Cities In Florida - Quick Facts, History & Geography
Some Florida Quick Facts
Florida was admitted as the 27th state of the Union on March 3, 1845. It is now the 3rd largest state by population with just over 22 million people and the 22nd largest state by land area with 65,757 square miles of space to soak up the sunshine. The capital city of Florida is Tallahassee and the largest city in Florida by population is Jacksonville with 902,488 people. The state nickname is the "Sunshine State" for reasons that are obvious. Florida is also home to the world's most visited theme park as the Magic Kingdom Park at Disney World hosts more than 17 million visitors per year. There are also more than 4,500 islands in the state of Florida and you are able to enjoy those islands while paying no state income tax. Florida produces more than 70% of the nation's oranges. Suntan lotion was invented in Miami. Florida is the flattest state in the country. Almost 60 million people visit Walt Disney World Resort each year. Famous people born in Florida include Wesley Snipes, Bella Thorne, Ariana Grande, Maya Rudolph, Faye Dunaway, Tom Petty, Mandy Moore and William H. Macy.
A Brief History of Florida
Multiple Native American cultures thrived for thousands of years before the arrival of Europeans. These included the Calusa, Tequeta and Timucua tribes. European exploration began in the 16th century with notable explorers like Juan Ponce de León landing on the Florida shores in 1513. He named the region "La Floridia" in honor of the Easter season, known as Pascua Florida in Spanish. Throughout the 17th and 18th centuries, Spain and Britain battled for control over Florida. Spain ceded Florida to Britain in 1763 as part of the Treaty of Paris but regained control in 1783 after the American Revolution. During the American Civil War, Florida seceded from the Union and joined the Confederate States. Following the Civil War, Florida went through a period of reconstruction and economic growth. The state's economy diversified, with citrus farming, cattle ranching and tourism playing significant roles in its development. Over the last few decades, Florida has become a hub for space exploration with the Kennedy Space Center and multiple NASA facilities.
Florida’s Geography makes it A Great Place To Live
Located in the southeastern United States Florida's geography is characterized by diverse ecosystems, long coastlines and unique natural features. Florida is primarily a peninsula, bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the east and the Gulf of Mexico to the west, Georgia and Alabama to the north. The state is a low-lying plain, less than 100 feet above sea leavel. Florida boasts the longest coastline among all U.S. states, stretching over 1,300 miles, with sandy beaches, barrier islands and coastal wetlands. Florida is also home to the Everglades National Park. It's vast subtropical wilderness makes it one of the most unique natural areas in the United States. Here you'll find lots of wildlife including alligators and various species of birds.
Florida Relocation Guide
Home of Disney World, the Kennedy Space Center, South Beach and the Keys. If you want fun in the sun this is the place to be. There is no shortage of amazing things to see and do in Florida. Beachfront hotels, family restaurants and amusement parks are everywhere. Most cities in Florida are also family friendly. Northern Florida has a very low cost of living and has access to many State Parks as well as plenty of coastline. If you look at a map of Florida cities, you'll notice that Southern Florida is a bit more expensive mainly due to the prime beachfront that the south offers.
Florida is currently a buyer's market for homes and even apartment rentals. Generally the closer to the Ocean or the further south, the more expensive. Some of Florida's cities have problems with high crime rates but its many suburbs and smaller cities in Florida make for a safe area to live. There are plenty of jobs; Florida is a major manufacturing, financial and tourism hub. The weather is fantastic. Florida sees average temperatures in the eighties during the summer and low seventies in the winter. Rain storms usually last only a few hours and you'll never have to worry about shoveling snow. A great place in Florida to visit is Universal Studios in Orlando. This park features many rides and roller coasters and makes a great day trip or weeklong vacation. The complex also features a water park and nightlife area. There are hundreds of hotels in the area to choose from with several located at the park itself.
