Florida is one of the most popular states to move to in recent years, as millions of Americans are fleeing the harsh winters of the Midwest and Northeast. And many of these people are going as far south as they can, such as Miami, Naples, and the Tampa Bay Area.
But these places have become overcrowded and far too expensive. Tallahassee FL, the state capital, doesn’t get enough attention, which is exactly why you should consider moving there.
People absolutely love living in Tallahassee, even though it’s not right next to the ocean. But what exactly draws people in? Keep reading below to learn why you should consider the capital city when moving to Florida.
Tallahassee Population
Even though Tallahassee is the capital city, it’s only the 9th most populous city in Florida. With a population of around 200,000 (300,00 in the wider metro area), Tallahassee is nowhere near as crowded as cities like Miami, Tampa, or Jacksonville.
This, coupled with the city’s relatively remote location makes it feel more spacious.
Come for the Weather
Ask anyone why they moved to Florida and their likely response is the weather. With remote work on the rise, many young workers and families are heading to the sunshine state to enjoy the warmer weather year-round.
Tallahassee is one of the most northern cities in Florida, yet still boasts an amazing year-round forecast.
The summers are hot and sticky, with temperatures well into the 90.s But the fall and springtime are extremely pleasant (albeit quite short).
Yes, Tallahassee does experience winter. But midwesterners wouldn’t really call it that. Temperatures barely dip below freezing. But unlike other parts of Florida, you’ll be able to wear your favorite sweater frequently during a Tallahassee winter.
Thanks to the mild temperatures, residents of Tallahassee get to spend much of their time outdoors. And yes, you can swim year-round, though you’ll want to ensure you heat the pool in the wintertime.
Click for more if you’re interested in finding Tallahassee homes for sale with a heated pool ready to go.
Affordable Home Prices
Home prices are high around the country in the aftermath of the pandemic. That’s why so many people are interested in moving to Tallahassee since home prices are still relatively affordable.
The median home price in the US in the first quarter of 2022 was $428,000. At the same time, in Tallahassee, the median was $279,000. Cities like Miami, Orlando, and Tampa boast much higher home prices.
In a heated market, it can be tough to find affordable homes for sale in Florida, so start your search in Tallahassee if you want to own rather than rent.
Things to Do in Tallahassee
Many people think of Tallahassee as a stopover destination between Jacksonville and Pensacola. But there’s a lot to do here year-round for tourists and locals alike.
You can spend your weekends exploring beautiful, historic plantations like the Knott House. Many of these have been around since the civil war and are now protected locations.
From March to November, you can shop your way through the Downtown Market to find local goods as well as fresh produce.
There are also a number of state parks within city limits. Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park is home to some of the most beautiful gardens in the state and is worth visiting often for a stroll.
And don’t forget, Tallahassee is home to Florida State University. That means football season is extremely important to residents as they flood the stadium to watch the Seminoles play every week.
If you like college football, this is a great place to be.
Enjoy the Outdoors
It’s true; countless people are moving to Miami, Jacksonville, and Tampa Bay so they can be as close to the beach as possible. Tallahassee is one of those cities not situated right on the coast.
The good news, though, is that the Gulf of Mexico is only about a 45-minute drive from downtown Tallahassee.
Head south and you’ll find yourself in Appalachee Bay. There are countless beaches around the bay, and the best part is that they aren’t highly developed. You’ll enjoy the pristine, natural Florida coastline.
That’s really good news if you love to fish. Fishing in the Gulf near Tallahassee is an angler’s dream. And the bass fishing on the inland lakes, such as Lake Jackson and Lake Talquin is second to none.
Aside from fishing, the Tallahassee area is great for hunters. There are countless acres of public land surrounding the city, making it ideal for people looking to chase deer, ducks, and other game species.
Not into hunting? You can enjoy the views of wildlife species at the nearby St Marks National Wildlife Refuge. It was established in 1931 to provide untouched wintering habitat for migratory birds.
Plus, it’s home to one of the most photographed locations in all of Florida; St Marks Lighthouse.
Living in Tallahassee Is for the Young
Florida is one of the most popular states to retire in. But retirees often head to specific parts of Florida, such as Naples, Fort Meyers, and Sarasota.
As a result, many of these cities have a much older population. But Tallahassee is much younger than most.
It’s still a great place to retire, but with numerous colleges in the area, and it is the capital city, the median age in Tallahassee is 33.
This makes the city feel much more energetic than many other Florida destinations. So if you’re moving to Florida as a young professional or young family, it’s a fun place to be.
If you’re looking for a quiet corner of the country to retire in, then Tallahassee might not be what you’re looking for. However, many retirees do choose to move to the north end of the city, where many of the area’s gated communities lie.
Making Your Way South
Are you considering moving to Tallahassee? If you want to be in Florida, but don’t want to be in an overcrowded coastal city, then Tallahassee is an incredible option.
Living in Tallahassee means an affordable cost of living, lots of nature, and great football. If that sounds good to you, then start making your arrangements today.
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