Florida has many unique characteristics that make it a highly desirable place for buying either a permanent home or a nice seasonal one. As is the case with any real estate purchase, it’s essential to tailor your requirements to your desired lifestyle, personal expectations, and climatic conditions.
If you’re wondering whether owning a home in Florida would feel like a “year-round vacation”, the answer would depend on many different factors. While it is possible to achieve a lifestyle that approximates that idyllic image, you need to maintain high standards and know exactly what you want.
When house hunting for a Florida home, here are a few ideas worth considering that could make all the difference in your comfort level and long-term satisfaction with living in the Sunshine State.
Swimming pool: Even though the Atlantic Ocean is probably just a stone’s throw away, the beach may begin to lose its luster if you go there every day. And sometimes it’s just more convenient to step out your back door and take a cool plunge in your own private pool! From a convenience standpoint: There’s no need to lug beach chairs, umbrellas, and refreshments to your back yard; everything is already there! If you happen to be able to afford the luxury of a beach-front Florida home, then having a swimming pool will provide you with the best of both worlds.
Proximity to the beach: One of the main reasons people gravitate to a Florida lifestyle is because of the allure of the beach, the ocean waves, and the scenic vistas. When you buy a home that’s just a short walk to the nearest beach, then you can leave your car in the garage and be lounging at the water’s edge in minutes. If, on the other hand, your home is more than a half hour drive from the ocean, you’d probably end up relaxing at home more frequently and going to the beach less often.
Screened-in porch and/or patio: A good portion of the time, Florida is all about enjoying outdoor living. Having a nicely landscaped, private yard with a spacious porch or patio is sure to enhance your enjoyment of that outdoor space. Screens, ceiling fans, awnings, and perhaps bamboo blinds or shades are a few ideas to consider to help maintain a cooler and more comfortable environment.
Although everyone has different needs and expectations about where they want to live in Florida, location will play a major role in how satisfied you are with your choice. Whether you’re looking for beach-front luxury, a lively urban setting, or a quiet neighborhood with a small-town feel, an experienced real estate agent can help you match your requirements with the available real estate inventory in your desired area.