Cape Coral / Ft Myers, Florida
Located in Lee County, Fort Myers is the first Florida city to make the list. While the city is a major tourist destination, Fort Myers’ amenities attract families and retirees alike to become residents. The Caloosahatchee River borders Fort Myers and that feeds into the Gulf of Mexico, offering breathtaking views of the water and the opportunity to participate in watersports.
Daytona Beach, Florida
Daytona Beach has long been a coastal destination for tourists, offering beautiful beaches on Florida’s east coast and welcoming motorsports enthusiasts each February for the Daytona 500 race. Overall, Daytona Beach’s growth is expected to continue in the coming years, as the city continues to invest in its infrastructure and amenities to attract new residents and businesses.
Jacksonville, Florida
Jacksonville, Florida is a booming city that has experienced significant growth in recent years. In fact, the metro area’s total population has increased by over 21% since the year 2010. Currently there are over 1.6 million people living in this area and more continue to move here every year. In addition, Jacksonville’s workforce has been expanding at twice the national average.
North Port, Florida
One of the newest towns in Southwest Florida, North Port is situated between Tampa and Fort Myers, making it a great place for people of all ages. Over 80,000 people live in the community of North Port. With a median age in the lower 40s, North Port has a higher proportion of young families than other areas of Florida.
Ocala, Florida
The Ocala real estate market has grown substantially in the past year, with home prices increasing by over 30%. The average home price in Ocala is now $272,593, and monthly rents average $1,587. The real estate market remains affordable, but rising prices suggest that those interested in investing in the area should act quickly.
Palm Bay, Florida
The Palm Bay metro was named one of the top 10 hidden gem real estate markets with strong underlying housing market fundamentals by the NAR. This report states that, in comparison with other Florida metro areas, Palm Bay has a low home price-to-income ratio (2.9) and is affordable.
Port St. Lucie, Florida
Port St. Lucie is nestled between Orlando and Miami along Florida’s southeast “Treasure Coast.” Nature preserves and nearby beaches offer plenty of outdoor recreation space, while sports fans can enjoy the New York Mets’ annual training camp each spring and gorgeous green golf courses year-round.
Tampa, Florida
Tampa is one of the hottest real estate markets in the country—and it’s only getting hotter. Tampa’s housing market is outpacing the rest of the country, as its population grows at a rate that is 112% faster than the national average. This rapid growth has led to an increase in housing and commercial construction, which means that now is an ideal time for investors to get involved in this market.
Winter Haven, Florida
The Chain of Lakes City, just east of Tampa, may not have miles of beach access, but it does have over 50 lakes to enjoy. Families looking for a break from swimming and sunning at freshwater beaches are also just a 36-minute drive from Walt Disney World in Orlando.
