Florida Residents Get Hooked Up For Universal Studios

Time to head to one of Florida's favorite theme parks! Universal Studios in Orlando just dropped an epic ticket deal for Florida residents. From now (Feb 2) until June 29, 2023, Florida residents can save some big bucks when they buy a 2-day park ticket! Universal is offering 2 free days with this specific ticket purchase.

Starting as low as $195, you can get tickets to the park for 4 days at Universal Studios. We think this is a great idea for anyone who's never been to Universal or haven't been in years. There's a lot that has changed about the park and their still announcing new attractions. If you're someone who likes to travel between Hogwarts and Diagon Alley, you can get this same deal with the park hopper option. Those tickets start at $242.

If you hop on this deal now, you'll be able to catch some of the Mardi Gras fun that Universal is offering. Stick around and catch one of their concerts at the Music Plaza stage in front of the Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit roller coaster. The concerts range from various artists and genres and is included with park admission.

This is one of those times where being a Florida resident really comes in handy. You'll need a valid Florida photo ID. Its also important to know that some blackout dates may apply. Click here for more info on this sweet deal! 

[Source: News Channel 8]

Despite inflation and cost of living going way up, vacation homes reached a high point during the pandemic. A recent study by Travel and Leisure tells us that Florida is one of the most affordable states for a vacation home. We've obviously seen a huge increase to people moving to Florida, but how many are buying places just to escape the cold months?

This study considered multiple factors for affordable second home states. They used initial purchase price, utilities, maintenance, property taxes and potential income as factors. Affordability may mean something to others. It's always important to consider income, financial commitments, and your stage in life when buying a vacation home. Many people use their secondary homes as rental spots or AirBnB's when they're not being occupied. The good news is you're more likely to be able to find renters in the Sunshine State.

[Source: Travel and Leisure]

No, we're not talking anywhere near NYC. But along the eastern parts of Long Island, you can find some affordable homes. Long Island towns of Greenport, Northport, and Stony Brook, for example, homes start around $550,000. In the upstate New York Adirondacks, a year-round vacation destination, homes start at about $350,000.

New Hampshire is convenient to vacation home buyers in the major east coast cities. Around Lake Winnipesaukee, one of the most popular recreational spots in the state, homes start at about $400,000 in Laconia.

If a beachfront property is the goal, vacation home buyers might want to consider the Gulf Coast of Mississippi. In Biloxi, for example, beachfront condos start around $350,000 and houses in the $250,000 range. In Gulfport, Pass Christian, and Long Beach, vacation home prices are similar.

Generally not considered an economical choice for real estate, California does offer vacation properties that could be considered affordable by some definitions. As long as you're okay with living no where near LA. In the southern California mountain areas of Idyllwild and Big Bear Lake, homes start at around $450,000. If you head out towards the desert, you can find condos in resort communities for $350,000

Convenient to New York City and New Jersey residents, homes in Pocono Mountain towns start at around $250,000 to $300,000.

Both weather and natural beauty attract visitors to Arizona. Tucson and Tempe are both great locations that have lots to offer. Homes are available starting at around $250,000.

Idaho Falls is a year-round vacation destination with lots of beautiful nature to explore. Homes start in the $300,000 range, and surrounding towns along the Snake River offer similar prices.

The city of Holland and surrounding areas are located on Lake Michigan’s eastern shore, with camping, kayaking, and picnic facilities. Homes in the area start at around $250,000, if you go more inland you can find homes for $200,000.

Homes in Asheville start around $500,000 and prices vary widely. Property taxes are relatively low, especially outside of the city. Head to Emerald Isle where condos start around $250,000.

Vacation home buyers seeking a waterfront location can find reasonably priced properties along the Texas Gulf of Mexico shore from about $200,000 for a condo and approximately $350,000 for a home. In Port Arthur, on the border with Louisiana, a four-bedroom lakefront home is listed for $254,000.

Despite everyone telling you how it expensive it is to live in Florida (they're not 100% wrong), there are plenty of cities to find affordable vacation homes. In the Tampa Bay area, you can find homes in Clearwater for $360,000. In Jacksonville, vacation home buyers can choose from oceanfront, lakeside, inland waterway, or golf course properties in a relatively affordable price range, with condos starting around $200,000. If you want to be near all the big theme parks, Kissimmee condos can be found for $250,000.