Top 5 BEST PLACES TO BUY In Florida's Cooling Housing Market

Introduction

Hello and welcome back, potential home relocators and buyers! Over the past couple of years, Florida's housing market has been cooling off, which presents a really interesting opportunity, especially if you're looking for long-term growth potential.

Think about it: since 2019, we've seen a staggering 60%+ price increase in just a 3-4 year span. Now, inventory is up 20%, home sellers are slashing prices, and builders are offering incentives. The tides are turning, and it feels like things are getting more aggressive every single month.

If you've been eyeing Florida as an investment or a potential dream move, this could be your moment. I've spent the last few weeks diving deep into the numbers and trends, and I've narrowed down my list of 15-20 interesting locations to 5 where I believe affordability meets growth.

1. St. Petersburg, FL: The Best of Both Worlds

First on my list, in no particular order, is St. Petersburg, Florida, located in the greater Tampa Bay metro area. My main premise here is a three-headed monster of long-term value.

• Quintessential Beach Town Meets Big City: St. Pete offers that perfect Florida lifestyle, akin to Sarasota, Naples, and Vero Beach, but with the economic and industrial benefits of a big city like Tampa Bay. If you had to pick one spot, having access to both is a huge plus.
• Ideal Geography: If you had to choose one location in Florida, the Southwest Gulf Coast is where I'd ideally choose. The weather, beaches, and overall access are top-notch.
• Unique Variety: St. Pete boasts a diverse range of areas, from downtown to Clearwater, Treasure Island, and more. This lack of consensus on the "best" spot means more affordable prices for everyone.

Pricing-wise, St. Pete sits in the low $400,000s for the median home cost, significantly cheaper than Sarasota or Naples. Plus, analysts predict 5% annual gains long-term, thanks to its eclectic nature and urban renewal.

2. Port St. Lucie, FL: Bridging the Gap

Next up is Port St. Lucie, a place I've been really high on lately. My hedge here is that it bridges the gap between the Atlantic coast's affordability and the Gulf Coast's appeal.

• Port St. Lucie offers a balance: you get the Atlantic Coastal Beach life with bays, fishing, and boating, along with the infrastructure of a populous area.
• It boasts new construction, good schools, and hospitals, all while maintaining that coastal charm.
• The median cost in 2025 is projected to be under $400,000, with half of the homes under that price.

If you're looking for variety and long-term potential, Port St. Lucie is a strong contender.

3. Ocala, FL: Old School Florida

Number three on my list is Ocala, Florida. This is a pure cost play in many ways.

• With a median cost of $284,000, it's significantly cheaper than many other Florida markets.
• Ocala offers an old-school Florida vibe, with equestrian culture and a peaceful atmosphere.
• It's an inland location, different from the typical Florida beach towns.

These prices are likely to increase, offering a safe investment opportunity.

4. Lakeland, FL: The Cool In-Between

Lakeland is another inland gem, but with a bit more "cool" factor.

• It sits between Tampa and Orlando, offering the benefits of both without the high prices.
• The median cost is around $324,000, lower than both Tampa and Orlando.
• Lakeland has developed a unique culture, with startup businesses and a growing population.

With its growth potential, Lakeland is worth exploring.

5. Palm Coast, FL: Affordable Coastal Living

Finally, we have Palm Coast, located in Northeast Florida.

• It offers the dream of old Florida coastal living, similar to St. Augustine.
• It has great schools, and a multigenerational environment.
• It is an in between location, between Daytona and St. Augustine.
• With a median cost of $350,000, it's more affordable than many coastal areas.

Palm Coast offers the chance to enjoy coastal living without the premium price.

Conclusion

That wraps up our list of five Florida locations where affordability meets growth. I hope you found this information valuable. Don't forget to check out our free resources, including the "Best Places" guide and the 30-day email list. And if you're looking to buy or invest in Southwest Florida, feel free to reach out to my team.

Thank you for reading!

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