Did you know that almost 330,000 people have moved to Florida during the past year?
You may be thinking you want to join the crowd and relocate to Florida. It is a hot spot for warm weather and beautiful beaches. Florida is also home to swimming holes, coral reefs, underwater caves, and barrier islands.
Many people have been to the state on vacation, but living in Florida has become more and more popular during recent years.
Here is everything you should consider before moving to Florida:
Benefits of Moving to Florida
Relocating to Florida, a vacation hotspot, has many sunny pros in addition to the obvious beautiful scenery and landmarks. Many would agree that a top benefit is that Florida has no state tax. In fact, it is one of only nine states that have no state income taxes.
Getting your hands on beachfront property in Florida is not as pricey as one would assume. Half of the cities included on CNBC’s list of cheapest beach towns to buy a home were in Florida. The combination of no state tax and affordable housing is attractive if you are interested in living in Florida.
A fun perk of living in Florida is that the state boasts a few theme parks. You will have access to Disney, Busch Gardens, or Universal Studios right in your backyard.
This may be a no-brainer, but you’ll never have to shovel snow in Florida. It never snows in Florida during the winter, so if you’re coming from a northern state, living in Florida will be a nice break from dealing with snow days and shoveling driveways.
Because of the warm weather, Florida is a great place for outdoorsy people who love to yacht, sail, fish, swim, tan, and go on cruises. Just be prepared by always packing sunscreen.
Another fun benefit of living in Florida is that you can grow fruits – such as oranges, mangoes, and grapefruits – right in your backyard.
Florida is a great place for snowbirds to get away. It’s also great for recent retirees – there are many communities dedicated to retirees and snowbirds.
Downsides of Moving to Florida
As you probably already know, Florida is a hot spot for hurricanes. Florida’s hurricane season runs from July to November. While this does not have to be a deterrent to moving to Florida, it is something everyone thinking about a Florida relocation should consider and be prepared for.
In addition to hurricanes, Florida can gets a lot of rain and thunderstorms. Unfortunately, lightning from storms can knock out the power sometimes.
Another aspect of Florida you should be aware of is that it is a relatively flat state with no mountains or valleys. It does have some low-rolling hills that you can enjoy.
The heat and humidity can also be a hardship if you are not used to this type of climate. Summer months can be brutal, even if you are in the shade. Having working air conditioning all year-round will definitely be a necessity if you choose to live in Florida.
There are also some creatures you’ll want to be aware of. Florida is home to a lot of bugs, such as roaches, love bugs, mosquitoes and fruit flies. You will also want to watch out for spiders, snakes, and scorpions.
If you’re coming from a big city with a big public transportation system, you may notice that Florida has very little public transport. You will typically have to drive everywhere you want to go.
As previously mentioned, there is no snow in Florida, which also means there are no snow sports. If you’re a fan of activities like snow boarding or skiing, you will have to venture out of Florida.
Choosing the Right Florida City
In a state full of many amazing cities, it may be hard to choose the right city for you. But, we can guarantee that the dozens of cities offer something for everyone.
If you’re looking for a booming city with rich history, culture, and diversity, consider checking out the Tampa Bay Area. This insiders guide has all the information about all of the counties that comprise Tampa Bay.
If you’re a young professional looking for a city with more surf, sand, cityscapes, and international cuisine, we recommend looking into the Miami area. Its diverse neighborhood, gorgeous beaches, and active nightlife make it great place to live if you’re looking to spice up your life.
Another city worth noting is St. Petersburg, Florida. This is the perfect city for individuals looking for a city that is big yet still affordable. It also has a retirement community that is perfect for baby boomers looking to settle down.
The cost of living in Orlando, Florida is relatively affordable. It is home to various amusement parks and sports teams. It is a great city for anyone interested in these attractions, and the public education system is reputable as well.
Take Time to Make Your Decision
Relocation is always a hefty decision. Now, you have a firm base of information to base your choice on. Moving to Florida has its pros and cons, as moving to any state would have.
Vacations to theme parks and resorts in Florida are only one small side to experiencing Florida. Full-time residents experience the year-round aspects of a very complex state. It may be the right fit for some, but others may find the hot weather or other factors dealbreakers.
Moving is just one of the many big decisions you will have to face in life. Check out more of our life advice via our blogs and articles today!
