Florida homes have always been a blend of old-school charm and shiny new construction. Now, thanks to fresh Redfin data, we can finally put numbers to that story. Across the country, homes are getting older. The median home sold in 2024 was 36 years old, and Florida is keeping pace. In the Sunshine State, the typical home bought last year was 28 years old, which means most were built in the late '90s. Think dial-up internet, frosted tips, and Titanic in theaters. Wondering where all the brand-new homes are popping up, or which cities are still selling classics? Keep reading to see how Florida’s housing market is aging and where it's staying young.

A Tale of Two Floridas

There’s a clear split in Florida’s housing landscape. In places like Lakeland, over 40% of homes sold last year were built in 2019 or later. Cape Coral and North Port show similar patterns, with rapid development fueling a steady stream of modern homes. These areas offer buyers contemporary design, updated systems, and lower maintenance needs, all at prices that are often more affordable than in Florida’s bigger coastal metros.

On the other hand, cities like Miami tell a different story. Fewer than 6% of homes sold there last year were built within the past five years, while more than two-thirds were 30 years old or older. Tampa and Orlando fall somewhere in between, offering a mix of older homes in established neighborhoods and new construction in expanding suburbs.

How Florida home Age Affects Price

Generally, newer homes come with a higher price tag. In Jacksonville, for example, the median price for homes under five years old was $400,000, compared to $300,000 for those over 30 years old. In Orlando, the gap was slightly wider, with newer homes going for about $446,490 and older ones selling around $335,000.

Florida hasn’t quite followed the national trend of shrinking price gaps between older and newer homes. In many cities across the state, newer homes still come with a noticeable premium.

But in some parts of the country, that difference is getting much smaller. Take Charleston, South Carolina, for example. In 2024, the median price for a home built within the last five years was $421,390, only slightly higher than the $415,000 median for homes over 30 years old. It’s a sign that in some markets, buyers are just as willing to pay for character and location as they are for something brand new. In Florida, though, places like Palm Bay and Lakeland still have the space to keep building, which helps keep prices for new homes relatively competitive—and that’s keeping the gap between old and new a lot wider than in other parts of the country.

Where the Growth is Happening

Florida’s new home construction is booming in cities that still have room to grow. Lakeland, Cape Coral, Palm Bay, and North Port are leading the way. These areas offer larger lots, newer infrastructure, and more affordable options, making them popular with first-time buyers and families looking to stretch their budgets.

Meanwhile, cities like Miami and Tampa face space limitations and stricter zoning, which means more homes on the market tend to be older. While these properties may offer charm and central locations, they often require more upfront investment in updates and maintenance.

This Old (Or New) House

Whether you're drawn to a brand-new build in a master-planned community or an older home with character in a walkable neighborhood, Florida offers something for just about every kind of homebuyer. And as migration into the state continues and new communities emerge, the range of options will only grow.

Ready to make your move? Connect with our local team of expert agents and let us help you find the perfect Florida home, whether you’re looking for something fresh and modern or filled with timeless charm.