This is partnered guest post.
Famous for Disney World, great beaches and delicious oranges, Florida is actually more than just one of the best places to go on vacation in the United States. It’s also one of the best states in which to raise a family. Here are some of the top reasons one might consider relocating to the Sunshine State with the kids.
Something for everyone
The Sunshine State offers something for everyone – young or old – which makes it the ideal place to live. With warm tropical weather throughout the year, the winters are mild and the summer months are balmy and relaxing. Sure, the weather is appealing for families that enjoy outdoor activities all year long, but what else does this great state have to offer?
The state of Florida is a peninsula and is therefore surrounded by water on all but one side. The Gulf of Mexico on the west coast and the Atlantic Ocean on the east allow for water-related activities and sports all year-round. The combination of mild weather and easy access to the water means families can enjoy outdoor sports, camping and other exciting adventures. It’s almost as if families are living every day on vacation!
It is almost impossible to mention Florida without also mentioning its many theme parks, including Disney World, Universal Studios and Busch Gardens. These places draw in millions of tourists every year and offer plenty of entertainment for the family year-round. Many parks have special pricing for Florida residents so that they can enjoy the perks of living so close to these family-friendly parks.
Florida is more affordable than other states
When it comes to the cost of living, Florida is more affordable than many other states. This means common expenses such as insurance, groceries, rent, gas and utilities are lower than in many other places throughout the country. This affordability extends to the real estate market as well, since many Florida houses for sale are listed quite low and include top-notch amenities, impressive space and great locations. To top it off, Florida is one of the few states that has no additional income tax for its residents.
The educational system
Education is a top concern for any family moving to Florida. Though Florida’s education system has been criticized in the past, there are some excellent school districts throughout the state. It is important for parents to research the different school zones if they have school-aged children and ensure that their kids are getting the best education. Remember, Florida has 67 different counties, each of which is responsible for its own educational system, so the districts are just as diverse as the people within the state. However, most Florida schools offer excellent education in addition to extracurricular activities that are ideal for preparing kids for higher education.
The Sunshine State is indeed a beautiful place to live, with its crystal blue waters, sandy beaches and palm trees blowing in the breeze. It is affordable for families that are just starting out and has a diverse population consisting of transplants from other states as well as homegrown Floridians. With so many great attributes, it’s hard to find a good reason not to move to Florida.
I’d probably still go the private school route if I was there, but I didn’t realize the cost of living was so reasonable.
We so have to visit soon. I hope I get to florida for Disney social media moms. Love Florida!
I hope to visit Florida again soon.
Hello the answer is it is Florida? Why wouldn’t it be #1…but then again I’ve lived her most of my life and am probably a little bias.
It really sounds wonderful.
I love where I live. 🙂 Florida!
I’m not a big fan of summer, and didn’t make it 6 months in Arizona in 2011, but Florida is a beautiful state with so many touristy options. I can take only so much Disney but I thoroughly enjoyed the time my husband and I spent exploring the state. It was fun!
I don’t agree with the cost of living posted, but I live in South Florida..Palm Beach / Broward County. I pay the same here for everything as I did in NY and took a 25,000 pay cut when I switched as an elementary school social worker in NY to Florida. I have trouble making rent. I find NY to have better education standards with Regents exams and SATS.
I have lived here for 5 years and the only thing I know I love about here is NO SNOW. I do wish it were cooler at times..it’s nice this week so far in the 70’s…that is great!
I could see why Florida would be a huge vacation destination for families and I’m sure it’s a fun place to live as well.
I LOVE living in Florida. This is such an amazing place to live!!!