the canal system offers transportation via water taxis and a dock at almost every back door. This famous Florida city is the perennial popular Florida tourist destination. It's known for excellent dining and nigh life at numerous restaurants and clubs. Tourism is the main industry of Ft Lauderdale so those looking to live and work here are best to have education and background in the hotel, hospitality and tourism field. It's also known as a major manufacturing and maintenance port for expensive yachts and of course a major cruise ship port is located here.
Pompano Beach - Southern Florida East Coast
Pompano Beach is another beach city found north of Fort Lauderdale. Broward county is known to include a number of desirable spots to live. including Pompano. Because these beach communities are being redeveloped from mainly tourist to more residential they are considered some of the best places to live in Florida. Once only the bastion of retirees now working singles and families co-habitat these beach communities of Florida. Here people of all walks of life enjoy the ocean scenery and the multitude of active pursuits it brings. Real Estate is still comparatively expensive in Pompano Beach due the publicity surrounding it as one of the country's top vacation home markets.
Tallahassee - Northeast Florida Coast
This is the capital city for the state of Florida. Tallahasse has been an anchor with history and stability since Florida became a popular destination. It's known for having good educational facilities including several universities and colleges. Florida State U; Florida A&M are both world class and world famous. Tallahassee could be considered one of the best places to live in Florida for professionals who are looking for career opportunities in education and research. Florida schools alos have a reputation for low teacher to student ratios - this contributes to a graduate base that is bright and quickly employable. They also offer affordable education in some of the best facilities in the country.
Panama City Beach - north Florida Coast (The Panhandle)
In the later part of the last decade the student 'Spring Break' scene was pushed out of the Ft. Lauderdale area and soon found a new home in Panama City Beach. Young working adults as well as students enjoy Panama City as it's become a Mecca for socializing. If your looking for fun in the sun and work in the hospitality industry that caters to the young party crowd than Panama City Beach is for you!
Although a number of Florida cities and communities may appear to be geared toward the young it still has some of the Best US Cities for Retirees - namely Sarasota and Ft. Myers - both in the 2011 top ten list of US places to retiree. For retirees many like to live in places which are a little laid back. Calm and quiet are keywords and most love Florida for just those qualities. Since people first entered the work force the dream retirement spot has always included a warm climate, beautiful beaches, cheap real estate and low taxes - things Florida has and continues to be known for. Those who retire also want to consider health-care options including proximity to quality medical care. Almost any city in Florida offers retired folks all these things plus time and opportunity for intellectual and cultural pursuits. And for those in the middle - a little old for the party scene - too young to retire Florida still offers some great places to live for working singles and those who are married. For example, if you're in a business which means you need to travel internationally metropolitan areas like Tallahassee, Miami, Ft Lauderdale, Orlando and Tampa also offer excellent transportation hubs. The central location of Florida makes it ideal as gateway to all points North, South, East and West.
Juan Ponce de Leon, the European explorer, was the first to visit Florida way back in 1513. He named this magical place 'Florida' which means 'feast of flowers'. Since those days millions upon millions of modern day explorers have ventured to Florida on vacation always mindful and always commenting about how the locals are so lucky to have settled in Florida. It's true Florida offers something for everyone - from beautiful white sand Beaches to hopping bars and night clubs; from world class universities to natural parks and hiking trails; from golf courses to museums to international corporate offices - yes Florida does in fact have it all! When it comes to discovering the best place to live in Florida it will certainly vary from person to person but in the end there is sure to be a best place for everyone who wants to call Florida home.
