Florida, known to the world as the Sunshine State, is a place we all love to call home.  And its appeal stretches further than we may think!

According to a recent report from the National Association of Realtors (NAR), the percentage of foreign buyers purchasing a home in Florida doubled between 2005 and 2008. In 2008, overseas purchasers were responsible for nearly 30 percent of new and existing home sales in Florida – nearly one in every four international sales in the United States. 

So who’s moving in?  While they come from near and far, the top 3 origins of these relocators are:

• Canada – 26 percent
• Western Europe – 22 percent
• Britain – 16 percent

A significant amount of these new Floridians also come from South and Latin America. To most, its obvious why Florida is the premiere place to live – the optimal climate, the endless entertainment opportunities, friendly Jacksonvillians and so on, but let us know what you think!

Are you a native Floridian?  If not, let us know where you came from and why you moved.