Florida is one of the most popular destinations in the United States, right up there with California and Nevada.
A survey by move.org found that Florida was the top destination for Americans moving out of other states in 2021.
If you’re considering a move to Florida but still feeling undecided, you need a bit of a push in the right direction — the right direction for you!
This post will give you some plain facts in the form of pros and cons to help you take the next step.
The Pros of Moving to Florida
- No State Income Tax
Florida’s “No State Income Tax” is one of the top economic motivations for people relocating to the state.
Taxes are as important as they are a burden, especially when you’re not stable financially. Any form of waiver that can come your way would be a relief, and that’s what the Sunshine State offers its residents.
You’ll still pay other taxes like property tax and stuff, but the lack of state income tax will ease some of the pressure.
- Affordable Housing
It may surprise you that a popular destination like Florida doesn’t have insane real estate prices, at least not anywhere near major metro areas like Miami and Jacksonville.
Purchasing a home in Sunshine State is quite affordable since the median cost of homes levels with the national average.
You would have to consider less dense places for the most affordable housing deals. It’s safe to say Florida still has reasonable home prices regardless of the popularity and influx of new residents across the country and abroad.
- Beautiful Weather
If you’ve lived in places like New York and Vermont, you definitely understand how nasty the elements can be. A place like Florida would feel like some tropical paradise.
It wasn’t named the Sunshine State for nothing. In fact, Florida enjoys an average of 300 days of sunshine.
The climate is subtropical, with mild and wet winters. The summers are long, hot and humid, the ideal summers many dream of.
If you envision sipping margaritas or rushing toward the ocean with a surfboard, Florida offers you that year-round.
- Amazing Outdoors
Some places are beautiful, but the weather doesn’t permit it most of the time. If you’re an outdoor person feeling imprisoned by the harsh climate where you are, Florida solves your problems.
The combination of plenty of sunshine days, mild overall weather, and magical outdoors is a rare find.
Half of the state’s land area is forested, making for excellent outdoor activities like hiking and camping.
The coastline surrounding the state and the many lakes and rivers make Florida a top destination for water activities.
The Cons of Moving to Florida
- High Cost of Living
While basic necessities in Florida, like food, are affordable, other factors like population, housing, and taxes still make the cost of living higher than the national average.
Utility costs contribute a lot to making life expensive. But nothing is the same from one city to another. Gainesville’s utility cost is 56% higher than the national average, while Tallahassee’s is 13% lower. You’d have to make a lot of comparisons to find a suitable area to move to.
- Cannabis Prohibition
Research has reshaped our understanding of cannabis, especially in the medical field. Americans in many states made a choice to have the drug in their lives.
Florida is one of the states where marijuana remains illegal, except for medicinal use under special conditions. Possessing even small amounts is punishable by imprisonment and a fine.
Keep in mind that the only way to use marijuana in Florida is if you have one of the conditions listed in the state medical program. You’ll need to reach out to a doctor to check if you qualify for a marijuana card.
- Natural Disasters
If you’re moving to Florida, you may consider natural disasters. The extensive coastline may mean you’re always close to a beach, but it also makes Florida a hurricane and flooding hot spot.
Drought and wildfires are also common as a result of immense heat during the summer.
Final Thoughts
In general, Florida is a great place to settle. It has a good economy, plenty of attractions, diverse culture, and much more. But like any other place, it also has some downsides you may want to consider before moving.
