Florida Real Estate Is Cheaper Than You Think 🤯

Do you look around at the houses for sale nearby and think about how high the prices are?

You remember when that same house sold for $250K just four years ago. Now it's listed at $375K. Your brain screams "overpriced!" and you assume buyers must feel the same way.

But here's what happens when you zoom out.

That $375K house? It might feel expensive locally, but could actually be a bargain compared to what buyers face in other parts of the state and most of the country.

This isn't just about numbers. It's about perspective. And perspective drives decisions.

When New York, California, or D.C. buyers see Naples at $600K, they don't see expensive. They see half-price compared to their local market.

When South Florida locals see they can save big on housing, food, and so many other costs by moving to Orlando, Tampa, or Jacksonville, they're excited.

The market you think is too expensive might be someone else's steal of a lifetime.

The Florida Real Estate Price Map 🗺️

Let's get specific about what houses actually cost across Florida right now:

Here's a table of the metro areas, their median price, and discount relative to the median home price in America for reference:

It's pretty wild when you look at it like this.

From Sebring at $262K to Naples at $600K, there's a $338K difference within the same state.

On top of that, 20 out of 22 Florida metros sit below the national median. Only Miami and Naples cost more than the typical American home.

This data destroys the narrative that Florida is universally unaffordable. It's selectively expensive. Big difference.

The South Florida Reality Check ✅

Here's what the data reveals about Florida's market dynamics.

South Florida operates in its own universe. Miami at $490K and Naples at $600K aren't competing with the rest of Florida. They're competing with Manhattan, San Francisco, and international money.

But look what happens as you move north. Tampa drops to $370K. Jacksonville hits $369K. Tallahassee lands at $302K. Pensacola comes in at $327K.

The entire northern half of Florida offers median prices 13% to 29% below the national median. That's not just competitive. That's attractive.

This creates fascinating migration incentives and patterns.

Out-of-state buyers see Florida prices as a discount. They're coming from markets where $422K gets you a starter home. In most of Florida, that same money gets you something special.

Meanwhile, inside Florida, we're seeing our own migration story. South Florida residents are cashing out and moving north. A Miami seller at $490K becomes a cash buyer in Ocala at $275K. They pocket $215K, get more house, and maybe even a horse! 🐴

The spread between Naples and Sebring? It's wider than the gap between Florida and the national median. That tells you everything about the opportunity zones within our state.

Think about what this means for your business. If you're in North or Central Florida, you're not selling expensive houses. You're selling value compared to both the national market and South Florida.

If you're in South Florida, you're not dealing with sticker shock. You're dealing with buyers who see relative value compared to other premier markets.

Finding Opportunity in Florida 🕵️‍♀️

Most agents are playing defense about prices. They're apologizing, explaining, justifying.

Stop that.

Florida offers better value than most of America. The data proves it.

On top of that, your local market might offer even better value within Florida.

Here's what changes when you internalize this reality.

Your conversations shift from "I know prices seem high" to "let me show you the value here compared to other markets." You stop defending and start educating.

Your marketing changes too. Instead of competing only with local agents for local buyers, you position yourself as the guide for anyone considering Florida's value proposition.

Interstate buyers need education about local markets. They know Miami from the headlines but have they considered Lakeland at $308K? Or Gainesville at $315K?

Intrastate movers need different insights. How far does their equity stretch if they leave South Florida? What lifestyle changes come with a move from the $600K Naples market to the $370K Tampa market?

Even local buyers benefit from this perspective. They might feel priced out looking at today's prices versus three years ago. But most every metro area offers pockets of affordability and opportunity that your clients might have no clue exist.

The agents winning right now aren't the ones waiting for prices to drop. They're the ones helping clients see value where others see expense.

Bottom line: Florida real estate is more affordable than most of America. 20 out of 22 metros prove it.

The question isn't whether Florida is expensive. The question is expensive compared to what?

Time to stop apologizing for prices and start educating about value.

The market is always good for someone.

In Florida, it's good for more someones than almost anywhere else. 🚀

Dr. Alex Stewart
Founder