Florida remains a popular destination for relocating Americans, with about 329,717 people moving to the State between April 2020 and April 2021. In fact, the state was ranked at the top of the most preferred states for new residents in America in 2020.
Few states have witnessed more population growth than the Sunshine State in recent years. The trend is set to continue, with the number of residents in America’s southeasternmost state expected to surpass 26 million by 2030 from almost 22 million in 2021.
If you’ve been planning a move to Florida, there are a few essential things you need to do to make the transition a smooth one for you and your family. This guide offers all the information you need to prepare for your new life in Florida.
Let’s delve right in.
Know About the Benefits and Drawbacks of Living in Florida
Regardless of the part of Florida you decide to move to, there’ll be certain pros and cons to living there. Take your time to assess how living in a particular region will influence your family’s daily life, both now and in the long term.
So, what are the pros of living in Florida? Residents love the fact that there’s no state income tax, which can make a huge difference in your finances. You’ll also notice that housing costs in Florida tend to be lower than in most other states.
Florida is also famous for outstanding outdoor entertainment, including world-class beaches. The state is also warm throughout the year, so you don’t have to worry about the snow. As a resident, you also stand to enjoy discounts when visiting Florida’s world-acclaimed local attractions.
But moving to Florida does have its drawbacks as well. For instance, many parts of the state face hurricanes, as well as extreme heat. Insurance costs in this state are also a bit higher than in many other states.
Knowing about the pros and cons of Florida when you’re planning a move helps you prepare mentally for what to expect once you move there.
Research Florida’s Top Cities
Different people have different ideas as to which part of Florida is the best to live in. As an individual, you’ll need to take the time to weigh all the strengths and drawbacks of a certain location and make a decision on whether it suits your needs. Or perhaps, what you need is a beach town in Florida, if that’s the case, search ‘What are the best beach towns in Florida?‘ on the internet to find out. Making the right decision here is essential as it determines whether you go on to enjoy life as a Florida resident.
Thankfully, Florida has dozens of cities that are fun to settle in. Many of these cities have close proximity to gorgeous beaches. Some of the most popular cities in this state are Pensacola, Jacksonville, Tallahassee, Orlando, Clearwater, St. Petersburg, Tampa, Fort Myers, Sarasota, Fort Lauderdale, and Miami.
The population and home prices differ depending on which city you choose. Pick several areas that interest you in different parts of Florida, and spend a few days in each to get a good feel of where you might want to live.
Decide Between Buying and Renting a Home
Depending on how long you plan to live in Florida, you may decide whether to purchase a home or rent one. If you’re planning on a permanent move, then buying a home may make the most sense. These single family homes may interest you.
Note that housing markets in Florida fluctuate depending on the number of people moving in and out of the specific area you’re considering. Work with a competent real estate agent to hone in on great home deals.
If you decide that renting is best for you, get familiar with your rights as a tenant in this state. This way, you can always tell what landlord behavior is and is not acceptable.
Make a List of Enjoyable Things to Do in Florida
The best way to enjoy life in Florida is to fully integrate your life with everything the Sunshine State offers. People immediately associate Florida with jaw-dropping beaches and attractions, but there’s much more. There’s a treasure-trove of hidden perks that Florida residents savor all year round.
Take the time to find all the activities that truly speak to you. Make time to go out and enjoy these activities.
One of the things you may want to do as a Florida resident is to take relaxing vacations to different beach destinations in the state. You can also visit Busch Gardens, Universal Studios, and other world-famous attractions in Florida. The Cape Canaveral Air Force Station and the Kennedy Space Center are other popular attractions you and your family may want to savor.
Make a Relocation Checklist to Ensure a Stress-Free Move
Now that you’ve picked the perfect area in Florida to settle in and found a great home for your family, it’s time to make the official move. As you probably already know, moving house can be a tiresome affair. Things get even tougher when you’re relocating across the country.
The best way to stay on top of things during a relocation is to make a detailed moving checklist. Break down the checklist into sections detailing what you’ll do each week. Set at least four weeks to complete the move.
Be sure to mark key dates on your checklist, such as when utilities in your current home will shut off. You’ll also need to identify the specific data you plan to do certain tasks, such as when to rent a temporary storage unit for your items.
Plan Your Move to Florida the Right Way
Making the move to Florida can change your life in a massive way. That’s why you need to take the time to plan the move, so everything goes well. The moving tips we’ve shared in this guide can help make your transition a smooth one.
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