Florida Poised To Overtake New York as Third Most Populous State

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - Feb. 22, 2014 - PRLog -- St. Johns County – (Feb. 22, 2014) -- According to the U.S. Census Bureau Florida could surpass New York in population (http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/12/30/us-usa-census-florida-idUSBRE9BT0MK20131230) in 2014, becoming the nation’s third most-populous state after California and Texas. Florida is less than 100,000 newcomers away from surpassing New York. The U.S. Census bureau reported the population of New York as 19,651,127, which exceeded Florida's 19,552,860 total residents by only 98,267.

Florida has been growing substantially faster than New York for many decades. The total U.S. population as of 2013 was estimated at 316,128,839, an increase of more than 7 million people since the 2010 census.

Florida has seen exceptional growth in the past three decades, as more and more residents from other regions choose to move to the Sunshine State. Because of this trend some states are losing thousands of residents each year to Florida. In 2013, nearly 60,000 New Yorkers became permanent Florida residents, accounting for the state's single largest group of new residents from within the United States.

Retirees account for approximately 17 percent of Florida’s population, though both individual workers and entire corporations relocating to the south have driven much of Florida’s population growth. There are many factors that cause people and companies to favor Florida over other states. Exceptional weather, a positive tax structure, lower unemployment rates, and state and local officials who have done an excellent job of recruiting new business to relocate in Florida. Workers moving to North Florida from other areas are often surprised to learn their money goes so much further in the size home they can afford.

Jacksonville and St. Johns County have been making news as a desirable work-relocation locale. In April 2013, Forbes magazine named Jacksonville the third best city in America for finding a job (http://www.forbes.com/sites/jacquelynsmith/2013/04/22/the...). Money Magazine recently ranked St. Johns County number five nationally on the “Best Places to Live; Where the Jobs Are” list. The CNN/Money Magazine list notes St. Johns County as a business-friendly location, due to the creation of new job opportunities at companies such as Northrop Grumman and 2G Cenergy. The article also cited St. Johns County for being recognized as the Healthiest County in Florida and having the top-ranked public school system. St. Johns County is home to three of the nation's best high schools according to Newsweek Magazine and is continuously recognized for its high number of A-rated schools.

Durbin Crossing, a master planned community in St. Johns County, has enjoyed tremendous growth over the past five years.  They were named on the national list of the Top 50 Master-Planned Communities in 2013. Durbin Crossing has consistently been one of the top selling communities in Florida since its inception in 2008, and has continued to expand due to its’ popularity among families.

The lifestyle has been one of the main reasons so many people chose to buy in Durbin Crossing.  Under construction is a new K-8 school located in the heart of the community and zoned exclusively for Durbin Crossing.  The new school will be open for the 2014 school year and is within walking distance for residents.  Popular factors in the buying decision are Durbin Crossing’s two beautiful amenity centers and clubhouses with oversized pools, water slide, splash park, nearby sports fields, dog park, parks and a wonderful sense of community.

For more information, visit Durbin Crossing’s new website www.durbincrossing.com.