There’s just something about the Sunshine State. In this blog, we’ve previously covered why South Florida has some of the hottest housing markets in the country and why Chicagoans have flocked to Southwest Florida. Thanks to factors like consistent economic growth, the state is also a prime location for commercial real estate investment.  

Despite an economic slowdown, the South Florida commercial real estate market has proved resilient across various property types, according to CoStar. If you’re looking for a place to buy commercial property, the Sunshine State is a strong contender.

Here are a few of the reasons why Florida is one of the top places for commercial real estate investment in the U.S.

1. The tourism industry supports retail, hotels and restaurants.

The balmy weather, luxurious beaches and other Florida features attract a steady stream of tourists from all over the globe to support commercial property categories like stores and restaurants. In the 2024 calendar year, the state welcomed a record-breaking 142.9 million visitors, up 1.6 percent from 2023, according to the Executive Office of the Governor.

2. People are flocking to Florida, driving population growth to support businesses.

The state boasts a steadily increasing population to support commercial properties. Between 2023 and 2024, Florida gained 467,347 people, thanks to both domestic and international migration, making it one of the fastest-growing states in the country, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

3. The state has experienced historically strong economic and employment growth.

Florida consistently outperforms the rest of the nation in terms of employment and economic strength. In December 2024, Florida’s total private sector employment increased by 122,800 jobs or 1.4 percent over the year, according to the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity. This outpaced the national private sector job growth rate (1.3 percent). Additionally, the statewide unemployment rate of 3.4 percent in December 2024 was also below the national average of 4.1 percent.   

4. Florida has a favorable tax structure for individuals and small businesses.

In Florida, only traditional or C corporations pay state income taxes, according to Investopedia. Meanwhile, S corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), partnerships, and sole proprietorships don’t owe state income taxes. Individual Florida residents also don’t have to pay state income taxes.  

The Avalon Suncoast team is here to help if you want to explore Florida commercial real estate. We have decades of experience in the commercial real estate industry and are dedicated to achieving the best possible outcomes for our clients. Start now by calling 941-235-7474 or emailing sales@avalonsuncoast.com.

The post Why Florida Is a Prime State for Commercial Real Estate Investment appeared first on Southwest FL Real Estate.

If you’re looking to relocate, don’t “sleep on” Siesta Key, Florida. As the name implies, this locale on Florida’s Southwest coast is the ideal spot to relax and enjoy stunning white-sand beaches, turquoise water, and an abundance of options for entertainment and recreation, according to VISIT FLORIDA.

There are plenty of reasons to buy Siesta Key real estate. Here are just a few of the top reasons why you should consider putting down roots on this Gulf Coast island.

1. Award-winning beaches.

Siesta Key is home to some of the world’s best beaches, according to the Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce. Siesta Beach offers 99 percent quartz sand, tennis and volleyball courts, a playground, and a picnic area. It’s also within walking distance of Siesta Key Village if you feel like shopping or grabbing a bite to eat.

Other notable Siesta Key Beaches include the following, according to the Chamber and VISIT FLORIDA.

• Turtle Beach
• Crescent Beach
• Palmer Point Beach

2. Plenty of outdoor recreation options.

If you hate staying inside, Siesta Key is the place for you. The Chamber of Commerce notes that there are numerous options for outdoor recreation, including the following:

• Fishing
• Golfing
• Kayak rentals and tours
• Biking
• Sailing
• Boating
• Parasailing
• And more

3. Family-friendly entertainment.

For families with children, there’s plenty to do in Siesta Key, according to VISIT FLORIDA. For example, you can take an eco tour of Sarasota Bay and learn about the area’s amazing wildlife, such as dolphins and manatees. You can also visit Big Cat Habitat and Gulf Coast Sanctuary, which is home to over 300 animals and hosts events like Little Paws Yoga with fox kits and wolf pups.

4. A shopping smorgasbord.

Whether you’re in the mood to browse in a high-end boutique or a funky little store, the Chamber of Commerce notes that Siesta Key has something for you. Siesta Key Village is a hot spot for accessory and souvenir outlets. Meanwhile, the South Village shopping district is the place to go if you want fishing gear or boutique clothing and gifts.

5. Free trolley rides.

Siesta Key has a public open-air trolley, the Siesta Islander, that everyone is welcome to ride free of charge. It operates daily from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. If you want to explore Siesta Key real estate, the Avalon Suncoast team can help you look for your dream house, condo, land or commercial property. Start by calling 941-235-7474 or emailing sales@avalonsuncoast.com.

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If you’ve ever dreamed of escaping to a tropical island, there’s a Florida destination you should consider: Longboat Key. This picturesque barrier island on the Gulf of Mexico offers balmy weather and beachfront properties, making it an attractive destination for someone searching for real estate in a relaxing location.

If you want to settle somewhere in Southwest Florida, here’s why you should buy a home in Longboat Key.

1. Breathtaking white sand beaches.

Longboat Key is well-known for its 12 miles of white-sand beaches, according to Visit Florida. In addition to lounging in the stunning sand, you can enjoy waterfront golf and dining. For those who love outdoor adventures, there’s also fishing, boating, and kayaking, among other activities.

2. Smaller-town feel.  

With only 8,000 full-time residents and 12,000 seasonal residents identified by the Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce, the island is a relatively cozy community compared to larger cities.

3. Convenient access to other cities and transportation.

You won’t feel stranded on this island. Longboat Key is connected via bridges to Lido Key and St. Armands Key, according to the Chamber of Commerce. Additionally, the island has public bus service from Sarasota County, and Sarasota Bradenton International Airport is only 30 minutes away.

4. World-famous dining options.

Whether you’re in the mood for fine dining or a casual family meal, Longboat Key has a restaurant to suit your tastes, according to the Chamber of Commerce. You can enjoy the view along with fresh local seafood at bayfront and Gulf-front establishments. If you’re not a fan of fish, there’s also pizza, steak, sandwiches, vegetarian fare, and an abundance of other options.

5. Scenic sports.

If you’re a sports fan, Longboat Key offers award-winning golf with dazzling views of the Gulf and Sarasota Bay. Additionally, the island has a tennis center with 10 open courts. If you’d rather spectate than participate, you can check out the Sarasota Ski-A-Rees.  

If you want to buy real estate in Longboat Key, the Avalon Suncoast team can help you find your dream house, condo, land or commercial property. Start your search today by calling 941-235-7474 or emailing sales@avalonsuncoast.com.

The post Why You Should Buy a Home in Longboat Key appeared first on Southwest FL Real Estate.

If you’re feeling impatient while waiting for winter to say its final goodbyes and tempted to relocate to a place where you won’t have to worry about ice and snow, you should consider starting fresh in the Sunshine State. Specifically, we recommend looking into real estate in Venice, Florida.

This scenic city situated south of Sarasota offers plenty of options for beach-going, outdoor adventures, dining, shopping, and nightlife. Here are just a few reasons you should consider making a move to Venice, Florida.

1. It’s the place to be if you’re a fan of shark teeth.

If you want to live in a locale with some bite to it, Venice is the shark tooth capital of the world, according to the nonprofit Venice MainStreet Inc. Millions of years ago, sharks swarmed the region, which was underwater at that point. The Venice coast currently sits atop an 18-to-35-foot-deep fossil layer, and beachgoers commonly search the sand for shiny black shark teeth.

2. The city is home to some of the region’s top beaches.

If you like the sound of exploring a reef, swimming in the stunning waters of the Gulf of Mexico, or sunbathing on soft sand, then Venice could be your ideal city. Venice Beach is within walking distance of downtown and a hotspot for fossil hunting and reef diving. It’s not hard to see why it was named one of the top 10 must-visit beaches in the South by USA Today last year.

Other notable beaches in the area include the following, according to VISIT FLORIDA, the state’s official tourism marketing corporation.  

• Nokomis Beach
• North Brohard Park
• Caspersen Beach

To explore more beaches as well as parks in the area, check out a more extensive list at visitvenicefl.org.

3. You’ll have plenty of options for outdoor adventures.

Aside from visiting the beach, there are tons of ways to have fun outside in Venice, including fishing, biking, hiking, and more. Here are a few notable activities to check out.

• Historic walking tours
• Cycling
• Boating and scuba diving  
• The City of Venice Fishing Pier
• Venice parks
• Legacy Trail
• Venetian Waterway Park hiking trails and dog park

4. Venice Island has everything you could possibly need in terms of shopping.

If you love shopping, Venice Island at the north end of the city boasts more than 100 stores offering shoes, clothing, jewelry, art, and more. Stroll the palm-tree-lined streets and browse to your heart’s content.

5. The city is fun for the entire family.

For families with children, downtown Venice has kid-friendly pastimes. Notable attractions for younger residents and visitors include the following, according to VISIT FLORIDA.

• Finding fairy doors
• Spotting shark sculptures
• Cooling off in the Intergenerational Fountain

The Avalon Suncoast team can assist you if you want to buy real estate in Venice, Florida, whether you’re searching for a house, condo, land or commercial property. Take the first step toward a new life in Venice today by calling 941-235-7474 or emailing sales@avalonsuncoast.com.

The post 5 Reasons to Move to Venice, Florida    appeared first on Southwest FL Real Estate.

If you’re considering relocating to a new city, you’re in good company. Roughly a quarter (25.5 percent) of Redfin.com users nationwide looked to move to a new metro area in Q2 2023, according to a news article published on the site.

In Chicago, 17 percent of Redfin users wanted to flee the Windy City in the second quarter. Their top out-of-state destination? Cape Coral, Florida.

We’ve previously covered why South Florida has the hottest housing markets in the U.S., so it’s no surprise that additional studies confirm that the area is a highly desirable destination for Chicagoans ready for a change of scenery.

While NBC Chicago reports that it’s unclear why so many of the city’s residents have fled to Cape Coral, there are plenty of potential explanations for the trend. Here are some of the top reasons why so many Midwesterners might be moving to Southwest Florida.

1. Southwest Florida’s balmy weather.

Anyone who has spent a winter in Chicago knows how brutal and prolonged the season can be. One look at the average monthly minimum temperature map for January from Climate.gov for 1991 to 2020 will show you that Florida is the warmest place you could flee to in order to escape rough winters.

2. Lower median home prices.

Redfin notes that most of the popular destinations for site users looking to move offer lower sale prices than the prospective buyers’ metro areas of origin. The Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis confirms that houses in the Southern U.S. are more affordable compared to other regions: The median sale price for a new one-family home was $416,100 for the country overall in Q2 2023 but just $371,200 in the South.

3. Lack of state income tax.

Florida is one of nine states that currently don’t have an income tax, according to NerdWallet. The prospect of holding onto more of their paycheck certainly might hold some appeal for Chicagoans eager to establish themselves in a new city.

4. Proximity to the ocean.

While Chicago has Lake Michigan, residents might want to trade the lakeshore for the serene tropical scenery of the Gulf Coast.

5. Plentiful employment prospects.

There’s no lack of work in Southwest Florida for Midwesterners contemplating a move to the Sunshine State. FloridaCommerce reports that the state’s private sector employment grew by 2.9 percent in August 2023, compared to the national rate of 2.0 percent. As of August, the state had experienced greater over-the-year private sector job growth than the nation overall for 29 consecutive months.       

These are just some of the reasons why Chicagoans might be moving to Southwest Florida. If you’re a resident of any region contemplating a move to the area, the Avalon Suncoast team would be happy to help you find your ideal home. Start your search today by calling 941-235-7474 or emailing sales@avalonsuncoast.com.

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