Florida is known for its vibrant cities, beautiful beaches, and perfect weather. Residents enjoy year-round attractions like the Everglades National Park, amusem*nt parks, and nautical recreation.
What more could you ask for from a place to live?
It's no wonder why so many people are moving to Florida! If you're ready to pack your bags and settle down near the beach, North American Van Lines® is here to help. We're one of the best moving companies in Florida, and we've helped many families and individuals achieve a smooth, stress-free transition.
Are You Moving to Florida?
Florida is more than just another tourist destination. The state has a little bit of everything for everyone, and that is why retirees, young professionals, and families are leaving their current hometowns to settle down near the beach or enjoy the year-round sun. Before moving to Florida, we recommend creating a moving to Florida checklist to help you prepare for your relocation.
Alongside our North American Van Lines moving checklist that you can use to pack and prepare at your current home, check out the information below as a moving to Florida checklist guide to help you become a Floridian!
Preparing for Florida’s Weather
From the outside looking in, Florida seems like the perfect state to live for the weather. The winters are mild and wet; if you live near the beach, you don't need to worry about the temperature dropping below 65 degrees. At the same time, people who live more inland in cities like Tallahassee may get colder winters, around 45-50 degrees. In spring and fall, you can expect sunny and 75-degree weather.
However, the summers are very humid and hot. Hurricane season begins at the beginning of summer and continues throughout fall. If you aren't accustomed to hurricanes, you'll need to take some time to educate yourself on how to prepare for severe weather, especially if you live in Northwest Florida or near Key West.
Finding Your Home
The Florida housing market is competitive. Before moving to Florida, you'll want to compare renting prices versus buying and find a city that aligns with your budget. Cities with the lowest cost of living in Florida include:
- Lakeland
- Jacksonville
- Palm Bay
- Daytona
The most expensive places to live in Florida are:
- Miami
- Palm Beach
- Key West
- Naples
If you're unfamiliar with the different cities in Florida and have some flexibility for where you can live, consider renting for a while to find which city or neighborhood accommodates your lifestyle. This also gives you time to compare housing prices and find the perfect home.
Employment and Economy
Florida isn't necessarily a "cheap" state. According to Bankrate, the cost of living in Florida is equal to the national average. Utilities are ranked 1% higher than the national average, and housing costs will vary from community to community.
However, there is no income tax, so you may see more cash on your paycheck every month. Florida also has a thriving job market, with many jobs in the steel, hospitality, entertainment, and healthcare industries.
Integrating into Florida's Community
The lifestyle in Florida is much different than in other states. For starters, the extreme weather can put your home at risk, especially during hurricane seasons. For peace of mind, you'll need to consider investing in homeowner's insurance and have a plan in place if you ever need to evacuate or stay somewhere for a while. It's also generally recommended that you have an emergency supply of food, water, and supplies that will last you at least a week.
Wildlife is a big part of the state, from alligators and snakes to manatees and sharks. Some of the wildlife is extremely dangerous, so you'll need to exercise extreme caution.
Lastly, Florida is known for its rich history, vibrant food scene, and outdoor recreation. Once you make the move, you'll find yourself constantly on the go, ready to explore everything the state offers.
Navigating Transportation and Travel
Public transportation is pretty impressive in Florida. You'll find that the state has bus transportation, ferries, railways, and tramways throughout the different cities. If you find yourself in Miami, you can also take a quick three-hour ferry ride to the Bahamas for the weekend. Most major cities like Hollywood, Orlando, and Clearwater also have their own trolley transportation to help you get around the city or visit some of the major tourist destinations.
If you're moving to Florida, it's important to remember just how big it is. It would take you nearly 13 hours to drive from the top to the bottom of the state. So, while there are many different ways to get around Florida, most people moving to the state have their own car.
Engaging with Florida's Culture and Community
Each city in Florida has its own vibrant community and culture. You'll find fun-filled family events for must, art, and culture on the weekend throughout the different neighborhoods. Communities like Little Havana are home to large Cuban populations and great Cuban restaurants. While neighborhoods like The Villages, Ocala and Lakeland are known for their large retirement communities. If you're a young professional wanting to jumpstart your career, West Palm Beach, Tampa, and Gainesville are the best communities to consider.
Each community is unique. Before moving to Florida, take some time to research the different areas to ensure that they complement your lifestyle.
Education and Family Life
Florida has a highly ranked education system. The U.S. News ranked Florida number one in higher education and number 14 for Pre-K-12. So whether you're moving to Florida to start your college career or need a public school for your little ones, you're sure to find a highly ranked school in your area.
Florida also has many different family-friendly attractions. If you aren't at Disney World or Universal Studios, you can enjoy well-kept parks, state beaches, and other community events. Whether you want to kayak and surf or expand your horizons at Discovery Cove, you can feel confident your family will never be bored!
Enjoying the Tourism and Beaches
Of course, if you're moving to Florida, you must take some time to enjoy the many tourist attractions and beautiful beaches the state has to offer. Some of the most popular tourist attractions include:
- Magic Kingdom Park
- Walt Disney World Resort
- Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park
- Universal Orlando Resort
- Everglades National Park
- SeaWorld Orlando
While the best beaches in Florida include:
- Panama City Beach
- Boca Raton
- Vero Beach
- Cocoa Beach
- Siesta Beach
If you're moving to Florida, you can look forward to spending your weekends exploring the many attractions. We recommend adding all your must-see attractions to your moving to Florida checklist to ensure you have time to see them all!
Moving to Florida With North American Van Lines
So, why are people moving to Florida? From the quality of life to the abundance of tourist attractions, you'll always be entertained in a state like Florida.
Whether you're moving to start a career or buy your first home, North American Van Lines is here to help. We're one of the best moving companies in Florida, and we'll ensure your relocation is as stress-free as possible!
Contact us today for a free, no-obligation quote.
Start your free quote now!
Call 1-800-228-3092 to speak to a representative.
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