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Whether it’s the allure of sandy beaches or the promise of year-round sunshine, Florida has something for everyone.
Our guide offers insights on everything to help you when moving to Florida.
Let’s dive in.
Florida: An Overview
Welcome to Florida, the alluring Sunshine State paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Florida offers year-round sunshine and a warm to hot climate.
Summers are long, sweltering, and humid but bearable because of the coastal winds and frequent afternoon thunderstorms.
The average temperature ranges from a high of 88 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer to 57 degrees in winter. Therefore, it is an excellent place for retirees and people who love warm weather.
Beyond its natural attractions, Florida has emerged as a hub for various industries. For instance, cities like Tampa have become tech, healthcare, and aviation focal points. In addition, remote work and a business-friendly environment help cities like Tampa grow.
Why Move to Florida?
Moving cross country to Florida offers something for everyone. This makes it an excellent choice for various lifestyles.
Here are some compelling reasons why you should move to Florida State:
- Strong Job Market: In cities like Tampa and Orlando, job opportunities are abundant. You will find jobs in different sectors like healthcare, technology, and tourism.
- Quality Education: Florida is home to many highly-ranked schools and prestigious universities.
- The Warm Weather in Florida: Enjoy year-round sunshine, ideal for outdoor activities. Say goodbye to winter coats and snow shovels.
- Housing Options: Florida offers a range of affordable housing options. You can choose from beachside condos to suburban family homes.
- Outdoor Adventures: Florida is a haven for boating, fishing, hiking, and cycling. State parks and reserves offer a break from urban life.
- Admire the Wildlife: Additionally, Florida offers unique wildlife-watching opportunities. You will get the chance to watch manatees, alligators, and different bird species.
- Retirement-Friendly: Florida is considered a haven for retirees. This is because of the excellent weather.
- Golf Courses: Florida boasts hundreds of world-class golf courses designed by renowned architects.
- No State Income Tax: You get to keep more of your money.
- West Coast vs. East Coast: The West Coast is known for its tranquil Gulf beaches and sunsets. On the other hand, the East Coast has vibrant cities like Miami and a more bustling lifestyle.
- Nightlife: Florida has a vibrant nightlife. It has everything from Miami’s trendy clubs to relaxed beach bars.
- Sport-Centric: Lastly, Florida is a sport-centric state. There are many football, NASCAR, and golf tournaments.
How Much Does It Cost to Move to Florida?
Moving to Florida costs an average of $900 to $8,000. However, the cost varies based on how much you’re moving and how far.
A move to Florida can include cross country movers, DIY, or a mix of both. Extra costs may include packing, storage, and moving vehicles.
As always, getting multiple quotes is advisable to find the most cost-effective solution for your specific circumstances. We also recommend using a moving cost calculator.
| Distance | 1 Bedroom | 2 – 3 Bedroom | 4 – 5 Bedroom |
| 100 miles | $900 – $1,600 | $1,000 – $2,000 | $1,600 – $4,000 |
| 250 miles | $1,100 – $2,400 | $1,400 – $4,000 | $2,500 – $6,000 |
| 1,000 miles+ | $1,500 – $5,000 | $2,800 – $5,500 | $5,400 – $7,800 |
| 2,500 miles+ | $1,800 – $7,000 | $3,200 – $7,000 | $8,600+ |
Our Most Recommended Long-Distance Movers to Florida
Selecting the best Florida movers is crucial for a smooth transition, especially if you’re moving long distance.
Therefore, it is essential to choose reputable long distance movers. Here are the top three long-distance moving companies we recommend:
Moving APT
- Competitive pricing
- Free online estimates
Native Van Lines
- Free 30 day storage
- Large network of movers
Adams Van Lines
- Customized moves
- Binding estimates
Pros of Moving to Florida
1. Warm Weather
Florida is the place to be if you’re a fan of sunny skies and warm climates. As a result, you will enjoy outdoor activities year-round.
2. Great Job Market
Secondly, industries like tourism, agriculture, and technology offer newcomers many job opportunities.
3. Sport-Centric
Florida is a sport-centric state. Therefore, it is a great place to stay if you are into professional sports like football or water sports like boating and fishing.
4. Retirement-Friendly
In addition, the state is popular among retirees due to its favorable tax structure. There is also an abundance of different retirement communities.
5. Variety of Living Options
Florida offers a range of living environments. Therefore, you have many options, from bustling cities like Miami and Tampa to quieter towns and coastal living.
6. Seafood and Cuisine
Being a coastal state, Florida has many fresh seafood and a variety of cuisines. Diverse cultures mostly influence their cuisines.
Cons of Moving to Florida
1. High Cost of Living
Cities like Miami and Tampa are expensive. They have high housing prices and daily living expenses.
2. Natural Disasters
In addition, the state is prone to hurricanes, and flood insurance can be a significant additional cost to consider.
3. Tourist Crowds
Popular cities like Orlando and Miami get very crowded with tourists. This leads to increased traffic and higher prices during peak seasons.
4. Flat Landscape
Lastly, Florida is very flat. Therefore, it might not appeal to those who enjoy mountainous terrain for activities like hiking or skiing.
What's the Cost of Living in Florida?
The Bureau of Economic Analysis noted that for the year 2021, the average total personal consumption cost in Florida was approximately $50,689 per year:
- Housing and Utilities: $9,656 per year
- Health Care: $7,676 per year
- Food and Beverages (non-restaurant): $3,886 per year
- Gas and Energy Goods: $909 per year
- All Other Personal Expenditures: $28,562 per year
- Per person, this averages to about $4,224 per month.
However, these costs can differ significantly across cities. For instance, Miami’s rental prices increased 8.7% from last year.
On the other hand, transportation costs in Florida are at par with the national average. Public transport is not as extensive as in other states, making a car almost essential.
As for groceries and dining, costs vary significantly depending on location and personal preferences.
The other cost is hurricane insurance. Given Florida’s susceptibility to hurricanes and tropical storms, homeowners often face higher-than-average insurance premiums.
In addition, hurricane or flood insurance is recommended and sometimes required. However, this depends on your location within the state. These policies are costly but essential for protecting your property.
On the other hand, utility costs in Florida are approximately 2% higher than the national average. This increase is influenced by the heavy use of air conditioning and cooling systems in hot and humid climates.
Before moving, consider your lifestyle and budget carefully. Understanding the cost of living will help you maintain a comfortable standard of living.
What Are the Best Neighborhoods to Live in in Florida?
Florida has many housing options. As a result, finding a perfect neighborhood that suits your personality is daunting.
Luckily, Florida has unique neighborhoods that stand out as excellent places to call home:
1. Sarasota: Lakewood Ranch
Lakewood Ranch is a master-planned community that offers a relaxed suburban lifestyle. With top-rated schools, several golf courses, and beautiful parks, it’s an ideal location for families. Moreover, the Main Street offers boutiques, eateries, and a movie theater.
2. Orlando: Baldwin Park
Once a Navy training center, Baldwin Park is now a lively neighborhood. It has a mix of homes, apartments, and businesses. In addition, the area offers top schools, parks, and lakes. This makes it highly appealing for new families.
3. Miami: Coconut Grove
Coconut Grove is one of Miami’s oldest neighborhoods. It offers a bohemian atmosphere, high-end shopping, and beautiful marinas.
4. Naples: Old Naples
Old Naples is a scenic, upscale area known for its beautiful beaches and luxurious lifestyle. Moreover, beachside mansions and historic cottages add to the aesthetic appeal of this neighborhood. Therefore, it’s the perfect neighborhood for those seeking a relaxed yet upscale lifestyle by the sea.
5. Melbourne: Viera
Viera is a relatively new, planned community that boasts a family-friendly atmosphere. Schools here are highly rated, with numerous parks and open spaces. In addition, the Avenue Viera shopping center has many shops and restaurants. As a result, residents hardly ever have to leave the area for leisure.
6. Pensacola: East Hill
Lastly, East Hill is a charming neighborhood with a strong sense of community. It’s known for its beautiful Craftsman and Victorian homes, parks, and local businesses. Most importantly, it is a community-focused area that’s laid-back and welcoming. This makes it an excellent choice for young families and retirees.
How Is the Job Market in Florida?
Florida is one of the best cities with many healthcare, hospitality, and tech industry opportunities. Thereäs a high demand for skilled workers because of the growing population.
Florida’s unemployment rate hovered at around 3.2% as of March 2022. The national unemployment rate in the same month was 3.6%. This signals a very healthy job market.
Moreover, the construction industry in Florida grew by 3.5% from 2021 to early 2022. Therefore, fields like carpentry, plumbing, electrical contracting, architecture, and city planning offer plenty of job opportunities.
If you’re considering a move to Florida for employment, you’ll find many opportunities. In addition, it is crucial to consider the specific industry and location to ensure they align with your career goals.
What Is Florida Most Known For?
Florida has diverse attractions. Tt is a popular tourist destination and a cherished home for residents. Here are some key aspects Florida is most famous for:
1. Stunning Beaches
Florida’s coastline is a major attraction. This state features many beaches that cater to everyone, from families to Spring Break revelers. Among the most renowned are Miami Beach, Daytona Beach, and Clearwater Beach.
It is important to note that the state has over 1,300 miles of coastline and 663 miles of beaches. However, much of it is preserved in state parks like Caladesi Island and Anastasia Island.
2. Fishing and Water Sports
Florida has extensive coastlines, lakes, and rivers. They make it a popular destination for fishing, boating, and other water-related activities.
3. The Theme Park Capital of the World
Florida, particularly Orlando, is the world’s theme park capital. It features iconic parks like Disney World, Universal Studios, and SeaWorld. The Orlando area is a hub for entertainment.
Other renowned parks include Busch Gardens in Tampa and Legoland in Winter Haven.
4. Arts and Entertainment Scene
Florida offers an impressive arts and entertainment scene, from music venues to professional sports teams. In addition, museums and historic sites are scattered across the state.
5. Cultural Diversity
Lastly, Miami and other cities in Florida are known for their cultural diversity. Their culture is influenced heavily by Latin American and Caribbean communities.
What Are the Best Schools & Universities in Florida?
Florida has many educational options, from private schools to public universities and tech schools. In addition, you will find many online learning options.
Here are some of the top-notch schools and universities:
1. Pine View School
Located in Osprey, Pine View School ranks top of Florida high schools and is known for its gifted program.
2. Stanton College Preparatory School
Located in Jacksonville, Stanton College Preparatory School is known for its rigorous academics and college preparatory programs.
3. International Studies Charter High School
Also located in Miami, International Studies Charter High School offers a strong curriculum with a global focus.
4. Florida International University (FIU) Miami
Florida International University focuses on international business, hospitality, and other disciplines. As a result, this commitment to academic excellence encourages students to explore their passions.
5. University of Florida
Ranked #29 in national universities, the University of Florida offers popular majors like engineering, medicine, nursing, and business.
6. University of Miami
With excellent academics and programs, particularly for students who enjoy the outdoors, the University of Miami is another excellent university. It is popular because it excels in nursing, engineering, and economics programs.
Is Moving to Florida Worth It?
As mentioned, moving to Florida offers a range of benefits, like a growing job market and a quality lifestyle. It offers warm temperatures year-round. The state is ideal for outdoor activities and water sports.
Despite having a higher cost of living, Florida boasts multiple theme parks, unique wildlife, and a vibrant nightlife. It’s a haven for those who enjoy year-round outdoor adventures and water-related activities.
We trust that this comprehensive guide will assist you in making an informed decision about moving to Florida!
