|
Article:
Florida Property for Sale ' Some Common Misconceptions about the Sunshine State by: Lisa Carson Considering purchasing a Florida property for sale? There are many misconceptions about the Sunshine State. Hopefully, this article will dissolve some of those common misconceptions. Many view Florida property owners as residing beachfront or at least within easy access to the beach. Yes, there are many who live on or near the beach, but the majority of Floridians live inland. With it's mileage expanse of 500 miles long and 90 miles wide, that leaves a lot of space for inland living. Some think of Florida as a tourist's mecca. That it is, but a large portion of the state is rural and agricultural. The landscape has changed more recently as new developments spring up in the most unexpected places, but generally this is still true, there is still an abundance of rural and agricultural land. Florida is a state of many contrasts. Culturally, there is a large variety of ethnic groups with the Hispanic population being the majority. But you will also find an abundance of northern transplants and some original 'Florida crackers', the term used to refer to the mostly rural original Florida populace. Weather may also be a common misconception. Tourists often arrive in the dead of winter expecting to bask in warmth in every part of Florida. Winter temperatures in central and northern Florida periodically plunge to freezing in the evening while daytime temperatures can also be chilly, but are mostly pleasant and most certainly warmer than the residence of most tourists. But the cold nights and sometimes chilly days take most tourists who packed for radiating sunshine, by surprise. Florida Property for Sale ' Variety of Choices Florida property for sale used to be reasonably priced no matter where you purchased (excluding beachfront, or near the beach), but recently, housing values have increased dramatically in the urban and tourist areas. What is considered reasonable to one may not be to another as it all depends on perspective, or where you are coming from. Reasonable prices on Florida property for sale are still to be found; though you may have to extend your search a little further into outlying areas. The various regions of Florida offer entirely different flavors. It is wise to consider the differences and to evaluate what you are looking for when viewing Florida property for sale. Let's consider different regions of Florida property for sale and the distinctions between them. North Florida reflects a lifestyle similar to Georgia and Alabama. Tourism is not the main drawing card and life here revolves at a slower pace. Major cities in this region include Jacksonville, Tallahassee (Florida's capital) and Panama City. Property is more reasonably priced than in most Florida areas and access to the southern states is much quicker and easier from here. Gulf coast beaches are some of the most beautiful and tend to be quiet, more family-friendly and less trafficked than other areas of Florida. Northwest Florida beaches are known as the Emerald Coast with their soft, white sands and clear emerald waters. Florida Property for Sale Central Florida Moving down the state, Central Florida's temperatures are milder than north Florida, but freezing temperatures in winter surprise many northern transplants. Florida property for sale in Central Florida offers easy accessibility to beaches and tourist attractions are abundant. Orlando, the 'City Beautiful' is the main and largest city in this region and is of course, home to the most popular tourist attraction world-wide, Walt Disney World. Sea World and Universal are not far behind and draw their own set of tourists. The abundance of shopping, dining and family activities, both natural and man-made continue to draw thousands of new residents and millions of tourists, 48 million in Orlando in 2004. Housing in Central Florida has escalated in recent years and months with the median price taking a dramatic jump from $'166
|
