Moving from New York to Florida
Florida has consistently ranked as one of the top inbound states meaning that lots of people have chosen to relocate there. If you have decided to make the long distance move from New York City to Florida you are in for a treat. After all, the nickname “The Sunshine State,” says it all. New Yorkers moving to Florida will get to trade in blustery cold winters for year round warmth and sunshine. If that isn’t enough to entice you, perhaps the lower cost of living, incredible beaches, and loads of outdoor attractions will. Florida is literally bursting with things to do and can be a great lifestyle change from the hustle and bustle of the Big Apple. This will, however, be quite a change so here are a few tips to help with your relocation.
Benefits of Moving from New York City to Florida
Florida is the southernmost state in the country and is known for its tropical climate, diverse wildlife, and plentiful beaches. However, the state is quite large and has more to offer residents than just white sandy beaches. The Sunshine State is also home to large metropolises such as Orlando, Tampa, and Miami which can be quite reminiscent of a big city like NYC. Other parts of the state such as Tallahassee, Jacksonville, Sarasota, and Palm Beach provide a more southern feel. This diversified state offers a little something for everyone and has huge incentives for New Yorkers who are looking for a new home. Here are just a few of the incredible benefits the state of Florida has to offer.
Great Weather
It would be impossible to talk about the benefits of living in Florida without first mentioning the weather. Florida is nicknamed “The Sunshine State” because it is warm and sunny most days. While residents can expect heat and humidity during the summer months, they are treated to warm and breezy days in the winter. New Yorkers who move to Florida can say “goodbye” to shoveling snow and get ready for t-shirts and flip-flops year round. The pleasant weather also means you can plan an outdoor activity any time of the year.
Cost of Living
You will find that the cost of living in Florida is dramatically cheaper than New York City. While real estate costs will vary depending on where you live in the state, even the most expensive cities in Florida are still cheaper than Manhattan. In fact, the median home cost in Miami is $336,000 while NYC is a staggering $662,000. That means NYC is 53% more expensive than Miami. In addition to cheaper housing, Florida is also one of seven states that does not have a state income tax. This lack of state income tax affords Florida residents the opportunity to save more of their hard-earned money.
In fact, Florida has a significantly lower overall cost of living compared to New York in nearly every category:
- Housing – New York median home price is $662,000 vs Florida median of $299,900 (*1)
- Groceries – 10-15% cheaper in Florida (*2)
- Utilities – 10-20% lower costs for electric, gas, water, etc. (*3)
- Transportation – No state income tax and lower gas taxes make owning a car cheaper (*4)
Beautiful Beaches
Even if you live inland, the beaches are never far away when you live in Florida. Residents of the state have easy access to some of the world’s best and most beautiful beaches. Some of these award winning beaches include Sarasota’s Siesta Beach, Clearwater Beach, Pensacola Beach, Delray Beach, Grayton Beach, and Miami Beach just to name a few.
So Many Things to Do
Thanks to its ample sunshine, residents have plenty of opportunities to spend time outdoors swimming, boating, fishing, scuba diving, or just relaxing on the beach. Residents also have easy access to incredible attractions including Disney World, Sea World, and Universal Studios in Orlando. Further south in the state residents can explore Everglades National Park, the Florida Keys, and experience some of the best fishing in the world. Miami’s art deco district is also filled with incredible restaurants, shopping, and exhilarating nightlife. If that’s not enough, sports lovers will have their fill cheering on the state’s many professional sports teams.
Most Popular Cities to Live in Florida
Miami
Miami is so much more than nightclubs and spring break tourists. It is the most vibrant and culturally diverse city in Florida and has become one of the largest international business hubs in the world. Miami draws young professionals working in the trade and financial industries but its suburbs also cater to families. While there is certainly no shortage of partying going on in this vibrant city, residents also enjoy spending time at the beach and enjoying nearby natural areas such as the Everglades and Biscayne Bay.
Tampa
Tampa is among the most popular inbound cities thanks to its thriving economy, low cost of living, and variety of recreational activities. It has drawn the attention of Major League Baseball with a number of teams making it their home for spring training. It also boasts a large military presence as well as a number of small businesses. Furthermore, the city is home to beautiful coastal beaches, and plenty of boating and fishing opportunities.
Jacksonville
Jacksonville is ranked among the Top 50 Best Places to Live thanks to its pristine coastlines, affordable cost of living, culturally diverse communities, and thrilling attractions. Jacksonville offers loads of family fun and great neighborhoods that are affordable. It is also home to miles of coastline, abundant waterways, and hundreds of piers so residents can enjoy fishing, swimming, surfing, diving, or sunset cruises. The city also boasts a host of excellent restaurants, thriving nightlife, and a short drive from other major cities.
Orlando
Aside from Disney World, Universal Studios, Sea World and an abundance of other attractions, Orlando has plenty to offer its residents. It is a prime location for businesses, living, and recreation. While the cost of living in Orlando is slightly higher than the national average, it is still very affordable compared to New York City. The city is also home to four professional sports teams, great shopping and restaurants, loads of concerts and outdoor festivals, and ideal weather.
Cost of Moving from New York City to Florida
A long distance New York City to Florida move can be quite costly, which is why working with a professional, affordable moving company is key. Here is a detailed breakdown of average relocation costs:
- The average linehaul moving cost with Allied is $3,000
- Total average costs range between $3,000 to $12,000 depending on multiple factors:
- Professional long-distance movers – Average costs between $3,000-$5,000 based on amount of items and distance. Get binding estimates.
- Packing materials & services – Buying boxes and supplies yourself may cost $200+; Full-pack services around $800+
- Storage fees – Can expect to pay $100 to $200+ monthly for container storage
- Transportation costs – Rental trucks can run $1,000+ for insurance, fees, mileage, etc.
- New housing expenses – First month's rent, security deposits generally $2,000+
- Total estimate $5k+ for small moves, $10k+ for larger homes
Of course there are many variables that will determine the exact cost such as distance of the move, the number of items being moved, and additional services such as packing and unpacking. The best way to get an accurate quote is by using our Instaquote listed above.
Additional Considerations
Understanding Florida's Real Estate Market
The Florida real estate market remains strong, though prices vary widely by metro area. Many popular coastal cities saw double-digit home price growth in 2022. Rental demand is also outpacing supply in cities like Miami and Tampa.
Orlando offers relative affordability for homebuyers while still having a strong job market. Jacksonville and Tallahassee have more moderate home prices as well. Condos can offer cheaper options around major metro areas too.
Getting to Know Florida's Job Market
Major industries like tourism, real estate, healthcare, finance, and technology help bolster Florida’s overall strong economy. Cities like Miami and Tampa have become emerging tech and startup hubs.
Unemployment remains low, under 3% statewide. Salaries do tend to be lower than northeast cities for some roles. Sales, business, healthcare, and service jobs remain plentiful.
Understanding Cultural and Lifestyle Differences
Florida’s warm climate lends itself to an outdoor, active lifestyle year-round. Beachgoing, boating, theme parks, and golf are popular weekend pastimes. Yet major metros like Miami offer plenty of urban amenities like arts, culture, nightlife and pro sports teams.
Politics lean more conservative than New York while communities reflect more Hispanic/Latino influence. Snowbirds and retirees flock to smaller coastal towns for a slower pace of living. Evaluate an area’s demographics and values before deciding where to move.
How to Move from New York City to Florida
Cross-country moves require additional attention to detail to ensure the move is as seamless as possible. You need to start preparing well in advance because unlike a local move, you won’t have the opportunity to make multiple trips. Thus, you need to be sure you plan accordingly to avoid unnecessary stress. Due to the complexity of a long distance move, it is advisable to work with a professional moving company to ensure your move is executed properly from start to finish. Allied has over 90 years of moving experience and we know exactly what it takes to conquer a long distance move. We are available to help you every step of the way to ensure your move is as seamless as possible.
Call today for more information or get a quote using our Instaquote above!
Additional Tips for a Smooth Move:
- Work with a dedicated move consultant to coordinate details
- Audit all items and belongings before the movers arrive
- Properly handle vehicle registration, driver's license and voter registration after relocating
- Consult a legal professional to understand state-specific regulations
Sources:
*4 - https://taxfoundation.org/best-worst-states-gas-taxes-2022/, https://wallethub.com/edu/best-worst-states-to-be-a-taxpayer/2416