A study found that Americans moved primarily to the West and the South in 2020, with Florida one of the most sought-after states for movers, especially for retirees. Every day, there are approximately 1,000 people who move to Florida. And with good reason-Florida is nicknamed the Sunshine State, which exemplifies its key characteristics: fun, sun, and sand.
But despite its allure, there are plenty of things to consider before making the big move, and it’s important to be thoroughly informed before you take the giant leap. Here are some things to consider before moving to Florida:
1. Housing
Here are some Florida housing stats you need to know:
- The median gross rent is $1,097 as of 2019
- The median residential property value is $267,296 as of 2020
It’s a given that beachfront properties will naturally cost more. The styles of the homes are also fairly eclectic and varied-from traditional and historic homes to Airbnb or resort-style condominiums, there will always be options for different preferences. Other common architectural concepts you might see in the state are Mediterranean and Spanish-inspired styles.
2. Weather
Since Florida is known for its sub-tropical climate, there will be year-long summers and short and mild cooler months. Florida is also known for its rain showers, with about 55 inches (1.4 m) worth of annual precipitation. There is also so much potential for hurricanes, which usually arrive from June to November and peak in August through September.
3. Insurance
Because Florida’s weather can change at the drop of a hat, homeowners always need to be prepared to mitigate potential damages and losses. The Sunshine State is always a flood risk, so investing in flood insurance is always prudent, if not necessary.
4. Wildlife
Florida is also known as the Alligator State, but it’s not just alligators that populate the area. Florida boasts of an incredibly diverse landscape, from land animals like iguanas and pythons to aquatic species like turtles, frogs, and lizards.
There are also plenty of other insects, birds, and plants in the area compared to any other state, so if you’re considering moving to any part of Florida, you need to be ready to encounter these creatures regularly.
5. Employment
The average hourly salary in Florida is$17.17, while the following are the ten most common careers in the state more than anywhere else, in no particular order:
- Commercial divers
- Fiberglass laminators and fabricators
- Hoist and winch operators
- Electronics and electrical repairers and installers
- Construction and related workers
- Forensic science technicians
- Building cleaning workers
- Farm and home management advisors
- Motorboat operators
- Aerospace engineering and operations technicians
Other industries that Floridians find the most work in include agriculture, aviation, exports, biomedical research, the public school system, and healthcare. Walt Disney World is also, unsurprisingly, one of the state’s top employers.
6. Cost of living
Aside from your housing, you also need to research the state’s cost of living thoroughly. One of the upsides of choosing Florida as your home is that you might be able to spend less money on winter clothing and heating fuel due to its warm climate. There is also no income tax in Florida.
7. Population
In 2017, the Sunshine State reached 21 million in population. And due to the large migration high percentage of movers, the state has a very mixed and diverse demographic. As of the last census, Floridians are made up of54.9% Caucasian, 24.9% Hispanic,16.8% African American, and 3% Asian residents.
8. Cuisine
If you’re a lover of seafood, then you might enjoy Florida’s cuisine, which is marked by Cajun and Creole influences. Since the state is located right in the middle of the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic ocean, Florida has so much access to the best seafood the oceans have to offer. From mahi-mahito lobster, there is no shortage of delectable seafood meals in the region.
Simultaneously, since the Sunshine State has a long growing season, there is also an overwhelming amount of vegetables and fruits to choose from. If you’re interested in more exotic meals, alligator meat is also on the menu in some restaurants.;
9. Tourists
Tourism is one of Florida’s biggest industries. It boosts their economy and provides a livelihood for many Floridians. Residing in Florida means having to encounter tourists of all stripes, especially if you live in bigger tourist attractions like Miami, Key West and Orlando. You might also want to prepare yourself for spring break.
The Bottom Line
Living in Florida has many benefits: warm climate, theme parks, art galleries, diverse residents, the beauty of nature, and many others. Just be sure to do your due diligence before moving to Florida so that you’re prepared financially, mentally, physically, and emotionally.
Salman is a prolific environmental writer, and has authored more than 500 articles in reputed journals, magazines and websites. He is proactively engaged in creating mass awareness on renewable energy, waste management, sustainability and conservation all over the world.
Salman can be reached on salman@cleantechloops.com
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