Florida is one of the most desirable locations to live in the country.
There are many reasons why people prefer to move to the southern states.
However, the pros and cons of living in Florida.
There are some things to know in terms of downsides or cons to help make a well-rounded decision before moving to the state.
Keep reading to learn more about the benefits and drawbacks of living in Florida and what attributes potential residents need to consider.
Contents
Pros of Living in Florida
1. Low Taxes
2. No State Tax
3. Beautiful Beaches
4. No Harsh Winter
5. Plenty of Activities
6. Major Cities
7. Diversity
8. Plenty of Jobs
Cons of Living in Florida
1. Higher Cost of Living
2. Flat Terrain
3. Bugs
4. Little Public Transportation
5. Heat in the Summer
6. Tropical Weather
7. High Crime Rate
8. Poor Healthcare System
Pros and Cons of Living in Florida – Summary Table
Florida Safety Overview
Frequently Asked Questions
When is hurricane season in Florida?
Where are the most expensive places to live in Florida?
Are mosquitos dangerous in Florida?
Are there sharks in the water in Florida?
Which states border Florida?
Pros of Living in Florida
1. Low Taxes
One of Florida’s most attractive features is its low taxes.
Taxes for all sorts of consumer goods are low compared to the other states in the country.
That means individuals have more money in their pocket to spend on bills and recreational endeavors.
Anyone currently looking for a low-tax state to call home should seriously consider checking out Florida and its tax rates.
2. No State Tax
In addition to having some of the lowest tax rates of any state in the country, Florida does not have any state taxes.
This makes a living in this state extremely attractive for many individuals who are used to paying high state taxes.
This is another way individuals can thrive and prosper and save money when they move to the sunshine state.
3. Beautiful Beaches
Florida is filled with beautiful world-class beaches that attract tourists from every country in the world.
Individuals who like to spend time at the beach with family and friends will love the vast selection of areas to choose from when they want to spend recreational time in the sand and sun.
Another great benefit of Florida beaches is that they have some of the cleanest and clearest water in the country and some areas.
It is a perfect location for people who want to have memorable summers.
4. No Harsh Winter
One of the most attractive qualities about Florida is the mild winters.
Rather than having excessive heating bills and shoveling snow or driving in treacherous conditions, Florida has a mild winter.
Temperatures average around 60° and can go as low as the 30s in some areas and as high as the 80s in the state’s southern portions.
Individuals looking for a place with tolerable or even warm winters will love the climate throughout the state.
5. Plenty of Activities
There is never a shortage of things to do in Florida.
Whether you are looking for something free or want to take a family outing for the day, there are tons of things to do, especially outdoor activities.
Whether you like hiking, swimming, kayaking, nature walks, or sports, there is something for every family member.
6. Major Cities
Many major cities in Florida offer the activities and excitement that many people love, even if they do not want to live in a major city.
For example, Miami is one of America’s most sought-after tourist destinations.
They are known for their prolific nightlife and amazing beaches.
There is also Orlando, which is home to Disney World and many other popular attractions.
7. Diversity
Regarding diversity, Florida is one of the most notable places for a variety of cultures to settle and live.
There is a heavy Latin presence, but there are also many others from places all over the world.
This is one of the most culturally diverse places to live, giving it a unique feel.
Anyone interested in living in an area with plenty of diversity will love most areas of Florida.
8. Plenty of Jobs
One thing to know about Florida is that there is a wide range of jobs in the state that are readily available.
This includes all areas of industry, technology, and retail.
Florida is home to some of the largest companies in the world, which is a massive benefit for those looking for an abundance of work opportunities.
It is a great place to weigh your options and has a few options to choose from rather than having heavy competition for fewer jobs, which is the case in some states such as New York or California.
Cons of Living in Florida
When it comes to living in Florida, it may seem like the perfect place with sunshine and beaches year-round.
While that may be mostly accurate, there are still some drawbacks to understand before deciding to live in this southern state.
Consider the following disadvantages or cons.
1. Higher Cost of Living
Florida has a higher cost of living these days due to many factors.
In the tourist areas, the cost of living is very high and comparable with living in a large city.
However, those who opt to live in more rural areas will enjoy a lower cost of living, but on average, it is still higher than in many states.
This higher cost of living is present in housing, food, gas, and utility.
2. Flat Terrain
Florida is a very flat state with no mountains or hilly terrain.
This area is also known for its swamps and woods, which are low-lying and flat.
This might not be ideal for those who like to hike or ride bikes off the road.
Outdoor activities are very limited in this portion of the country.
3. Bugs
Florida is home to many species of pests that can make a living there somewhat challenging.
Not only is this area known for having dense populations of mosquitos, but they also have tons of other bugs that can invade your home.
It is vital to avoid attracting bugs and always protect yourself from diseases spreading by mosquitos all year.
4. Little Public Transportation
There may be limited public transportation in most areas, which is why having a car is essential, even in the larger cities.
Some cities have excellent public transportation systems that allow residents to move freely without a car.
However, Florida is not one of those states.
5. Heat in the Summer
The heat in the summertime is stifling.
Even life-long residents of Florida may have trouble enduring the heat in the summer months.
Knowing your limits and staying out of the heat during extreme temperatures is essential.
With the humidity, Florida can sometimes seem like a steam room.
6. Tropical Weather
Tropical weather conditions may attract some, but tropical weather does not always mean good weather.
Florida is prone to frequent tropical storms and hurricanes, making it difficult to live there during the hurricane season.
It is important to know that you must be prepared for short notice if a tropical cyclone is approaching.
Insurance on your high-ticket items such as home, belongings, and vehicles is crucial to offset the cost of damage associated with severe weather.
7. High Crime Rate
Unfortunately, Florida has a higher crime rate all across the state than other states.
This higher crime rate can be a deterrent for many.
Learning more about any potential locations you may live in before you move there is important.
Try to investigate neighborhood crime rates and take the proper precautions to reduce the risk of becoming a victim of crime in Florida.
8. Poor Healthcare System
Florida is not known for having an excellent healthcare system in place.
The best way to circumvent issues related to healthcare is to explore your options and ensure your employer provides adequate health insurance.
Some areas with higher populations may have better healthcare, so those with chronic health issues may consider moving closer to larger cities like Miami or Orlando.
Pros and Cons of Living in Florida – Summary Table
Pros of Living in Florida
Cons of Living in Florida
1.Low Taxes
1. Higher Cost of Living
2. No State Tax
2. Flat Terrain
3. Beautiful Beaches
3. Bugs
4. No Harsh Winter
4. Little Public Transportation
5. Plenty of Activities
5. Heat in the Summer
6. Major Cities
6. Tropical Weather
7. Diversity
7. High Crime Rate
8. Plenty of Jobs
8. Poor Healthcare System
Florida Safety Overview
READ THE FULL REPORT:Florida Safety Review
Safety Index:
70
OVERALL RISK : MEDIUM
TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK : MEDIUM
PICKPOCKETS RISK : MEDIUM
NATURAL DISASTERS RISK : MEDIUM
MUGGING RISK : MEDIUM
TERRORISM RISK : HIGH
SCAMS RISK : MEDIUM
WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK : LOW
Frequently Asked Questions
When is hurricane season in Florida?
Hurricane season begins in May and ends at the end of November.
A tropical system, storm, or hurricane can approach land and cause significant impacts anytime during the hurricane season.
It is worth mentioning that tropical-like systems can approach land even during the months after the hurricane season.
Always be prepared for these storms if you choose to live anywhere near the coastline, but especially in Florida, which is most prone to them.
Where are the most expensive places to live in Florida?
The highest cost of living is found near the tourist beaches and in the larger cities.
Areas like Miami and Key West have the most increased cost of living because of their population and the surge of tourists year-round.
Individuals who want more affordable housing and lower consumer product prices should live in rural or suburban areas away from beaches and major cities.
Are mosquitos dangerous in Florida?
Mosquitos are known for caring for diseases such as Zika and West Nile.
This is most common in the southern states, like Florida.
Florida has been notorious for having more cases of these diseases than any other state.
It is essential to wear mosquito repellents at all times to avoid bites and ensure you stay healthy.
Are there sharks in the water in Florida?
There are many creatures in the open waters of Florida, and sharks happen to be some of those creatures.
Sharks are known to inhabit the waters of the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean, which should be a word of caution to visitors to pay attention to their surroundings whenever they venture into the water.
The same goes for the many springs and swamps located throughout the state.
There is always the potential to come into contact with wildlife.
Which states border Florida?
Florida is bordered by two states that include Alabama and Georgia.
Alabama is located in the western part of Florida in the panhandle, and Georgia to the north.
This is very convenient for those individuals who would like easy access to the Eastern Seaboard and the offerings of bordering southern states in the region
It is also worth noting that Florida is very close to Cuba and the Caribbean for those who like to take mini-vacations.
Additional Resources
16 Pros and Cons of Living in Jupiter, Florida
16 Pros and Cons of Living in Port Charlotte, FL
16 Pros and Cons of Living in Georgia
Cost of Living in Florida Cities: These Are the Top 5
Florida is an excellent location if you're looking for work. According to Wallethub, Florida is the 14th best state to find a job. The unemployment rate in Florida was only 2.5% in December 2022. With the national unemployment rate at 3.4%, many people move to Florida to take advantage of opportunities in their fields.
While there's no consensus on what rents will do exactly in 2023 — go up a little, go down a little, or stay flat, according to three forecasts — what's clear is they are expected to return to more normal growth patterns, instead of the unsustainable, record rates seen in 2021 and 2022.
Naples. This smaller metro area on the Gulf Coast is the No. 1 spot out of the 150 most populous metro areas in the U.S. for its low rates of property crime, violent crime and murder. Naples also ranks sixth for desirability, making it the most desirable Florida metro area for 2022-2023.
Florida can be an expensive place, mostly because the cost of renting or owning a home has gone up so much. But with a good salary — by one definition at least $60,000 for a single, childless person — and a solid spending plan, you can enjoy the laid-back Florida lifestyle.
There are various reasons why people are moving to Florida. The most common ones include warm weather, affordable cost of living, and job opportunities. Additionally, many people are reevaluating their living situations and considering moving to areas with more space and outdoor activities.
And their findings revealed Florida came in at #10 on the happiest states list, jumping into that spot from traditionally low or middle rankings. "Florida residents report a higher well-being in the purpose, community, social relationships, and physical health elements than a majority of states," they write.
Florida is one of the most expensive states for housing, and Miami is the least affordable city in the country, according to a report. High demand, short supply, increased migration trends since the pandemic and exploding mortgage rates, make for a pricey combination.
In the 2022 study, 38% of United Van Lines movers to Florida relocated for retirement. The second highest reason? Lifestyle change at 28%. These were the top two reasons in 2021 as well.
Many folks choose to retire in Florida for tax reasons alone. There are no state taxes on social security, pension funds, IRAs, 401(k)s, or other retirement incomes, which makes the state specifically attractive to folks over the age of 65.
According to census figures, a net total of about 320,000 made the move to Florida between 2021 and 2022, making it the "most moved to" state in the country; a place where people flock for warmer weather, lower taxes and likely, in some cases, politics to their liking.
In 2023, experts forecast that the Florida home prices may fall down to 20%. Mortgage Rates Have Almost Doubled: Mortgage rates almost doubled from April 2021's 3.12% to 6.27% for the week ending on April 13, 2023. Sellers are Coming Back, but Slowly: The number of listings dropped by 14.9% in March 2023.
As of Q4 2022, the number of closed sales for single-family homes decreased by 33.1% from the previous year and the number of new listings was down 17.1% from the year before, according to Florida Realtors. That doesn't mean it's a bad time to buy, though.
If you need to be occupying your home by a certain date to save on rent, it's a much better deal to close at the end of the previous month (for example, January 30) instead of the beginning of the current month (February 1).
It's also worth noting that while foreclosure rates are up year-over-year, experts do not expect to see a wave of foreclosures in 2023, even where home values are depreciating, as many homeowners have substantial equity due to progressive home price appreciation in recent years.
No, there is no rent increase limit in the state of Florida. That means landlords can legally charge as much for rent as tenants are willing to pay. However, just because there are no rent increase limits doesn't mean landlords can charge exorbitant rates, and tenants are expected to accept.
While there are signs of a slowdown in the housing market's year-over-year growth rate, the overall data and forecasts suggest that a crash is unlikely in 2023.
Florida women can expect to live 81.6 years, which is 5.4 years longer than Florida men (76.2 years). Southerners had the shortest life expectancy while those in the Northeast and Midwest had the longest life expectancy.
The chances of being a victim of violent crime in Florida are 1 in 255. In 2021, Florida's violent crime rate was below the national median of 4 cases per 1000 residents. That year, the total reported violent crime was 85,426, or 3.8 cases per 1000 residents.
The Villages has the lowest county violent crime and property crime rate in Florida. What is the safest area to live in Florida? According to our research, the three safest cities in Florida are The Villages, Palm Coast, and Riverview.
Known as the “Waterfront Wonderland,” this charming town is not only one of Florida's most affordable places but it is also one of the safest. Located in the southwestern part of the state near Fort Meyers, Cape Coral has an intricate system of canals which allow its residents to always be near the water.
The only debate worth having is which side of Florida has the best beaches. The Atlantic coast has plenty to offer in the way of water sports. They get the better waves and, thus, some greater action. Florida's Gulf Coast, however, is responsible for those visions of smooth, sandy beaches and crystal, clear water.
10 Safest Florida Cities From Hurricanes. In the United States, Florida is the state that gets hit the most by hurricanes, followed by Texas and Louisiana. ...
Palatka. Palatka is the safest city in Florida from hurricanes. ...
Low income describes a family at or below 80% of area median income. Moderate income describes a family at or be- low 120% of area median income (at or below 100% of median income for federal programs).
Over 70 percent believe Florida's overcrowding and overpopulation is a major problem. Nearly 60 percent believe that adding another five million people to Florida's population is a serious problem. Forty percent say Florida has become a less comfortable place to live over the past five years.
What States Are Americans Moving To? The most popular state people moved to in 2022 was Florida, while the state people most often moved from was California. Texas was the second-most popular state for Americans on the move, while North Carolina came in third.
According to the Move.org report, 65% of the people who moved were between the ages of 25 and 44 and most people moved between August and October of 2020.
Massachusetts came in as the happiest state. Illinois, Connecticut, New Jersey and New York round out the top 5. The least happy states are Alabama, Louisiana, Kentucky, Mississippi, Arkansas -- and the state with the most unhappy residents is West Virginia, according to the study.
The Daring Kitchen reports that Florida is the fifth most healthy state in the country, even after a year of pandemic-inspired sloth and gluttony. Hawaii was the healthiest state, followed by Colorado, Arizona and California.
Hawaii is the state with the highest cost of living in the US, with a cost of living index of 184. The state's high cost of living is mainly due to the high cost of housing, which is among the highest in the nation.
Conversely, Hawaii tops the list of the most expensive states with an average house price of $636,400. As the only state not geographically based in North America, it's unsurprising that the cost of moving is significantly higher, from flights to shipping costs.
According to several studies on cost of living, Hawaii is the most expensive U.S. state to live in. Prices are typically double in Hawaii compared to those on the mainland, and the continued rise in inflation is making costs ranging from housing to health care much more expensive.
Canada and the United Kingdom are the most popular choices out of all the states shown according to the poll. Most families are interested in moving due to factors such as the economy, environment, healthier lifestyle, and better work opportunities, the survey said.
The annual 2022 United Van Lines National Movers study is out! But it wasn't good news for New Jersey or New York. A similar report from United Van Lines showed New Jersey as the top outbound state, followed by Illinois, New York, Michigan, and Wyoming.
If you have a low living cost and can supplement your income with a part-time job or a generous pension, then retiring on $3,000 a month is certainly possible.
One of the most popular states to move to in 2023 is Texas, and for good reason. This state boasts an impressive job market since it is home to many tech companies, startups, and artistic hubs.
If you are looking for a place to spend your golden years, look no further. Florida was ranked the second-best state to retire to in 2022, due primarily to low taxes and great weather.
The other reasons that people leave the state after moving here are varied: “A nearly 14,000-member Facebook group for people moving out of Florida has cited severe weather, low wages, crowded beaches, changing politics, and steep housing prices as reasons people left.”
Based on migration data from the U.S. Census Bureau, Americans are moving to Austin, Texas; Raleigh, North Carolina; Orlando, Florida; Dallas, Texas; and Phoenix, Arizona. The most moved-to cities are based on percentage increases in population since 2010.
No, there is no rent increase limit in the state of Florida. That means landlords can legally charge as much for rent as tenants are willing to pay. However, just because there are no rent increase limits doesn't mean landlords can charge exorbitant rates, and tenants are expected to accept.
Utah takes No. 1 in rankings that measure health care, education and economy. WASHINGTON, May 2, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Utah is the Best State in the country, according to the 2023 Best States rankings.
Some 318,855 people moved to Florida in 2022, a population gain of almost 2%. Cities like Ocala and Tallahassee were among the most popular ones for movers. Deltona and Miami also saw a large influx of residents.
Mississippi. Coming in as the cheapest state to live in in the United States is Mississippi with a cost of living index score of 83.3. It also has the lowest average housing costs in the nation at 33.7% below the national average. The median single family home costs around $140,818.
The annual 2022 United Van Lines National Movers study is out! But it wasn't good news for New Jersey or New York. A similar report from United Van Lines showed New Jersey as the top outbound state, followed by Illinois, New York, Michigan, and Wyoming.
There are various reasons why people are moving to Florida. The most common ones include warm weather, affordable cost of living, and job opportunities. Additionally, many people are reevaluating their living situations and considering moving to areas with more space and outdoor activities.
So, where do American expats go? The majority of U.S. citizens living abroad can be found in our neighboring countries of Canada and Mexico. That being said, hundreds of thousands of Americans have successfully ventured to faraway countries such as the Phillipines, Italy, and South Korea.
Florida law prohibits landlords from evicting tenants without going through the court system (self-help evictions). Your landlord can't evict you without a judge's order. And if the sheriff shows up to evict you, he also must have a court order. The only exception to this is if you have legally abandoned your place.
The lowest rental rates are found during the winter months—October through April—with demand and prices reaching their nadir between January and March. An apartment search should begin in the middle of the month prior to the target move month.
Jacksonville added more than 14,400 residents; Port St. Lucie added nearly 14,000 and Cap Coral added over 13,000, according to the analysis. The Villages metro area was the fastest-growing U.S. metro area between 2021 and 2022, increasing by 7.5%, according to the report.
Introduction: My name is Velia Krajcik, I am a handsome, clean, lucky, gleaming, magnificent, proud, glorious person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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