With more than 260 days of sunshine per year and close to 190 official beaches, Florida is one of the most beautiful states in the nation.

Together with California and New York, it features some of the most luxurious site-built and manufactured housing communities in number and market valuation.

Similarly, as popular lore has it, Florida is very attractive for seniors looking to retire near the coast. Because of this, local builders and developers are creating beautiful residential properties within hundreds of communities for all budgets and lifestyles.

The Sunshine State is a great place to live for several reasons. Whether you want to enjoy a high energy cosmopolitan urban metro or a laid-back picturesque natural view, Florida has it all.

Additionally, Florida residents don’t have a personal income tax, and despite popular belief, living there is relatively inexpensive.

There’s a few good reasons why Florida is one of America’s favorite places to enjoy your hard-earned retirement. Here’s a few things to keep in mind if you’re thinking about a move to the Sunshine state:

Safety

Florida has a lower crime rate compared to the national average though main stream media likes to portray it differently.

Violent incidents occur with a frequency of 3.8 events per 1000 people, whereas property crime is significantly higher at 17.7. However, although both statistics are below the country’s average, it is essential to invest in protection.

Families looking to move down to Florida should choose their community carefully. Similarly, they might consider gated street entries and invest in adequate security measures, like alarms, updated doors, and windows.

Risk of harsh weather

While the weather is primarily pleasant year-round, hurricane season brings plenty of uncertainty. Because of this, homebuyers should prioritize cities like Jacksonville and Orlando, where harsh weather is far less prominent.

Similarly, home insurance in at-risk suburbs and manufactured housing communities is mandatory, so calculate the premium on top of the mortgage expenses. As already stated, the cost of living in

Florida is relatively forgiving, allowing families to invest more in home maintenance and protection from the weather.

Community amenities

While scores for urbanism and transportation are relatively high, most attractive suburbs and manufactured home communities are self-sufficient. A rule of thumb is to ensure that your local area provides as much as possible regarding the quality of life.

Florida has quality K-12 education, as it ranks third nationwide. However, regular commutes can become a headache if your neighborhood has access to an excellent educational facility.

Similarly, look for residential hubs or communities with parks and picnic areas, proximity to the beach, and commuter-friendly infrastructure. In most cases, local surroundings are the chief factor in determining the quality of life and scores for well-being. For those with children, playgrounds, swimming pools, and basketball courts are of vital importance.

An attractive neighborhood should include a clubhouse and properly maintained shared areas that foster a sense of community.

Florida was the home of the first mobile home park in America  and the state continues to lead the way in manufactured home community amenities and features.

Home features

While the location certainly determines the resell value of most site-built and manufactured homes, quality features play a significant role in well-being. Modern families of all ages seem to prefer spacious, open-concept living areas, walk-in closets, and connected backdoor patios. Energy efficiency and outdoor living spaces are high on the list as well.

According to Forbes, integrated technology is no longer reserved for the luxury market. Programmable thermostats are in affordable Florida homes and save up to 15% of cooling expenses, and fiber internet, USB outlets, and automation are becoming the norm in most new communities around the state.

Finally, ensure your home is spacious enough to support an office. Remote trends have companies changing their policies at a moment’s notice, making well-paying jobs much easier to find.

Local economy and net migration

While remote work is breaking most barriers of entry, local economic indicators are still detrimental in the long run. Prosperous communities attract talent and hardworking people, which reflects positively on the area. When net migration trends are favorable, urban development picks up, crime decreases, and residents get better access to amenities.

This is why many people are moving out of San Francisco and looking at states along the South. Interestingly enough, Florida enjoys positive net migration, but it is vital to understand the statistics for your specific area.

In a nutshell, look at average salaries across industries, and compare the number of job openings with neighboring areas. The ideal place will have a strong startup culture, decent construction activity, and a low income-to-mortgage ratio. The better these numbers, the higher the correlation between urbanism and crime prevention.