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18 Surprising Benefits of Moving to Florida in 2023
By James F. Trumm MONEY RESEARCH COLLECTIVE
Whether you’re looking for a place to retire, start a business, or raise a family, Florida has something to offer everyone.
If you’re considering moving to Florida, you’re not alone. Florida’s population has been growing rapidly since 1946 — in fact, today, it’s the fastest-growing state in the nation. Many are drawn to Florida’s beautiful beaches, golf courses, scenic nature, affordable living and income tax advantages. This article explains all the significant benefits that living in Florida can offer.
Table of Contents
- Most of the year is sunny and warm
- Florida has top-rated beaches
- The best places to live can be found in Florida
- Mild winters
- Florida is an excellent vacation destination
- Florida boasts a rich cultural diversity
- Florida has affordable housing
- A very strong sports culture
- Cost of living in Florida
- Optimal conditions for cultivating fruits and vegetables at home
- Beautiful flora and fauna
- Florida doesn’t have income tax
- Florida is home to many retirement communities
- Job opportunities
- Excellent transportation system
- Florida is a great place to stay active
- A creative culinary scene
- Florida is a great place to raise a family
These are the main benefits of moving to the sunshine state
- Most of the year is sunny and warm
Florida is known for its warm and sunny climate, which is a significant draw for many people who want to live in a comfortable place year-round. With average temperatures ranging from the 60s to the low 80s throughout the year, Florida is an excellent place for those who enjoy outdoor activities and want to escape the cold and snow of other parts of the country.
The state’s sunny and warm climate also makes it an ideal place for retirees who enjoy outdoor activities and want to take advantage of Florida’s many golf courses and beach communities. Florida averages 237 days of the year with sunshine, truly making it the sunshine state.
- Florida has top-rated beaches
Florida is home to some of the best beaches in the world, with miles of white sandy shores and crystal-clear waters that attract millions of visitors each year. From the famous beaches of Miami to the secluded coves of the Gulf Coast, Florida offers various beach destinations perfect for families, couples and solo travelers. Some of the top-rated beaches in the state include Palm Beach, Clearwater Beach, Siesta Key Beach and Panama City Beach, all of which offer pristine waters and breathtaking sunsets.
In addition to their natural beauty, Florida’s top-rated beaches provide a wide range of recreational activities, from swimming and sunbathing to fishing and boating. With various amenities and services, including restaurants, shops and hotels, Florida’s top-rated beaches are not just a place to relax and soak up the sun but also a destination for those who want to enjoy a fun and active lifestyle.
- The best places to live can be found in Florida
Florida provides a wide range of options for those looking for the best places to live. From bustling cities to quiet suburbs, Florida has something to offer everyone. Some of the best places to live in Florida include Jacksonville, Sarasota, Orlando, Gainesville and Tampa, which are known for their thriving economies, vibrant cultures, and attractive lifestyles.
| Top places | Population | Average Salary | Median Home Price |
| Tampa | 387,050 | $40,962 | $277,700 |
| Gainesville | 140,398 | $25,986 | $182,400 |
| Sarasota | 54,764 | $48,380 | $321,100 |
| Jacksonville | 954,614 | $32,654 | $203,400 |
| Orlando | 309,154 | $36,596 | $283,700 |
- Mild winters
If you want to escape the cold climates during winter, you’ll love Florida’s mild winters. While many states deal with cold and snow in winter, this is rarely a problem for Florida residents.
Florida’s coldest month is January. But even then, average temperatures in Florida range from lows of 36-66 degrees depending on whether you live in Northern or Southern Florida. The highs in January range from 60-78 degrees. Florida’s mild winters are a big reason many Americans move there yearly.
- Florida is an excellent vacation destination
Florida is a popular vacation destination due to its warm climate, beautiful beaches and diverse attractions. With warm average temperatures, visitors can enjoy outdoor activities throughout the year. From Miami to Orlando and beyond, Florida has something to offer everyone.
From sunbathing on the pristine beaches to visiting theme parks such as Disney World and Universal Studios, Florida is a perfect destination for families and adventure seekers alike.
- Florida boasts a rich cultural diversity
Florida has a vibrant culture and rich history, making it an attractive destination for residents and tourists alike. The state is known for its Spanish and Cuban influences, seen in architecture, food and music.
Tourists can also visit historical landmarks such as St. Augustine (the oldest city in America) and the Kennedy Space Center, where many historic space missions were launched. With so much to see and do, it’s no wonder that Florida is one of the most visited states in the US.
- Florida has affordable housing
With a median home value of $232,000, housing costs in Florida are pretty reasonable. Florida ranks 23rd out of the 50 states for home affordability. While home prices can vary significantly between large metropolitan areas versus smaller towns, many Americans can get the house they want in Florida.
Compared to states like California, where the median home is $538,500, buyers can get a lot of house for their dollar in the sunshine state. Just remember that where you choose to live in Florida can affect housing prices considerably.
- A very strong sports culture
Florida is a sports-loving state, and its sports culture is as diverse as its landscapes. The state is home to several professional sports teams, including the Miami Heat (NBA), Miami Marlins (MLB), Miami Dolphins (NFL) and Florida Panthers (NHL). The presence of these teams has created a passionate and supportive fan base that attends games, tailgates and rallies to show their support. Additionally, Florida is a popular destination for sporting events, including the Daytona 500 (NASCAR), the Players Championship (PGA Tour) and the Miami Open (Tennis).
Florida is also a hub for amateur sports, with abundant recreational opportunities. From golf courses to tennis courts and more, visitors and residents alike can find a variety of activities to participate in and enjoy. Additionally, the state has a thriving youth sports culture, with organized leagues and teams for all age groups. With its favorable climate, outdoor facilities and passionate sports fans, Florida is an excellent destination for sports enthusiasts of all levels.
- Cost of Living in Florida
The cost of living index measures the average cost of goods and services in a particular location relative to the average price in another location. The index considers housing, food, transportation, healthcare and taxes. A cost of living index of 100 means that the cost of living in a specific location equals the average cost in the reference location.
Florida’s cost of living index is 100.3, meaning the state is right at the national average. If you move from states like New York or California, your dollar will go much farther in Florida.
| Category | Average cost |
| Housing | 99 |
| Utility | 105.3 |
| Grocery | 105.6 |
| Transportation | 98.8 |
| Miscellaneous | 98.4 |
- Optimal conditions for cultivating fruits and vegetables at home
If you like to garden, Florida has ideal growing conditions for various fruits and vegetables. The state’s warm and humid climate, long growing season and fertile soil make it an excellent place for home gardening.
Florida’s most popular fruits and vegetables include tomatoes, peppers, strawberries, blueberries, melons, citrus fruits and leafy greens. However, certain varieties may perform better than others, depending on your area’s microclimate and soil conditions.
- Beautiful flora and fauna
If you love nature, Florida’s location at the southern tip of the United States and its diverse landscape — including beaches, wetlands and forests — make it a haven for many different species of plants and animals.
Some of the most beautiful flowers found in Florida include the lantana, blue daze and hibiscus. The state is also home to many species of trees, including live oaks, cypresses and pines, which provide essential habitats for wildlife.
Regarding fauna, Florida is home to many species of birds, including pelicans, flamingos and herons, and mammals like manatees, dolphins and alligators. The Everglades National Park, which spans much of southern Florida, is a critical and beautiful habitat for many different species of plants and animals.
- Florida doesn’t have income tax
If you hate paying taxes (and most people do), Florida is a great place to reside. With no income tax and a sales tax of only 6%, Florida is usually ranked as the first to the fifth best state to live in for those seeking to lower their tax bill.
Remember that while Florida doesn’t have an individual income tax, if you’re a farmer or a business owner, other income tax laws may apply.
- Florida is home to many retirement communities
If you are looking for a place to spend your golden years, look no further. Florida was ranked the second-best state to retire to in 2022, due primarily to low taxes and great weather.
The Villages, located in central Florida, has over 115,000 residents alone and is an active community for adults ages 55 and older. Houses start at around $160,000 and go up from there. Retirement communities like The Villages offer golf courses, restaurants, pools, nightlife and more. Staff is usually on-site to provide medical assistance at many different levels.
- Job opportunities
Florida is an excellent location if you’re looking for work. According to Wallethub, Florida is the 14th best state to find a job. The unemployment rate in Florida was only 2.5% in December 2022. With the national unemployment rate at 3.4%, many people move to Florida to take advantage of opportunities in their fields.
In the last year alone, Florida has gained 440,000 jobs. Since Florida has the 3rd largest population in America and is the fastest-growing state, you can find job opportunities of all types.
- Excellent transportation system
You can get where you want to go in Florida in numerous ways. Florida has an excellent highway system, but you can also travel by train, plane, bus, Metrorail and trolleys. Florida has four large hub airports (Miami, Orlando, Tampa and Fort Lauderdale) and three medium hub airports (Fort Myers, West Palm Beach and Jacksonville).
Amtrak connects Florida to other states and also provides buses that connect numerous cities and towns in Florida. Because Florida is the second-most visited state in the USA, the sunshine state puts a premium on ease of travel around the state and in their cities.
- Florida is a great place to stay active
Warm weather means there are always fun outdoor adventures to be had in Florida. If you like to hike, try the 1,500-mile Florida National Scenic Trail. Go bird watching on Sanibel Island and observe over 200 different species. Try camping on the beach at St. George Island or kayaking in the Florida keys.
Of course, there is also swimming, scuba diving and snorkeling at Florida’s 1,350 miles of beautiful beaches. Boating and deep-sea fishing are also hugely popular pastimes that you can enjoy.
- A creative culinary scene
Since people have moved to Florida from all over the world, you can find almost any type of cuisine that you could want in the sunshine state.
It goes without saying that seafood is king in Florida, but you might be surprised at the range of the culinary scene throughout Florida. Miami has a strong Cuban influence. St. Petersburg has a growing hip foodie scene. Orlando showcases great culinary diversity. And St. Augustine is known for its old-world flavors.
- Florida is a great place to raise a family
Although some authorities peg Florida as the 11th worst state in which to raise a family, this ranking is largely due to Florida being ranked last for family affordability. Keep in mind that many smaller towns in Florida are far less expensive to live in than its coastal cities. Florida also ranks 6th in terms of family fun. And as noted above, the beautiful weather and abundant outdoor activities make the state a great choice for active young families.
The drawbacks of moving to Florida
The crime rate
When you think about moving to another state, most people want to know if it’s safe. Florida ranked 27th for violent crime in 2020. Unsurprisingly, violent crimes are more prevalent in large cities than in smaller towns. Miami is rated the highest for violent crimes in the state and is more dangerous than 93% of US cities.
Florida is prone to natural disasters
Florida has had over 160 major natural disasters since 1953; only four states have experienced more. The most common natural disasters in Florida are wildfires (67 occurrences) and hurricanes (49 occurrences).
There are tourists all year long
Depending on where you live in Florida, you will likely deal with tourists year-round. Orlando had over 50 million visitors in 2021. In fact, Walt Disney World is the most visited vacation resort in the world. In 2019 alone, 131 million tourists descended on Florida, whereas the U.K. claimed a mere 1.5 million. Since the weather is always good, tourists will come year round.
You need to have flood insurance
In 2022, Florida passed legislation making flood insurance mandatory. As of 2022, flood insurance can range from $410 a year in Miami to as much as $1,505 yearly in Key West. These prices are what the homeowner’s cost would be if purchased through FEMA. Private policies could prove cheaper for many homeowners.
You may have a wildlife encounter
Florida is known for its diversity in wildlife, but not all encounters are pleasant. Two types of dangerous spiders (the brown recluse and the southern black widow) are found in Florida. Black bears are common in wooded areas of the state. Alligators and crocodiles are found in Florida and can be dangerous if approached. Many different varieties of sharks (including great whites and bull sharks) swim in Florida’s oceans. Over the last twenty years, Florida has had the third most deaths (247) due to animal attacks in the U.S.
The best ways to move to Florida
If you plan to move to Florida, you’ll want to know how much it’s going to cost you.
The answer is “it depends.”
Moving companies compute their prices by factoring in numerous variables, such as the mileage of the move, the weight and volume of the items to be moved, gas prices and whether you purchase moving insurance, just to name a few. Three reputable companies that will accommodate long-haul moves to Florida are Two Men and a Truck, Atlas Van Lines and United Van Lines. We strongly advise you to contact the companies and let them know about your particular situation to get accurate price quotes.
FAQs
Want to know more about the pros and cons of moving to Florida? Here are a few frequently asked questions that may help you make a decision.
Factors used to determine the benefits of moving to Florida
When we considered the benefits of moving to Florida, we first considered the state’s climate, which makes it an ideal place for outdoor activities and a comfortable lifestyle.
Secondly, we looked at Florida’s economy. The state has a thriving economy, with many job opportunities in the tourism, finance and healthcare industries.
Another important factor we considered was Florida’s diverse cultural scene. Regardless of your background and interests, you’ll likely find communities in Florida where that will make you feel at home.
Additionally, Florida has a well-developed transportation system, making it easy to travel within the state and to other parts of the country.
All these factors and the state’s friendly and welcoming communities make Florida a great place to live, work, and play.
