I grew up in Miami and when I was in the Navy I always wanted to move back to south florida. Not anymore. I was back about a year ago and can't believe what a 3rd world hellhole it's turned into.
It certain is that.
Out of staters are ruining Florida. They destroyed their Yankee townships back home and are quickly doing the same down here. Miami and Tampa are leading the pack with Orlando and Jax not far behind.
I live in the St Petersburg area. Bought a fixer a year and a half ago upper for $100K and its now appraised above $125. Four years ago, these homes were selling in the 65 to 75K range. Florida, especially near the water, has soaring real estate prices. 10-15% appreciation per year has been consisten for the past 7 years. Too bad salaries have been relatively flat with a median household income of about $30K.
Most expensive real estate in Florida is in Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach Counties. You either have really expensive neighborhooods or really crappy neighborhoods, nothing in between.