Pros and Cons of Living in Florida

Choosing to relocate can be quite overwhelming. Once you decide on a state, you still need to choose the right community. If you’ve decided to make Florida your new home, you’re in luck – it’s a big and varied place, with something for all ages, family dynamics and budget.

Continue reading as we dive into some notable Pros and Cons about the state itself, the top cities to live in across a variety of categories, and a handy moving checklist.

In Section I below, we cover some of the many advantages of living in Florida, along with a few drawbacks you should be aware of and some fun facts.

In Sections II through IV, we examine some great destinations for the following groups:

1. II. Young professionals just starting out
2. III. Couples who have young kids
3. IV. Retired folks looking to live out their golden years in the warm weather

For each community within Sections II through IV, we assign a score, which provides an overall assessment – based on affordability, employment, lifestyle, healthcare, education and other relevant factors – of the city’s appeal as a place to call home. Finally, in Section V, we look at a checklist for moving – some of the most important items to take care of when you relocate.

Continue reading below for an overview of the top pros and cons of living in Florida.

Pros and Cons of Living in Florida

As with any state, there are pros and cons to living in Florida. But as people often say, a bad day in Florida is still better than a good day anywhere else. Let’s look at some of the pros and cons side by side.

Pros

1. a) You are never more than 60 miles from a beach in Florida. With nearly 1,200 miles of coastline, it is no wonder that a common phrase is “You can shake the sand from your shoes but not from your soul.”
2. b) Florida has managed to stay affordable while attracting people from all over the country at a tremendous rate. Florida’s population grew by 14.2% over the past decade, which is more than double the national rate of 6.3%.
3. c) At the same time, Florida’s median home price is still slightly below the national median ($215,300 vs. $217,500).
4. d) Florida is one of nine states that don’t have an income tax. Save some money by moving to the Sunshine State!
5. e) Many areas of Florida are extremely diverse. Foreign-born persons make up over 50% more of the population in Florida than in the U.S. in general (20.7% as opposed to 13.6%).
6. f) There are plenty of theme parks in the state of Florida, including the biggest in the world: The Walt Disney World Resort. With over 40 square miles of parks, resorts, bars, dining and shopping, there’s always something to do.
7. g) Don’t assume beaches are the only nature Florida has to offer. With over 200 state parks to visit, be sure that you make plenty of time to see the natural springs, lakes, rivers and hiking trails all across the state.
8. h) And then there’s golf, golf and more golf! Naples claims to be the “Golf Capital of the World,” with more holes per capita than any other community. In addition, with more than 160 golf courses, Palm Beach County has more golf courses than any other county in the U.S.

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With year-round warm weather and over 8,000 miles of coastline, it’s no wonder Florida is a prime vacation destination. Filled with wildlife, beaches, lakes, rivers, amusement parks, diverse entertainment options and much more, the population of Florida is growing with people that want to call Florida “home,” soak up the sun…

Cons

1. a) Infestations can sometimes be a huge problem in Florida. Bugs, critters and small reptiles such as snakes can cause issues. On the plus side, typically these creatures are more annoying than deadly and can be taken care of by working with the right exterminator.
2. b) Florida weather can be a struggle for those not used to it. The heat index in the summer can exceed 110 degrees Fahrenheit, and the relative humidity is sometimes around 90%. Hurricanes can be devastating as well, but the good news is that they are predictable, and Floridians are pros at preparing for any storm.
3. c) Certain parts of the state can become overrun by tourists throughout the year. One good thing is that once you start noticing trends, you’ll be able to avoid crowds and crazy out-of-towners. Get ready to hear “Some call it a vacation; I call it home.”

Finally, here are some fun facts about Florida!

1. a. The phrase “cool as a cucumber” originates in Florida. On a hot Florida day, the pulp of a cucumber can be up to 10 degrees cooler than the surrounding air.
2. b. The first commercial refrigeration was used in Florida.
3. c. The Florida Everglades is the only place in the world where alligators and crocodiles coexist.
4. d. Miami Beach pharmacist Benjamin Green invented the first sunscreen in 1944.
5. e. The first commercial flight took place in 1914 between Tampa and St. Pete.
6. f. Gatorade was named after a drink developed for the Florida Gators.

Moving to Florida? Our Relocation Checklist Will Help You Cover Your Bases

If you’re planning on relocating in the near future, there are lots of things to get done so that the entire process runs smoothly. Follow these steps to ensure that your relocation will be as stress-free as possible.

Step One: Organization

• Block time on your calendar to prepare for the move. Take time off work, cancel appointments and make sure the time is available to only focus on the move.
• Set a budget for how much you’d like to spend. Consider moving supplies, moving trucks, overnight stays and any other expense to make everything run smoothly.

Step Two: Planning

• Go through all your belongings and decide what items to bring and what items to get rid of. Consider donating old pieces and purchasing new ones at your destination to save space in the truck.
• Research and hire a moving company that you can trust with your large pieces of furniture. Decide if you’ll also drive some of the belongings to your new location.
• Prepare to change your address and have your mail forwarded on the correct date.

Step Three: Packing

• Begin packing lesser-used items first so you are not struggling during the last few days in your current location.
• Clean and prepare your home before the movers come so they can efficiently pack large furniture items.
• Ensure that you have essentials with you so that you are comfortable right away. This is especially important if the moving trucks won’t arrive until a day or two later.

Step Four: The Move

• Keep an ongoing list of things to remember for the day of the move, including any stops you might make along the way.
• Make sure everyone is comfortable on the journey, including any pets or kids who are making the trip.

Step Five: Settling In

• Once all your belongings have made it to your new location, begin unpacking and getting settled.
• Make it a point to explore your new town, even if it’s just taking a walk or a short drive to see the new sights.
• Set up appointments to register your car (if you are in a new state) and update your driver’s license.

Conclusion

As you can see, there are plenty of great cities to live in around the state of Florida. Whether you are a young professional just starting out, have recently started a family, or are looking to retire, we hope this guide is helpful as you take the first step on this journey.

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