What are the pros and cons of living in Florida?

Florida’s plentiful beaches and all-year-round sunshine draw in tens of millions of people every year.  These are some of the reasons why many seniors prefer to spend their golden years in the sunshine state. But living in Florida pros and cons are just like living in any other state; there are always advantages and disadvantages.  You should not assume that Florida is all the theme parks and resorts that you saw when visited during your vacation. It is a little more complicated than that.

Living in Florida pros and cons

Below are some of the main reasons why people enjoy living in Florida:

• You don’t have to pay a state income tax, which means you only have to worry about federal taxes.  According to one report, Florida is said to be the fourth-lowest of all the states when it comes to taxes.
• There is sunshine all-year-round. No need for preparing for icy winters or cold months.
• Florida beaches are amazing, and many residential areas are close to the beaches.
• Due to the sunny weather, there are many quality outdoor sports facilities that you can use year-round, such as tennis courts.
• Florida is a major tourist destination, which not only makes it easier for you to meet people from all over the world, but you might also be able to set up a business catering to tourists.
• Florida protects its residents’ homes and other assets from creditors and other risks.
• The roads in Florida are maintained as some of the best in the country.
• The cost of living is fairly low in Florida in most parts of the state.
• Florida’s economy has been growing for a number of years and this trend will not stop any time soon.

Now let us look at some of the main downsides of living in Florida:

• The many tourists visiting Florida are a double-edged sword because they can damage the coastal environment and they can cause a spike in crime.
• Florida can be extremely hot and humid, which means your AC unit may need a lot of repair and maintenance. The humidity causes a lot of mold to grow in your home, which can impact your health.
• Florida has its share of scary weather phenomena, such as thunderstorms and intense hurricanes.
• The wildlife in Florida does not just consist of alligators; you also have to worry about exotic snakes, such as Burmese pythons.
• There are also a lot of bugs and spiders in the state due to the climate and humidity.
• Due to Florida’s flat topography, there is not much to see as far as hills, valleys, and mountains are concerned.
• South Florida has a big problem with crime. So, try to find a safe neighborhood if you’re planning to move to places like the city of Miami.
• The quality of healthcare in the state is rated lower than more other states.  In one poll from the U.S. Health and Human Services Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, Florida ranks 36th out of the 50 states for the quality of healthcare.
• The lack of four seasons in Florida means no colorful falls or white winters.
• Florida leads the entire nation in the number of motor vehicle and pedestrian accidents.  Many of the tourists that come to Florida go against traffic rules and engage in drunk driving. The state is very crowded both with people and motor vehicles and has some of the worst drivers.

The bottom line is that Florida is a complex state that has something to offer to everyone. It may not be for everyone; in fact, many people move out of Florida every day. You need to learn about living in Florida pros and cons before you make a final decision.  So, if you are thinking of moving to Florida, visit the state as a tourist and see whether you like the vibe.  Talk to representatives from Synergy Homes and let them help you explore the possibilities of becoming a Florida resident.