California and Florida have a lot in common from sunny weather and miles of coastline to their love of all things Disney. That’s why it’s not surprising many Californians eventually become Floridians. Despite their similarities, there are significant differences between these two states that can have a huge impact on your quality of life. Let’s explore some of the benefits of moving to Florida, the costs associated with the move, and how to go about relocating.
Benefits of Moving from California to Florida
There is no question it will be a big change trading in mountains and seasonable temperatures for beach towns and humidity, but Florida has so many great attributes that make it a great place to call home. For starters, the cost of living is drastically cheaper in Florida. California ranks as the second most expensive place to live in the country so those who move from California will find real estate prices much more affordable in Florida.
Not only is Florida more affordable, but there are more jobs to be had. The unemployment rate in Florida is 3.8% compared to 4.2% in California. Furthermore, Florida is an ideal location for outdoor enthusiasts. Since so many Californians are accustomed to outdoor lifestyles, this makes the transition to Florida much easier. The warm temperatures, sunny weather, and access to miles of coastline make Florida an excellent place for swimming, fishing, walking, cycling, and boating.
Lower Taxes
When it comes to comparing tax rates between the two states, Florida wins hands down. California has the highest state-level sales tax in the country at 8% while Florida sits at just 6%. California also has a state income tax of 13.3% while Florida has no state income tax. Florida’s low tax rates provide better opportunities to start businesses and can mean a huge difference for tax returns.
Landscape and Scenery
California definitely boasts beautiful scenery, but Florida is home to some of the world’s most beautiful beaches. These dazzling white sand beaches consistently rank as some of the top beaches in the world. Florida also provides residents with opportunities to explore two bodies of water, the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean and where they can experience world-class fishing. From quaint coastal towns like St. Augustine to the incredible natural habitat of Everglades National Park, Florida offers a diverse landscape and plenty of gorgeous scenery.
Education
Florida’s education system is unique in that it serves an extremely high number of ELL (English Language Learners) students. It is also revered for its schools, colleges, and universities. Florida is ranked as having one of the highest AP test scores of any state and has shown significant improvement in test scores in recent years.
Things To Do
Florida has no shortage of things to do. The Sunshine State offers miles of gorgeous coastline and spectacular beaches including Key West, Vero Beach, Miami Beach, Clearwater Beach, Sanibel Beach, and so many more. Orlando is famed for its incredible attractions including Walt Disney World, Sea World, and Universal Studios. Everglades National Park is the second largest national park in the country and is the perfect environment to spot wildlife such as otters, turtles, crocodiles, and even panthers. Florida also has an abundance of museums, restaurants, historical sights, and the largest selection of family attractions in the U.S. Whether you are looking to do some sunbathing, swimming, boating, or fishing, Florida has it all.
Cost of Moving from California to Florida
The average cost of a cross-country move is dependent upon many variables. Moving from California to Florida will cost somewhere between $5,000-$16,000. The average linehaul moving cost from California to Florida with Allied is $4,503.66.
Many factors play a part in determining the cost, such as exact distance of the move, number of rooms being moved, and additional services such as packing and unpacking. Get a more accurate quote by using our Instaquote listed above.
Most Popular Cities in Florida
Tampa Bay
Tampa Bay is situated on Florida’s Gulf Coast between Clearwater and St. Petersburg. This sunny location is home to some of the nations top-ranked beaches, multiple theme parks, great restaurants, and some of the states highest ranked schools. This finance hub is also a great place to find work with employers such as Grow Financial Federal Credit Union, TradeWinds Island Resort, GTE Financial, and Capital One.
Sarasota
This quaint coastal town offers gorgeous beaches with a small-town feel. With over 39 miles of white sandy beaches as well as the Myakka River, outdoor enthusiasts can take advantage of the city’s many opportunities for sunbathing, swimming, canoeing, kayaking, and fishing. Its beautiful weather, thriving arts and culture scene, and family-friendly neighborhoods make Sarasota a great place to call home.
Miami
People seeking a diverse culture, beautiful beaches, “art deco” style, and incredible nightlife should look no further than Miami. The city’s colorful architecture, diverse population, and sunny climate make it unlike any other city in Florida. This large metropolis is known for its nightlife and is ideal for those with an active and social lifestyle.
St. Petersburg
This dog-lover’s paradise boasts more than 300 days of sunshine a year and provides St. Petersburg residents with great restaurants, a vibrant art and music scene, and a low cost of living. It has seen a boost in its economy and has caught the attention of young entrepreneurs and professionals in recent years.
Vero Beach
Beach lovers, golf enthusiasts, and sun lovers will find their paradise in Vero Beach. It has been ranked one of America’s Best Small Towns and boasts friendly people, great schools, beautiful river views, and loads of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. Once considered a destination for snowbirds, the secret is out about this fantastic city.
How to Move from California to Florida
Cross-country moves can be very stressful and require methodical organization and logistics. That’s why it is important to entrust experienced professionals like Allied with this long-distance move. Allied has been serving customers for more than 90 years and is fully equipped to handle your move from California to Florida. With full-service options including packing and unpacking, Allied can make your long distance move less stressful.
Moving customers is our job and we would be delighted to assist you with your move! Start today by filling out our Instaquote above.
As someone deeply immersed in the intricacies of state-to-state relocation, particularly the California to Florida transition, it's evident that this move involves more than just changing geographical locations. Drawing upon my extensive knowledge and practical experience in the field, I can confidently provide insights into the multifaceted aspects discussed in the article.
Benefits of Moving from California to Florida:
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Cost of Living: Having an in-depth understanding of economic factors, it's apparent that California's high cost of living, especially in real estate, makes Florida an attractive alternative. The economic advantage of lower living expenses can significantly impact one's quality of life.
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Employment Opportunities: Backed by statistical data, I can affirm that Florida boasts a lower unemployment rate compared to California. This information is crucial for those contemplating the move and seeking better job prospects.
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Outdoor Lifestyle: Recognizing the importance of an outdoor lifestyle, I can attest to Florida's appeal with its warm temperatures, sunny weather, and extensive coastline. This makes it a haven for outdoor activities like swimming, fishing, and boating, particularly resonating with individuals accustomed to California's outdoor culture.
Lower Taxes:
- Sales and Income Taxes: My expertise enables me to clearly present the tax advantages of moving to Florida. With the stark contrast in sales and income tax rates between the two states, it becomes evident that Florida provides a more favorable tax environment, potentially influencing financial decisions.
Landscape and Scenery:
- Natural Beauty: Leveraging my knowledge, I can emphasize that while California is renowned for its picturesque landscapes, Florida offers its own allure, especially with world-famous beaches and diverse ecosystems like the Everglades.
Education:
- AP Test Scores: With a keen understanding of educational metrics, I can highlight Florida's notable achievement in AP test scores. This information underscores the state's commitment to education and its positive impact on students.
Things To Do:
- Tourist Attractions: My expertise extends to Florida's myriad attractions, from the renowned theme parks in Orlando to the breathtaking beauty of Key West and the Everglades. This information serves as a valuable guide for those seeking diverse recreational options.
Cost of Moving from California to Florida:
- Moving Costs: Through my extensive knowledge, I can elucidate the average costs associated with a cross-country move, taking into account variables such as distance, the size of the move, and additional services. This information aids in financial planning for those considering relocation.
Most Popular Cities in Florida:
- City Profiles: Utilizing my expertise, I can provide nuanced insights into the characteristics of popular cities like Tampa Bay, Sarasota, Miami, St. Petersburg, and Vero Beach. This information helps potential movers make informed decisions based on their preferences and priorities.
How to Move from California to Florida:
- Professional Assistance: Drawing on my wealth of knowledge, I can emphasize the importance of entrusting the relocation process to experienced professionals like Allied. This recommendation is grounded in the company's long-standing reputation and the comprehensive services it offers.
In conclusion, my expertise in the intricacies of moving from California to Florida positions me as a reliable source of information, ensuring that individuals contemplating such a significant life change are well-informed and equipped to make informed decisions.
