Pros and Cons of Living in Florida
If you think that living in Florida will be sunshine and Disney all day, every day, you’re wrong. There are a lot of wonderful things about the state, but it doesn’t come without its fair share of issues. Let’s take a look at some of the pros and cons of living in Florida.
Pros
Weather
If you love hot and sunshiney days, you’ll adore living in the Sunshine State. The climate is very fair all year round, with an average daily temperature of 70.7°F. Even winter is tolerable, especially in the Southern area of the state.
No State Income Taxes
Floridians pay less in taxes to the state and local government. There is no state income tax, which may contribute to its high GDP and employment growth.
Plethora of Activities
Adventure seekers will adore the infinite outdoor activity options in Florida. Whether it’s hiking, suntanning, surfing, or swimming, there’s no shortage of things to do in nature. Tennis players and golfers will love that they can play all year long, too.
There are 175 state parks and nine state trails to explore. Each park and trail provides unique educational, cultural, and recreational experiences.
Explore the 19th-century plantation ruins in Addison Blockhouse in Volusia. Horseback ride in Anastasia State Park in St. Johns. Check out Falling Waters State Park to see the tallest waterfall in Florida.
There are 21 different theme parks in the state, perfect for the young and young-at-heart.
Fresh Tropical Fruit
Florida’s tropical weather makes growing certain types of fruit a breeze. Imagine having a banana tree and passionfruit plant right on your property.
Cons
Cost of Living
On average, the cost of living in Florida is higher than in many other states. Floridians tend to pay more for groceries, housing, utilities, and transportation.
Weather
How can the climate be both a pro and a con, you may ask? While the weather in Florida is often bright and sunny, there comes the point when it’s too much. The humidity can be challenging to deal with, especially if you’re not used to it.
Natural Disasters
Floridians pay $1,338 more than the national average for their homeowner’s insurance. The reason for this may very well be because the state is at a higher risk of natural disasters. Hurricanes, tropical storms, tornados, and wildfires regularly affect the state’s residents.
Finding the Best Florida Jobs
Florida’s economic outlook is very promising. In 2018, the state’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) hit the $1 trillion mark, making it the 17th largest economy worldwide.
What does a strong economy mean for newcomers? A high GDP means the state is going to keep growing, creating new jobs, and keeping unemployment low. The unemployment rate is well below the national average, even amidst the pandemic.
The primary industries driving the economy are tourism, agriculture, and international trade. Disneyworld alone pays more than $2.7 billion every year to its 75,000 employees.
Other booming sectors include aerospace and aviation, life sciences, and financial services.
The highest paying jobs in Florida are in healthcare — oral surgeons, anesthesiologists, and obstetricians.
Finding the Best Places in Florida to Live
Don’t be fooled into thinking that Florida is all Disney and beaches. It’s a big state with almost 22 million residents and three central and very different regions. Make sure you’re doing your research on each area before choosing where to lay your roots.
Northern Florida
The Northern area of the state consists of cities like Jacksonville, Tallahassee, and Pensacola. It’s an outdoor lovers paradise with countless beaches, piers, and water-based activities.
If you’re moving to the Sunshine State for its warmth, it’s good to do some climate research beforehand. The weather in Northern Florida is typically cooler than other regions of the state. It even snows there on occasion.
Central Florida
Central Florida has some of the nation’s fastest-growing cities. Here you’ll find places like Orlando and Tampa, with the latter being one of the best places to live in America.
Orlando shouldn’t take the entire spotlight, though. Tampa has a growing job market and thriving arts and music scene. You’ll also always be near beautiful and clean beaches.
If Tampa sounds like someplace you’d like to settle down, get in touch with Yoursouthtampahome.com. They’ll help you find your dream home within your price range.
Central Floridians love the region’s sunshine, year-round sports, and countless attractions to visit.
This area is one of the leading tourist destinations in the country. Orlando alone is home to ten theme parks.
Southern Florida
If you enjoy the sights and sounds of a booming metropolis, you’ll want to consider moving to Southern Florida. Its a bustling urban region home to the second biggest city in the state – Miami.
The cost of living in Florida can vary wildly from region to region. It does cost more to live in this area than others, but you’ll have plenty of benefits to reap if you live here.
This region has a tropical climate and often experiences sweltering hot summers. If you’re an outdoor enthusiast, you’ll love the coastline, nature preserves, and wildlife
Is Moving to Florida Right For You?
So, is moving to Florida a good idea? It depends on your lifestyle and your personal climate preferences.
If you love experiencing all four seasons and skiing in the winter, moving to Florida may not be right for you.
If you live for the sun, can handle humidity, and like being outside, you’ll love the Sunshine State.
Keep reading our blog to find more tips on moving and setting up your dream space.
Leave a Comment