Moving to Florida

From the citrus groves to the Everglades, Florida is a southern peninsula awash in natural riches. The state was named by Spanish explorer Ponce de León (Florida means “flower” in Spanish), who knew a good thing when he saw it and claimed the territory for Spain in 1513. The state’s strategic geographic position along trade routes to Europe and the Caribbean made it highly sought-after terrain. Consequently, many devastating historic battles have been fought over ownership of the land.  

Florida has one of the most biologically diverse habitats in the U.S. Manatees, dolphins and egrets all make their homes among the state’s salty shores. But Florida can also win handily in scary-animal bingo: Sharks, bears, wild boar, alligators and all four of America’s venomous snakes live here — not to mention the state’s most elusive animal, the Florida panther. It’s not just their NHL team, you know.  

Fast-forward 500 years from Ponce de León’s arrival and the state is more popular than ever. As the second-most populous state in the South, Florida is also the nation’s fastest growing. Its current population, 22,244,823, increased by over 3.4 million people in the last 10 years. It’s not hard to see why, starting with its moderate cost of living, mild winters and 825 miles of sandy beaches. That means plenty of sunny weather to enjoy from a tiki bar or the wilds of an unspoiled barrier island.  

No matter where you plan to make your home in Florida, Mayflower moving companies is here to make your move easier.  

Perks of Living in Florida

Healthy Economy and Job Market

Employment in the state of Florida is on the rise — 9.5 million people are employed across the state in non-farm jobs, an increase of over 150,000 jobs since July 2022. All industries in the state expanded in 2022, with the biggest growth seen in manufacturing, leisure, services and education.  

The state’s 47,400 farms and ranches still make agriculture a vital industry in Florida, which is a leader in orange and grapefruit. However, it really dominates in tomatoes: Florida produces 64% of the country’s annual yield (in value). Ranching has been an important part of Florida’s economy for over 400 years, and there are now more than 15,000 beef producers across the state. 

But tourism reigns supreme in Florida. Whether its snowbirds fleeing the icy climes of North America or teenagers packing the beaches for spring break in Panama City, it seems there is a scene to suit everyone in Florida. So, it’s no surprise that tourism surpasses both agriculture and manufacturing as the dominant sector in the state economy.  

Living in Florida - Theme park - Mayflower

Florida Cost of Living and Housing

While the cost of living (102.8) in Florida is slightly higher than the national average, unemployment in Florida has been on a steady downward trend for years. This was initially — and sharply — disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, but the unemployment rate has held steady at 3.0% or lower since May 2022 — below pre-pandemic figures.  

One of the benefits of living in Florida is that there is no individual state income tax. This helps to compensate for the price of housing, which has been on the rise. In 2022, a single-family home in the state cost an average of $402,000 while a townhome or condo averaged around $300,000. That’s steep pricing for the country’s flattest state.  

The most expensive markets include tony coastal cities like the Naples-Immokalee-Marco Island area, where single family homes averaged $782,000 and the Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm beach area, where homes topped $550,000. Central Florida markets like Ocala and Sebring had the least expensive housing, both averaging below $300,000 for single-family homes. The condo market in Tallahassee is one of the more affordable ones, with units averaging $152,100.  

Sunny and Humid Florida

Floridians may have to worry about high winds, waterspouts and hurricanes, but most of them never ever worry about shoveling out after a heavy snowfall. This subtropical to tropical climate makes the state optimal for agriculture and for cold-fearing humans who enjoy fresh-squeezed orange juice with their shrimp and grits.  

While most mainland cities have seen bitter temperatures and snowfall at some point, the average annual temperature is 72.3 °F — and the Keys never freeze. Florida’s mild winters have long been a draw to visitors and individuals looking to relocate. Winter and fall can be some of the best times to move to Florida before the throngs of tourists arrive for the high season. 

Summers (and sometimes springs and falls) are hot and humid. You can expect temperatures to hit 85 F and above, with lots of afternoon thunderstorms. So, be sure you packed your raincoat if you’re moving to the Sunshine State, which averaged 56.14 inches of precipitation in 2021. Key West may have only seen 30 inches that year, but the panhandle was verily drenched — for example, over 98 inches descended upon Vernon. And what moisture didn’t fall as rain just hung stubbornly in the air, refusing to let residents ever escape humidity. 

Living in Florida - Boat on a lake - Mayflower

Despite all this moisture, the state does periodically suffer dry spells and droughts, which can mean wildfires in the forested areas and swamps.  

But the biggest annual threat is from hurricanes, which are of increasing concern all along the Eastern Seaboard. Hurricane season runs from June through November, but September usually brings the highest risk for these powerful storms, which have wreaked catastrophic devastation in places like Key West and Sanibel Island.  

Best Cities to Live in Florida

Because Florida has such an expansive and diverse population, there are distinctive regional identities throughout the state, from the northeastern Atlantic area to the southern Gulf. So, no matter what you’ve heard, Florida is more than just one thing.  

Jacksonville 

The largest city in northeast Florida, Jacksonville (pop. 954,614) is a coastal river city with a Southern vibe. Jacksonville is home to several important institutions that support the economic base of the city — the University of North Florida, the Mayo Clinic and the Naval Air Station, which, on its own, contributes upwards of $2 billion each year to the regional economy.  

The city has seen enormous growth over the past decade — over 130,000 people have moved to Jacksonville since 2010. One draw is, likely, the affordability of the city. The median home value in Jacksonville is just $203,400, while rent averages $1,146 per month — incredibly low for a city with more shoreline than any other in the U.S.  

Speaking of the coast, there are 22 miles of white sand beaches to relax on in Jacksonville, from lesser-known treasures like Black Rock Beach on Big Talbot Island to the dog-friendly Jacksonville Beach in town. As the “shrimp capital” of Florida, Jacksonville has some of the best shellfish in the world, much of which is hauled in at Mayport. If you’re lucky, you’ll be able to spy a shrimping boat’s distinctive nets on the horizon — it just might be bringing in your dinner! 

Tallahassee 

On the gulf side of northern Florida lies the state capital, Tallahassee. This university town of 197,102 people is home to Florida State University (FSU), an important research institution where the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory — or MagLab — is based.  

A diverse range of industries contributes to this city’s growing economy, from healthcare and hospitality to technology and manufacturing. The city itself has experienced notable growth of late, welcoming more than 15,000 new residents over the past 10 years.  

Housing in Tallahassee is below state and national averages. The median home value is $223,400 and the median gross rent is $1,072.  

One of the city’s popular (and unexpected) attractions is its mountain bike trails. That’s right — mountain biking … in a mountain-less state. You’ll find thrilling rides through sandy pine forests as well as a 10,000-square-foot Velosolutions pump track at Tom Brown Park. Afterward, you can cool off at Ology — one of the area’s favorite breweries. Because the city is surrounded by wildlife refuges and nature preserves, non-wheeled adventuring is also encouraged.  

Miami 

With glitz and glamour, beaches and bistros, Miami, on the other hand, has one of the liveliest and most distinctive vibes of any city in the state — some might argue in the country. This city of 439,890 is one of Florida’s most racially diverse, with residents benefitting from the convergence of cultures.  

One of the best ways to explore this diversity is at Miami’s many museums, like the Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM), the Miami Children’s Museum and the History Miami Museum, a Smithsonian affiliate. 

As the cruise capital of the world, tourism is naturally a dominant industry in Miami, and visitors come for the nightlife, beaches and major cultural events, like Art Basel, one of the most elite art fairs on Earth. Foodies flock to the Magic City for its innovative cuisine, much of which draws on Caribbean and Latin American influences, particularly Cuban. Other important economic sectors include finance, trade and media.   

Housing in this glamorous city isn’t cheap, though. The median home value is $369,100 and rent averages $1,361 per month. But these prices haven’t deterred new arrivals — the population of Miami has increased by over 40,000 people since 2010. The larger Miami-Dade County area is also expanding rapidly — its population has swelled to over 2.6 million over the last 10 years. 

Orlando 

The state’s other magic city (you know, the one with the Kingdom?) is Orlando, a fast-growing metropolitan area whose population has exploded over the last 10 years, growing from 238,300 in 2010 to over 309,000 today. That gives the city the second-highest growth rate in the country among its largest cities. Sure, some of these newcomers may be charming, well-dressed mice with a penchant for sewing gowns for princesses-to-be, but the rest are moving here for hot jobs in technology, game design, finance and other burgeoning sectors. AAA, Siemens and Lockheed Martin all have major bases in the city that Disney made famous.  

Housing in Orlando is higher than state and national averages, with a median home value of $283,700. Rent averages a paycheck-crushing $1,346 per month. Families in Orlando will certainly never run out of things to do in this area, but they may run out of doubloons, though. If you’ve done Disneyworld and Universal, check out the lesser-known adventure park called Gatorland. This hang-onto-your-harnesses adventure will send you ziplining over alligators, crocodiles, snakes and wildcats. Or, you could just take an airboat ride through the wetlands, if you want a little more substance between the swamp bottom and your own.  

Tampa 

Much like Orlando, Tampa has also seen rapid growth over the last decade. This financial and cultural hub of Florida’s Gulf side is now home to over 387,000 people, an increase of over 50,000 since 2010. Housing in this bayside city is modest for its location but still exceeds state and national averages. The median home value here tops $277,000 and rent averages $1,249 per month.  

As with the state’s other major cities, tourism is big business in Tampa — the city is both a cruise hub and an arts destination. The Chihuly Collection at the Morean Arts Center has superb holdings of the famed glassblower’s sculptures. While, just down the street, the Dali Museum offers mind-bending exhibits of the surrealist’s greatest works.  

Residents in this pirate-centric town also really get fired up about sports, particularly at Buccaneers games, when they fire actual cannons when the Bucs score.  

But you don’t need a major event to enjoy this city. One of the most famous neighborhoods in Tampa is Ybor City — the so-called cigar capital of the world — where you can see proprietors hand-rolling their smokes and appreciate the historic brick buildings of the old factories.  

Unique Experiences in Florida

Whether you’re looking to bask on the beach, hit the links or amuse yourself at the dozens of theme parks, there are countless things to do in Florida. The 8,400 miles of coastline afforded by Florida’s islands, rivers and sounds make the state a paradise for beachcombers, anglers and birders. Residents and tourists enjoy over 800 miles of beaches up and down the Atlantic and Gulf Coasts. There, you’ll find activities to please every age group, from paddleboard to parasailing.  

Living in Florida - Arial view of beach in Florida - Mayflower

Retirees continue to move to Florida in droves for the active retirement communities, golf courses and tax benefits. And, with weather like Florida’s, it’s not a hard sell to get the kids and grandkids to visit you, either. But, in the meantime, would it really kill you to call your nana?  

Families make theme park pilgrimages to the state each year to have breakfast with their favorite characters at Disney World, try their hand at magic at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter or get an immersive, behind-the-scenes look at Hollywood at Universal Studios. SeaWorld, which is both an animal rescue and amusement park, is one of the most popular destinations in the state. You can dine with orcas, high-five stingrays and even have a giant walrus eat from your hand! 

Truly, one of the best reasons to move to Florida is for its natural wonders — you’re missing out if you don’t explore the three national parks here — the Everglades, Dry Tortugas and Biscayne Bay — along with the state’s numerous state parks and preserves.  

Biscayne National Park, located near Miami, is a place to kiteboard, dive and snorkel the reefs. Off the coast of Key West, Dry Tortugas is the home of historic Fort Jefferson and a great place to see sea turtles and migrating birds. Because of its remote location, campers at this park are treated to spectacular star shows in the dark night sky. A World Heritage Site, Everglades National Park is the country’s largest subtropical wilderness. The best (and safest) way to explore this vast wetland is with a guide — tram and boat tours give you the best chance of spotting the elusive Florida panther and even the rare American crocodile. Remember — gators gotta eat, so do your best not to become anyone’s dinner.   

You might not think of hiking when you think of Florida, and that’s fair, because the highest point in the state is only 345 feet above sea level. It’s actually the country’s lowest high point. It could take years to unpack that metaphor. Puzzle that out while winding your way through one of the trails at Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park, where you might see wild horses prancing along the dunes, or while you’re swimming with the manatees at Caledesi Island State Park.  

After all that outdoor exploring, you deserve to sit back, relax and enjoy a game. Sports rivalries run as deep as the blue sea in this Southern state, so choose carefully before you start rooting on the Jaguars over the Dolphins or, worse, the Buccaneers. Basketball enthusiasts have the Miami Heat and the Orlando Magic and baseball fans will find seafaring friends or foes in the Miami Marlins or the Tampa Bay Rays. Confoundingly, Floridians also play a sport on ice, so if you’re an NHL fan who has reluctantly moved from say, Buffalo, New York, you are in luck — you can now call yourself a Lightning or a Panthers fan! Alright, maybe the excitement of changed loyalties will come with time. 

Flavorful Floridian Cuisines

Florida is known for many things, but no matter what we’re measuring, citrus and seafood always top the list. You’ll be hard-pressed to find a town that doesn’t have a fruit stand set up outside with mounds of fresh oranges and grapefruits, baskets of fresh-picked tomatoes and ever-divisive cups of boiled peanuts. Those are not an acquired taste. 

Key West — the southernmost point in the United States — is known for its citrus and its fresh catches. Though limes themselves have fallen out of commercial production in the Keys — the pies have reigned supreme since the late 19th century, when someone had the brilliant idea to combine the tart juice with rich sweetened condensed milk and eggs to make a gloriously simple dessert. Kermit’s Key Lime Shop makes one of the best. The area is also known for its pink shrimp, which have an unsurpassed tenderness and sweetness.  

If you’re visiting Miami, Cuban food is king. While most everyone knows the ham and cheesy delights of the classic Cubano, Karla’s Bakery will introduce the uninitiated to the splendors of croqueta de jamón (ham croquettes) and pastelitos de guayaba, a guava pastry that is a fruity heaven wrapped in a hundred flaky layers. 

Fish sandwiches are popular up and down both coasts, and the best ones are made with the freshest local species, like grouper, snapper or mahi mahi. Peel-and-eat shrimp and oysters, raw or fried, are popular appetizers. Most waterfront places are cool and casual. The Salty Pelican on Amelia Island has a killer shrimp po boy, or you can try the gator … if you dare. In Pompano Beach, Calypso serves up seafood with a uniquely Caribbean flair, including a spicy, citrusy conch salad and a crab-stuffed mahi.  

Start Planning for Your Move to Florida

Ready to move to Florida? Get a moving quote from Mayflower

Whether you’re moving locally or cross-country, Mayflower’s dedicated team is here for you. Plus, the Mayflower Move Portal makes organizing your move to Florida simple and hassle-free.  

Mayflower provides trusted long-distance moving services to Florida from anywhere in the country. If you’re planning a local move in Florida, our Florida movers can help under their brands and businesses.  

No matter how far you have to travel, Mayflower offers custom, full-service moving packages with a personal moving coordinator, so you’ll know you’re in great hands. 

Planning a DIY move to Florida? Check out our helpful moving tips, checklists and other moving resources. 

No matter how you want to move, Mayflower is here to guide you Every Step of the Way®. 

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