Where Not to Buy in Florida Right Now, According to Experts

Thinking about buying property in Florida? You’re not alone, people flock there in their thousands, but not every neat suburb represents a smart investment. While the state draws in retirees, remote workers, and plain old beach lovers every year, some areas come with major red flags that can hurt your wallet in the long run. Rising crime rates and flood risks are major issues for a start. We looked at what real estate agents are saying and picked three Florida suburbs you might want to avoid over the next five years.
 

The low elevation means flooding’s a serious threat here. What looks like a bargain upfront can turn into expensive insurance and water damage nightmares once storms hit, and they will – there’s no escaping the weather. And with more people catching on to that fact, resale value may well stall. Best avoid this place, no matter how pretty and sunny it is.
 

Sure, Ruskin is peaceful and spacious, but it’s also miles from daily essentials - think no quick grocery runs and, more crucially, no nearby hospitals if you need one urgently. The rural charm of the area might feel nice at first, but when it’s time to sell, turns out not everyone’s into “middle-of-nowhere” living. Real estate agents have all warned off this place – so many people have bought property there and then regretted it.
 

Largo looks nice all right, but hurricane risk is a real headache. Homes here face steep insurance costs and flood hazards any time a big storm heads its way. Plus, crime’s higher than average: estate agents have warned that total crime runs about 14% above the national rate, with property crime around 17% higher. Lots of people retire here, but some have had second thoughts about it once they arrive.