Living in Florida: What's it REALLY Like? 🌴 Cost of Living, Traffic, Weather | MELANIE ❤️ TAMPA BAY

What is it really like to live in the state of Florida? This episode is focused on the perks and reality of the Sunshine State.
If you don't live here or have never visited, it's easy to create your own version of Florida and I get all sorts of questions.

Living in Tampa / St. Petersburg 🌴 Things To Do, Job Opportunities, Where to Live
   • Living in Tampa / St. Petersburg 🌴 Th...  

If you have any additional questions that I haven't answered here, comment below with your Florida question and I can do another FAQ episode.

WHAT'S THE DEAL WITH ALLIGATORS?

Alligators are a big part of our world here in Florida, and they've been here for a lot longer than us people have. For the most part, they stay away from humans. Alligators migrate, so a pond or lake without any could get a gator a few months down the line. Alligators only become a problem when they lose their fear of humans, which can happen if they are being fed.
https://myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/wi...

WHAT'S IT LIKE LIVING SO CLOSE TO BEACHES?

Sandy... It's really sandy.
I fully understand that beaches are a big reason people move here. They are so beautiful and there's nothing better than watching a sunset while sitting in the sand. The West Coast of Florida has some of the best!

HOW'S THE TRAFFIC?

Just like all major cities, we have traffic headaches, mostly during rush hours.
If there's a wreck on a major highway like I-75 or I-275, it can cause significant delays. We see a spike in vehicles on the road during peak tourist season: January through March. Beaches get very crowded and I-4 to Walt Disney World can see a lot of activity.

https://www.fdot.gov/statistics/traff...

DISCOUNTS ON AMUSEMENT PARKS?

Yes! Florida residents can purchase discounted tickets and annual passes to your favorite amusement parks.

https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/spe...
https://www.universalorlando.com/web/...
https://www.legoland.com/florida/buy-...

FLORIDA'S COST OF LIVING

That really depends on what you're used to. If you're coming from the northeast or California, then no, it isn't expensive to live in Florida.

But compared to other southern states, Florida can be more expensive.

One of the best things about being a Florida resident is that we don't pay state income taxes. That is a huge savings for most households, and makes the state a really popular place for people with higher incomes.

We also have a fairly low median price for homes. However, the hot neighborhoods do come with a higher price tag. Property taxes are on the lower end of the spectrum, but homeowners insurance can be expensive due to Florida's reputation for more extreme weather.

WHAT ABOUT THE WEATHER???

Weather is a major concern for new residents and it should be. Hurricanes are a possibility and we do have days with intense storms and flooding.

Personally, I worry more about strong summer storms that come through during afternoon hours more than I do hurricanes. Lightning is very prevalent during these storms and they can dump a ton of water very quickly.

Yes, it's hot and humid lasting well into the fall months, but this is a tropical climate and that's normal. Makes for some bad hair days, but also keeps your skin and eyes from drying out.

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Melanie is a Tampa Bay area Realtor with Smith & Associates. She loves Tampa Bay area area, houses, and helping clients buy and sell real estate.

Email: [email protected]
Call/text me if you are looking to buy / sell a home in the Tampa Bay area! 813.368.6084

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