It's just what you'd expect… sunny days year round, palm trees and turquoise Atlantic waters. But there's more to our lifestyle than sun and sand.

South Florida has a lower cost of living than many other major cities including Seattle, Boston, Philadelphia, New York, San Francisco, Los Angeles and Washington, D.C. Florida has no personal income tax and the local sales tax rates range from 6 to 6.5%.

You can retreat to a family-friendly enclave with tree-lined streets and kids on bikes. Or choose the electric atmosphere of South Beach or Las Olas Boulevard. Home/condo prices in certain areas begin at about $80,000; monthly rental rates for one-bedroom apartments in certain areas start around $700.

South Florida's medical facilities are world class with research/treatment hospitals like Jackson Memorial Hospital/University of Miami Medical Center, Miami Children's Hospital and other renowned medical centers.

There are outstanding public, private and charter schools and magnet programs that encourage children to excel. The University of Miami, Florida International University, Barry University, Nova Southeastern University and other colleges offer degrees in every discipline.

South Florida boasts three international airports, the gateway to Latin America, and the largest cruise port in the world serving Carnival, NCL, Royal Caribbean Lines and others. Tri-Rail's commuter train serves Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties.

We offer the Miami Dolphins football team, the Florida Marlins baseball team, the Miami Heat basketball team, the Florida Panthers hockey team, and the Miami Fusion soccer teams. Plus tennis at the Ericsson Open, the Orange Bowl and the University of Miami Hurricanes. Golf courses proliferate here at the home of the PGA, and the Doral Ryder Open is an annual highlight. Fishing, boating and watersports abound.

Soak up a bit of culture at The New World Symphony, the Florida Grand Opera or the Miami City Ballet. The Broward Center for the Performing Arts, The Raymond F. Kravis Center for the Performing Arts in Palm Beach County, The Jackie Gleason Theater on Miami Beach and the Coconut Grove Playhouse offer first-rate theatrical events.

Explore miles of beautiful beaches, Everglades National Park and over 800 parks with biking and skating paths, nature trails, and other diversions. The diving is spectacular at America's first underwater state park, John Pennekamp, in Key Largo.

Browse the elegant Bal Harbour Shops, try the fashionable designer boutiques of South Beach, Coconut Grove, The Falls or The Shops at Sunset Place, or the numerous other quality malls. Looking for a bargain? Try Sawgrass Mills, one of the largest outlet malls in the world.

South Florida is an ethnically and socially diverse community influenced by all areas of the U.S., the Caribbean and Central and South America. Tastes from these regions are found in the restaurants, entertainment, culture and festivals that make life here much more than a day at the beach. Whatever your style, you'll find a comfortable place in South Florida. We call it home and you can, too.