North Florida is now undergoing the same type of growth that residents to the south have been experiencing for decades.  Overall, North Florida and the Leon County area appear well positioned to handle prospective homeowners and take advantage of the opportunities this growth will create.  In many ways, the increasing financial pressures now facing coastal communities in South Florida will only increase the opportunities for homeowners in North Florida.

A recent University of Florida study commissioned by the non-profit group 1,000 Friends of Florida predicted that the state’s population is likely to double by the year 2060, with build-out of all coastal areas in South Florida and an increasing trend toward growth in North Florida.  These growth patterns could be significantly affected by major private landholders, such as the St. Joe Company, who still hold vast tracts of developable land in North Florida.

The UF study also predicted the likely development of the majority of available vacant land in Leon and Wakulla counties by 2060.  In the next 25 years, more than 106,000 people are expected to move into Leon County alone, according to local Planning Department projections.

For our region, building out in the next 50 years will mean steadily increasing home and land values, higher prices and smaller lots in areas closer to urban employment and amenities, and a steady influx of residents looking to settle in larger and more affordable “bedroom communities” in Gadsden, Wakulla and Jefferson counties.  Closer to the coast, North Florida will attract more and more retirees and second-home buyers who are increasingly priced out of scarce and risky real estate options in Florida.

For employers, population growth will mean a larger workforce to draw from, improving opportunities for both established companies and entrepreneurs with start-up enterprises.  For residents, population growth will mean a larger funding base to provide community amenities, including centers for culture and arts, and parks and recreation facilities.  Over the next decade, we can also look forward to more shopping and entertainment opportunities, as the growing urban population is the standard indicator for attracting more major retailers.