Moving to Florida may seem like a great idea, but what is it really like to live there, and what are the main benefits of doing so? Here’s what you need to know, from the best reasons to move to the sunshine state to the potential drawbacks. In other words, we will answer the question, “Is Florida a good place to Live?”
Living in Florida
Florida is not only the second-most populous state in the union but also the one that has seen the largest population growth over the past ten years (2010–2020), behind Texas, according to the United States Census Bureau. Within the last ten years, more than 14% of the population relocated to Florida.
Is Florida a Good Place to Live: Benefits
Most of the year is sunny and pleasant
Why is Florida becoming such a popular destination? Of course, due to the weather! Florida welcomes newcomers with exceptionally warm and sunny weather thanks to its more than 200 days of sunshine each year. Florida’s seasons are typically mild and warm, despite the hot, muggy summers. Most likely, residents of the Sunshine State’s southern region will never require more than a sweater in the winter. Miami is a good example. In the winter, the temperature typically varies between 76 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. The highest temperature during the summer is 90 degrees.
Florida does not impose a state income tax
Want to reduce your tax liability? Occupy Florida. One of the few in the country, the state exempts its citizens from paying state income taxes. Florida has much lower state taxes overall than most other states, even though you will still have to pay sales and property taxes. You’ll be able to save more of your hard-earned money as a result, which you can use for entertainment, travel, and purchases of goods.
The beaches in Florida are amazing
In Florida, life is literally a beach. Some of the best and most stunning beaches in the world are accessible to locals right outside their front doors. A few examples of well-known and prestigious Florida beaches are Siesta Public Beach in Sarasota, Clearwater Beach, Pensacola Beach, Delray Beach, St. Joseph Peninsula State Park, Panama City Public Beach, Grayton Beach, and St. George Island. Of course, you can laze around on the sugar sand all day and soak up the sun, but you can also go fishing, play beach volleyball, or go for a leisurely jog. You can kayak, stand-up, paddleboard, swim, and boat on the water.
A lot of cultural diversity exists
When it comes to cultural diversity, Florida is unmatched by any other state. The state is one of the greatest melting pots in the nation, with residents of every age, religion, and background imaginable. Many residents, in addition to those who were born and raised in Florida, are snowbirds and transplants from other states who moved for the climate, employment opportunities, and tax advantages. Without a doubt, one of the things that makes Florida such an interesting place to live is the state’s diversity.
Discounts are offered to locals on a variety of attractions
Living near popular tourist destinations has numerous advantages. Numerous Florida hotels and attractions offer resident-only specials and discounts all year long, from The Pink Shell Beach Resort in Fort Myers to Walt Disney World in Orlando, where residents of Florida save 40% on a four-day ticket. The majority of the discounts are offered in the late spring, summer, and early fall when tourism is at its lowest.
Florida has a relaxed way of life
Life in Florida generally moves more slowly, especially in the coastal areas. It is also more relaxed. T-shirts and flip-flops will be much more prevalent than button-up shirts and ties, so expect to see a lot more people wearing them. You will have a difficult time finding a better place to relax and enjoy the present than Florida.
There are so many things to do both inside and outside
In Florida, there is no lack of things to do. Residents can spend a lot of time outdoors engaging in activities ranging from water sports to cultural experiences because there are more than 200 sunny days per year. In Florida, swimming, boating, scuba diving, paddle boarding, and fishing are all common water sports. In addition, a number of attractions, including Disney World and Universal Studios, are conveniently located for locals. There is a ton to do in Miami, thanks to the city’s many hotels and restaurants with art deco designs and the annual Art Basel event.
Florida living won’t break the bank
The majority of Florida’s communities are very affordable compared to many other states in the union, despite the fact that major cities like Miami can have a higher-than-average cost of living. Florida’s housing, healthcare, and goods and services are all below the national average.
Consider moving to Jacksonville in Florida, if you want a city with a low cost of living because it is 9 percent less expensive than the average American city. Alternatively, you could relocate inland to a place like Brooksville, where the cost of living is 18% lower than the national average.
Affordable Housing
You may be able to find very affordable housing in the state, depending on where you move. For instance, according to Realtor.com, the median listing price of a home in Tallahassee is $249,900, while the median listing price of a home in Jacksonville is $279,000.
Of course, a home in Miami, Destin, or another coastal city will cost much more. Additionally, there are bidding wars that are pushing prices up because Florida is such a popular place to relocate right now. However, you can still find a home for a lot less than the $408,100 national median sales price, per the Federal Reserve Economic Data website.
It’s simple to locate a job
One of the largest GDPs (gross domestic product) in the country is in Florida. In actuality, the state’s GDP is comparable to that of Mexico as a whole. Unsurprisingly, running an economy of that size requires a large workforce, and employment opportunities are plentiful. Aviation, cleantech, financial services, information technology, manufacturing, distribution, and tourism are a few of the top industries. The jobs aren’t always well-paying ones; it must be said. However, you shouldn’t have any trouble finding a good job in Florida if you have a degree or experience in a profession that is in demand.
A wonderful place to retire is in Florida
The state is among the most retirement-friendly in the country if your working days are over. Not only is there no state income tax in Florida, but there is also no tax on retirement income, including Social Security benefits. Additionally, there are no estate or inheritance taxes.
Eight Florida cities dominate U.S. News & World Report’s top 10 list of the best places to retire: Sarasota, Naples, Daytona Beach, Melbourne, Tampa, Fort Myers, Port St. Lucie, and Pensacola.
The culture of sports is strong
Florida has some of the best sports teams in the nation to support, whether it be in professional or collegiate competitions. Florida has three professional football teams, whereas the majority of states only have one, two, or none. There are two professional basketball teams, two professional hockey teams, and two professional baseball teams in Florida.
The Miami Heat, Miami Dolphins, Jacksonville Jaguars, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Orlando Magic, Tampa Bay Rays, and Miami Marlins are well-known sports franchises in the state. Colleges with teams for students and alumni to support include the University of Florida and Florida State University.
The food and beverages are delicious
Florida is home to a wide variety of delicious dining options, from its famous stone crabs to its locally brewed craft beers. It is a haven for fresh produce thanks to its diverse climate zones and thriving farms, including its famous oranges, sugarcane, tomatoes, watermelon, avocados, and strawberries.
Key lime pie and coconut shrimp are just two examples of Caribbean and Island-inspired cuisine that is widely available in Florida restaurants. You can find nearby fresh and delectable food wherever you are in Florida.
Vacations can be taken close to home
You won’t ever need to leave Florida again for a vacation if you live there. There are hundreds of vacation (read: staycation) options for you, all within a few hours of driving distance, thanks to the state’s numerous beaches, theme parks, and attractions. There are plenty of fun and exciting places to visit in your own state, from the secluded sandy beaches along the Gulf Coast to the family-friendly theme parks of Disney World.
Is Florida a Good Place to Live: Disadvantages
Florida is a wonderful place to live, but there are a few cons you should be aware of before moving there.
All year round, there are vacationers
Florida no longer has an off-season, though it does slow down a little in the summer. This means that for the majority of the year, you’ll have to contend with busy beaches, heavy traffic near tourist attractions, and lengthy waits at restaurants. By going out during off-peak hours or visiting locations that are not popular with tourists, you can reduce some of the inconvenience.
The climate is not always ideal
Yes, Florida experiences warm winters and an abundance of sunny days. But the summer months can also be incredibly hot and humid. If that wasn’t bad enough, Florida is also the nation’s lightning capital and experiences a lot of rain from June through September, according to the National Weather Service. Because lightning can strike anywhere, sirens will sound to alert you to stay indoors when lightning is a possibility.
You must have flood insurance
A sizable portion of Florida is vulnerable to flooding from hurricane surge waters because the state is a peninsula. Your insurance provider will require you to have flood insurance if you live in a low-lying area, and it is expensive. Your annual flood insurance premiums could range from $190 to more than $2,000, depending on the zone you live in. For instance, a policy in Tampa typically costs $859.
Allergies are a frequent issue.
In Florida, allergy season lasts all year long. Grass pollen is problematic from April to October. From May through December, ragweed and dog fennel trigger allergies, while oak and pine trees produce pollen for most of the year. The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America reports that allergies are a problem in a number of Florida cities. In fact, the foundation’s list of the nation’s allergy capitals includes both Miami and Jacksonville.
You might come across some wildlife
Ignore the more than 80 different species of mosquitoes that can be found in the state and the fire ants that occasionally appear on almost every property. Snakes and gators can be found in Florida. When you mow your lawn, you’re more likely to see a snake curled up in the grass, but you might also see a gator relaxing on the golf course or by the side of the road. Although neither typically wants to interact with you, you might have to deal with them.
The level of crime
Most people want to know if a new state is safe before moving there. For violent crime in 2020, Florida came in at number 27. Unsurprisingly, big cities have more violent crimes than smaller towns do. Miami is considered to be more dangerous than 93% of US cities and has the highest rate of violent crimes in the state.
Is Florida a desirable location for retirees?
Yes, Florida is frequently cited as a top retirement destination. Many older adults who want to spend their retirement years in a comfortable setting are attracted to the state by its warm, sunny climate. Florida is an affordable place for retirees to live due to its low state tax rate and affordable cost of living.
Florida offers retirees a wealth of recreational opportunities and tourist attractions in addition to its pleasant climate and low cost of living. Many beaches, golf courses, parks, and cultural attractions can be found in the state, giving retirees many opportunities to stay active and involved. Additionally, Florida is renowned for having a strong healthcare system, which is a crucial factor for many retirees. These elements support Florida’s standing as a top retirement destination.
Are there income taxes in Florida?
No, there is no state income tax in Florida. As a result of being able to keep more of their income, retirees and other residents find the state to be attractive as a place to live. Florida residents do not need to file a state tax return each year because there is no state income tax, which makes tax season a little easier.
Florida does not have a state income tax, but it does have other revenue sources like sales taxes, property taxes, and tourist taxes. This is important to keep in mind. Florida’s state sales tax is 6%; however, additional local taxes may raise the overall sales tax rate.
How much money is necessary to live in Florida comfortably?
The amount of money needed to live comfortably in Florida varies depending on a number of variables, including the person’s lifestyle, location, and preferences. To live comfortably, a household in Florida is thought to require an annual income of between $50,000 and $60,000. A modest standard of living, including housing, food, transportation, healthcare, other necessities, and some recreational activities, would be possible with this amount.
Your cost of living will be higher, and you might need a higher income to maintain a comfortable standard of living if you want to live in a major city like Miami or Orlando. On the other hand, you might be able to make do with a lower income if you choose to live in a more rural or suburban area. Florida has a lower cost of living overall than many other states, especially states with high state income taxes.
How long should my relocation to Florida take?
The size of your household, the distance of your move, and the level of preparation needed will all affect how much time is needed to plan a move to Florida. As a general rule, it is advised to plan at least two to three months in advance. This will give you enough time to make all the required preparations and arrangements, including finding a new place to live, packing up your belongings, and moving into your new house.
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Is Florida a Good Place to Live: References
