People are still flocking to Florida — and staying

Florida, with the west coast of the state leading the way, has scored again in a national survey of where Americans are moving.

The Sunshine State ranked No. 5 on moving giant Mayflower’s list of states and cities with the most inbound traffic. More than 60% of the moves involving Florida from July 2019 to this past July, the survey shows, were inbound. In terms of metropolitan areas, Sarasota-Bradenton ranked No. 1 while Fort Myers-Cape Coral was No. 5. The rankings, according to a statement, reflect states and

cities with 800 or more moves with Mayflower, and where survey respondents had moved 300 miles or more.  

Other findings include:

• More than one-third of respondents, 36%, say the weather influenced their moving decision a lot. The influence of weather was strongest among those in the South, at 73%.

• Access to parks, green spaces and trails is a bigger influence in choosing where to live for men than women (65% vs. 57%) and Millennials (70%) than all other generations.  

• Compared to all other regions, respondents say the South has the most delicious food, at 38%. And among Southerners, two-thirds, 66%, agree the South has the tastiest cuisine. (Top favorites in the South include fried chicken (67%), barbecue (65%) and biscuits and gravy (49%). 

• More than half, 55%, of those in the South say the food and restaurant scene influenced their decision to live there at least somewhat.