If you’re a New Jersey resident looking to move to Florida, it might seem like the trip will be easy and cheap (jump in your car and go!). But before you pack up your bags, there are some important factors you need to consider when moving to Florida from New Jersey – including the weather, cost of living, and taxes – that will help you make the best choice possible. Read on to learn more about what you need to know before moving to Florida from New Jersey.
Learn about the pros of living in Florida
Florida offers so much and is the perfect place to live, work, play, and retire. It is a great place for families as many family-friendly communities have terrific schools. Plus, there are lots of activities to keep you busy all year long. Whether you are in the mood for some adventure or prefer something more relaxing, you can find it in the Sunshine State.
Other common advantages of living in Florida include the low cost of living, warm weather, and lack of wintertime snow. The average home costs about $300K, which is about 10% cheaper than the national average. The median income in Florida is also higher than most other states at $44K/year, which means more disposable income that could go towards retirement savings.
Living in Florida offers benefits like no state income tax and many perks that come with being a resident, such as discounts on golf courses, theme parks, movie tickets, and beaches. There are also plenty of opportunities to start your own business too.
Research the top cities in Florida
Researching the best places to live in Florida is important, so be sure you know what is available and what each city offers. For instance, Naples may be a great place to consider living if you have a family because of its low crime rate and good public schools. On the other hand, if you’re more interested in sunny beaches and golf courses, then maybe Palm Coast would be better. Once you’ve decided where you want to live in Florida, it’s time to start looking at homes.
Decide whether you will buy or rent a home
You have to think about many things when you’re moving to Florida from New Jersey, such as what type of home you want to buy or rent, where you’ll be living, and how much money you will need for the move. If you do decide to buy a home, here are some things to keep in mind:
- You may not find the perfect house right away. Be patient and keep looking. -If you plan on renting while looking for your new home, ensure your lease is up before considering buying a property in Florida.
- Do not forget about all the fees involved in buying a house. For instance, closing costs can cost thousands of dollars plus lawyer’s fees and other expenses associated with purchasing a property.
Narrow down things to do in Florida that you know you’ll enjoy
Florida is the sunshine state, after all. No matter the time of year, it’s always warm enough to go outside and enjoy. The beaches are popular attractions, as are Disney World and Universal Studios Orlando. There are also plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities like fishing in St Pete, hiking, and biking.
In addition to these things, there’s much more to explore in Florida. Miami has its art scene, Tampa Bay offers culture and many outdoor activities (check out Busch Gardens), while Sarasota has some of the gorgeous landscapes you’ll ever see. Plus, with such a variety of places to live, it’s easy to find your perfect neighborhood or community. So what are you waiting for? Start exploring now.
Conclusion
The Sunshine State has a lot to offer and is a popular place for people to move in. However, there are some things you should know before you pack up your life and head south. From its tropical climate to its unfamiliar culture, you must do your research before making a move.