In 1950, the population of Florida was 2.7 million. Today the population is nearly 20 million.
Now, Florida still has some of the fastest growing population centers, the most well known, "The Villages" @ 114,000 from a few thousand in 1990.
The article is about 6 "city" centers (really city metros), but the ups and downs of Florida's growth is a fascinating story of real estate, going back to the great Florida land boom (1920-1925) where fortunes and dreams were created and lost.
Over all, current growth could be a factor in making a relocation decision. Positves and negatives to be considered. The article:
Florida has 6 of the nation’s fastest-growing cities
Some personal thoughts, based on some of our experiences:
We 'snowbirded' near The Villages from 1991 and watched a general 'boom' even through the 2008 economy.
Cape Coral - A fascinating story of boom-bust-boom, from the 1980s to today. Friends bought there for $500K in 2000, and watched the value go to $700K in 2006, and down to $270K in 2008 and back to $600K today. The story of how Cape Coral "grew" is fascinating... roads, canals, land reclamation... boom sales that went to give-aways and then back from the '50's to today.
Greater Leesburg area - 40 mi. north of Orlando... In 2012, we seriously considered buying a 2500s.f. 6year old home, for $150K... which originally sold for $297K when it was built. Current value is about $235K.
The article features growth... my only cautionary thought is that some of the current boom is based on the relative increase in financial markets over the past 6-7 years, and how much of the growth is in second homes. There has been substantial pressure on state and local infrastructure to accomodate this growth, as well as upward pressure to support that growth in many retirement communities. Paying for The Villages growth and infrastructure is an ongoing adventure in law.
None of this should be considered as a negative for anyone who is considering relocation, but to encourage due diligence in selecting a locale, a community, or a home. Making long term decisions requires more than a great view, a modern kitchen or the instant "love affair". In Florida, the real estate laws are extremely complex, especially for senior communities. Well worth the time to get good advice before the fact.
Just one view... YMMV
Now, Florida still has some of the fastest growing population centers, the most well known, "The Villages" @ 114,000 from a few thousand in 1990.
The article is about 6 "city" centers (really city metros), but the ups and downs of Florida's growth is a fascinating story of real estate, going back to the great Florida land boom (1920-1925) where fortunes and dreams were created and lost.
Over all, current growth could be a factor in making a relocation decision. Positves and negatives to be considered. The article:
Florida has 6 of the nation’s fastest-growing cities
Some personal thoughts, based on some of our experiences:
We 'snowbirded' near The Villages from 1991 and watched a general 'boom' even through the 2008 economy.
Cape Coral - A fascinating story of boom-bust-boom, from the 1980s to today. Friends bought there for $500K in 2000, and watched the value go to $700K in 2006, and down to $270K in 2008 and back to $600K today. The story of how Cape Coral "grew" is fascinating... roads, canals, land reclamation... boom sales that went to give-aways and then back from the '50's to today.
Greater Leesburg area - 40 mi. north of Orlando... In 2012, we seriously considered buying a 2500s.f. 6year old home, for $150K... which originally sold for $297K when it was built. Current value is about $235K.
The article features growth... my only cautionary thought is that some of the current boom is based on the relative increase in financial markets over the past 6-7 years, and how much of the growth is in second homes. There has been substantial pressure on state and local infrastructure to accomodate this growth, as well as upward pressure to support that growth in many retirement communities. Paying for The Villages growth and infrastructure is an ongoing adventure in law.
None of this should be considered as a negative for anyone who is considering relocation, but to encourage due diligence in selecting a locale, a community, or a home. Making long term decisions requires more than a great view, a modern kitchen or the instant "love affair". In Florida, the real estate laws are extremely complex, especially for senior communities. Well worth the time to get good advice before the fact.
Just one view... YMMV