Florida was the fastest-growing state last year for the first time since 1957, which for already being the third most-populous state, is quite the accomplishment. But as more people are relocating to the Sunshine State in 2023 and beyond, Florida has always been a hotbed for aging real estate agents who aren’t quite ready to retire but still want to escape the snow and ice that plague cold weather cities and towns every winter in northern states. So whether you’re a young agent still working towards the dream of relocating to Florida, or you’re a seasoned pro who is finally ready to trade-in your boots for sandals as quickly as possible, here’s a look at which Florida Coast might be the ideal fit for you as an agent.

The luxury market: East Coast

Although home prices all over Florida have increased dramatically in recent years, some of the most expensive properties still lie up and down the Atlantic Coast, and specifically in Palm Beach County. From oceanfront estates to lavish condo developments, the edge has to be given to the East Coast if you’re hoping to sell some of Florida’s ultimate trophy properties.

A laid-back vibe: West Coast

The beach culture in Florida certainly suggests that almost anywhere in the state has a laid-back vibe that feels worlds away from the hustle and bustle of big, cold-weather cities like Chicago and New York. But there’s just something about Florida’s Gulf Coast that presents a more relaxed setting. Luxury shopping, fancy cars, and fine dining are all defining characteristics of Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and Palm Beach. However, the crab shacks, oyster bars, fishing boats, and beach bums of places like Clearwater Beach and Siesta Key–that’s what we’ve come to love and appreciate about Florida’s West Coast.

The golf course market: East Coast

Jupiter has been dubbed the Pro Golfer’s Capital of the World thanks to so many past and present PGA pros calling it home. But even beyond Jupiter you’ll find countless championship golf courses and golf course communities throughout Palm Beach County, of which many have been designed by local resident and golf icon Jack Nicklaus. So whether you’re an avid golfer yourself or you’re just hoping to break into Florida’s lucrative golf course home market, the East Coast is absolutely where you want to be for this particular specialization.

Historic homes and bungalows: West Coast

You’ll certainly find authentic Spanish and Mediterranean homes and classic Florida bungalows all over the Sunshine State. But neighborhoods like Seminole Heights in Tampa and Historic Old Northeast in St. Petersburg, as well as the charming downtowns of cities and towns like Sarasota, Gulfport, and Naples, all present more opportunities to sell homes and properties with timeless charm and character. When it comes to selling historic homes and bungalows specifically, the nod has to go to the Gulf Coast.

High-rise condos: split 

Given Florida has over 8,000 miles of coastline, high-rise condos along the beachfront are simply everywhere. East Coast cities like Jacksonville, Miami, and Fort Lauderdale certainly have their fair share of high-rise condo developments, but other Gulf Coast hotspots like Tampa, St. Petersburg, and even Downtown Sarasota have recently seen a major uptick in high-rise condo development lately. Bottom line: if the high-rise condo niche is your ideal path to working as an agent in Florida, you can’t go wrong with either coast.