Florida will likely continue to attract seniors and retirees, but how attractive it will be will depend on how real estate prices and economic growth develop in both states.
“What’s new is that Florida has become an alternative for industries that have always been important to California,” said Joel Kotkin, a fellow at Chapman University who has written extensively on demographic, social and economics of California.
This includes technology and the commercial space industry, he said, and the expansion of its ports. Venture capital inflows will help Florida continue to grow. Last December, Florida announced $2 billion in investments from asset manager BlackRock.
To some extent, this is a trend in many parts of the country. At least in part, this is because as tech-related industries have evolved and matured – sprouting an endless variety of new goods and services – it is no longer necessary for every business to be located in cities. and the states where it all started.
Yet few anticipate a rush to Florida. There are many other much closer alternatives, especially Texas, Arizona and Nevada, which have long been the top three destinations for Californians.
Additionally, Kotkin said, “California people never had the motivation to move to Florida for the weather.”