Florida is a fantastic place to live for many reasons. We have incredible white sand beaches, unique wildlife, countless tourist attractions, and plenty of friendly faces to welcome you home.
If you’re thinking about moving to The Sunshine State, South Florida is an excellent choice—you’ll really have it all. There’s colorful nightlife in Miami, gorgeous natural scenery in the Everglades, and the Bahamas are just a hop and a skip away if you need a break from the buzz of the Miami-Dade area.
But before you make your move to South Florida, there are just a few things to know. In this post, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about the area, what there is to do, and how you can fit in like a native here.
South Floridians are just as friendly as you’d think
When white sand beaches are your backyard, dolphins are your preferred mascot, and relaxation is practically your full-time job, it’s easy to let things be. Floridians are famous for having the laissez-faire kind of philosophy about life, which is to say, nothing’s really that serious. There’s not much that can shake up South Floridians, so long as you’re relaxed and friendly in return.
The big picture? If you’re moving from the hustle and bustle of Manhattan or Chicago, be sure to leave your high-stress energy back where you came from. The rules are just different here, so whether you plan to move or just visit, please respect our laid back lifestyle.
We’ve got style and class
Yes, sometimes we like to rock a floral print vacation shirt. Sometimes we’ll even sport a fedora for a night out on the town, but our version of style is more than just what you see in the movies. In fact, there are plenty of incredible places to shop in the Miami area including:
- Miami Design District
- Bal Harbour Shops
- Bayside Marketplace
- Fifth and Alton
- The Shops at Mary Brickell Village
But luxury living doesn’t stop with luxury clothing. If you want to walk the walk and talk the talk with Miami’s elite, you’ll want to drive in style too. They say variety is the spice of life, so many South Florida drivers opt for leased vehicles to get a sense of the best option for them without having to commit to buying a new vehicle right away. Search for new Mercedes lease offers or BMW leasing specials in South Florida to find a luxury car that suits your budget and your lifestyle.
We love to have fun, but relaxing is KEY
There’s a reason there are so many transplants in Florida. There’s plenty to do, the weather is ideal for most of the year, and we have some of the world’s most famous tourist attractions all in our great state. But with so much activity around, we also recognize the importance of taking time to relax among all of the excitement.
Here are a few ways we like to unwind
- Lounge on the beach
- Visit Margaritaville Hollywood Beach Resort
- Enjoy the Bok Tower Gardens
- Get in touch with the natural beauty of the Everglades
- Take a trip to Key West or the Bahamas
North Florida and South Florida are very different
Florida often gets lumped into one giant state, but the northern and southern regions are actually very different. The weather is one of the main differences. While summer feels pretty similar in the state, winter in North Florida tends to get a lot colder than South Florida. As far as rainfall goes, South Florida often receives more rain than the other half of the state.
Culturally, North and South Florida have some differences, too. North Florida has been said to basically be an extension of the rest of the Southern states, sharing similar food, music, and traditions. South Florida, on the other hand, is more heavily influenced by Cuba, the Dominican Republic, and the Bahamas.
Respect the locals (and the tourists)
There’s no denying (or changing) the fact that Florida’s economy is built on tourism. After all, who can blame them for wanting to explore the Sunshine State? We just ask one thing whether you’re a tourist or a resident, please do your part to respect everyone around you!
Whether you’re getting ready to move to Florida, or are just excited at the notion, you can use this post as a guide to help you navigate our home. Happy exploring!
