In a 2006 study entitled “Snowbirds, Sunbirds and Stayers: Seasonal Migration of the Elderly in Florida,” researchers found that more than 63 percent of snowbirds rated their health as “very good” or “excellent.” That statistic shouldn’t come as a surprise. Staying active outdoors year-round provides the fresh air and sunshine our bodies need. Older adults are coming to Florida to escape the cold winter season and returning home to tell their friends about it. Winter homes in Florida have become so popular that Florida ranks as the most popular state for second homes. If you’ve ever dreamed of buying a second home in Florida, Showcase Properties is here to help. We make buying a winter home in Florida easy and rewarding.
Florida’s Winter Appeal
As of 2016, there were more than 1.1 million second homes in Florida, and over a thousand people moving to Florida each day. With winter lows averaging 53 degrees in the northern part of the state and 68.5 degrees in the south, it’s a fair bet that you won’t be shoveling snow all winter. In fact, Florida’s winter temperatures are ideal for enjoying all the recreational opportunities in the state. Florida has more golf courses than any other state and mild winter temperatures allow residents to enjoy playing golf, tennis, and pickleball year-round. In Central Florida, the abundance of local parks and nature trails makes it easy to stay active and get your daily dose of vitamin D.
As the Horse Capital of the World, Ocala offers unique ways to enjoy the Florida weather. Equestrian events in Marion County draw people from all over the world. Your children and grandchildren will love visiting you in sunny Florida. Disney World, Universal Studios, and Busch Gardens are a short drive from Ocala. With more than 1,200 miles of sandy beach along Florida’s coastline, you can choose between enjoying the Atlantic Ocean or Gulf of Mexico. Check out St. Pete Beach on the west coast and Daytona Beach on the east coast. It won’t take you long to find your favorite beach for a relaxing day trip.
Finding the Right Home
Travel restrictions have kept some snowbirds home this year, especially the many Canadians who make the annual drive to Florida. Yet despite the pandemic, Florida’s real estate market is booming. Now may be a great time for you to buy a second home. At Showcase Properties, we believe that Ocala is the best place to buy a second home in Florida. Browse local listings and explore the variety of homes available in Marion County. Once you start looking, you just might find your dream waterfront estate, turn-key mini-farm, or home with a pool.
For those approaching retirement, consider exploring the 55 and over homes in Florida. 55+ communities are abundant in Central Florida and offer many advantages for older adults. When you surround yourself with people in the same stage of life, building a sense of community is easy and rewarding. Numerous social clubs, academic programs, and fitness opportunities are provided in these communities to help you stay active and engaged post-retirement. 55+ communities are designed for your convenience, meaning salons, grocery stores, restaurants, and pharmacies are built within the community. Community onsite maintenance means you won’t have to mow the lawn or climb a ladder to clean out your gutters. In a 55+ community, you get to focus on enjoying your retirement. A Showcase agent will gladly help you find a community that’s perfect for you. Oak Run, On Top of the World, Trilogy at Ocala Preserve, Del Webb Stone Creek, and Ocala Palms are just a handful of the wonderful 55+ communities you’ll find in Florida.
The Buying Process
Whether you are looking to retire full-time in Florida or purchase a second home for the winter, a Showcase Properties agent can help recommend a mortgage broker familiar with your unique situation. We’ll make sure you understand Florida real estate laws, explore mortgage options like VA loans, and identify which closing costs and homeowner expenses you’ll be able to deduct from your taxes.
No matter what type of property you desire or what price point you can afford, Showcase agents provide the best service for buyers and sellers in Central Florida. We’ll walk you through the entire buying process and make sure all your questions are answered. The Tax Foundation research organization ranks Florida among the lowest tax states in terms of the tax burden placed on residents. At Showcase Properties, we’ll show you how you can save big on property taxes when you purchase a home in Ocala.
Making the Move
Making a move, even part-time as a snowbird, can be a daunting task. Our relocation tips can help you save money and prepare for a stress-free move to Florida. We’ll help you settle into your new home so you can get right to the task of enjoying your new Floridian lifestyle. Read about the cost to move to Florida and start thinking about your new Florida home.
Not everyone is ready to retire completely. If you want to continue working in Florida, Ocala is a great place to be. Whether you are looking for temporary work or a permanent position, the Ocala job market is booming. The University of Florida in Gainesville is a big employer and there are a variety of homes for sale in Alachua County to meet your needs. Read more about the best places to live in Alachua County.
Florida is Waiting
If you dream of warmer winters, consider purchasing a second home in Florida. It’s never too early to start planning your move, and Showcase Properties agents are eager to help. We love where we live and can’t wait to share it with you. Browse our currently listed home for sale or start exploring the nearby 55+ communities to learn more. Contact a real estate agent to discuss your unique needs and desires. Warm Florida winters are waiting for you, come join us!
Not sure if you should buy or rent? Read more about buying vs. renting a winter home in Florida.
