Along Florida’s coastline, the pristine shorelines are a compelling draw, beckoning outsiders to the balmy year-round weather, especially those in the throes of harsh, cold New York winters. Countless people answer the call each year, driving Florida up to the top spots as one of the inbound states.
If you’re thinking of moving south to bask in the warm temperatures, there are a few things to consider.
What To Expect From Florida
Moving from New York to Florida will be a considerable change, and not only in temperature.
State Tax
Florida is one of seven states that doesn’t assess a state income tax. It is a zero-tax state, which makes the cost of living reasonably low, especially in comparison to New York City.
Transportation
If you relied on public transportation to get around in New York City, this one would be a significant adjustment. In the Sunshine State, public transport is limited. Some of the larger cities do have decent transit systems, but many of them do not. As a result, you will likely need a car to get around most of the places in the state.
If that’s an issue, consider living in a larger city like Miami. Miami scores reasonably well on transit, as well as bike-ability and walkability.
Purchasing A Home
Buying a house in New York City may have seemed unattainable for many people, given the price tags on many homes. The average cost to purchase a median home in NYC exceeds $600,000. In Florida, however, the average cost of a home is $200,000. Although it is slightly higher than the national average, it pales compared to the average price of homes in NYC.
Weather
The long, beautiful stretches of sand, flanked by cerulean water and warm, sunny weather, appeals to many people and play a significant role in attracting new residents. Though the weather is usually sunny for most of the year, the state is in a zone targeted by storms that blow in from the Atlantic. As a result, the state is prone to thunderstorms and tropical storms, such as hurricanes that whirl in from the Atlantic.
Also, going hand in hand with the warm weather comes high humidity percentages. The state can experience extreme temperature fluctuations as well.
Cities located inland in northern Florida, such as Tallahassee and Jacksonville, experience chilly weather in the winter. Tallahassee has been known to experience snow occasionally, but it doesn’t happen very often. Temperatures in these two cities may dip into the thirties during the winter but experience warm to hot weather most of the year.
Moving further down towards the coast, cities like Miami and Fort Lauderdale experience hot and humid weather. Breezes swirling in from the ocean help manage temperatures during the summertime, but winter months can become sweltering.
Main Attractions
As a theme-park-rich state, there is plenty to do in Florida. From the world-famous Walt Disney World Resort, SeaWorld, Universal Orlando Resort, Legoland, and the Florida Aquarium, you’ll have more than plenty to do.
Florida is also home to the Everglades National Park, so be sure to stop in there to see the massive wetlands preserve. Furthermore, it is home to an abundance of wildlife, including thousands of alligators, so proceed with caution.
Economy
Florida boasts a booming economy backed by tourism, international trade, space, construction, agriculture, and service industries. As a result, employment opportunities are abundant, so individuals searching for a job-rich state have found one.
When Should You Move?
Especially when moving to Florida, which is a hub for tourists, timing is important. Florida is a major attraction for ‘snowbirds,’ which are people that travel to the state to avoid winter weather. The influx in visitors during the winter makes moving in the winter months a bit busier.
However, moving during the summer comes with its own set of challenges. Most people move in the summer, which can drive up costs. The summer months are also peak season for hurricanes and other tropical storms, which can cause unexpected delays as the truck gets caught up waiting for the storm to move through.
Shipping Your Vehicle
If you don’t want to drive your vehicle the 1,000 plus miles from New York City to Florida, you can ship your car. High year-round demand stabilizes car shipping prices, making them relatively affordable. Depending on the vehicle you need to be shipped, expect to pay anywhere between $700 and $1,400. Of course, the cost may be higher, but that will depend on your situation.
To avoid full trucks or seasonal price jumps, book your car’s slot a few weeks to a month in advance to help guarantee your spot. Delivery windows vary based on the transport company you choose but expect between a few days to a week. The transport company should provide you with some sort of timeline so you can plan accordingly.
Preparing To Move
Once you’ve decided to make the trek south to Florida, you have a few things on your to-do list. First, to make things easier for you on the trip, get rid of the things that don’t work or that you no longer use.
Donate or sell the items that are still in good shape, which will help lighten your load on your journey. Eliminating the items you don’t need anymore may also reduce your expenses for your trip, especially if you hire professionals to lend a helping hand.
Enlist The Help Of Professional Movers
Moving can be stressful, especially considering the lengthy to-do list that accompanies moving out of state. Treks across a single state line can feel overwhelming, not to mention a cross-country move from a northern state to the southern coastline.
If you are feeling overwhelmed with the thought of moving, consider enlisting the help of a professional team. Here at Born To Move NYC, we know how tough it can be to check off all of the boxes on your checklist, much less worry about packing and moving all of your belongings hundreds of miles.
Whether you need help with packing, moving locally, or moving from New York City down to Florida, we are here to help. To get started with a quote, visit our website and fill out the information slots or give us a call at (617) 903-2909 today.
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