What to Consider Before Moving to Florida

Since 2020, Florida has seen its highest population growth in decades. From July 2021 to July 2022, Florida’s population grew to over 22 million people, according to new Census Bureau data.

The Census Bureau’s latest estimates show that a net total of about 320,000 Americans moved into Florida between 2021 and 2022, the largest number among the 49 states and Washington, DC.

While many new residents are here to stay and have fallen in love with the Florida lifestyle, there are some that were unable to make Florida feel like home.

Why are people leaving Florida?

According to Insider, “Severe weather, low wages, and the loss of the ‘vacation feel’ have discouraged some newcomers.

Fifty-one-year-old Kimberly Lovelace previously told Insider she left Florida only five months after moving there in May 2021 because of high housing costs and the stifling heat, among other factors.”

So, here’s what you need to know before you decide to move:

1. The Florida Heat is No Joke

For most, Florida is a vacation destination. When people arrive from cold hometowns, the heat is a comforting escape and they start to fall in love with the idea of  “I live where you vacation.”

A week of Florida heat is more than bearable, but months on end of heat and humidity can be difficult to handle. Some also don’t realize that they actually do prefer seeing seasons change, leaves fall, and snow at Christmas.

So, ask yourself, how much heat is too much heat? Maybe the snowbird lifestyle would be a better fit?

2. A Slower Lifestyle

If you’re coming from a fast-paced city like New York, it might take some time to adjust to Florida’s slower-paced lifestyle. We walk slower, talk slower, drive slower, the service is slower.

Some might see this as an inconvenience, but if you ask most Florida residents, they might ask you why you’re in such a rush. We like to stop and smell the roses down here. 

3. Cost of Living

Residents of costly cities used to consider Florida affordable, but that has quickly changed as home values skyrocketed in 2021 and continue to grow steadily year over year. 

Nicole Panesso, a former Florida resident, told Insider, “There’s just no way for people living here to afford it — the salaries that they pay here don’t add up to the cost of rent.” 

There are several pros and cons to consider about the cost of living in Florida. A pro, for example, is no state income tax. So, do your research and find out what you can afford before making a move. 

Bottom Line

Living in Florida is very different from vacationing. Unfortunately, real life still happens here, and there are some harsh realities to face when deciding to make the move. 

If you want more insight into what the south Florida lifestyle is like, contact us at the Mendel Group for a free consultation to help decide whether or not this is the right place for you.