Whether you're a sun worshipper or just want to get a share of the booming economic growth, Florida is a state on the rise that has a lot to appeal to newcomers looking for apartments for rent. One of the fastest-growing states in the Union, Florida has enjoyed almost continuous growth during its history, close to 1000 people move to Florida everyday. Whether people come to retire at the end of their careers or are just starting out, this state has plenty to offer.

What to Expect

At 1,350 miles long, Florida has the longest coastline of all states except Alaska. So it's no wonder that tourism is Florida's major source of income; in 2000 alone, tourists spent nearly $60 billion while visiting Florida. From Disneyworld to posh resorts, the Everglades to seemingly endless beaches, beautiful and exciting attractions abound.
In addition to those appealing destinations, what draws people to search for apartment rentals in Florida is the fantastic subtropical climate, with its year-round warmth and sunshine. In winter, southern Florida is one of the warmest places on the U.S. mainland, with average January temperatures ranging from 64 to 70 degrees.

Where to Explore

The vast majority of the population lives in urban areas, and the remainder lives in small communities in rural areas. Most people reside in towns and cities along the coast or in a corridor stretching between Tampa and Daytona Beach and including Orlando. While Jacksonville, on the northern Atlantic shore, is the state's largest city in population, the state's largest metropolitan area centers on Miami, which is near the southern tip of the state. Tallahassee, in the panhandle, is Florida's capital and is also a good place to look for apartments.

Where the Jobs Are

With more than 10 million visitors to the area each year, Miami, Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach all depend on tourism for a major source of income and employment. There are other industries, though; in fact, Miami is an international banking and finance center, and is home to numerous multinational and Fortune 500 companies. High-tech industries are also a growing source of jobs. In Fort Lauderdale, employment opportunities abound in marine industries, manufacturing, finance, insurance, real estate, high-tech, avionics/aerospace, and film and TV production

Cost of Living & Apartment Prices

Want to live the good life near the beach? Believe it or not, you can find small apartments for rent starting in the $500-600 range in these desirable cities. But to live it up in style, expect to pay $1,500 or more for appropriately fabulous apartment rentals. The median price for apartments in Miami is $700, and in Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach the median for apartments for rent is $600. The overall cost of living in Miami, Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach is slightly below the national average, so your money will generally go further here than in most of the rest of the country.