5 Florida Cities Real Estate Pros Say You Should Avoid

Florida is the Sunshine State and sometimes it seems like everyone wants to go there. But if you’re one of that everyone, you need to think twice. It’s true that Florida has no state tax and a lot of attractive activites, but there are some massive cons to the area. Here are the five worst cities to buy property in the state.
 

Miami Beach is a beautiful area, but it might be a place to visit, not to live in. Miami Beach is becoming a risky property investment now thanks to rising sea levels and increasing hurricane activity, which make flood and wind damage to property a serious concern. Insurance premiums have surged, and some think the situation is only going to get worse.

Daytona Beach has that chilled-out vibe that tourists love, but don’t let it fool you. Experts say the city’s real estate market is stuck. Crime’s a real issue - one in 28 people deal with it - and the local economy isn’t exactly booming. So while buying here might seem like a steal today, you could be stuck with a property that doesn’t grow in value.

Fort Myers looks like a perfect paradise on the surface - but dig a little deeper and you’ll find trouble. Real estate agents say the area’s grown too fast and the infrastructure is having a tough time keeping up. Add in some major environmental issues – storms and hurricanes - and you have a recipe for disaster.

Crime rates are sky-high in Pensacola - 86% above the Florida average - and as if that wasn’t bad enough, the economy’s been dragging its feet. There’s not a ton of new development either, which could mean slow property appreciation. All in all it’s just not a good idea to buy here, and real estate experts agree.

Ocala is peaceful and affordable, so many people love it... but real estate moguls do not. It’s got one of the highest crime rates in cities its size, and the local economy isn’t exactly thriving. Real estate pros say it’s not likely to take off anytime soon. All things considered, best to avoid.