One bonus of the constant coverage of president-elect Trump mooching around his Mar-a-Lago ‘Winter White House’ is we get to see just how sunny Florida’s eastern seaboard is in November. Though, this isn’t unique to the east, the state boasts year-round sun in in the centre and west, too.
Head westwards and the Sunshine State offers plenty of other winter sun destinations suited to second homeowners. Here are some of our favourites.
Buying property in central Florida
Pools are common in Orlando homes
Orlando
Home to Disney and the theme parks, scores of gated communities and golf resorts, and a bonanza of entertainment, Orlando is Florida’s go-to destination for most UK and foreign vacation homeowners. It’s dry in the winter months and average temperatures rarely dip below 20ºC. Conditions there are ideal for golfers as much as riding a roller-coaster.
The ‘Golden Triangle’, a triangular shape south of Disney World, is the most popular area for owning a Disney home where short-term rentals are permitted. Bisected by Interstate 4, giving fast access to Orlando city, the airport and theme parks, it includes the metropolitan areas of Kissimmee, Davenport and the community of ChampionsGate. Established communities with easy access to the theme parks (15-30 minutes) that appeal to the family homeowners include Highgrove, Tuscan Hills, Encantada, Solana, Calabay Parc, Highgate Park, Tuscan Ridge, and West Haven.
The Orlando area has also a huge choice of golf courses with homes next to a fairway. Popular golf communities include Reunion, ChampionsGate, Highlands Reserve, Providence and more affordable Southern Dunes.
Prices range widely throughout Orlando, depending on community, location and amenities. As a guide, for resales in Kissimmee budget from $225,000 for a two-bed condo on an established community close to Disney, from $325,000 for a three-bed townhouse, and from $400,000 for a villa or single-family home. New-build prices are higher.
Getting there: Direct UK flights into Orlando International Airport.
Buying property on Florida’s west coast
Spanish style architecture is common to St Pete
St Petersburg
Affectionately known as St Pete, St Petersburg is a waterfront heaven which together with St Pete Beach occupies the end of the peninsula in Tampa Bay. Nicknamed the Sunshine City, thanks to its 361 days of annual sunshine, winter sun is guaranteed there. The St Pete lifestyle combines limitless water-based activities, beaches and leisure attractions, based along its the winding peninsula seafront, with an arty downtown. Highlights include a seven-mile sea-facing park and the new 26-acre St Pete Pier leisure development.
Resorts on the archipelago off St Pete Beach, such as Isla del Sol and Treasure Island, are especially popular for second homes. Budget from $350,000-$500,000 for a two-bedroom apartment there.
Getting there: Tampa International Airport is 35-40 minutes transfer; St Pete-Clearwater also offers lots domestic connections.
Sarasota
Image: George Wirt via Shutterstock
Another metropolitan option on the Gulf Coast is Sarasota with its string of beach-fringed keys. Culturally rich and where performing arts and gastronomy feature heavily, Sarasota’s colourful downtown is complemented by stunning white beaches and a lively nautical scene. Access to nature, including Myakka State park, are an added tick. Meanwhile, exclusive spots, such as Longboat Key and Lido Key/St Armands, give it a more exclusive edge compared to St Pete.
Trendy Siesta Key’s famous white beach make it a go-to for second homeowners who want first or second-line homes. Anna Maria Island is a quieter, less developed alternative offering easy beach access. A large proportion of second homeowners and renters in Sarasota, including American ‘snowbirds’, will stay two, three or more months there at a time. Which makes properties in one of the city’s residential neighbourhoods popular, including the master-planned residential community of Lakeland Ranch on the eastern fringes.
Small apartments worth viewing start around $550,000-$600,000 in Siesta Key, but that budget will get you a good choice of detached family homes in a leafy gated community such as The Meadows or Universal Park.
Getting there: Tampa International Airport is 75 minutes’ transfer; Sarasota-Bradenton Airport also offers lots domestic connections.
Cape Coral
For those wanting to swap their car for a boat
Prefer to ditch the car and use your boat to go shopping or nip out for a bite to eat? Cape Coral, a 400-mile network of canals and considered the world’s largest navigable waterfront community, could be the answer. Nicknamed the Waterfront Wonderland, it’s the USA’s largest master-planned community.
Much of life there takes place beside or on the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico. The city has five marinas, offering everything from fishing or yacht charters to rentals for kayaks and paddleboats. That said, between the waterways are parks, aqua parks and all types of sports and leisure amenities. There’s plenty of nature too, including the mangroves at Four Mile Cove Preserve and unspoilt Sanibel and Captiva islands, with their old-world charm.
Budget from $650,000 for a good choice of three-bedroom waterfront home with mooring in Cape Coral, or from $450,000 for single family homes without direct canal access.
Getting there: Southwest Florida International Airport is only 35-40 minutes away across the estuary in Fort Myers – look out for direct flights or via a transfer.
Property to buy in Florida
Explore our listings if you’re looking to buy a property in Florida and have a particular area in mind. Below you’ll find a sample of what the state offers.
The pool view of an eight-bedroom home in Kissimmee
A private pool and backyard putting green
This eight-bedroom home in Kissimmee, Florida is located on the corner lot of a residential development. The prime location offers privacy and the opportunity to relax.
Along with its private pool and backyard putting green, the home comes equipped with a game room, complete with pool table and arcade cabinet.
Price: $895,000
Location: Kissimmee, Osceola County
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Be greeted by this vast, open living room
A home within a sprawling resort
This four-bedroom home boasts an open living room with a 25-foot ceiling, a game room and workspace. Outside you will find pool and patio built for hosting family and friends.
As part of the Reunion resort, you also have access to a gold course, water park and numerous sports facilities.
Price: $1,694,000
Location: Reunion, Osceola County
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A home that invites the sun
Be welcomed by green space and warm sun
Built around a courtyard floorplan, this four-bedroom home invites the sun into every corner.
In addition to the main living space is a mother-in-law suite with a private entrance and bathroom, making hosting guests easy.
Price: $674,900
Location: Davenport, Polk County
