Are you considering a move to Florida? Living in Florida comes with several benefits. It can also be a big change depending on where you’re moving from.
To make your move enjoyable and to ensure it’s the right decision for you, there are a few things you should know about first. For starters, start to think about some of the main reasons why you’re choosing Florida over another state. What is it about Florida you like?
What do you expect from living in Florida? What type of lifestyle are you interested in? Keep these questions in mind when reading the guide below.
Below, you’ll find several things to know about living in Florida when planning a move there. Continue reading below to find out all the information you need to know!
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Visit Before You Commit
Have you recently visited Florida? Have you visited the part of Florida you’re planning to move to? If so, how many days did you spend there?
It’s important to visit the area you want to live in before making the move. Contrary to popular belief, the entire state of Florida isn’t made up solely of retired individuals. Depending on what part of Florida you live in, you could be surrounded by a completely different environment.
Always schedule to spend a week or longer in the part of Florida you’re interested in moving to. Make sure it suits your lifestyle and consider trying a few places before making a final decision.
Find the Best Florida Home For You
Now it’s time to find the best Florida home for you. You should start by researching the different cities in Florida. Some popular cities include Jacksonville, Tallahassee, Orlando, Tampa, and Miami.
Be sure to research each of these major cities and the surrounding areas. Know what each city has to offer to its residents. Then, consider what type of home you’re interested in.
Are you looking for a single-family home, an apartment, a condo, or something else? Search online to see what’s available.
Speak With a Realtor
During your house hunt, you may feel overwhelmed. There are a lot of important aspects to look into and consider when house hunting in a new state. You’ll want to understand the state tax, the cost of living, and so much more.
To help you stay organized and conduct a thorough search, don’t hesitate to speak with a realtor. A realtor experienced in buying and selling homes in Florida will know all the ins and outs of the market. They’ll know when’s the best time to buy and what’s a good deal.
They can help explain certain aspects of the buying process to you and make it much simpler. When looking to move to the Miami area, check out these realtors.
Understand Necessary Insurance
Florida generally has great weather, but the state is also known for hurricanes and flooding. For this reason, many homeowners will need to purchase flood insurance. Flood insurance could be mandatory and is an expense you should plan for.
Although you might not want to put out the extra money upfront, you’ll be glad to have it in case of a hurricane or storm.
Consider Your Career
If you’re not already moving to Florida because of your current job, then you’ll want to consider your career before making the move. Take the time to do your research and know what jobs are currently available and what the unemployment rate is. You should also look into what Florida’s current average salary is, so you know what you’d possibly be making if you move there.
There are a few job opportunities that are more common than others in Florida. Some examples are motorboat operators, electrical technicians, pest control workers, amusement attendants, and construction workers.
Think About Your Education
Are you considering finishing your education in Florida? If so, it’s best to know how long you’ll need to be a resident in the state before you can apply as an in-state student. Waiting until you’re considered a Florida resident can help you save on tuition costs.
There are many great well-known colleges all around Florida. Some you might be familiar with are as follows: Florida State, University of Florida, and the University of South Florida. There are also many wonderful community colleges to choose from as well.
Research each college in close proximity to where you plan to live.
Prepare For the Weather
When you think about Florida, you most likely imagine a warm ocean breeze blowing through your hair and the hot sun kissing your skin. Although this is true for the majority of the year, you should keep in mind that Florida heat can be much more intense than the heat in some other states.
If you’re not used to high temperatures, then you’ll want to prepare for Florida’s hot weather. Most days are in the high 80s or low 90s. Winters in Florida are also typically warm for the winter season.
You won’t have to pack snow boots or heavy snow jackets. Flip flops, sandals, and beachwear are the common go-to clothing items. Do keep in mind, however, that Florida can also experience hurricanes and storms, as mentioned before. There are several options for hurricane shutters Fort Myers Florida to protect your new home
You should also plan for the rainy season, where you’ll experience more rainy days than sunny ones.
Keep Wildlife in Mind
Do you deal with wildlife in your current neighborhood? How does it compare to Florida’s wildlife? You should know what to expect to see in your own backyard, on the side of the road, or at the beach.
If you’re moving from a different region in the country, then you should expect to see much different wildlife than that in your current hometown. What’s the most important is understanding that Florida is known for its alligators and crocodiles. Depending on what part of Florida you move to, you might even see them lying on the side of the road.
However, no matter where in the state you live, there will be gators around you, as long as there’s a body of water (even a small pound). Raccoons, opossums, and snakes are also very popular and can be found in your backyard. Turtles, lizards, frogs, and fish are also common.
Make sure to know what wildlife to expect in your neighborhood and then plan in advance. Remember, Florida is a humid and hot state, which bugs and insects love as well.
Know Florida Isn’t Only For the Retired
If you’re stuck on the idea that Florida is only for people who are retired, then it’s time to change your way of thinking. Florida is a great place for retired individuals, there’s no doubting that. Many retired people reside here, but not every city is a city for those settling into retirement.
Sarasota, for example, is a wonderful place for retired individuals. It’s a quiet city on the beach with lots of shopping and dining options. Miami is more known for its vibrant scene and amazing nightlife.
Orlando is a city centralized around families. Tampa has a good mix of families, retired individuals, and young adults alike. If you’re moving to Florida for a specific type of lifestyle, then be sure you select the right city to match that lifestyle.
Plan to Spend Lots of Time Outdoors
Sure, Florida has its fair share of rainy days, but the majority of the time, the sun is out and the temperatures are high. With this being said, plan to spend lots of time outdoors, especially on the water. Florida provides lots of opportunities for outdoor adventures.
Because Florida is a peninsula, it’s almost completely surrounded by water. That means, no matter where you live, there’s a beach not too far from you. Florida is also home to many beautiful natural springs and nature parks.
Consider biking or hiking down a nature trail, soaking up the sun at the beach, cooling off in a natural spring, getting your exercise in while kayaking down a river, walking around a popular theme park, and much more!
Make Your Move to Florida a Delightful One
Your move to Florida doesn’t have to be stressful or overwhelming. Plan ahead and do your research. Use all of the helpful information given in this guide above to make your move to Florida a delightful one.
When you know what to expect and take your time finding the ideal home for you and your family, you’ll make a choice you won’t regret. Interested in more lifestyle, travel, and other topics? Continue to visit on a regular basis for more!
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