Are you planning a move to Florida soon?
Florida is a wonderful place to live for several reasons. Many Florida residents make their way there from other states up north. These people are traveling south looking for a new home away from cold weather.
Aside from a warm environment, Florida provides other amazing benefits to its residents. Before making the move, though, you should know the best places to live in Florida, what buying a home in Florida is like, and much more.
To discover all the things to know before moving to Florida, continue reading below. In this guide, you’ll find a list of several things to keep in mind when planning a move to Florida!
1. You’ll Find Low Taxes
Florida is one of the few states with no state income tax. When living in Florida, you also won’t have to worry about paying an estate tax or an inheritance tax.
You will, however, need to consider the high tax on gas. Although gas taxes are high, you can get around spending too much money on gas by combining all your errands into one trip or carpooling.
Because each state has its own tax regulations, it’s best to do some research and understand Florida’s tax system before moving. This way, you’ll know exactly what to expect once you arrive.
If needed, you can always consider sitting down with a financial advisor who can help you prepare for the move or get settled into your new home in a different state.
2. Nature Lovers Will Flourish
If you enjoy getting out of the house and exploring nature, then you’re going to love living in Florida. Florida offers some amazing opportunities to get up close and personal with wildlife.
Many people associate Florida with alligators or crocodiles. Although Florida is home to these awesome creatures, it’s also home to many other beautiful wildlife creatures.
If you want to meet a croc or gator for the first time, then you won’t have too much trouble doing so no matter where you are in Florida, but the Everglades is the ideal place to be to spot a large amount of them.
Florida is also home to several nature trails, natural springs, caves, rivers, oceans, and more! There’s always something to do outdoors when in Florida!
3. The Weather Is Ideal
One of the top reasons why so many people move down south to Florida is for its nearly-perfect weather conditions. For the most part, Florida stays warm. There are some days during the fall, winter, and spring when the air can get a bit cooler, but you won’t experience below-freezing weather very often.
You also won’t need to worry about dealing with snow. Even on the days when the temperature does drop, as long as the sun is out and shinning, it can still be considered a beautiful day.
4. There’s a Mix of All Ages
Because of the ideal weather Florida provides its residents, many senior citizens make their way to the sunshine state for retirement. With so many people wanting to retire in Florida, it’s true there are a good amount of older people in the state.
Florida isn’t home to only senior citizens, however. Florida has a good mix of all ages. You can find plenty of families and younger crowds in Florida as well.
The nightlife in certain areas of the state is wonderful for younger individuals. Different cities offer different living environments. For example, if you’re looking for a younger crowd, you can consider cities like Tampa and Miami.
Lakewood Ranch is a good choice for families. This city tops in new home sales and is a great family environment with lots of green space and amenities.
A great city for senior citizens is Sarasota. There are lots of local shopping and dining options all within a close approximation. The city itself is also very calm, peaceful, and relaxing.
With that being said, each of these cities still has a mix of all ages. Make sure to do some research before deciding what city would make the perfect fit for your lifestyle.
5. Prepare for Possible Hurricanes
Although Florida has many more pros to living there than cons, there are a few downfalls you should keep in mind. Unfortunately, you must prepare for possible hurricanes. Because Florida is a peninsula, the chances of a hurricane coming through the state are greater than the inland states.
Flood insurance is a must when purchasing a house in Florida, but even more necessary depending on what flood zone your home is in. Not to worry, though. Chatting with a local will give you all the information you need to ensure your safety during hurricane season.
Once you move, take a few moments to get to know your neighbors and ask them about the precautions they take to keep their home and family safe during those times. Sandbags, boarded windows, canned food, and flashlights are all examples of ways to stay safe during hurricanes.
6. Housing Costs Are Right on Point
The housing costs are something you should be familiar with before moving to Florida. The median home value in Florida is just above the national average. Although this cost is a bit higher than average, it’s not too big of a difference, making housing costs in Florida right on point.
Of course, depending on where you want to settle in, you can find more expensive or less expensive housing options. Keep in mind that housing near or on the beach will be higher.
These Are Essential Things to Know Before Moving to Florida
You’ve decided to move to Florida! It’s a great decision with many benefits. It’s also important for you to know what to expect before making the move.
When you’re educated on all the essential things to know before moving to Florida, you can ensure a stress-free and enjoyable move. Make sure to write down the information given in this guide above to help you throughout the process.
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