Life in South Florida

It's just what you'd expect…
sunny days year round, palm trees and turquoise Atlantic waters. But there's more to our lifestyle than sun and sand!

Cost of Living
South Florida has a lower cost of living than other major cities including Seattle, Boston, Philadelphia, New York, Los Angeles and Washington, D.C. Florida has no personal income tax and the local sales tax rate is 6.5%.

Housing
You can retreat to a family-friendly enclave with tree-lined streets and kids on bikes. Or choose the electric atmosphere of South Beach or Las Olas Boulevard. Home/condo prices begin at about $80,000; monthly rental rates for one-bedroom apartments start around $700.

Medical Care
South Florida's medical facilities are world class with research/treatment hospitals like Jackson Memorial Hospital/University of Miami Medical Center, Miami Children's Hospital and other renowned medical centers.

Education
There are outstanding public, private and charter schools and magnet programs that encourage children to excel. The University of Miami, Florida International University, Barry University and other colleges offer degrees in every discipline.

Transportation
South Florida boasts a major international airport, the gateway to Latin America, and the largest cruise port in the world serving Carnival, NCL, Royal Caribbean Lines and others. Tri-Rail's Commuter Train serves Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach.

Sports
We offer the Miami Dolphins, the Florida Marlins, the Miami Heat, the Florida Panthers and the Miami Fusion soccer team. Plus tennis at the Lipton, SuperBowls, the Orange Bowl and the University of Miami Hurricanes. Golf courses proliferate, and the Doral Ryder Open is an annual highlight.

Culture
Soak up a bit of culture at The New World Symphony, the Florida Grand Opera or the Miami City Ballet. The Broward Center for the Performing Arts, The Jackie Gleason Theater on Miami Beach and the Coconut Grove Playhouse offer first-rate theatrical events.

Natural Pleasures
Explore miles of beautiful beaches, Everglades National Park and over 800 parks with biking and skating paths, nature trails, and other diversions. The diving is spectacular at America's first underwater state park, John Pennekamp, in Key Largo.

Shopping
Browse the elegant Bal Harbour Shops, try the fashionable designer boutiques of South Beach, Coconut Grove, The Falls or the Shops at Sunset or the numerous other quality malls. Looking for a bargain? Try Sawgrass Mills, one of the largest outlet malls in the world.

South Florida is an ethnically and socially diverse community influenced by all areas of the U.S., the Caribbean and Central and South America. Tastes from these regions are found in the restaurants, entertainment, culture and festivals that make life here much more than a day at the beach.

Whatever your style, you'll find a comfortable place in South Florida.

We call it home and you can, too.