Got the blizzard belt blues? You're not alone! Southwest Florida continues to see strong population growth and most of the new folks are from cold-weather states. That's perfectly understandable, as tropical beaches are a wonderful remedy for the cold of a northern winter.
Today we talk with real estate broker Jennifer Desrosiers — herself a transplant from New England — about what to consider before moving the family down south.
The Bokeelia Realtor says that Covid accelerated the pace of growth in Southwest Florida for a variety of reasons. And when the new transplants arrive at their new home, they may be in for a few surprises — mostly good ones! Florida has no state income tax, motor vehicle inspection requirement and all the sunny weather you can stand! But, Jennifer says, you have to be ready for a few changes, particularly when it comes to code enforcement and local regulations affecting real estate.
If you have school-aged children, she recommends choosing a school first, then looking for a home within that school district. Her No. 1 tip for any new resident is one we agree with — get a friend with a boat!
Host: Jim Sanville. Producer: Jerry Johnson.