June 30, 2024

The Best Counties for Real Estate Investment in Florida

Introduction

Florida remains one of the most attractive destinations for real estate investment in the United States.

With its sunny beaches, dynamic cities, and strong population growth, the state offers unique opportunities for those looking to diversify their portfolio.

Whether it’s for rental properties, buy-and-sell, or land investment, Florida has counties that cater to different strategies and budgets.

In this article, we will explore the best counties for real estate investment in Florida, many of which have properties available for sale through Nunes Enterprises.

Top Counties for Investing in Florida

1. Citrus County

Characteristics and Location:
- Located on the Gulf Coast, Citrus County is known for its natural beauty, with easy access to Homosassa Springs National Park and Crystal River, where one can observe the famous manatees.
- The county has an estimated population of about 153,000, distributed among the cities of Crystal River, Inverness, and Homosassa.
- It is a popular region among retirees and families seeking a quieter lifestyle and access to nature.
- The local economy is primarily driven by tourism, healthcare, and commerce.
Real Estate Market:
- The median home price in Citrus County is about $265,000, making it an affordable option for investors seeking residential properties and land for construction.
- The region has seen steady population growth, with a high demand for housing.
- The residential real estate market includes single-family homes, condominiums, and waterfront properties.
- The economic growth of the county and its popularity among retirees continue to drive the local real estate market.

2. Volusia County

Characteristics and Location:
- Located on the east coast of Florida, Volusia County is home to Daytona Beach, famous for NASCAR races and its beautiful beaches.
- It has a population of over 550,000, with notable cities like Daytona Beach, Deltona, and DeLand.
- The region is a popular tourist destination due to the beaches, sports events, and cultural activities.
- The local economy is driven by tourism, education (Stetson University), and commerce.
Real Estate Market:
- The real estate market in Volusia County is diverse, with opportunities in residential, commercial, and tourist properties.
- The median home price is around $330,000, with high demand for residential properties and rental properties.
- Leisure infrastructure, such as parks and resorts, and the ongoing development of commerce and entertainment keep the market active.
- Population growth and economic development offer interesting investment opportunities.

3. Orange County

Characteristics and Location:
- Located in central Florida, Orange County encompasses the city of Orlando, one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations.
- It has a population of over 1.4 million, making it one of the most populous counties in Florida.
- It is known for theme parks such as Walt Disney World and Universal Studios, which drive the local economy.
- Other important sectors include technology, healthcare, and education (University of Central Florida).
Real Estate Market:
- The real estate market in Orange County is diverse, with strong demand for properties due to tourism and economic growth.
- The median home price is around $390,000, making the region attractive for investors in residential and commercial properties.
- There is a wide variety of properties, from apartments to luxury homes and commercial real estate.
- The continuous development of infrastructure and the constant demand for rental properties keep the market active.

4. Polk County

Characteristics and Location:
- Situated between Tampa and Orlando, Polk County offers quick access to both cities, being one of the fastest-growing regions in Florida.
- It has an estimated population of about 750,000, with cities like Lakeland, Winter Haven, and Haines City.
- The local economy is diverse, with strong sectors such as agriculture (especially citrus fruits), tourism, healthcare, and education.
Real Estate Market:
- The median home price in Polk County is about $320,000.
- The county has seen steady population growth due to job increases and quality of life.
- There is high demand for residential properties, mainly single-family homes and condominiums.
- The commercial real estate market is also expanding, especially due to economic development and proximity to Tampa and Orlando.

5. Lee County

Characteristics and Location:
- On the Gulf Coast, Lee County includes popular cities like Fort Myers and Cape Coral, known for their beautiful beaches and coastal lifestyle.
- It has a population of about 800,000 and is one of the fastest-growing regions in Florida.
- The local economy is driven by tourism, healthcare, agriculture, and construction.
Real Estate Market:
- The real estate market in Lee County is diverse, with strong demand for short-term rental properties due to tourism.
- The median home price is around $425,000, with a variety of properties, from beachfront homes to condominiums and apartments.
- The growing development of condominiums and residential homes attracts investors seeking properties for purchase and resale or rental.

6. Pasco County

Characteristics and Location:
- Located north of Tampa, Pasco County is part of the Tampa Bay metropolitan area.
- It has a population of over 580,000, distributed among cities like New Port Richey and Dade City.
- The local economy is driven by healthcare, tourism, commerce, and agriculture.
Real Estate Market:
- The median home price in Pasco County is around $330,000.
- There is a growing demand for residential properties due to the lower cost compared to Tampa.
- The strong population growth and economic development make the region attractive to investors.
- The market includes single-family homes, condominiums, and waterfront properties.

Other Promising Counties

1. Miami-Dade County

Characteristics and Real Estate Market:
- With over 2.7 million residents, Miami-Dade County is the most populous county in Florida.
- The real estate market is driven by tourism, immigration, and business, with high demand for high-end properties.
- The median home price is about $490,000.
- The luxury market is strong, with opportunities in residential and commercial properties.

2. Broward County

Characteristics and Real Estate Market:
- The second most populous county in Florida, Broward County has a population of over 1.9 million.
- The real estate market is diverse, with opportunities in residential and commercial properties.
- The median home price is about $420,000.
- Population growth and economic development offer interesting investment opportunities.

3. Palm Beach County

Characteristics and Real Estate Market:
- Popular among retirees and families due to the coastal lifestyle, Palm Beach County has a population of over 1.5 million.
- The median home price is about $480,000.
- Strong opportunities for short-term rental properties due to tourism and popularity among retirees.

4. Hillsborough County

Characteristics and Real Estate Market:
- With about 1.5 million residents, Hillsborough County offers direct access to the city of Tampa and the port.
- The real estate market is diverse, with investment opportunities in residential and commercial properties.
- The median home price is about $380,000.
- Population growth and economic expansion make the region attractive to investors.

Conclusion

Florida offers a variety of real estate investment opportunities, from coastal counties with strong tourism markets to emerging regions with high housing demand.

The counties where Nunes Enterprises has a presence, such as Citrus, Volusia, Orange, Polk, Lee, and Pasco, represent strategic opportunities for different investor profiles.

Nunes Enterprises has deep knowledge of the local market and can help you find the best real estate investment opportunities in Florida.

Learn how to calculate ROI in real estate investments.

Let’s Talk About Your Next Investment

Are you ready to explore the best investment opportunities in Florida?

Nunes Enterprises has the experience and the right properties to help you expand your real estate portfolio.

Fill out our contact form or call +1 501-291-0008 and speak directly with one of our experts to discover how we can help you find the best properties in Florida counties.