Europeans Invade Florida
Tuesday, 31. October 2006, 03:25:16
It's not so strange and it's not new that Europeans are buying property in Florida. However, according to an article published by Kevin Brass in the International Herald Tribune on October 19, 2006, Bidets in Florida?, "In 2005, overseas purchasers accounted for 15 percent of the houses sold in Florida... The majority were Europeans taking advantage of a favorable exchange rate with the dollar and inexpensive air fares..." Apparently Orlando is the most popular spot in Florida for European buyers.
It amazes me that I just didn't know this. I care only because I've been wanting to buy property in Florida for years. I welcome the European influence and think it will make Florida a more interesting place to live or visit. The same author reports, however, that a deterrent to a foreigner buying property in Florida or anywhere in the US has been a more rigorous visa process in recent years for anyone wanting to visit for more than 90 days.
It's been an eye-opening revelation for me. It's interesting to think about. And how about this: as reported in the October 25th issue of The Irish Echo,
"One organizer of FÁS's recent expo in New York jokingly compared the situation to Ellis Island as people lined up around the block, eager to find out more about living and working in a land of great opportunity." And guess where that land of opportunity is? Ireland! "The strength of Irish economy was the primary attraction," a spokesperson for the Consulate General of Ireland said. Now?
It amazes me that I just didn't know this. I care only because I've been wanting to buy property in Florida for years. I welcome the European influence and think it will make Florida a more interesting place to live or visit. The same author reports, however, that a deterrent to a foreigner buying property in Florida or anywhere in the US has been a more rigorous visa process in recent years for anyone wanting to visit for more than 90 days.
It's been an eye-opening revelation for me. It's interesting to think about. And how about this: as reported in the October 25th issue of The Irish Echo,
"One organizer of FÁS's recent expo in New York jokingly compared the situation to Ellis Island as people lined up around the block, eager to find out more about living and working in a land of great opportunity." And guess where that land of opportunity is? Ireland! "The strength of Irish economy was the primary attraction," a spokesperson for the Consulate General of Ireland said. Now?
WIDGETIZE