Frequently Asked Questions On Moving to Florida
Is moving to Florida a good idea?
From the lack of state income tax, which is very attractive to retirees, to the sunny weather, there are plenty of reasons people move to Florida.
The cost of living and housing is much lower in Florida than many parts of the country.
Its diverse population, delectable food, many theme parks, and attractions also make it a particularly interesting place to live.
From Walt Disney World in Orlando to The Breakers Resort in Palm Beach, hundreds of Florida attractions and hotels offer resident-only discounts and bargains throughout the year.
If you love sunny weather, Florida offers newcomers exceptionally warm and more than 200 sunshine filled days throughout the year.
Thanks to the 200-plus days of sunshine a year, residents are able to spend much of their time outdoors partaking in everything from water sports to cultural experiences.
Popular water activities in Florida include swimming, boating, scuba diving, paddle boarding and fishing. In Florida, you can enjoy world class beaches year around.
What do I need to do to move to Florida?
There are many things to consider prior to moving to Florida.
Before moving, ensure to research each city and whether it offers what’s important to you and your family.
The best places to live in Florida are largely subjective and require each individual to thoroughly weigh the pros and cons.
Your choice in city could make or break whether or not Florida becomes your permanent residence.
You must determine whether you will rent or buy. Each housing market in Florida fluctuates based on how many people are moving in and out of the area at a given time. If you buy, ensure you are willing to invest in the property for a few years at least. If you buy when the market is high, you may be stuck with a property that is not worth what you paid when you go to sell.
If you rent, make sure you know your rights as a tenant in Florida. Becoming familiar with ways the law protects you will help you know what is and is not acceptable landlord behavior.
Securing a job prior to moving is another thing you need to do to move to Florida. In doing so, you will avoid settling for an undesirable work.
Where should I move in Florida?
The Pan Handle
- Pensacola: With several military bases in the area, Pensacola is a largely military friendly community with a relatively small population.
Combine that small town feel with access to white sand beaches on the Gulf Coast and highly rated school systems and this city is a spot for a young family to settle down. - Population: 53,800
- Median Home Price: $136,300
North Florida
- Jacksonville: The most populated city in Florida and one of the largest in the country, the city limits here include more residents than other metropolitan areas.
Finding friends you can get along with will be an easy task because you’ll have a wide variety of people from all walks of life here.
If what you’re looking for includes bustling and culturally robust city life paired with a cost of living lower than Florida’s average, then Jacksonville may be the city for you. - Population: 880,600
- Median Home Price: 154,700
Western Florida
- Clearwater: One of the top destinations for retirees in the country. Clearwater has a close-knit community feel and a slower pace of life.
Everything from houses to shopping centers are all located near one another, which makes socializing and getting around that much easier. - Population: 114,360
- Median Home Price: $208,400
Southwest Florida
- Fort Myers: This city is rapidly growing and is located a few hours from Orlando to the north and Miami to the south.
Positioned on the Gulf Coast, the central location give prospective residents of Fort Myers more day-trip options throughout all areas of the state as opposed to someone who is located further north.
The diverse community is packed with expats and loads of cultural experiences that will expand your horizons. - Population: 77,150
- Median Home Price: $204,100
Southeast Florida
- Fort Lauderdale: Being family-oriented and having a thriving job market are a couple of key factors that make Fort Lauderdale a hub for growing families and young professionals.
- Population: 178,750
- Median Home Price: $289,300
How much does it cost to move to Florida?
Everyone’s moving requirements will be different depending on factors such as whether the person or family lives in an apartment, a house, a townhouse, etc., and each person owns a different number of items.
So, the cost to move to Florida is based upon the time it took to accomplish the moving of the content, from point A to B. If you are trying to budget for your next move, consider the following variables that can affect the cost:
- Number of boxes
- Amount of furniture
- Moving distance
- Ease of access (i.e., walk-up vs. elevator, long walk from street)
- Is furniture assembled or dissembled?
- Number of heavy loads (i.e., piano, pool table)
Should I relocate to Florida?
There are many reasons to determine whether you should relocate to Florida.
You may be relocating for work, debating on locations to retire, or a new location where your family can settle, grow, and call home.
Whatever the reason may be, Florida offers a variety of cities and amenities to cater to you and your family’s lifestyle.
Is moving to Florida from New York expensive?
There are several factors that will determine whether moving to Florida from New York is expensive.
If you can avoid peak season, you will also dodge higher moving rates.
If you can reduce the amount of belongs requiring packing and moving, you can also save yourself quite a bit.
Before moving to Florida from New York, consider downsizing or having a garage sale. This simple but effective step will put money in your pocket and save you money on moving expenses like additional materials and manpower to complete your move.
Contact your local professional moving company for more advise on how to reduce expenses when moving from New York to Florida.
