Davidson Realty, Inc.

Seven reasons homebuyers love Northeast Florida

January 8, 2020

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Posted by in News

People give all kinds of reasons for moving to Florida from the great weather and beautiful beaches to job opportunities and abundant golfing.

 

But I like to dig a little deeper and let buyers know why Northeast Florida specifically is hands-down the best place to live in the Sunshine State.

 

 1.) Our price points are excellent by comparison. The Jacksonville metropolitan area (Duval, Baker, Clay, Nassau and St. Johns counties) is known for price points that are much better than other parts of the state, making this a really affordable option for budget-minded buyers looking to enjoy living in Florida.

 

2.) We have fewer storms than many parts of Florida. Thanks to our unique geography, Northeast Florida is a little less hurricane-prone than most other parts of the state (and even many parts of the Carolinas). Nevertheless, you will want to seek out a home that meets Florida’s strict building codes in case of a storm. Also, strongly consider getting flood insurance if you buy in a flood zone.

 

3.) Tax millage is often lower here. The Jacksonville and St. Augustine areas in particular are known for optimal millage rates. This is the tax rate used to calculate your property taxes when you buy a home.

 

4.) Our economy is strong. The Jacksonville metro area has experienced robust job growth in recent years. During 2019, local jobs increased by 3.4%, compared to statewide growth rate of 2.5%. These increases are thanks to new emerging companies as well as major employers in healthcare, banking and logistics–like our new Amazon warehouse on Jacksonville’s northside!

 

5.) Our schools are great. Out of 74 school districts in Florida, our region is home to three of the best including St. Johns County (#1), Clay County (#8) and Nassau County (#12). Those rankings are based on test scores and other data from the U.S. Department of Education.

 

6.) We are in a homestead state. If you are moving from out of state, you will be happy to learn about the state’s Homestead Exemption. This means Florida homeowners can file for an exemption worth up to $50,000 on your primary residence. It lowers your property taxes and limits how much your taxes can increase each year. You can learn more about the Homestead Exemption here.

 

7.) We don’t have personal income tax or estate taxes. Another benefit that new Florida residents discover is our tax system. We are one of the few states that does not assess a state income tax on residents. Also, the state does not collect an estate tax, also known as inheritance tax.

 

Ready to start your search for a home in Florida’s best region? I’m here to help! Contact me today at 904.501.1830 or mbarzaga@davidsonrealtyinc.com.

 

 

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About the Author
Mirtha Barzaga

For more than a decade, Mirtha Barzaga has consistently stood as a fixture in Northeast Florida real estate. She is recognized as a top contributing agent for Davidson Realty, Inc., specializing in homes throughout Jacksonville, St. Augustine and World Golf Village. She has earned recognition as Davidson's Top Sales Agent of the Year, Top Producing Agent of the Year, and Top Listing Agent of the Year. Mirtha is a trusted guide for clients throughout the buying and selling process, boasting designations as a Certified Negotiation Expert, Certified Distressed Property Expert and Nocatee Certified Agent. As a bilingual Realtor, Mirtha is pleased to assist Davidson’s Spanish-speaking clients. Learn more about Mirtha and see her listings by visiting her agent page or check out Mirtha's website BarzagaSells.com.

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