6 Reasons Florida Living Just Makes Sense

A longtime favorite among sun-seeking vacationers, retirees and “snowbirds” escaping the winter, Florida has long held appeal, drawing people from all over the world. These days, many are coming to stay, and now call the “Sunshine State” home.

With postcard-ready beaches, a booming arts and culture scene, an ever-growing offering of restaurants by award-winning chefs, and of course, lots of sunshine, the Florida lifestyle just makes sense.

So what are you waiting for? Here are six reasons to join the legions of people who love to brag: “I live where you vacation.”

Some of the Country’s Best Beaches Are in Your Backyard

You can’t go wrong with a visit to any Florida beach, and with 825 miles of idyllic coastline, there are almost too many to choose from. Start with two of the best beaches in the country: Clearwater Beach and Sarasota Key.

With soft, sugar-white sand and warm crystalline water, it’s no surprise these beaches are consistently ranked among the most beautiful beaches in the country, and even the world. Keep an eye out for the occasional dolphin appearance in the tranquil Gulf of Mexico.

On the East Coast, check out the beach in Sunny Isles, just north of Miami Beach. Soft sands and deep blue Atlantic Ocean views abound, and Miami’s hot spots are just around the corner.

You Can Play Outside All Year Long

With more than 200 days of annual sunshine — and more than 300 in certain regions — Florida certainly earns its Sunshine State nickname. And that high dose of vitamin D comes with fabulous weather all year round, making it easy to enjoy the state’s natural beauty.

Hike among towering cypress trees, snorkel near a shipwreck and spot gators at the national parks. Or head to a state park like Estero Bay Preserve, where you can go camping, horseback riding, kayaking and more.

Like to fish? With so much prime waterfront in Florida, fishers of all skill levels can cast their lines all over the state. To hook fresh pompano in particular, there’s no better place than its namesake city: Pompano Beach.

It’s a Sports-Lover’s Paradise

Between the Miami Open, Formula One racing and frequent showdowns between all sorts of professional teams, Florida is no stranger to hosting high-caliber sporting events.

Palm Beach Gardens is home to the PGA of America Headquarters, and golf enthusiasts there can catch the Honda Classic or try to sink a hole-in-one themselves at one of five PGA courses in the city.

Baseball fans can even catch a glimpse of the Houston Astros or Washington Nationals during their spring training.

Your Taste Buds Will Never Get Bored

The Florida food scene is on fire. Case in point: The Michelin Guide first launched in the Sunshine State in 2022, and already more than a dozen restaurants have earned its coveted stars.

For a taste of exquisite French cuisine at Florida’s first two-Michelin-star restaurant, reserve your table at L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon Miami. Several other eateries across the city have also earned one star or Michelin Bib Gourmand recognition.

Don’t be fooled, though. Miami isn’t the only city flourishing with culinary rockstars.

New restaurants are constantly opening in Sarasota, on Florida’s west coast, and they’re equal parts trendy, flavorful and innovative — try the braised beef and grits at soul-food-inspired Fork & Hen. Palm Beach County is generously sprinkled with its own gems, too, like the Butcher’s Club from “Top Chef” winner Jeremy Ford.

And with a state as diverse as Florida, a stroll down practically any street will lead to delicious dining, with a wide variety of mouthwatering international cuisines to choose from.

You Can Catch Stunning Sunrises and Sunsets from the Beach

Florida is obviously no ordinary destination, but the state’s narrow peninsula is what gives it a truly unique quality that few destinations can claim: a chance to catch both sunrise and sunset from the beach.

If you’re on the east coast of Florida, set your alarm, pack a picnic and have breakfast as the sun makes its appearance over the Atlantic Ocean.

For Gulf Coasters, there’s a seemingly infinite number of beachfront bars from which to enjoy the perfect sundowner. If you’re really ambitious, you can do both in one day.

Traveling the World from Florida Is Easy

Whether you’re traveling domestically or internationally, Florida has several well-connected airports, collectively offering direct service to hundreds of destinations.

From Miami International Airport alone, you can reach 176 cities with nonstop flights.

Meanwhile, Palm Beach International provides direct flights to more than four-dozen destinations, and Tampa International to nearly 100.

And don’t forget that Miami is also the Cruise Capital of the World. So when it comes to travel from Florida, the sky (or sea) is the limit.

Travelers to Florida hotels regularly opt to purchase second homes in the state, and Marriott’s Branded Residences are the obvious choice for those who want the elevated service and luxury amenities they have come to love while on vacation.

Florida’s west coast draws owners looking for serenity which they’ll find along the coast of The Ritz-Carlton Residences Estero Bay or amidst the refined culture at The Ritz-Carlton Residences Sarasota Bay. Those seeking a wellness refuge will find one in the Tampa area, at the JW Marriott Residences Clearwater Beach.

Across the state, Florida’s east coast is a top choice for the buyers drawn to the glamorous lifestyle the St. Regis Residences Sunny Isles Beach offers. And those who seeking proximity to water will find it at the marina at The Ritz-Carlton Residences Palm Beach Gardens, or The Ritz-Carlton Residences Pompano, where penthouse views of the sparkling coastline always dazzle.