The Sunshine State awaits in all its glory. But before you start packing, get up to speed on all the ins and outs of what moving to Florida really entails.
Florida has become a popular destination in recent years, even competing with Texas for the highest number of new residents.
It remains a popular destination in 2024 due to its affordable living costs, tax benefits, beautiful weather, and diverse lifestyle options.
Below we reveal some of the lesser-known benefits and controversies associated with moving to Florida that you don’t want to miss.
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Many people are choosing to move to Florida for economic reasons, such as the lower cost of living compared to places like California, New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania.
Although inflation and rising prices are national issues, Florida, especially South Florida, feels this more because of its popularity, which drives up costs faster than in other regions.
Despite these increases, Florida still remains more affordable in terms of housing costs, property taxes, and insurance compared to the other states, making it an attractive option for many relocators.
Florida attracts many business owners because of its great tax laws and fewer regulations, making it easier to run a profitable business compared to other states.
The state boasts strong areas in finance, aviation, hospitality, and recently, crypto, offering many job opportunities; however, the local salary levels may not match those in other states that many are coming from.
While remote work options allowed many to maintain their jobs while moving to Florida, the trend of remote work is decreasing, requiring some to return to the office, which complicates living in Florida if the job requires physical presence in states like New York or California.
Florida is known for being a tax-friendly state, offering decent benefits such as no state income tax, which saves residents thousands of dollars each year compared to other states ranging from 3% to 9%.
The state also supports retirees with tax exemptions on retirement benefits including social security, pensions, and income from 401(k)s and IRAs, making it an attractive location for retirement.
Additionally, Florida homeowners can benefit from a homestead exemption that reduces property taxes by up to $50,000 and limits the annual increase in property tax assessments, plus there’s no inheritance tax, which is great for residents and their heirs, especially as property values rise.
Florida’s warm weather and outdoor lifestyle are major bonuses for people tired of chilly winters, offering an opportunity to enjoy more time outside year-round, especially during the colder months.
While the state does experience hot summers and a hurricane season, the overall beautiful weather and abundance of activities keep it a popular destination for both living and vacationing.
This consistently pleasant climate is why many choose Florida as a relocation spot, especially those seeking to escape seasonal depression.
Many people are moving to Florida because they think of it as a state with more freedom of choice.
Despite media portrayals that suggest otherwise, areas like South Florida are politically mixed, and daily life typically involves people of all views living harmoniously without major public conflicts.
Overall, newcomers often cite fewer restrictions on their personal freedoms as a significant factor in their decision to move to Florida, enjoying a community where people generally live and let live.
The concept of “Blue Mind,” which describes the calming and relaxing effects of being near bodies of water like the ocean or the Gulf, is apparent in Florida, especially for those living close to the beach.
This sense of calm has been supported by neuroscience, showing positive effects on our bodies and well-being.
Many people in Florida, take advantage of this by enjoying activities such as morning or sunset beach walks, which are proven to improve our mental health.
In Florida, living near bodies of freshwater means coexisting with alligators, as virtually every large freshwater area is likely to have them, especially during mating seasons.
Besides alligators, residents often encounter various bugs, critters, and snakes, even in suburban areas, making regular pest control services a necessity for many homeowners.
If you prefer to avoid close encounters with wildlife, opting for life in a high-rise condo in cities like Miami might be a better choice, as it reduces the likelihood of encountering alligators and other wildlife.
Traffic in Florida has worsened in many areas due to the large number of people moving to the state.
Cities like Miami, Tampa, and Orlando are particularly known for heavy traffic, so if you prefer to avoid congestion, you may want to consider this before deciding where to live.
It’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with the local traffic patterns of any area in Florida you’re thinking about moving to.
Florida has some of the most beautiful beaches in the country, including CS Beach, which has been voted the number one beach in the U.S. multiple times, thanks to its powder-like sand and wide shoreline.
Miami Beach is also notable, offering a vibrant scene perfect for people-watching.
Regardless of whether you’re on the East Coast enjoying sunrises or the West Coast savoring sunsets, living in Florida means you’re never too far from a beach.
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