Hurricanes have always posed an inevitable threat to Florida. But the risk hasn’t detered the droves of people who have flocked to the state since the start of the pandemic.
From Tampa to Naples, the state’s Gulf Coast has become a national real estate hot spot with its alluring beaches and relative affordability compared to larger cities. Out of the top 10 fastest-growing housing markets this year, half are on Florida’s west coast with Fort Myers holding the top spot, according to federal data.
But after seeing Hurricane Ian reduce entire neighborhoods to rubble with devastating storm surge and 155 mph winds, will the newcomers stay? Experts told the Tampa Bay Times they are waiting to see if the storm could put an end to the Gulf Coast’s growth spurt.
