WELCOME TO SOUTH FLORIDA

Welcome to South Florida, one of North America’s most exciting areas. This blending of cosmopolitan urban centers with environs known popularly as Florida's Gold Coast, Treasure Coast, Lee Island Coast, and the Heartland creates a diverse region that is capable of supporting every imaginable lifestyle. New residents of South Florida are quick to appreciate the relaxed and casual lifestyle of this dynamic region brimming over with amenities. Quaint rural towns, exclusive residential enclaves, loft-style luxury in the heart of the metropolis, spectacular waterfront living, or beautiful neighborhoods graced by ancient trees are just a few of the virtually unlimited housing opportunities.

As you will discover, South Florida is a vibrant and cosmopolitan business region that enjoys a healthy economic life. Even mature economies like Miami and Fort Lauderdale are joining emerging metropolitan centers like Fort Myers and Naples in rapid growth and development. New businesses and corporations realize the wealth of opportunity in this naturally beautiful region, where potential employees are able to enjoy living in one of the world’s most desirable locations. Spanish Mediterranean architecture, outdoor plazas, and tree-shaded boulevards offer a magnificent backdrop for shopping, dining, nightlife, and the arts.

Services

Access to quality education is a top priority in Florida, and one that receives strong support from the local business communities as well as residents. From award-winning public schools on the primary and secondary level to research universities and private institutes of excellence, the region offers virtually unlimited opportunities to learn and grow. Innovative partnerships between local companies, educators, parents, civic organizations, and concerned adults within the community sets the pace for lifelong education.

Hospitals and healthcare facilities consistently deliver the most advanced diagnostics and treatment within the context of compassionate, efficient care. South Florida residents can look forward to a progressive approach to wellness that includes health screenings, community education, and hospitals that often offer fitness and nutrition counseling. Physicians and other medical and dental professionals represent every major specialty, serving their communities in private practice and supporting state-of-the-art healthcare institutions as valuable staff members.

Progressive municipal planners and leaders with vision have created an infrastructure conducive to growth. To ensure that transportation is quick and convenient, a superior highway network connects interstate and local roads. South Florida boasts its own commuter train system, the Tri-Rail, running between Palm Beach and Miami with free feeder bus service to key destinations. Miami and Ft. Lauderdale’s international airports are listed among the world’s finest and provide service to points around the globe. Palm Beach International Airport, Saint Lucie International Airport, and Southwest Florida International Airport in Fort Myers provide valuable regional transportation resources to area businesses, residents, and visitors.

Lifestyle

Without a doubt, life in South Florida is as stimulating as it is beautiful. From the panorama of its tropical scenery and sunlit shores to the bustle of its gleaming cities, each corner of South Florida pulsates with opportunities for artistic and cultural appreciation, sports thrills, recreational pleasure, educational advancement, and sheer fun. Recreation and sports are essential elements of life in South Florida, where the overwhelming percentage of residents enjoy outdoor activities such as golfing, jogging, walking, and bicycling. At the same time, the miles of river, gulf, and Atlantic Ocean shoreline that is associated with this vast area encourages every type of water sport including boating, sailing, canoeing, and kayaking. Thousands of species of salt and freshwater fish are at home in South Florida’s waters, and game fish such as marlin and swordfish can be found in the Gulf Stream just two miles offshore. Scuba and skin divers report that diving conditions in South Florida rival those found in the exotic Caribbean.

Spectator sports fans can look forward to year-round competitive thrills from professional teams to collegiate action or international tournaments. Major league football, baseball, golf, tennis, hockey, and basketball include several spring training centers for major league baseball teams. Jai Alai, rugby, auto racing, greyhound and thoroughbred horse racing, polo, and soccer competition add even more dates to the calendar of events throughout the four seasons. The competition between colleges and universities is strong, with the annual Orange Bowl festivities crowning a season of crowd-pleasing games.

The entire region is a retail paradise, with malls and intimate boutiques featuring everything from classic merchandise to high fashion in all price ranges. Such internationally famous venues as Mizner Park, Shops of Las Olas, and Worth Avenue in Palm Beach draw collectors from around the world. No less impressive is the spectrum of performing arts and cultural activities available for your entertainment pleasure, from renowned local companies to the best of Broadway. Symphony, opera, and ballet are all showcased in elegant venues with state-of-the-art acoustics. Even in the smaller cities and towns, community theater, dinner theater, art centers, interesting museums, and performing arts groups enhance the quality of daily life through cultural enrichment.

Miami's colorful, international atmosphere creates a feeling of excitement that you can feel from the moment you arrive. Fort Lauderdale has evolved far beyond a "spring break mecca" into a dynamic metropolis. Beach cities invite visitors and residents alike to relax and rejuvenate. Within the small towns of the Florida Heartland, community spirit runs high and recreational opportunities include world-class fishing on local rivers and Lake Okeechobee. Southwest Florida is booming with new development, already designated as the "golf capital of the world." South of Miami, the Florida Keys provide all the enchantment of the Caribbean without traveling to another country. Wherever you settle in South Florida, old-world hospitality and friendliness creates stability and welcoming communities that allow you to feel immediately at home. Welcome to paradise!