The Vibe
Florida may as well be the dictionary definition for “good vibes.” The place radiates relaxation and calm, with its many soothing beaches, beautiful creeks, and gorgeous weather. However, at the same time, the state totally manages to maintain a vibrant atmosphere that seems to have a pulse of excitement.
From the Cuban Cantinas in Miami, to the starry skies and turquoise ocean of Captiva, to the seafood festivals and dance parties of Tampa Bay, Florida is full of one adventure after the next. The energy makes for passionate, energetic, talented, and athletic people who are constantly soaking up the sun rays and staying active through surfing, dancing, jetskiing, kayaking, and exploring.
Local Flavor
Florida is home to some pretty epic festivals, events, and amusement parks that draw crowds from all over the country. The most obvious are, of course, Disney World and Universal Studios. These two parks in particular have drawn locals and non-locals alike into their magic, fun, and amazing amusement park rides and events.
However, Floridians know that the state has so much more than just the world’s most amazing amusement park. There are also annual festivals like the Florida Keys Seafood Festival, the Clearwater Sea-Blues Festival, or the Downtown Jacksonville Jazz Festival. which is the second largest jazz festival in the country. With such amazing music events, amusement parks, and festivals, it’s no wonder that Florida is one of the most fun states to live in in America.
Local Cuisine
Florida is known for its excellent seafood. Some of the best seafood restaurants in the state are Joe’s Stone Crab where you’ll have the best crab in Miami Beach and for seafood with Peruvian flair, there’s Cvi.Che in Miami. The Aji de Gallina is out of this world. Additionally, Florida has some excellent Cuban food, such as Versailles in Miami. There’s also a pretty incredible food truck following in Florida. Check out the Tampa Bay Food Truck Rally—the world’s largest food truck event.
Nightlife
Florida’s nightlife is some of the best in the country. It’s brimming with amazingness in every corner of the state. There are great concert venues like, The Social in Orlando if you’re looking for a more indie vibe or the Churchill Pub in Miami if you want to hear some live rock. There are also plenty of five star restaurants, like Truluck’s in Miami where you can get 5-star seafood. Florida also has a great brewery scene. Check out M.I.A. in Doral for some great craft beers. And if you just want to have an array of beers at your disposal, then definitely head to one of Florida’s awesome bars, like Sharky’s on the Pier in Venice.
Weather
One of the best parts about living in Florida is never having to worry about the weather. It’s always a comfortable temperature, ranging from the 60s to the high 70s. There’s generally a great breeze, even when it’s humid. The only downside to all this great weather is Spring Breakers, but who cares? You get to enjoy the beautiful weather year-round.
Safety And Crime
Florida’s crime index is slightly higher than national average, meaning that more crimes are committed here per capita than in your average US state. That being said, crime has consistently decreased every year in Florida since 2001, and the crime rate only appears to be getting lower and lower.
Commute
The average commute time to work in Florida is 25 minutes which is right on par with national average, meaning you won’t have a hard time getting to and from work.
And Florida has many options for commuting. Most cities have extensive and well-organized bus systems that are easy to utilize. Uber is also extremely popular, as well as taxi systems. Additionally, Florida is known for having excellent bike paths and bike trails and easy access to street-side bike rentals in various cities.
Cost Of Living
The cost of living index in Florida is 99, which is just below the national average of 100. Meaning you’ll be spending a little less than average when you move to Florida! Some other perks are that the housing index is 92 and the utilities index is 97, meaning that you’ll be spending significantly less when you purchase a home and you’ll also be spending less on utilities.
Sports Culture
The sports culture in Florida is alive and well. People are all about their tailgates, their Sunday night football games, and knowing all the stats of every college player in the state. There are the Tampa Bay Rays, everyone’s favorite MLB team; the Miami Heat basketball fan following is super strong (unless, of course, you’re all about the Orlando Magic). Plus, who doesn’t love the Miami Dolphins? And college sports are also huge here. With great sports schools like University of Miami, Florida State University, and University of Central Florida, it makes sense that everyone here follows college sports so avidly!
Beaches
This wouldn’t be an article on Florida without mentioning the incredible beaches Florida has to offer. Even the touristy beaches are still alive and thriving, and you can’t help but fall in love with them. South Beach is perhaps one of the best beaches around. There’s also Clearwater Beach in Clearwater, and Naples Beach in Naples. Some beaches have miles of sand that stretch on forever and ever. Others have dramatic landscapes. Regardless of the beach, chances are you’ll see the best sunrise of your life if you’re up early enough!
Like This Post? You’ll Definitely Love These:
