Moving to Florida: What You Can Expect from the Sunshine State

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By: Kelly Cruse, VP Human Resources & Chief Diversity Officer, Atlas World Group - 20+ Years in HR, Recruitment Trends, and DE&I

Moving to Florida can be a life-changing experience for many people. With its sunny climate, beautiful beaches, and a laid-back lifestyle, Florida has become one of the most popular destinations for individuals looking to relocate. Whether you are retiring, looking for a new job, or simply seeking a change of scenery, Florida has a lot to offer.

One of the main attractions of Florida is its warm weather, which is perfect for those who love spending time outdoors. The state is known for its tropical climate, with temperatures ranging from the high 70s to the high 90s. This makes it an ideal place for activities such as swimming, boating, and hiking.

The state boasts numerous parks and wildlife reserves, offering plenty of opportunities for nature enthusiasts. Florida's economy is also another factor that makes it an attractive destination for many. The state is home to many successful industries, such as tourism, agriculture, and technology.

Additionally, Florida is an ideal place to move due to is its diverse population. The state is known for its welcoming atmosphere, and people from all walks of life are welcomed here. From retirees to young professionals, Florida offers something for everyone.

Florida Moving Trends

While analyzing data from the last three decades, starting with the first Atlas Van Lines Annual Migration Patterns Study released in 1993, we noticed that many things have changed over the years: Illinois and Indiana are no longer the sought-after states they once were, shipments to Alaska have decreased significantly, and New York is also losing its appeal.

Amid all these changes, one thing has remained the same: Movers are continuing to choose Florida as their next destination. We used to hear people say: “When I retire, I’ll move to Florida”, but in recent years, many decided to fast-track that decision and enjoy the palm tree-filled skies of the sunshine state sooner rather than later.

Also, Florida is no longer a destination just for retirees. According to a recent study, more millennials are moving there than ever before, citing the lack of an income tax and a friendly business environment as their main driving forces. On top of that, during the pandemic many Americans decided to retire early.

What to Do in Florida

Florida is a state that offers a variety of activities for individuals of all ages. From beautiful beaches to theme parks and cultural attractions, Florida has something for everyone. If you are in search of some fun, check out the top destinations:

Visit the Beaches - Florida has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. From Miami Beach to Clearwater Beach, visitors can enjoy activities such as sunbathing, swimming, surfing, and snorkeling.
Discover Theme Parks - Florida is home to some of the world's most famous theme parks, such as Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, and SeaWorld. These parks offer exciting rides, shows, and attractions for visitors of all ages.
Explore the Everglades - The Everglades National Park is a unique ecosystem that is home to various species of plants and animals. Visitors can enjoy activities such as hiking, kayaking, and airboat tours.
Visit Museums - Florida has a rich history and culture that can be explored through its many museums. From the Museum of Science and Industry in Tampa to the Ringling Museum of Art in Sarasota, there are plenty of opportunities to learn and have fun.
Tour Historic Sites - Florida is home to numerous historic sites, such as St. Augustine, the oldest continuously occupied city in the United States. Visitors can explore the historic buildings, landmarks, and learn about Florida's history.
Attend Festivals - Florida hosts numerous festivals throughout the year, celebrating everything from seafood to music to cultural events. These festivals offer great food, music, and entertainment for visitors.

Florida's Food Culture

Florida is a melting pot of cultures, and its cuisine reflects this diversity. With influences from Latin America, the Caribbean, Europe, and beyond, Florida's cuisine is a fusion of different flavors and ingredients. Besides your traditional American cuisine, the top five food varieties you will discover when moving to Florida are:

Seafood - With its long coastline and proximity to the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean, Florida is renowned for its fresh seafood. From grouper and snapper to stone crab and lobster, there is no shortage of delicious seafood to try in the Sunshine State.
Latin American Cuisine - Latin American cuisine is prevalent throughout Florida, with Cuban, Puerto Rican, and Colombian restaurants dotting the state. Expect to find dishes such as arroz con pollo, empanadas, and ropa vieja on the menu.
Southern Cuisine - Southern cuisine is also popular in Florida, especially in the northern part of the state. From fried chicken and biscuits to collard greens and sweet tea, Southern comfort food is a staple in many Florida restaurants.
Key Lime Pie - Key Lime Pie is a quintessential Florida dessert that originated in the Florida Keys. Made with key lime juice, condensed milk, and graham cracker crust, this tangy and sweet pie is a must-try when in Florida.
Citrus - Florida is famous for its citrus fruits, especially oranges. Fresh-squeezed orange juice, key lime juice, and grapefruit juice are popular beverages in Florida, and citrus fruits are also used in many dishes, such as salads and marinades.

Overall, Florida's cuisine reflects its diverse population and unique geography, with a mix of seafood, Latin American, Southern, and citrus flavors.

Florida’s Weather

Florida's weather is known for its warm and sunny climate, making it a popular destination for tourists and retirees alike. The state is situated in the southeastern part of the United States and has a subtropical climate that is characterized by hot and humid summers and mild winters.

The summer season in Florida typically runs from June to September, with average temperatures ranging from the mid-80s to the high 90s Fahrenheit. These months are also the wettest of the year, with frequent thunderstorms and high levels of humidity.

The winter season in Florida is much milder compared to other parts of the country. The temperatures are usually in the 60s and 70s Fahrenheit, making it a popular destination for snowbirds looking to escape the cold weather up north. However, there can be occasional cold snaps, with temperatures dropping into the 30s and 40s.

Florida is also known for its hurricane season, which typically runs from June to November. The state is vulnerable to these powerful storms, which can cause significant damage and disruption to daily life.

Overall, Florida's weather is warm and sunny, making it an attractive destination for those seeking a year-round tropical climate. However, visitors and residents must also be aware of the potential for severe weather events during certain times of the year.

Affordability & Cost of Living in Florida

Looking for an affordable home in one of the top destinations for Americans? That may be a challenge. Florida is such a hot commodity that there just are not enough homes for buyers, according to Realtor.com, which can only mean one thing: If you get your hands on a residence, chances are you will be in it for a while.

You are probably wondering: Are people EVER moving out of Florida? Yes. Ironically, the top catalyst for everyone moving to Florida – the weather- is also the main reason why people are leaving the beautiful state. A high percentage of movers cite the heat and humidity as the main driving factor, while others refer to a volatile housing market.

Combined, these trends lead to an interesting outcome in 2022: Florida became the third largest state in the U.S. and the fastest growing one for the first time since 1957, according to the Census Bureau.

Budding entrepreneurs may find themselves thinking about starting a new business venture and according to The Chamber of Commerce, the sunshine state might be the best location for it, as it ranks 9th in corporate taxes, and it comes in second on unemployment insurance tax.

Florida is a popular destination for retirees and families looking for an affordable cost of living. One of the primary factors that make Florida an affordable place to live is the lack of a state income tax. This means that residents do not have to pay state income taxes on their earnings, which can significantly reduce their tax burden.

The cost of housing in Florida varies depending on the location. Major metropolitan areas like Miami and Orlando tend to have higher housing costs compared to smaller towns and rural areas. However, overall, the cost of housing in Florida is aligned with the national average, making it an attractive option for those looking to buy a home or rent an apartment. The cost of groceries, utilities, and healthcare in Florida is also relatively affordable compared to other states.

However, the cost of insurance, including auto and homeowner's insurance, is higher due to the state's exposure to natural disasters like hurricanes. In terms of transportation, Florida has a mix of public transportation options, including buses, trains, and light rail. The cost of gasoline is also lower than the national average, which can help reduce transportation costs.

Overall, Florida is considered a relatively affordable place to live, especially when compared to other states with similar climates and amenities. However, it is important to note that the cost of living can vary depending on the location and lifestyle choices of the individual.

Moving to Florida with Atlas Van Lines

When moving to Florida with Atlas Van Lines, clients can expect a stress-free experience. Our expert team of long-distance movers will work to create a customized moving plan that meets your unique needs and budget.

We offer a range of residential moving services, including packing, crating, loading, unloading, and unpacking, as well as storage solutions if needed. With Atlas Van Lines, customers can rest assured that their belongings will be transported safely and securely. Contact our team to begin your stress-free moving journey with Atlas.