Florida has always been a vacation get-away. It’s beautiful sandy beaches, proliferation of luxury homes and architectural styles along with oceanfront and waterfront properties cause people to flock here. Whether you want the glitz and glamour of an international city like Miami or a planned community with everything in walking distance like Rosemary Beach, towns in Florida run the gamut insuring you’ll find that luxury home you’ve been waiting to buy.
PANHANDLE
The Florida panhandle is sometimes called “the other Florida” because unlike most of the state, this region experiences all four seasons. It backs up to South Georgia on the north and has water views of the Gulf of Mexico to the south.
Panama City has lots of choices when it comes to luxury homes. Here you can find a striking Mediterranean mansion overlooking St. Andrews Bay or live on the beach and wake every morning to sweeping Gulf of Mexico sights and sounds. Enjoy entertaining friends and family on veranda style balconies that overlook the water. Choose a luxury bay front condo minutes from downtown and be swept away every time you look out your floor to ceiling windows to see St. Andrews Bay and the Gulf.
Rosemary Beach is a unique town, an unincorporated planned community, located on the Gulf Coast, between Panama City and Destin. Here you’ll find peace and solitude, observe long stretches of pristine beaches and feel refreshing breezes wafting off the warm Gulf waters. In this community, cars are restricted to alleyways behind homes and the town is built so that everything within the community is easily accessible by foot. This beachside community makes use of its natural topography. Roadways were paved in conformity to the contours of the land.
Santa Rosa Beach is best known for its quiet, wide stretches of beach and nature trails that pass through a 15,200-acre forest. This is part of the Emerald Coast where you’ll experience the beauty of ocean waters that are truly emerald green. Here you’ll taste the best of both worlds from the privacy of a custom-built luxury home on your own lot to a home in a gated golf community. There are mansions and luxury condos. Gulf front estates with wrap-around porches and lots of windows to give you an unobstructed view of the Gulf of Mexico. Luxury condominiums that sit on bluffs give you such gorgeous views you’ll feel like you’re sitting on top of the world. Homes that rest on sugar white sands reflecting the emerald waters that lap at its edges. In Santa Rosa Beach you can truly appreciate what it means to live in luxury and style.
Destin is known as “The World’s Luckiest Fishing Village”. The water is brilliant green, the dunes are towering, there are loads of fish and the excitement never ends. Sparkling quartz sand squeaks beneath your feet welcoming you to one on the most beautiful beaches you will ever see. Purchase a luxury home here and you can walk the beach all the time! There’s a plethora of exclusive homes and communities in Destin. Choose a gulf front home in an exclusive gated community that makes the most of the views the Gulf Coast has to offer. Take the stairs down to the beach or lounge by your pool. Maybe a Tuscan style villa with lots of windows that allow for spectacular Gulf views and overlook the pool and canal. If you’re a golfer find an exquisite custom home on a bay front lot in a gated golf community. Balconies and terraces set the scene for gracious beachfront living and entertaining. If you enjoy high-rise living, find a harbor front condo with balconies that include expansive water views.
Jacksonville was named for Andrew Jackson, Florida’s first territorial governor and later the President of the United States. Today, Jacksonville is a nice mix of urban charm and rural beauty. Located on the St. Johns River, Jacksonville has grand historic neighborhoods, cultural and sports entertainment. It’s an important military port graced with white-sand beaches that constantly tempt you to play on them. Your next luxury home could very well be a St. Johns River front mansion surrounded by ancient oak trees sitting on several acres of land just minutes from downtown. Have your own gated entrance, indoor pool, dock with hoist, guesthouse and 5-car garage. Perhaps a historic gated estate on a bluff that overlooks the river. Here you’d have privacy plus convenience to the city and beaches. There are also waterfront Mediterranean estates with panoramic views, luxury condos at a Yacht Club or waterfront town homes with water views in every room and even sights of downtown Jacksonville. This is casually elegant, luxury living at its finest.
Tallahassee is the capitol of Florida and home to universities, gracious historic homes and rolling hills. It is near the Apalachicola National Forest. So if your idea of luxury is living amongst rolling hills, oak-canopied roads and historic plantation homes – this is the location of your next home. Just because there’s no ocean doesn’t mean there are no water views available. Luxury homes have lake views and heated salt water pools. Gated estates with lots of land, privacy and convenience to the city. Some estates are already built to suit the equestrian lifestyle with fencing and barns on large plots of land. Palatial estates with plenty of acreage and a gated entrance are also appealing. If you enjoy entertaining you can find a large luxury estate with tennis court, pool, circular drive multi-car garage and more. Luxurious golf community homes and high-rise condominiums that overlook trees and the city from their balconies will give you a postcard view of this town.
NORTH FLORIDA
Orlando is world famous for its theme and water parks. Included in the Orlando metro are the areas of Kissimmee and Lake Buena Vista. If you’re looking for a luxury home in this locale you will get more for your money but with less water views. There are many activities to enjoy here including shopping, museums, sports, performance arts and interesting outlying towns and neighborhoods. Kissimmee is less flashy than Orlando. It has more of a hometown feel that stems from its cow-town origins. Cattle auctions and rodeos are still a way of life in the historic downtown area.
Daytona Beach boasts resorts, attractions and, of course, the Daytona International Speedway. It’s one of the only places you can drive on the beach plus there’s excellent surfing and other water sports. Ponce Inlet Lighthouse, Florida’s tallest lighthouse (and the second highest in the US) has 203 swirling steps to the top and then a stunning 360-degree view of the Atlantic Ocean and the salt marshes of the intracoastal. Here you can have a home with equally astounding views. A fenced and gated waterfront estate often comes with frontage and dockage. Four floors of living space provide impressive views. Wraparound balconies and a private sunset balcony pamper you at the end of a long day. Choose an ocean front condo that’s only minutes from upscale boutiques and fine dining. A lavish condo in a golfing community may appeal to the avid golfer in you. But an oceanfront home with the Atlantic Ocean and Daytona Beach as your backyard – now that’s the ultimate in luxury living!
GULF COAST
Tampa, St. Petersburg and Clearwater are three areas in close proximity to one another but each has something different to offer. Tampa has sophistication, culture and a rich heritage in the Cuban-influenced district of Ybor City. Tampa is situated on Florida’s largest inlet, Tampa Bay, which separates it from its sister city, St. Petersburg.
Clearwater is popular with golfers and fishermen love it because there are more than 300 species of fish here. It’s quieter and more laid back than Tampa with a certain subdued style. Life here is meant to be simple and enjoyed. A high-rise condo on the water with a white sandy beach and sparkling crystal water may be just what you’re looking for. A historic waterfront mansion will impress with its awesome views of Clearwater, the bridges and the intracoastal
St. Petersburg has literally miles of bleached white beaches, stately palms and the Gulf of Mexico’s turquoise water lapping at its shores. With approximately 361 days a year of sunshine and an average temperature of 73 degrees, outdoor activities are all the rage: sailing, fishing, snorkeling, jet skiing and scuba diving are part of everyday life.
SOUTH FLORIDA
Miami is the place for luxury homes with a capital “L”. This city is an international destination for people all over the world and has everything you could ever want – and more: arts and culture, lots of nightlife, gorgeous beaches, five-star dining, water activities, impressive architecture and an abundance of shopping. Whether you’re in South Beach checking out glamorous Art Deco residences on Ocean Drive, hanging out in funky Coconut Grove or taking a boat past the very private homes of Star Island, you can’t help but be impressed with the selection of luxury homes available here. There are gate-guarded communities on the water with ocean access, palm trees and lush tropical landscaping. Take your pick of opulent high-rise condos with panoramic views of the Miami skyline. If historic homes interest you, you’ll find several waterfront estates here, too. There’s an abundance of luxury to be had in Miami.
Fort Lauderdale is sometimes called the “Venice of America” due to its extensive canal system. The city of Fort Lauderdale has a variety of activities and just as many different areas in which to live. Whether you’re searching for a waterfront mansion, an island estate, city high-rise or a luxury home in a gated community, it’s all here. A sumptuous home with wide water views that open up to a pool or terrace for entertaining guests is the perfect location for living the good life.
Pompano Beach is located between Palm Beach and Miami, and is often referred to as “the Heart of the Gold Coast.” Pompano began as a farming and fishing community and gets its name from the popular ocean fish. Today, the city of Pompano Beach is known for its small town feel, Hillsboro Lighthouse and the beautiful beach where fish are still abundant offshore. If you’re searching for a unique home you’ll find many to choose from here. Discover an oceanfront, gated estate with views of not just the ocean, but Hillsboro Inlet and Lighthouse as well.
Incorporated in 1925, Boca Raton was created as a resort town. Water sports – from scuba to sailing – are prevalent here thanks to the Gulf Stream and a variety of reefs and shipwrecks. A haven for the affluent since the turn of the century, Boca Raton blends culture with small town appeal. The cultural events calendar is packed year round. So it makes sense when looking for your next luxury home here to purchase one on the water.
Palm Beach and West Palm have the reputation as being a playground for the wealthy. Ever since Henry Flagler brought his railroad to Palm Beach and built magnificent hotels for his passengers, the town has been synonymous with luxury. Superlative mansions and trendy landmark restaurants are plentiful here.
Jupiter and unincorporated Hobe Sound create a quiet, wealthy enclave north of Palm Beach. Blowing Rocks Preserve protects the island’s natural habitats and its large stretch of Anastasia limestone. When winter storms or high tides roll in, the ocean breaks against the limestone rocks and forces the water 50 feet skyward into a beautiful show of nature. Jupiter and Hobe Sound both have wonderful outdoor activities including fishing, golfing, surfing and of course, beaches. Your next luxury estate could be on the intracoastal waterfront with a dock for your boat. Colonial, Old World and Mediterranean styles are just a few of what you’ll experience.
THE KEYS
Key West is the southernmost Key as well as the southernmost tip of the United States. Real estate titles in Key West date back to the Kings of Spain. While strolling palm-lined streets you’ll spot historic Victorian gingerbread mansions, tin-roofed conch houses and Ernest Hemingway’s home with an overabundance of polydactyl cats in the yard.
If you’re looking for a luxury home in a relaxed island atmosphere head to Key West. It’s a small island – only about 4 miles long and 2 miles wide so pretty much anywhere you live will provide spectacular views of the ocean. Choose a condo, town home or waterfront mansion. Because the island is subtropical, there are lush grounds and tropical plantings everywhere
Key Largo is the northern-most Key and only an hour’s drive from Miami yet it feels like you’re on a totally different planet. Locals call Key Largo “The Diving Capital of the World” but the island is equally famous for its sport-fishing. Sandwiched between the Everglades and the only living coral barrier reef in North America, it’s also home to several parks, a national marine sanctuary and awe-inspiring botanical scenery. This lush, quiet island is perfect for a second or third home especially during the winter.
Get in touch with one of our member brokers to find out more about your next luxury home. LuxuryRegistry.com presents exceptional, luxury real estate to affluent individuals. Our Luxury Broker Registry supports only those qualified brokers who are well experienced in the sale of unique and distinctive properties worldwide. LuxuryRegistry.com offers brokers and buyers the opportunity to view premiere luxury real estate anywhere in the world.
In the United States, real estate is showing a strong growth trend especially in the refined luxury sector. That means that now is the best time to take advantage of these investment opportunities.
Considering investing in property? What are some pertinent things to consider before taking this leap? Of all the investment possibilities, investment in land generally produces the most positive results. It is vital, however, to carefully investigate the pros and cons, benefits and deficits of real estate investment. Most people look at investment real estate as risky and feel woefully inadequate to tackle this form of investing. They feel lost, not knowing where to even begin! A multitude of information is available and knowing how to search can seem daunting. A web site search will produce boatloads of information, some valuable and some not. Some key words to search are real estate investment, investment property, and investing in real estate. This will begin the process for you. Not all available information is worth your time, however. Beware when the site promises high return for little down. Also beware of sites whose main goal is to solicit your money. Web searching is one form of research. Another is talking to a reputable real estate broker or real estate lawyer. One of the best sources of information is a friend you trust who has done real estate investing. A trustworthy friend who started as a novice and progressed to real investing is probably your best source of reliable information. Their voice of experience rings the loudest since they are a layman like you who had to discover for themselves each step of the way how to make successful investments.
Investment Real Estate, Rental Units
Let’s look at some sound reasons for investing in real estate. Real estate generally appreciates at a greater rate than the rate of inflation and offers great tax benefits. Selecting real estate in a desirable location will prove to be profitable especially in burgeoning areas, usually in suburbs which are a reasonable commute to city jobs. Of course the old adage, location, location, location is a very pertinent piece of advice to take to heart. Think of the most expensive housing markets today. If you have lived in an expensive housing market, or have visited there, you will notice that along with exquisite homes offered for sale at exorbitant rates, small, older homes you would never consider buying in another market are being offered for huge dollars. Why? Location, of course. When a housing area becomes desirable, even those small dumpy homes will sell for a considerable amount of money. Let’s stop for a moment and look at the advantages of investing in rental units as opposed to purchasing property for resale. One of the largest factors to consider in purchasing property for resale is finding properties that will resell at a higher rate than purchase, of course. Finding these properties is not as easy today as it may have been in the past. It used to be that fixer-uppers and foreclosures were avoided by homeowners and investors alike. Not so today, those same homes are being feverishly snatched up in the current booming housing markets.
Florida Investment Real Estate – Why Florida Is a Good Choice
Finding homes to purchase and turn over quickly for cash is becoming more and more difficult, leading many to consider purchasing property for the purpose of renting. What are some advantages to renting and what locations would be most desirable for purchase with a rental goal in mind? Owning rental property provides some unique advantages. If you have the time as well as the finances to invest, rental property could end up paying for itself in the long term. In order for this to be true, the most important thing to search for is property in a great location for renters. You don’t want to be searching for renters for months on end while you are being drained of capital. Those mortgage payments never stop, even when the list of renters has been exhausted. Buying rental investment property in a college town is a good bet for the possibility of continual renters and also buying in transient areas and tourist areas. Of all the above, tourist areas tend to be your surest source of consistent renters. Numerous high density tourist areas exist across the nation, but one of your best bets for purchase and consistent renters would be a sun-drenched spot with a year-round temperate climate. California and Texas would fit the bill, but as we all know, the most desirable locations in California may be out of reach due to the high cost. Texas may be considered a good choice, but only one state ranks as the premier tourist destination in the world and that would be Florida, the sunshine state.
Florida Investment Real Estate – The Orlando Area
With Florida’s burgeoning population, Florida investment real estate is a great option. Florida ranks 4th in population behind California, Texas and New York. Florida has one of the fastest rates of growth in the nation, making Florida investment real estate a very attractive option for investors. In the 1990’s, Florida grew by 23.5 percent with five counties increasing by more than 60 percent. Projected state growth would bring the population to over 19 million by 2010. An increasingly higher population obviously increases the need for housing. The increasing resident population being a great reason to pursue Florida investment real estate; let’s not neglect another face of increasing housing need. Florida has a tourism rate of almost 77 million visitors in 2004, making it the top travel destination in the world and producing $57 billion of income. Tourists flock to all parts of Florida, the beaches being one of the most attractive destinations. However, Orlando pulls in the most visitors, with 2.6 million international travelers, not including the steady stream of domestic tourists. This alone would offer sufficient reason to purchase rental property. But considering that the grand total of tourists visiting Orlando in 2004 was 48 million people, what great housing investment potential for investors! The biggest drawing card in the Orlando area is, of course, Walt Disney World. The area surrounding Disney has a hotel rate occupancy of about 80 percent. It’s obvious why the Orlando area is considered one of the most desirable tourist destinations in the world.
Florida Investment Real Estate – What are Reasons Tourists Come to the Orlando Area
Owning Florida investment real estate will give vacationers who visit the Orlando area a place to stay while you collect the rent. Theme park attractions are one of the biggest reasons Orlando has become a #1 tourist destination. The three most popular are Disney, which includes Disney World, Epcot, Animal Kingdom and MGM Studios, Sea World and Universal. Each attraction holds an appeal for people of all ages with families and singles alike enjoying each. Kissimmee is the town closest to Disney where families especially enjoy a few of the more laid back sights including Green Meadows Farm. Green Meadows is in an idyllic country setting with tours of the farm and more than 300 farm animals to touch and see. Also in the Kissimmee area is Horse World Riding Stables. The 750 acres of open pasture beckons horse lovers to enjoy a ride beneath the open sky. The Orlando Science Center beckons science buffs both young and old. Learning happens as a by-product here through the realistic, interactive and just plain fun exhibits. Fabulous night life is to be found both in Kissimmee which boasts two very popular dinner attractions, Medieval Times and Arabian Nights. Both serve delectable large portions of food with fabulous jousting and medieval type entertainment. For the shopper, Shopping and dining abound in the Orlando area also as do all sorts of natural environmental experiences.
Real Estate Investment in Florida – Bimini Bay Resort Florida
A well-kept secret but one located just 5 miles from Disney, in the center of Florida is Davenport, a treasure of a town close to the major attractions, yet a world away. On 80 acres of land in the Davenport area, you will find Bimini Bay Resort, Florida. A grand investment opportunity awaits you at Bimini Bay Resort, Florida where the investor participates in property appreciation but is not affected by negative cash flow during the off season. At Bimini Bay Resort, Florida you will find a planned community of luxurious town homes, offering 3 bedroom two baths that are fully furnished and equipped. Bimini Bay Resort, Florida is unique in that the investor can stay in the purchased unit while on vacation for a minimum fee while renting the unit the rest of the year. Management staff at Bimini Bay Resort finds the renters while you enjoy a guaranteed rental income each month. Planned amenities at Bimini Bay Resort include two major restaurants, a grocery, deli and food court and a sports bar restaurant. Bimini Bay Resort will also include a spa and exercise facility. A large business conference center and twin theaters are also planned at Bimini Bay Resort. Peace of mind will be yours at Bimini Bay Resort with its gated access with security cards. A fantastic real estate investment in Florida at Bimini Bay Resort awaits the investor who desires a consistent income without the headaches of day-to-day management. Bimini Bay Resort is worth investigating.
Our Featured Orlando Properties: You have an opportunity to join one of the fastest growing trends in the United States and the world. Orlando is one of the most explosive markets in the country and the Disney resort area has an average hotel occupancy of around 80%. Orlando is known as the vacation capital of the world and the top rated short term rental market, one that shows tremendous potential for real investors. Tourism – with 76.8 million visitors in 2004 (a record number), Florida is the top travel destination in the world. The tourism industry has an economic impact of $57 billion on Florida’s economy. Click here for additional tourism facts and statistics.
Most Populous Metro Areas (2000): (Rounded to the Nearest Thousand) 1.Tampa/St. Petersburg/Clearwater – 2,396,000 2.Miami – 2,253,000 3.Orlando – 1,645,000 4.Ft. Lauderdale – 1,623,000 5.Jacksonville – 1,100,000 6.West Palm Beach/Boca Raton – 1,131,000 7.Sarasota/Bradenton – 590,000 8.Daytona Beach – 493,000 9.Lakeland/Winter Haven – 484,000 10.Melbourne/Titusville/Palm Bay – 476,000 11.Fort Myers/Cape Coral – 441,000
Home to 11 of the country’s 100 fastest-growing counties, a Florida investment property has high potential as a profit-maker, unlike most other areas. Port St. Lucie, Miramar and Cape Coral are the fastest growing cities in Florida. It’s unlikely you will make a mistake investing in Florida real estate considering the vast number of tourists and new residents flocking to the land of sun and surf. The most difficult decision to make will be which location in Florida to to the bureau’s figures, the number of South American visitors have dropped substantially in recent years, from 659,000 in 2000 to fewer than 300,000 last year.
Other signs point to a recent upswing in international traffic, however. Orlando International Airport officials said in June that the airport recorded a 20 percent increase in international passengers compared with the same month last year.
On International Drive, a tourism corridor that benefits heavily from overseas travelers, merchants are noticing the difference.
“It’s maybe picked up,” said Zach Marino, manager of Texas de Brazil restaurant on International Drive. “In this area it’s hard to tell because this is the spot to be. We have a strong international clientele.”
Asian visitors increased by nearly 40,000 in 2004, and about 100,000 more Canadians traveled to Orlando last year than in 2003.
The visitors bureau noted that it has stepped up its national and international marketing of Orlando, having pulled back on such advertisements after 9-11.
“Our plan is more back-to-normal in terms of marketing thrust,” Peeper said.
New York remained the No. 1 source of domestic out-of-state vacationers to Orlando last year. Experts are predicting that 2005 will exceed last year in terms of both international and domestic visitors.
Earlier this month, Walt Disney World reported percentage growth in the low double digits among international tourists, while the number of domestic customers remained relatively flat during one of the rainiest Junes on record.
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There’s no doubt that Florida’s one of the hottest real estate markets in the United States. Offering the best year-round climate and some major attractions – both natural and manmade – this state is a Mecca for those who want the best of all possible worlds. The key to finding the best real estate in the Orlando area is checking the property listings against your personal needs.
Before you jump in and buy a condo or a three bedroom single-family home, it’s a good idea to do some research about the area. Orlando is a metro area with lots of little suburbs. Some areas are nice, others aren’t so great. Some areas are close to all the attractions, others are a bit far. Before you buy, check into the neighborhood, the real estate values, schools and more. A little homework, even online, can net a great buy in a fantastic neighborhood and help you avoid a mistake.
In general the Orlando area is a draw for both full-time residents and vacationers for a number of reasons. Here are some of the tops:
* Proximity to parks. The Orlando area is home to Disney, MGM, Sea World and more. When it comes to theme parks few places under the sun offer more than Disney. The Kissimmee/St. Cloud area, Celebration and the outskirts of Orlando proper are all close to the major parks. This makes them ideal for everyday living and even for purchasing vacation homes for personal use or rental.
* Nightlife. The Orlando area is one of those places that almost never sleeps. Its nightclubs, including those found in Church Street Station, are hopping every night of the week.
* Dining. World class dining can be found in Orlando and its neighboring locales. From ethnic cuisines to freshly caught seafood, it can be had here.
* Cultural. A number of museums and galleries call this location home.
* Education. Orlando is home to the University of Central Florida and a burgeoning movie and television school. Here filmmakers and wannabes are taking advantage to the film industry that’s growing up in the Orlando area.
* Central location. Whether you want to visit the Keys, the beaches of east or west Florida or visit the hilly locations of north Florida, Orlando’s central location makes it a great homeport for a number of different day trips.
* Outdoor activities. Florida living provides lots of opportunities for outdoor fun. Almost 365 days out of the year, this state is great for water sports, hiking, biking, hunting, fishing and more.
Real estate in the Orlando area includes single-family homes, condos, manufactured homes and more. Prices range from the modest $100,000 well into the millions depending on what you’re looking for. The property listings for this city and its immediate neighbors are perfect for finding a full-time home or even a vacation getaway.
With all there is to see and do, Orlando is a great place to visit and an even better one to settle down in. From theme parks to industrial giants, many companies make this area home, making employment opportunities varied and many. When looking at Orlando property listings check the neighborhood, look into amenities and set your price limit.
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