In 2024, Florida has become a hotspot for home renters. Here’s what one resident of the AMH Binion Reserve community in Orlando, FL, recently told WESH 2 CW18, NBCUniversal about her experience moving to the state and renting an AMH home:

 

“I previously resided in New York and came to Florida for the good weather, more family-oriented environment, fresh air, sun, beaches… I said to myself, 'Next year, I'm going to get a house,' and here I am. Being able to provide my family with that same sense of home and togetherness and harmony under one roof, without feeling like we're crammed in a sardine can, is amazing.”

 

And she’s not alone. 

 

Why Florida is calling to home renters

 

A 2023 survey from U-Haul reported that Florida is the second-highest “growth state” in terms of people moving to it. That’s nine years in a row that Florida has ranked as a top-four growth state.

 

Florida naturally has good weather, and you’re never too far from a beach. There’s also an abundance of activities no matter where you are. That combination makes Florida one of the happiest states in America. It ranks second-highest in emotional and physical well-being on the latest edition of the annual WalletHub list of the happiest U.S. states.

 

No wonder people keep flocking to the state, especially those looking to live in houses. AMH has homes available throughout north and central Florida. Peek inside these different cities and see why life is good in the Sunshine State. 

 

 

Jacksonville

 

Jacksonville has a booming arts scene, led by the Cummer Museum, which was established in 1958 by civic leader Ninah Cummer, an art collector and gardener. The museum today features more than 5,000 pieces and lush historic gardens along the St. Johns River. The Jacksonville Museum of Science & History has rotating exhibits on fascinating topics—currently, the “ice dinosaurs” of the Alaskan Arctic are on display. History buffs can also travel back in time at the Beaches Museum and the James E. Merrill House.     

 

Take advantage of the state’s great weather and head to Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park, which includes a 60-acre lake with fishing, kayaking, canoes, and pedal boats, as well as more than 20 miles of hiking and biking trails. The Riverside Arts Market is open every Saturday and showcases local goods from farmers, artists, and artisans.

 

The Catty Shack Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary is TripAdvisor’s top-ranked activity in Jacksonville. Prefer to see your cats on a football field instead? The Jacksonville Jaguars have an exciting young core of players and are on track to be competitive for years to come.  

 

View AMH homes in Jacksonville.

 

 

Orlando

 

One of Orlando’s most popular draws is its proximity to Disney World. The Happiest Place on Earth is full of impressive theme parks, from Magic Kingdom to EPCOT to Disney’s Hollywood Studios. It’s also next to Universal Orlando, which features thrill rides, interactive environments, and behind-the-scenes tours of how studios make blockbuster films.

 

There’s plenty to do when your Mickey Mouse ears need a break, whether you’re heading out solo or with the whole family. The Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Gardens is home to more than 100 different species of animals and includes several sensory experiences. Pointe Orlando is brimming with dining options, music, and live theatre, and Old Town and Park Avenue are charming nostalgic areas with lots of shopping. For an unusual “tourist” spot, try the world’s largest McDonald’s.

 

Nature-loving residents will appreciate all of Orlando’s outdoor activities. Leu Gardens features beautiful flowers and plants spread out over nearly 50 acres. The Orlando Tree Trek is an obstacle course in the sky, while Gatorland’s Screamin’ Gator Zip Line gives you picturesque views of the greater Orlando area. Boggy Creek Airboat Adventures takes guests into the heart of the Everglades, giving up-close looks at alligators, turtles, birds, and other creatures. And Epic Paddle Adventures lives up to its name, with clear paddleboard and kayak tours providing a unique bioluminescent time.

 

View AMH homes in Orlando.

 

 

Tampa

 

Water activities are abundant all across Florida—the state is a peninsula, after all—but they’re particularly plentiful in Tampa. The Florida Aquarium is overflowing with cool interactive exhibits, such as penguin encounters, wild dolphin cruises, and stingray feeding experiences. You can even adopt an animal to help with conservation. Spend some time on the open sea in just about any kind of vehicle you can imagine, from thrilling jet boats to tiki tours to pirate water taxis. When you’re done, head to the Tampa Riverwalk, which was voted one of the best in the country by USA Today.

 

If you’d rather not get your feet wet, take in a show at the Straz Center for the Performing Arts or embrace the surreal at Dalí Museum. Sporting a peculiar mustache in the artist’s honor is optional. Skate Park of Tampa is celebrating 30 years of ollies and kickflips, and Dinosaur World is a roaring look at the Jurassic era. Wat Tampa Buddhist Temple is a calming place to visit and learn about Thai Buddhist culture. It hosts a Sunday market that serves traditional dishes.

 

The sports scene in Tampa is booming, as well. The Buccaneers won Super Bowl LV in 2021 and have finished first in their division every year since. In baseball, the Rays have reached the playoffs five years in a row, including a World Series appearance in 2020. And even though naturally occurring snow and ice are a rarity in Florida, the Lightning are among the NHL’s best, making it to three consecutive Stanley Cup Finals and winning two in 2020 and 2021.

 

View AMH homes in Tampa.

 

The housing forecast continues to be sunny in Florida. Ready to experience all the Sunshine State has in store for you? Browse our full selection of homes.