Despite Florida’s name, the “Sunshine State” has always drawn immigrants. In fact, it has the largest Eastern European population in the US. Approximately 2% of the state’s population is Eastern European. This includes people from Russia, Ukraine, Russia, Belarus and Georgia. The Russian community is growing rapidly, especially in the South Florida area.
According to the U.S. Census, more than 200,000 Floridians with Russian ancestry were counted in the 2000 Census. This is more than double the number of Russian immigrants who were counted in 1999. The number of Russian immigrants in Florida increased from around 350 in 1999 to almost 900 in 2000. It is unclear how many of these Russian immigrants have moved to Florida. Regardless, Florida is one of the fastest growing immigrant states.
Florida’s Eastern European population primarily consists of Russians, Ukrainians and Russian Jews. In the early 20th century, Russian Jewish immigrants migrated to Florida, eventually purchasing property on Marco Island. They had been fleeing discrimination in their home country. The island’s economy began to grow and a 1.5 mile strip of seaside motels was built in the 1950s and 1960s.
Florida’s Eastern European population is also expanding as Russian New Yorkers come to the area because the area is still relatively cheap. While the numbers of Russian immigrants in Florida have increased, the number of Russian Americans in Florida has remained relatively flat. There are estimated to be closer to 300,000 Russian-speaking residents in the South Florida area.
The city of Sunny Isles Beach, Florida, is home to a large post-Soviet Union immigrant population. The city has been nicknamed “Little Moscow.” It is also home to a large number of Russian-speaking residents. The population is also bolstered by overseas buyers from Latin America. The city has become popular with both American tourists and Russians as a destination for vacationing.
Russians also have a significant presence in the North Port area. Located just south of Sarasota in Southwest Florida, this city has been a destination for Eastern Europeans for years. They are spread out throughout the city. Their accents are heard in restaurants, shops, and markets. The community also has four weekly Russian language magazines.
Another community with a large Russian population is Miami. The city is also home to a large Cuban population. There are also large Latin American and Asian communities in Miami. The city’s population has increased dramatically in the last 10 years. The Cuban radio station broadcasts Russian at 5 p.m. every day.
Miami’s Russian community is expected to grow significantly in the coming years. There is a Russian grocery store called Kalinka, which sells goods imported from the former Soviet Union. The store also looks like a grocery store in downtown Moscow.
The city of North Port, Florida has also become a destination for Eastern European immigrants. During the winter months, they often stay in the city and enjoy its Warm Mineral Springs. They spread the word about the area’s mineral springs. They also found employment in the real estate industry. In fact, it is estimated that the city has grown into the fourth most popular destination for newly arrived Russians.