Don't Put Your Dreams of Endless Summers on Hold!
Hi Friends,
I’m Jannette Scholl, one half of the dynamic duo of real estate in Southwest Florida, alongside my husband Jeff. We're no strangers to the real estate game, having traded the gloomy gray days of Washington State for the perpetual sunshine of Florida. And let me tell you, it's been quite the adventure!
So, why Florida, you ask? With its extensive stretches of sandy beaches, warm ocean breezes, and enough sunshine to make you forget what a gray sky even looks like, this island girl from Hawaii and her hubby from North Carolina thought the move felt like a natural progression.
While Florida is the land of endless summer, it also has its list of challenges but for now let’s talk about the perks of living in paradise. First up, those beaches! As an island girl, I love the beach and the stunning coastline of Southwest Florida does not disappoint. Florida is home to some of the most picturesque beaches in the country! Whether you’re visiting Anna Maria Island, Holmes Beach, Bradenton Beach, Lido Key, Siesta Key, Longboat Key, or Venice, if you’re looking for breathtaking sunsets, you’re in the right place. I say the “Keys” are the key to happiness. Nothing feels better than the sand between your toes and a stroll in the salt air with the warm sun shining down on you.
Then there's the weather. Sure, it can get a bit toasty in the summer, but who needs snow when you can have sand and sunshine year-round? Plus, it's the perfect excuse to rock those flip-flops and shades 24/7. And let's not forget about those mild winters—no more shoveling snow or scraping ice off your windshield. Just sunny days and cool breezes, perfect for exploring the great outdoors or simply lounging by the pool with a cold drink in hand.
For all you nature lovers out there that enjoy being outdoors without having to wear a parka, a scarf, flannel lined jeans, wool socks, and earmuffs, Southwest Florida is paradise. With its abundance of parks, nature reserves, and waterways, it’s the perfect place for outdoor activities like camping, hiking, biking, kayaking, fishing, birdwatching, and if you're lucky, you might even spot a manatee or two along the way!
Despite its laid-back vibe, Southwest Florida offers a rich cultural scene, including art galleries, museums, theaters, and music venues, catering to diverse tastes and interests. One of the most popular in Sarasota is the magical Ringling History Museum, a place for people of all ages. The Ringling includes The Art Museum, Circus Museum, Ca’ d’Zan, and Bayfront Gardens. If you’re looking for an enchanting place that celebrates art, history and creativity, The Ringling is a must-see.
Living in a year-round warm climate isn’t for everyone, but according to the Tampa Bay Economic Development Council, the net migration in Florida is strong with 1,218 people moving here per day so it must be for someone. The subtropical climate in the region is characterized by mild winters and hot, humid summers making it an appealing destination for those who prefer sand instead of snow.
One of the coolest things about Florida is its diversity, it reminds me of Hawaii; with residents hailing from various backgrounds and cultures, Southwest Florida is a vibrant and inclusive community. No matter where you are in Florida, you’re guaranteed to meet the most interesting people from around the globe. My favorite part is this diverse population brings with it an abundance of restaurants and eateries serving up flavors you won’t find anywhere else.
There’s always something fun happening in Southwest Florida with no shortage of festivals and events going on throughout the year. Floridians celebrate everything from arts and culture to food and music. The GasparillaPirate Festival has got to be the most iconic. Be prepared to walk the plank, ye scallywag! This wild event celebrates Tampa's pirate history with a series of festivities, including a pirate invasion, a parade along Bayshore Boulevard, and various themed events and parties throughout the city. Jack Sparrow would be proud!
With its extensive network of waterways, including the Gulf of Mexico, rivers, and inland canals, Southwest Florida offers plenty of opportunity for boating, sailing, and other water-based activities. However, as a girl who loved wakeboarding and surfing behind my boat, I do not recommend doing that in these lakes; we got gators up in here folks!
Known as a golfer’s paradise, Florida is home to numerous world-class golf courses designed by renowned architects such as Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, Tom Fazio, and Robert Trent Jones Sr. providing endless opportunities for golf lovers to tee off against scenic backdrops and thanks to Florida’s mild climate, golfers can enjoy playing year-round. So, if your goal is to work on that back swing, you’ll have plenty of opportunities in Southwest Florida.
Pickleball. It’s all the rage. In my neighborhood an empty pickleball court is rare as hen’s teeth. This fun and fast-growing sport combines elements of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong. It was invented in the mid-1960s by Joel Pritchard, a congressman from Washington state, and his friend Bill Bell. Imagine that. I lived in Washington State for 29 years and had never heard of pickleball until I moved to Florida. With its fast-paced action and easy-to-learn rules, pickleball is the perfect way to stay active and socialize with friends and neighbors.
Last but not least, the theme parks. Because what's life without a little dose of adrenaline, right? Whether you're a thrill-seeker or just in it for the churros, Florida's got you covered. With its wide variety of theme parks, living in Southwest Florida makes it easy to visit any of them. Whether you fancy Busch Gardens, Adventure Island, LEGOLAND, Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, SeaWorld Orlando, Discovery Cove, Aquatica Orlando, and Gatorland. You’ll have something to do on any given weekend in Florida.
So there you have it, folks: a little taste of what makes Southwest Florida so special. Sure, it's not always smooth sailing (sometimes it's more like dodging lightning bolts and mosquito bites), but hey, that's all part of the charm, right? Whether you're soaking up the sun on the beach, exploring the great outdoors, or indulging in some delicious food and drink, there's never a dull moment in the Sunshine State. So pack your bags, and come join us in paradise! We’d love to have you!
