Moving from NYC to Florida – What to Expect?
f you have your heart set on moving to the Sunshine State, you’re not alone. According to some researches, Florida is likely to surpass New York City as the third most populous state. There are many pros to moving from NYC to Florida. Sunny days, picturesque beaches, wonderful coastline, and enough great things to satisfy even the most refined of tastes. There’s a lot to discover in this state, as it’s much more than white-sand beaches. It will give you tax benefits, job opportunities, and other benefits if you’re a retiree. On the other hand, there are a few cons that will not necessarily rock your boat, but it’s still good to be aware of them.
Moving from NYC to Florida is so thrilling that you may forget to research and get prepared for a lifestyle change. You’ll find a different climate and a new lifestyle. You’ll make new friends and find a new job or school. All those things can be a bit of a shock at first, but eventually, you’ll manage to settle in. To help you get ready for moving long-distance, we’ve prepared a shortlist of the most important things you’ll notice when you move away from the Big Apple. Here’s a quick guide on moving from NYC to Florida – what to expect?
Amazing weather
The first thing that comes to mind when leaving NYC for a sunny Florida is amazing weather. After all, its nickname is the Sunshine State. For those who don’t like winters, especially the harsh ones in New York, their new Florida home will be a perfect choice. You can ditch your heavy winter coats and get plenty of summer outfits.
On the other hand, weather conditions are not always perfect. Tropical storms come as no surprise to Florida residents. During the hurricane season, you may experience showers, thunderstorms, floods, and power cuts. But, that’s an inevitable part of living here and you should get used to it eventually.
Breathtaking beaches
If you’re dreaming about sipping on a cold drink under the palm tree on a picturesque beach, moving to Florida is a smart decision. Think of spending a weekend at the beach that’s only a drive away regardless of the season. You can enjoy swimming, paddling, or any other water sport. Or you can just sit back, relax, and watch an amazing sunset. The water is great since the tropical current of the Atlantic Ocean makes it warm for swimming. If you’re a surfer then Florida got your back as well. It has one of the warmest surf waters in the U.S. Another great thing about having access to the ocean and beach is that you can have freshly caught seafood anytime, as there are many beach restaurants with patios.
Cost of living
When it comes to the cost of living, Florida is definitely not a cheap state, especially if you move to one of the big cities like Miami, Tampa, Orlando, etc. While it’s not cheap in general, it is more affordable compared to NYC, and that’s especially important for renters – even if you rent in Miami you’ll still pay much less than you would in New York.
The difference in rent is even bigger if you choose one of the smaller towns in Florida. Another important fact regarding living costs is that there’s no income tax in Florida. There are federal taxes, but you don’t have to pay tax for your income, and this attracts many people, especially those who live in countries with high-income taxes. Florida’s tax burden has also been ranked as one of the lowest in the nation. What also attracts people to the Sunshine State is that it gives you a high possibility of finding a low-skilled job.
Humidity
Being surrounded by water and having the tropical current from the Gulf of Mexico, Florida gets a lot of humidity, so the air is often extremely humid. You’ll accept the fact eventually, but after a while, you’ll probably want to spend lots of time in spaces with A/C. This is not necessarily a deal-breaker, but it’s always good to know what to expect when moving from NYC to Florida.
Transportation
Here comes the big difference between NYC and Florida – how to get around? You’re certainly used to hopping on public transportation in New York and not worrying about buying a car. Well, you’ll probably want to get one after you move to Florida. Most residents own a car and drive instead of relying on public transportation. So many drivers lead to traffic jams and drivers here don’t have the best reputation, so you’ll have to arm yourself with patience once you become a driver in Florida.
Things to do
If you’re worried if you’ll find enough activities in Florida, rest assured you won’t get bored, especially if you move to a bigger city. You can do so many things outdoors, including swimming, surfing, fishing, boating, or scuba diving, you’ll find an abundance of great restaurants, shopping, and amazing nightlife. There are also plenty of famous attractions, including Disney World, Everglades National Park, SeaWorld Orlando, Universal Studios in Orlando, etc.
Moving from NYC to Florida
The best way to move long-distance is to hire professional movers. Long-distance moving is a complex process that requires thorough planning and it’s not easy to DIY. When moving from one state to another, your best ally is one of the NYC interstate moving companies with lots of experience in this field. Moving far away and adapting to a new lifestyle is exciting but also difficult, so minimize the potential stress by letting professionals take care of the relocation process. If you’re looking for a licensed and trustworthy moving company to assist with moving to the Sunshine State, check out Rabbit Movers, best Movers And Storage NYC. We offer the best rates for convenient relocation and we’ll provide a free moving quote. Let’s connect.