News Details
Money Magazine cites Florida cities in ‘best places to live’
09/15/08 -
NEW YORK – Sept. 15, 2008 – CNN’s Money magazine recently listed America’s best places to live, and a number of Florida cities made the grade. Three cities – Coral Springs, Miramar and Weston – are in the top 100 for best places to live; Dunedin is a terrific town on the water; Collier County offers a long life; and Ferry Pass is affordable.
Best places to live
No. 73 – Weston: Money magazine cites “local Realtors” in its description of 65,700-resident Weston, who say, “Everything is located exactly where it should be.” It notes Weston’s bedroom community status with golf courses, hockey and Weston Regional Park nearby.
No. 78 – Coral Springs: Money magazine cites this 129,800-resident city for its “vibrant economy with above-average wealth levels and consistently low unemployment.” It also notes Coral Springs’ downtown redevelopment plan now underway and its free city buses.
No. 98 – Miramar: The magazine praises the commercial side of Miramar, noting that it is a “popular business location for major corporations as well as for small- and mid-sized companies.” It also praises The Town Center, a focal point for the city library and cultural arts center, along with condos, shops and restaurants.
Six terrific towns on the water
Dunedin: One of six terrific water towns, the magazine says Dunedin is “less crowded and less expensive than many towns on the Atlantic side of the state,” and is a magnet for retiring baby boomers. It also points to nearby amenities, such as local snorkeling, kayaking and swimming, or short drives to Honeymoon Island State Park or Caladesi Island State Park. Dunedin also has an interesting history. It was settled by Scotsmen in the late 19th century, and pays tribute to its heritage each year during the Dunedin Highland Games. Of special note, according to the magazine, are home prices: “Three-bedroom houses go for around $200,000,” according to Nikki Ubaldini, a broker with Keller Williams Realty, who is quoted in the article. “Condos near the water range from $100,000 to $200,000.”
Best places for a long life
No. 4 – Collier County: Residents in Collier County can, at birth, expect to live 80.97 years. Money magazine doesn’t explain the reason for longevity, but seems to think the area’s artistic reputation and nature preserves help. The article notes that “80 percent of (Collier County) is devoted to parks and nature preserves.” And “Take a class at the Von Liebig Center or just work your way through the county’s 100-plus art galleries.
You can also take in a show-or star in one-with the Naples Players, which is recognized as one of the nation’s top community theaters.
”
25 best places for affordable homes
No. 16 – Ferry Pass: According to the magazine, the median Ferry Pass income is $59,257, and the median home price is $129,350. Just minutes from Pensacola, the area is “chock full of restaurants, shops, art galleries – and of course white sand beaches, where residents and tourists frolic in the surf.” In addition, Ferry Pass residents can watch the Blue Angels flight squad practice at the National Museum of Naval Aviation.