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amenities. Prices range from the low $200s to well into seven
figures. If you’re looking for it, you’ll find it in Central Florida.
“Central Florida is a culturally diverse region with great yearround
weather,” says Brock Fanning, area division president
for Toll Brothers, which has several communities throughout
Greater Orlando.
The area also offers an array of distinct activities to suit residents’
varying needs and lifestyles, Fanning says. In addition
to being home to some of the world’s biggest theme parks and
several large corporations, Central Florida features popular
annual events, numerous restaurants and shopping destinations,
top-rated golf courses and state parks.
And there’s just about every kind of professional sports team,
except an NFL franchise — although the Tampa Bay Bucaneers
(one of the state’s three NFL teams) are less than two hours
away.
Be they retirees or working folks, those looking to relocate
to Central Florida should have no trouble finding a place to
call home.
A 2018 WalletHub study found that Orlando is the country’s
top destination for retirees. The City Beautiful scored big
on criteria such as affordability, activities, quality of life and
healthcare.
To attract non-retirees, Orlando consistently lands on “best
of” lists for jobs and business opportunities as well as recreational
options and affordable housing — although affordability
has become more problematic in a tightening market.
“Of course, we expect the recent polar vortex and other extreme
weather events to lead Northerners to consider relocation,”
adds Fanning. And there are more plusses, not the least
of which is the lack of a state income tax. Plus, of course, the
beach is just a short drive away.
Homebuilders know Central Florida is a growth hot spot
that can only gain in popularity with relocators buyers. Builders
offer a huge array of housing choices, and some provide
relocation incentives for buyers.
K. Hovnanian Homes (khov.com), for example, offers a “flyand
buy” program that applies up to $2,000 of the buyer’s travel
cost toward closing costs, upgrades or other options.
“The Orlando market is a very affordable market compared
to housing prices in the west and southeast,” says Anna Almirall,
the company’s marketing director. “The weather is another
huge draw for people to relocate from the harsh winter states.”
K. Hovnanian has several communities in the area, including
Four Seasons Orlando, a 55-plus community in northwest
Osceola County, and the Highlands at Summerlake Groves in
Winter Garden.
Four Seasons offers both single-family homes and villas.
Prices range from $226,990 to $340,990, with sizes ranging from
1,435 to 2,328 square feet.
Amenities in the 557-home community include pickle ball
and tennis courts, a clubhouse with a fitness center, social
/khov.com