Everybody wants to be in Florida during the winter. We don’t blame you (we don’t like snow, either). In our opinion, though, there are a number of reasons why Florida is a great place to live year-round, not just during the winter.
1. There's always something fun to do.
Living in the Sunshine State and being surrounded by water means there are daily opportunities for recreation practically year-round. If you love fishing, boating, swimming, and anything in the water, you'll enjoy living here.
2. Swimming in the springs.
There's something magical about swimming in the clear, blue water in Florida's beautiful springs. The water is too cold for most people to enjoy during the winter, but it's perfect for cooling off on a hot summer day. If you only visit during the winter, you will miss out on one of our greatest natural wonders.
3. Our beautiful beaches can be enjoyed year-round.
Sure, you can visit the beach in December, but if you live in Florida, you can visit the beach any day of the year. That's why for so many Floridians, the beach is like a second home.
4. And no matter where you live, the beach is never too far away.
Even if you live farther inland, because of our state's unique shape, you're never very far from a beach. I can't even imagine living thousands of miles from the nearest beach.
5. You can enjoy delicious seafood year-round.
Seafood is delicious, healthy, and very popular in Florida. There are only a few other states that get to enjoy fresh seafood as often as we do.
6. You can find a town to match any personality here.
If you want a big city with lots of attractions and nightlife, we've got it. If you want a quiet small town in a rural environment, we've got that, too. Whether you want to live with an older or younger crowd, you can always find somewhere that you will fit in perfectly.
7. If you only visit during the winter, you miss out on some of our most beautiful scenery.
Florida is practically bursting with plant life, but winter is obviously not the best time to see it. Check out some of our parks and gardens in the springtime, and you'll have a whole new appreciation for Florida's natural beauty.
8. You get to shop at Publix all year long.
Most Floridians have a special attachment to this locally founded grocery store chain "where shopping is a pleasure." We're happy that we get to enjoy their subs, baked goods, and everything else year-round.
9. Florida is one of only a handful of states where residents don't pay income tax.
I don't know about you, but this is a big bonus for many residents who move here from other states.
10. Our major attractions are way less crowded during the off-seasons.
As a native Floridian, I have been to Disney World when there were so many people you could barely move through the crowds, and I have been to Disney World when it was practically empty. Let me tell you, it is way more fun and less stressful when there are hardly any lines or crowds.
11. The atmosphere here is very laid-back.
Maybe it's because we don't have to worry about bundling up before we leave the house, but Floridians seem to be pretty laid-back overall. We're totally comfortable wearing flip-flops — or even going barefoot —as much as possible.
12. We get the best of both worlds.
Florida has parts that are more Southern and parts that are full of Northern transplants. So, when it comes to food, you can find pretty much anything you're craving, instead of being limited by regional tastes.
13. If you only visit in the winter, you miss out on a lot of festivals and events held in other seasons.
Floridians love to be outdoors, and we love our festivals. If you visit only for the winter, you will miss out on a lot. Pictured is the internationally famous Sarasota Chalk Festival, which is held in the fall (November 10th to 13th this year).
What do you think of this list? Why do you think it’s better to live in Florida year-round? Let us know in the comments!
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