Florida Relocation Guide

Florida is one of the biggest real estate markets in the U.S. with more than 367,000 homes sold in quarter 3 2006 alone. Over the last 5 years (from 2001 to 2006) the average home price has more than doubled. Its warm subtropical climate attracts many people, and is a favorite place for people to retire or at least a place for the snow birds to go in the winter. The local economy is largely based on tourism.

Located on Florida's Emerald Coast Destin once a fishing village, is now a premium resort and popular place to vacation and live. Destin condos and general Destin Real Estate market have seen large gains over the last few years. In fact the Fort Walton Beach-Crestview-Destin area over the last 5 years prices has increased on average 17.7% per year. The median home price is $218,000 (based on June 2006 data).

Orlando is famous for being the home of Disney World and Sea World. It is located in Orange County and is the 6th largest city in Florida with a poipulation of more than 1.6 million. Until 2006 the Orlando Real Estate market like much of the rest of Florida was seeing double digit increases in home prices. This year this appreciation has slowed to single digit growth. The median home price was just over $271,000 based on Q3 2006 data.

Fort Meyers is located in Lee County on the southwest coast of Florida. The area is a major tourist destination and home for retirees. The Greater Fort Meyers Real Estate market (also includes Cape Coral) has seen double digit price increases all the way from Q2 2001 through Q3 2006.