The Mass Migration to Florida

Now that Florida has become the third most populous state in the country,  we should begin to define the insight and decision making that is driving this migration to the sunshine state.

Historically, Florida was known as a destination for retirees and those who were seeking warm weather and cheap living.

For the most part, the state has evolved in all areas.  It now employs countless educated employees who work for regional companies that include many of the fortune 1000.  It has a fantastic healthcare system, including world renowned Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville Florida. 

A vast number of rich buyers(international) have flooded the South Florida market and are now seeking investment and homeownership in all parts of the state. 

Florida has no state income tax and many of the wealthy including the likes of Tony Robins (once a California native)  now call Farida home. 

The climate is great by any standards.  The cost of living (with the exception of South Florida) is very reasonable.

Universities in Florida are nationally ranked...University of Florida, Florida Sate University.  Other smaller and private universities are sought out for specialized degrees.

Finally, Jacksonville Florida was voted one of the best cites for entrepreneurs to start a small business.  The city strongly promotes small business growth and development.

If you are thinking of relocating, by all means do your homework.  I think you will finds that any part of Florida will have a place that you can easily and happily call home

Rising Sun, Jacksonville Florida

The design of the Shipyards by Shahid Khan

"...The Shipyards is a monumental, once in a lifetime opportunity to connect the city’s anchor buildings in a way that will forever change the trajectory of Jacksonville.

The design of the Shipyards project will create a compelling framework for development along the riverfront of our city – uniting, engaging and activating the district – and is a critical building block that will give this city an asset that is uniquely and distinctly ours...."

Video Description Via Populous/Vimeo

A new real estate project development for Jacksonville, Florida

                      By Shahid Khan, owner of Jacksonville Jaguars and President of Flex-N-Gate Corp 

Low Interest Rates, and What?

As with the situation in much of Florida and other key areas in the US, inventory continues to remain low, which appears to be driving prices up.  In the case of Florida, the five larger cites: Jacksonville , Orlando, Tampa, Ft Lauderdale and Miami have enjoyed moderate to higher than expected appreciation(for sellers) for a variety of reasons/economic data.

Focusing on much of Northeast Florida, the area which includes Duval and St Johns county has experienced dramatic new growth with some areas in St Johns county (just south of Jacksonville), experiencing some of the highest growth rates in the country for residential relocation.

Low interest rates continue to drive both purchases and refinancing.  All good news for buyers and home owners alike who are seeking to maximize value vs. debt ratios.

All indications point towards a healthy and strong year for both residential and commercial real estate values, purchases and investment in Florida and Northeast Florida in particular.

For Jacksonville, The Future is Now!

The Jacksonville Metro Area has experienced outstanding growth during the past 10 years.  Like most Florida cites, it experienced a significant slow down during the years that are often referred to as the great recession (2007-2009).  Of course, Florida was not the only State to experience similar setbacks and a stall, but Florida and Jacksonville in particular have returned with a strong and well managed economic business model for long term sustainability and economic development.

Jacksonville's location, as the gateway into Florida, with the St Johns River to the west and Atlantic ocean to the east provide the city with vital resources for both work and fun.  Jacksonville is now home to many regional companies in virtually all business sectors and continues to attract major employers like GE and other fortune companies.

The greater Jacksonville area (like many Florida cites) is experiencing significant population growth as baby boomers, and international buyers are moving to the sunshine state.  The current population (2014-2015) for Jacksonville/Duval county is approximately 825,000.  Projections are now suggesting that the area will grow by 50% between 2015-2030.  As a result the city continues planning and development to offer both business and residents alike a quality lifestyle at affordable costs.

If you are considering relocating, Jacksonville should definitely be on your "short list".  It's ever changing diversity, growth, mild climate and differing neighborhoods(something for everyone), makes Jacksonville a top choice to relocate.

Great article from Timothy Gibbons Managing Editor - Jacksonville Business Journal

Click on the link below to read Timothy Gibbons' great article about Jacksonville

from Jacksonville Business Journal

                                       

"Futurist: Jacksonville could be on the verge of something big — but ..."

 by Timothy Gibbon's

City of Lights - Jacksonville, FL by Chad Dennis

Amazing short movie of Chad Dennis. Find more of this work at Find more of his work at www.o34productions.com

Enjoy!

Building New Luxury Homes on the Northeast Florida Coastline

Northeast Florida, and it's pristine coastline are experiencing a renaissance of new residential real estate development (since it first began in the early 2000's). 

Tearing down older homes and mansions to build new luxury/state of the art mansions has engulfed the both Duval and Saint Johns counties.  The tear-downs and new development are occurring primarily in the oceanfront (or close by) and the coastline of the St. Johns river.

This represents a shift in wealth and desirability of high net worth buyers and their desire to live in the less commercialized areas of Northeast Florida and the beauty of living in a highly desirable area of the state's coastline.

On the other hand, it is a little saddening to witness some of the pre war oceanfront mansions (mostly built in the 30's), being replaced by the typical large scale zero lot line homes that meet the standards of today's demands and taste.

One thing is for sure, change is inevitable, and adapting to change is the key to growth. The greater Jacksonville Beaches (including Jacksonville Beach, Neptune Beach Atlantic Beach and Ponte Vedra Beach) are all experiencing a rebirth and age of development that is needed to continue the growth and expansion of the Greater Jacksonville area.