There’s no denying Florida is a beautiful state; it has incredible beaches and wildlife and is home to the Everglades. However, this doesn...
There’s no denying Florida is a beautiful state; it has incredible beaches and wildlife and is home to the Everglades. However, this doesn’t mean everyone wants to live there, and there are a number of reasons why. Here are 18 of them.
Extreme Weather Conditions
According to Monroe County, hurricane season in Florida is between June 1st and November 30th each year. This is a large amount of time where a person could expect a hurricane any day. Along with the risk of a hurricane, Florida can also experience thunderstorms, tropical storms, and tornadoes.
High Cost of Living
As it’s such a popular state, the cost of living is high, especially in areas such as Tampa Bay and Miami. Rental costs keep on rising, which makes housing options unaffordable for many residents in the state. Insurance is also likely to be high due to the number of natural disasters in the state.
Traffic Congestion
You can expect high amounts of traffic in larger cities such as Miami or near tourist attractions. There’s also limited public transportation in the state, which can make getting around increasingly difficult. Florida is known for having one of the highest rates of traffic in the country.
Tourist Overload
Florida is a popular vacation spot. It has a number of beach towns, theme parks, and natural parks. Tourist season in Florida is usually between December and April, and the state can see a high influx of people. It can make everyday living difficult for residents due to strains on the infrastructure.
Wildlife Encounters
Florida has some incredible wildlife, but that doesn’t mean residents want to encounter it in their backyard. It’s common to find alligators and snakes lurking at the bottom of their garden, and it can put a person’s safety at risk, especially if they aren’t educated on how to deal with these animals.
Environmental Concerns
Florida has so many environmental concerns. This is supported by Next City, which says few places in the world are more at risk than South Florida from climate change. This is due to rising sea levels affecting drinking water, coastal erosion, and hurricanes. It may not be long until we see parts of Florida disappear.
Pest Problems
There’s a high number of pests in Florida. Mosquitoes and palmetto bugs can become very bothersome over time. As the climate is warm all year in Florida, it means these pests are always out. It calls for lots of bug spray and pest control methods in homes.
Limited Cultural Scene
Compared to other states, Florida has fewer cultural attractions, such as museums, theaters, and art galleries. Instead, outdoor attractions such as beaches and theme parks take over. The lack of variety in cultural activities can make people want to live in places where they can go to museums.
Excessive Heat and Humidity
The summer months can bring extreme heat and humidity with them. It can be very uncomfortable, especially if you’re having to live and work in the heat. There are also potential health risks that can come with this type of weather, such as heatstroke and dehydration.
Sun Exposure Risks
Florida often has a high UV index, especially in the summer. There can be many risks associated with too much sun exposure, such as skin cancer, sunburn, and premature aging. It can also become annoying to constantly have to apply sun protection, especially when it ruins clothes with stains.
Suburban Sprawl
Many parts of Florida can feel quite spread out, particularly in suburban areas. There can be limited amounts of public transportation, and a car is always required whenever you need to head out. It can be expensive to live in cities, which leaves sparse suburban areas as the only option.
Property Risks
Flooding is a major risk for residents in Florida. For example, the Florida Museum writes, “Flooding hits close to home for many Floridians — quite literally in some cases, with water seeping through doorways, creeping up driveways and leaching through floorboards.” It’s important to have flood insurance and check to see if potential properties are in flood risk areas.
Invasive Species
Florida faces challenges with invasive species, which affect local ecosystems. It costs a lot to try and control these species, especially if you also need to protect your home from them. They have a huge impact on the native species of Florida; for example, the Burmese python is an invasive species that commonly preys on native ones.
Seasonal Fluctuations
When it comes to the end of the busy tourist season, Florida can feel extremely quiet, but this isn’t always a good thing. Many sectors in hospitality can suffer during these months, resulting in job losses. However, it can also mean higher prices in the summer months, which can take a toll on residents.
Sinkhole Occurrence
Sinkholes are common in Florida. They can cause damage to people’s homes and become extremely costly, especially if a person doesn’t have the right level of insurance. These sinkholes are a geological issue in many areas of the state and are something residents have to accept.
Allergies
Many people in Florida can suffer from allergies due to high levels of pollen and mold. According to Collier Otolaryngology, the most common allergies in Florida are dust, pollen, mold, and grass pollen. Seasonal allergies can be a huge issue in the state, as humidity would also make them worse.
Overdevelopment
As the state’s popularity keeps increasing, it means there’s a demand to accommodate this, which is starting to cause overdevelopment. Florida has already seen habitats destroyed due to new developments. It’s also causing smaller communities to lose their character as they become more commercialized.
Lack of Seasons
There’s little variation when it comes to seasons in Florida. It’s known as the Sunshine State, and this means sun nearly all year round. There’s never snow or a sudden drop in temperature, which can be welcoming after a hot summer. People who enjoy experiencing all seasons struggle to live in the state.
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