South Florida Markets and Weather-Caused Hesitation:

[Will Muno]

Hi all,

I have been learning about REI for the last year+ (books, videos, etc.) and am expecting to make a move in the next year or two. I think house hacking is going to be my play. For context: I work remotely, don't have debt, and allocate about 38% of my income to saving/ investing (on an annual average basis).

Given my situation, I was thinking of deploying capital into a house hack in south Florida so I can benefit from no state income tax (working remotely) and live in a warm climate (currently in Chicago). I am not married to the Gulf or Atlantic side, just preferably not inland. My main concerns are hurricanes/ inclement weather, and the cost/ headache of repairs that come with seemingly inevitable natural disasters. Should that be a deterrent?  Has that swayed anyone's opinion about markets in south FL in the past? Should I look in other markets?

Curious to hear if anyone has experience here. My goal is to expand a portfolio in multi-family, but who knows where the REI road will take me.
I appreciate any and all help. 

Thank you!

[Marijuana (MP) Vandyck]

We too were concerned about that when we moved to Florida so we chose north Florida (between Jacksonville and Gainesville) in a rural area where we are on 4 acres, flood zone X, no impact fees, lower taxes, and much lower sales prices. 

When we just have to have the "south Florida" vibe, we get in the car, drive there, then come home! :-)

I am also only investing in north Florida for the same reasons.