There are so many attractions, activities, and places of interest in South Florida that you may feel like a tourist when you first move here. That's okay. It's expected. Everyone else feels the same way even after living here for years. That's because there's so much to see and do. If you're adventurous, every day could be something different. In fact, it may you years to go through your checklist of places to visit. Or you can remain home and play golf or tennis every day - or go the beach or pool, or going shopping in exciting malls and outlet centers, or dining at a different restaurant every night, or meeting with you friends at the clubhouse.
Snowbirds and seasonal residents flock to South Florida from Canada and the northern states for the aforementioned reasons and to escape the harsh winter weather. It's reasonable to understand why the majority of newcomers who move to South Florida come from the northern states, but many move to Florida to take advantage of the tax benefits (no state income tax and relatively low sales tax); low housing prices and $50,000 homestead tax exemptions, good schools, educational and business opportunities, excellent healthcare facilities, and wonderful active retirement and family communities. And that brings us to the main reason many people move to Florida - retirement. It may be a tough decision for some. Deciding to retire to South Florida means you'll have to give up snow and ice, heavy winter clothing, snow tires, windshield ice scrapers, icy sidewalks, snow shovels, home heating oil deliveries and other costly inconveniences of winter. It means giving up freezing weather, dangerous driving conditions, unplowed streets and parking lots, salt corrosion and of course, slush! You'll never ruin your shoes in Florida slush.
Besides the great weather, the main interests of most new residents are comfortable living, activities and interesting attractions. Florida communities are unique in this respect with many located close to the Atlantic Ocean on one side and the Gulf of Mexico on the other. There you can enjoy boating, scuba diving, world-class fishing, water skiing, snorkeling, windsailing, relaxing on the white sandy beaches and so much more. And no matter where you live there is always golf and tennis. Shopping at outlet centers, visiting animal habitats, sightseeing, museums, art galleries, and other cultural venues and enjoying the many state and national parks that dot the landscape can make any day an adventure. If you feel the urge to explore, you can easily visit the Florida Keys, the nearby Bahamas, and all of the Caribbean. There are many flights and plenty of cruise ships to take you there.
South Florida is truly an outdoor lover's paradise and everywhere you look there are ideal locations for anyone looking to enjoy fun in the sun. Southeast Florida, from Palm Beach County to Miami, has scores of golf courses, hundreds of public parks and thousands of miles of paths for biking, running or walking, and approximately 150 miles of coastline. You'll also find natural and cultural venues such as the Everglades and Biscayne National Parks, Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge, Miami Carnival, Coconut Grove Art Festival, Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens, Henry Morrison Flagler Museum, the Kravis Center as well as the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, Ft. Lauderdale Historical Museum, Ft. Lauderdale Museum of Discovery and Science and so much more. South Florida is also home to the Miami City Ballet, Florida Philharmonic and the New World Symphony Orchestra, the Lowe Art Museum, Miami Art Museum and the more than 100 art galleries in Coral Gables and Miami Beach. And if you are concerned about your health, the Tri-County area of Miami/Dade, Broward and Palm Beach Counties is served by two dozen major hospitals. Southeast Florida is home to all major professional sports teams: NFL's Miami Dolphins, NBA's Miami Heat, baseball's Florida Marlins, hockey's Florida Panthers and the Miami SOL women's national basketball team. Major events include The Honda Classic, NASCAR and Indy racing at the Miami Homestead-Miami Speedway, and championship tennis. There is also greyhound and horse racing, plus jai-alai and incredible sport fishing. If you are from New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Massachusetts, or anywhere in the Northeast you are sure to feel at home in Southeast Florida.
Active adult retirement communities also provide their residents with the opportunity to stay active all year by offering clubhouse activities, classes in art, dance, music, arts & crafts, photography and more. Being able to enjoy social activities and events without having to travel outside the community is greatly appreciated. Daytime activities, such as card games, lectures, classes and other social events at the clubhouse is a wonderful way to interact with others. Evening dances, movies, and entertainment shows always give you something to look forward to. And clubhouses with fitness centers offer you the opportunity to remain fit and healthy. By selecting the right retirement community you'll have the opportunity to remain active in your favorite pursuits for many years.
And if you love professional sports, South Florida has the Miami Heat, Dolphins, Marlins, and Panthers, as well as the Rays, Magic, and Lightning. It doesn't get any better than that. And if you love football in the snow, we'll let you fly north for a couple of days. We know you'll be anxious to get back to your home in South Florida. Besides, you'll meet so many people in South Florida from your old area up north who had the same great idea as you to move here, you'll feel right at home - only better, much better. Come on, make your move.
Snowbirds and seasonal residents flock to South Florida from Canada and the northern states for the aforementioned reasons and to escape the harsh winter weather. It's reasonable to understand why the majority of newcomers who move to South Florida come from the northern states, but many move to Florida to take advantage of the tax benefits (no state income tax and relatively low sales tax); low housing prices and $50,000 homestead tax exemptions, good schools, educational and business opportunities, excellent healthcare facilities, and wonderful active retirement and family communities. And that brings us to the main reason many people move to Florida - retirement. It may be a tough decision for some. Deciding to retire to South Florida means you'll have to give up snow and ice, heavy winter clothing, snow tires, windshield ice scrapers, icy sidewalks, snow shovels, home heating oil deliveries and other costly inconveniences of winter. It means giving up freezing weather, dangerous driving conditions, unplowed streets and parking lots, salt corrosion and of course, slush! You'll never ruin your shoes in Florida slush.
Besides the great weather, the main interests of most new residents are comfortable living, activities and interesting attractions. Florida communities are unique in this respect with many located close to the Atlantic Ocean on one side and the Gulf of Mexico on the other. There you can enjoy boating, scuba diving, world-class fishing, water skiing, snorkeling, windsailing, relaxing on the white sandy beaches and so much more. And no matter where you live there is always golf and tennis. Shopping at outlet centers, visiting animal habitats, sightseeing, museums, art galleries, and other cultural venues and enjoying the many state and national parks that dot the landscape can make any day an adventure. If you feel the urge to explore, you can easily visit the Florida Keys, the nearby Bahamas, and all of the Caribbean. There are many flights and plenty of cruise ships to take you there.
South Florida is truly an outdoor lover's paradise and everywhere you look there are ideal locations for anyone looking to enjoy fun in the sun. Southeast Florida, from Palm Beach County to Miami, has scores of golf courses, hundreds of public parks and thousands of miles of paths for biking, running or walking, and approximately 150 miles of coastline. You'll also find natural and cultural venues such as the Everglades and Biscayne National Parks, Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge, Miami Carnival, Coconut Grove Art Festival, Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens, Henry Morrison Flagler Museum, the Kravis Center as well as the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, Ft. Lauderdale Historical Museum, Ft. Lauderdale Museum of Discovery and Science and so much more. South Florida is also home to the Miami City Ballet, Florida Philharmonic and the New World Symphony Orchestra, the Lowe Art Museum, Miami Art Museum and the more than 100 art galleries in Coral Gables and Miami Beach. And if you are concerned about your health, the Tri-County area of Miami/Dade, Broward and Palm Beach Counties is served by two dozen major hospitals. Southeast Florida is home to all major professional sports teams: NFL's Miami Dolphins, NBA's Miami Heat, baseball's Florida Marlins, hockey's Florida Panthers and the Miami SOL women's national basketball team. Major events include The Honda Classic, NASCAR and Indy racing at the Miami Homestead-Miami Speedway, and championship tennis. There is also greyhound and horse racing, plus jai-alai and incredible sport fishing. If you are from New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Massachusetts, or anywhere in the Northeast you are sure to feel at home in Southeast Florida.
Active adult retirement communities also provide their residents with the opportunity to stay active all year by offering clubhouse activities, classes in art, dance, music, arts & crafts, photography and more. Being able to enjoy social activities and events without having to travel outside the community is greatly appreciated. Daytime activities, such as card games, lectures, classes and other social events at the clubhouse is a wonderful way to interact with others. Evening dances, movies, and entertainment shows always give you something to look forward to. And clubhouses with fitness centers offer you the opportunity to remain fit and healthy. By selecting the right retirement community you'll have the opportunity to remain active in your favorite pursuits for many years.
And if you love professional sports, South Florida has the Miami Heat, Dolphins, Marlins, and Panthers, as well as the Rays, Magic, and Lightning. It doesn't get any better than that. And if you love football in the snow, we'll let you fly north for a couple of days. We know you'll be anxious to get back to your home in South Florida. Besides, you'll meet so many people in South Florida from your old area up north who had the same great idea as you to move here, you'll feel right at home - only better, much better. Come on, make your move.