How Southwest Florida Real Estate Differs from Northern States
If you're contemplating a move to Florida, you might be curious about how the Sunshine State's real estate market stacks up against your current locale in the north. With its enticing warm weather, stunning beaches, and robust economy, it's clear why Southwest Florida has become a top destination for many. In this blog post, we dive into the distinct contrasts between the real estate markets of Southwest Florida and those in northern states. This will give you the insights you need to determine if a southern move aligns with your lifestyle and goals.
Buying Seasons
In southwest Florida, the rhythm of the real estate market is unique compared to what you might find up north. Here, rather than the typical spring and summer buying surge tied to the school calendar, our prime real estate season kicks off in January and stretches just past Easter. This coincides with the annual migration of northerners seeking refuge from the cold – often referred to as "snowbird season." Those planning a move to Florida during these months should be ready for a more competitive housing market, as the demand for properties tends to spike.
No Basements
In the northern regions, like New York, Chicago, Pennsylvania, etc, it's quite usual to see homes with basements, serving as handy spots for stashing away belongings or expanding living areas. However, when you venture down to southwest Florida, that's not the case. Here, the prevalence of a high water table renders the construction of deep foundations more trouble than it's worth. So, rather than basements, you'll find that homes in this part of the Sunshine State typically come equipped with ample garage space or external sheds to satisfy those storage requirements.
Construction Material
Another notable difference between southwest Florida real estate and properties up north lies in construction materials used. Due to our exposure to hurricanes and tropical storms as well as termites being more prevalent than other regions; most homes here are built with concrete block construction rather than wood framing found elsewhere throughout America. You’ll find that throughout Cape Coral, Fort Myers and surrounding areas, this is the norm.
Property Taxes
When it comes to property taxes, Florida ranks 24th out of 51 (including Washington D.C.) according to Rocket Mortgage. This means that if you're moving from a state like New Jersey, Ohio, or Illinois where property taxes are generally higher, you may find some relief in the Southwest Florida real estate market. However, if you currently reside in Virginia, Tennessee or Washington D.C., your property tax bill might be lower than what you would pay here.
Sunshine Galore
Lastly and perhaps most importantly for many people considering moving to Florida is the abundance of sunshine we enjoy year-round. As one of the top ten sunniest states in America, our climate offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities and enjoying nature's beauty without having to worry about shoveling snow or bundling up against frigid temperatures as often experienced by those living up north.
Wrapping Up
In conclusion, there are several key differences between SWFL Florida real estate and northern markets that potential movers should consider before making their decision. From unique buying seasons and construction materials to varying property tax rates and an abundance of sunshine; these factors can all play a role in determining whether relocating down to paradise is right for you.
If you're interested in learning more about Cape Coral Real Estate & Fort Myers Real Estate communities or have questions about moving from Chicago to Cape Coral or NY to SWFL; please don't hesitate contacting me today! I am dedicated to helping make your transition as smooth as possible, while helping you to find the perfect home!