Panama City, Lakeland, and Vero Beach make Top 10 Appreciation List
With price appreciation slowing across the U.S., three Florida cities show promise for big gains in the next 5 years.
Panama city #1 - plans to build new airport:
"State and local governments and a top regional developer, St. Joe Co., are planning to build a new airport by 2008 at a cost of more than $300 million. Locals expect the new facility to open up the region the way Southwest Florida International Airport in Fort Myers helped drive a housing boom along Florida's southwestern coast in the 1980s."
Vero Beach #2 - needs 150,000 homes in the next 25 years:
"Here's why: A Florida Atlantic University study says Indian River County and its two closest neighbors will need a projected 154,000 new homes during the next 25 years to house the growing population and replace old structures. A Manpower Employment Outlook Survey predicts growth in construction, manufacturing, and retail jobs too. Per capita income growth closely shadowed that of Martin County, Florida's second-wealthiest, and is gaining on that of Palm Beach County, the state's richest."
Lakeland #4 - proximity to booming tampa area means hugh growth potential
"Aside from the panhandle and Vero Beach, few places in Florida scream out "buy now" like Lakeland. A house goes for a fifth less than the national median of $227,500, and Lakeland is just 30 minutes from Tampa, a juggernaut of 2.7 million people that's projected to add almost 210,000 more residents over the next five years."
To read the entire article:
Top 10 cities: Where to buy now 1 Business 2.0
