Moving To Florida: What To Know Before, The Good And The Bad

Deciding to move to another state is a major life change, and there’s a lot to consider. Before moving to Florida, you’ll want to weigh various factors like the cost of living, weather, the tax burden, employment opportunities and whether it has the amenities you want.

If you’re considering making Florida your next home, we can help. We’ve rounded up the pros and cons of living in the Sunshine State, as well as some basic demographic information and the best places in the state to settle down.

Overview Of Living In Florida: The Sunshine State

Florida is a popular destination for snowbirds and retirees. It’s also a popular vacation spot for Americans from all over the country — and even for people from all over the world, thanks to Disney World.

Below you’ll find some basic demographic information about the Sunshine State and the people who live there:

• Population: 22,244,823
• Median age: 7 years
• Unemployment rate: 5%
• Average household income: $61,777
  
• Median home price: $403,000
• Median rent: $1,301

What Is The Cost Of Living In Florida?

Florida’s cost of living is slightly higher than the national average. According to the Bureau of Economic Analysis, the average personal spending in Florida is roughly $43,615 per year. Meanwhile, the overall national average is $42,635. Florida has the 19th highest personal spending of all states.

Whether you’re considering renting or buying a home, it’s important to understand the overall cost of living so you can compare it to your current living expenses, plan for it in your budget and determine whether Florida fits within your budget.

Below are a few costs to consider when deciding whether to move to Florida:

• Housing and utilities: Housing and utilities in Florida are higher than the national average. The average cost of a home is $403,000 in Florida compared to $357,319 for the nation overall. Similarly, rent in Florida costs an average of $1,301 compared to $1,163 for the nation overall.
• Groceries: Food spending in Florida is also slightly higher than the national average. While the average American spends about $3,480 per year on non-restaurant food, the average Floridian spends about $3,963. Food spending is highest in Fort Lauderdale, Miami and Tallahassee.
• Health care: The average Floridian actually spends less on health care than the average American. Of course, health care spending varies dramatically from one person to the next. Some people spend almost nothing on health care, while others with critical illnesses can spend lots.
• Transportation: According to the MIT Living Wage Calculator, the average Florida adult spends between $5,477 and $14,484, depending on whether they have children, whether they commute, and other factors. The amount you’ll spend depends on whether you live in an urban area with plenty of public transportation or whether you’re in a more rural area where you need to drive a lot.

Benefits Of Moving To Florida

If you’re considering moving out of state to Florida, you probably want to make sure your new home offers plenty of benefits. Below are some of the perks of moving to Florida.

No State Income Tax

Florida is one of eight states that have no personal state income tax. As a result, you can keep more of your hard-earned money in your pocket.

Suppose you earn $60,000 per year. If you lived in California, you would pay about $2,204 in state income taxes, with a marginal tax rate of 8% and an effective tax rate of about 3.67%. But if you lived in Florida, that entire $2,204 would stay in your pocket.

Housing Affordability

We’ve talked about Florida’s housing prices and how they’re a bit higher than the national average. However, there are some cities that are considerably more expensive that skew the state’s average. But on the other end of the spectrum, many cities within the state have relatively affordable housing.

For example, the average home price in Pensacola is around $250,000, which is well below the national average. You’ll find similar trends in popular cities like Daytona Beach, Tallahassee, Jacksonville and more.

If you’re a first-time home buyer in Florida, these affordable prices will help to make homeowners more accessible.

Life Outdoors

Another perk of Florida is the number of options for outdoor activities. Given the amount of coastline the state has, it probably comes as no surprise that Florida is filled with beautiful beaches for swimming and enjoying a day in the sun. The state is also filled with parks and outdoor recreation areas for hiking, boating, kayaking, snorkeling, camping, fishing, and much more.

Florida is also home to three national parks: Everglades National Park, Biscayne National Park, and Dry Tortugas. There’s also no shortage of state parks and preserves.

Strong Job Market And Economy

Florida has the fourth-largest economy of all the states, falling behind only California, Texas and New York. The state has plenty of job opportunities for newcomers. The state has an unemployment rate of 2.5%, which is far below the national unemployment rate of 3.4%.

Cultural Diversity

Florida is home to people from many different communities, backgrounds, cultures, and more. The state has long been a destination for immigrants, meaning you have many different populations throughout the state. Florida’s state culture has been shaped by each of these groups.

Theme Parks

One of the most obvious selling points of Florida — and one that brings many visitors to the state each year — is its theme parks.

First, Orlando is home to Walt Disney World, which is the world’s largest amusement park. Other parks in the state include Universal Studios, SeaWorld, Legoland, Busch Gardens and more.

It’s worth noting that if you live in Florida, it may be worth taking advantage of annual passes to some or all of these parks. You get a cheaper per-trip rate and can enjoy the parks all year round.

Excellent Education

According to U.S. News & World Report, Florida has the third-ranked education system, including both K-12 and higher education.

In Florida, each county has its own school district. Additionally, the state has plenty of private schools for parents to choose from. As for higher education, Florida is home to some of the top schools like the University of Florida, the University of Miami, Florida State University and more.

Plenty Of Sunshine

Florida has earned its nickname as the Sunshine State for a reason. The state’s beautiful weather makes it an attractive place to spend time outdoors.

Florida is perfect for someone who enjoys warm weather. The state enjoys an average temperature in the 80s during the summer and in the 60s for most of the winter. And if you’d prefer not to have snow, Florida is the perfect place.

What To Know Before Moving To Florida

Just as there are some major benefits to living in Florida, there are also some downsides to consider.

Extreme Weather

We talked about how Florida can have great weather, but it can also have extreme weather that makes it unpleasant at times.

First, Florida’s eternally warm temperatures might be a bit too warm for some people. The highs often reach the high 80s and 90s in the summer, along with high humidity, which some people might find uncomfortable.

Floridians are also subject to major weather events, including tropical storms and hurricanes. In fact, Florida has been hit by more hurricanes than any other state. It has experienced about twice as many as the state with the second-highest number.

Bugs And Wildlife

Florida is no stranger to bugs and wildlife. First, anyone who has spent much time outside in Florida can tell you there’s no shortage of bugs, largely because of the state’s warm and humid climate.

And while bugs can be annoying, there’s also wildlife in Florida that’s downright dangerous. The state is home to dangerous animals like alligators, poisonous snakes and more.

Tourists All Year Long

Florida has plenty of advantages. Unfortunately, those advantages also make it an attractive place for tourists to visit. Florida has one of the highest levels of tourism in the country. And because of Florida’s warm weather, visitors come year-round.

High Insurance Costs

Residents of Florida tend to pay higher insurance rates for several different types of insurance, including auto insurance. This is partially due to the state’s no-fault insurance laws, the high number of uninsured drivers, and the extreme weather. All of these factors can lead to an increased number of insurance claims.

Flood Insurance

Florida residents also pay higher rates for property insurance because they must carry flood insurance in many areas.

Flood insurance is often required by mortgage lenders for homeowners in high-risk flood areas. Because of heavy rain, tropical storms and hurricanes, Florida residents are especially vulnerable to flooding and must carry this insurance. Unfortunately, flood insurance can add around $1,000 per year to many insurance policies.

Where Are The Best Cities To Live In Florida?

There are many places in Florida that can make an excellent place to settle down. We’ll cover a few of them below.

Tampa

Tampa sits on the Tampa Bay and along Florida’s Gulf Coast. The city is home to about 387,000 people. Tampa is one of the business centers of the state, meaning there’s no shortage of job opportunities for its residents.

Tampa also offers plenty of activities for residents and visitors alike. It’s home to multiple museums and other cultural centers. Tampa is also home to Busch Gardens, one of the state’s top theme parks.

If you’re considering moving to Florida, be sure to check out homes for sale in Tampa and Tampa housing market trends.

Orlando

You’re probably at least somewhat familiar with Orlando since it's home to many of the state’s theme parks, including Walt Disney World and Universal Studios.

Don’t worry, Orlando isn’t just for tourists. In addition to its status as a tourist destination, it’s also home to more than 309,000 people. It’s the county seat of Orange County and has no shortage of job opportunities. It also has an affordable cost of living and excellent public transportation.

If you’re considering moving to Florida, be sure to check out homes for sale in Orlando and Orlando housing market trends.

Gainesville

Gainesville is a city in Northern Florida. It’s home to the University of Florida, as well as more than 140,000 residents.

Gainesville has plenty of advantages that can make it an excellent place to call home. It has below-average housing prices, which makes it an affordable place to live. It’s also home to a strong art culture.

As for the local employment market, you shouldn’t have any problem finding a job. There are many opportunities in education, healthcare and more.

If you’re considering moving to Florida, be sure to check out homes for sale in Gainesville and Gainesville housing market trends.

Tallahassee

Tallahassee is the state capital of Florida and is home to nearly 200,000 people. Tallahassee can make for a great place to live for several reasons.

Tallahassee is home to both Florida State University and Florida A&M, meaning it definitely offers some aspects of a college town.

However, there’s also a large population of professionals and families, partially thanks to the city’s low cost of living. And given that it’s home to the state government, it’s also home to many.

If you’re considering moving to Florida, homes for sale in Tallahassee and Tallahassee housing market trends.

Miami

There’s no doubt that Miami is one of the most vibrant cities in Florida. It's the county seat of Miami-Dade County, is home to nearly 440,000 people, and has earned nicknames like “The Magic City” and “Gateway to the Americas.”

Part of what makes Miami so popular is its location since it sits along the coast and is home to some of the state’s best beaches. It’s also a true melting pot of Latin, Caribbean, Cuban, and Haitian cultures, making it the perfect place to find good food, music and more.

Unfortunately, Miami has a relatively high cost of living and an average home price that’s considerably higher than the national average. However, it also has plenty of job opportunities and a booming economy.

If you’re considering moving to Florida, be sure to check out homes for sale in Miami and Miami housing market trends.

Jacksonville

Jacksonville is located in northern Florida, along the coast and not too far from the Georgia border. Jacksonville is the most populous city in Florida and is home to more than 950,000 people.

Jacksonville has a booming economy and is one of the top business centers in Florida. There’s no shortage of jobs in industries like manufacturing, financial services, transportation, information technology, healthcare, biomedical, and more. In fact, its diversity of industries has helped the city to thrive.

As an added bonus, Jacksonville also has a relatively affordable cost of living. Its average housing price is considerably lower than both the national average and the average for Florida.

If you’re considering moving to Florida, be sure to check out homes for sale in Jacksonville and Jacksonville housing market trends.

Finding Your Perfect Florida Home

If you’re moving to Florida and are planning to buy a house there, you’ll want to start your search early. You’ll be able to get a feel for the housing market, as well as narrow down where you might like to live.

A great first step is finding the right real estate agent. Your agent can help you get to know the market and figure out what you’ll be able to afford with your budget. Having someone working for you in the state will be a huge help, as buying a house out of state can be a challenging process.

FAQs On Moving To Florida

Are you considering moving to Florida? Here are the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions.

How much money do you need to move to Florida?

The cost of moving to another state can vary drastically. However, depending on where you’re moving from, you’ll likely want to budget thousands of dollars for moving expenses.

How do the east and west coasts differ in Florida?

The biggest differences between the cities on the east and west coasts of Florida are the pace and the beaches. First, cities on the eastern coast of Florida tend to be faster-paced, while those on the west coast tend to be slower and more laid-back. As for the beaches, the Atlantic coast gets large waves and is great for water sports. The Gulf coast, on the other hand, is ideal for smooth beaches and clear waters.

How do north Florida and south Florida differ?

A big difference between northern and southern Florida is the weather. Of course, both experience warm weather year-round, but the northern part of the state tends to experience somewhat cooler temperatures and less humidity.

Is Florida a good place to retire?

Yes, Florida is one of the most popular retirement destinations. Retirees tend to enjoy Florida because of its warm weather and the lack of state income taxes.

What are the top industries in Florida?

Florida is home to many major industries. Some of the top industries include aviation and aerospace, education, financial services, health care, information technology, manufacturing, tourism and more.

Is Florida a tax-friendly state?

Yes, Florida is a very tax-friendly state. There is no state income tax, and Florida ranks among the middle of the pack for property tax rates.

The Bottom Line: Making The Move To The Sunshine State

Florida can be an excellent place to call home thanks to its warm weather, sandy beaches, diverse population, employment market and much more. If you’re considering moving to Florida, connect with an agent today.