Did you know that around 330,000 people moved to Florida in the past year? Although the state has always been a popular place for retirement, the recent housing boom caused many people to sell their homes and move somewhere more affordable for their golden years.
Have you thought about moving to Florida? Here are some of the perks of While the housing boom makes Florida quite appealing for those looking to move there, it is important to note that while Florida doesn't have the highest cost of living, it certainly doesn't have the lowest either? Before making the move, use a cost of living calculator to compare Florida with where you live now. If Florida still looks good, here are some of the perks of living there, so you can make your life as fun as possible in the Sunshine State.
Warm Weather Year-Round
You may be wondering what to know when moving to Florida that is most important. One of the main attractions for Florida residents is the weather. While summers can be hot and humid, the average temperature for the state in winter is around 65 degrees.
Many temporary residents, called snowbirds, vacation in Florida during the winter months from places like Canada. If you enjoy warmer temperatures, you will love the Florida weather as an excuse to wear sandals year-round.
Save Money on Your Tax Bill
Even if the cost of living in Florida is higher than what you pay currently, you will save money on taxes when you move to the sunshine state. Florida is one of the many states that have no state income tax.
The lack of income tax is a huge motivator for individuals and businesses to move to Florida. By discounting your tax bill, you will have more money left over for adventures, theme parks, and all the other entertainment the state has to offer.
Experience World-Class Beaches
Florida has some of the best beaches in the world, so it is no surprise that many people move there to experience the coastline. Even if you do not want to live next to the beach, they are never far away. Many beaches in Florida have numerous awards for their beauty and water temperature.
You can go to the beach to relax, or participate in activities like surfing. Take up a hobby such as sailing during your time in Florida and you can be out on the water as often as you would like.
Visit Theme Parks
If you do not like to go to the beach all the time, then you can hit up any of the dozens of theme parks that the state has to offer. Walt Disney World is a huge attraction that is over 40 square miles. It is split into different parks, such as Epcot, Animal Kingdom, and Magic Kingdom so you will never be bored if you are a Disney fan.
For film buffs, you will have endless fun at Universal Studios Orlando. You can check out the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and visit all kinds of attractions and film sets for your favorite movies.
For families who want to experience aquatic life, try visiting Sea World. Along with endless entertainment, many of these parks have attractive deals for Florida residents. You can purchase year-round passes at a lower rate, so you will save money on your favorite theme parks.
Easy Access to the Bahamas and Other Islands
If you ever get sick of everything Florida has to offer, many islands are relatively close by to the Florida coast. One popular option is the Bahamas. In fact, the closest island is a mere 50 miles away from the state of Florida.
For those simply wanting to get off the mainland, you can hop down to the Florida Keys. There are a wide variety of activities you can do there, including snorkeling and scuba diving. Check out the marine wildlife and the unique culture of the southernmost tip of the United States.
So Many Sports Teams
For a sports fan, there is never a shortage of fun games and teams to root for if you move to the Sunshine State. The state is home to three NFL teams, located in Tampa Bay, Miami, and Jacksonville.
Daytona, Florida happens to be the home of Nascar, so you'll find many passionate auto racing fans in the state. There are racing tracks all over the state, including the Daytona International Speedway and the Walt Disney World Speedway.
Since Florida has many colleges and universities, these schools have sports teams that you can go watch as well. If you know someone who works or attends a university, you might be able to get a discount on a college football game.
Get an Outstanding Education
For people with children, you should consider Florida for its amazing universities. Public universities like Florida State University and the University of South Florida offer a great education for affordable tuition prices. Since Florida is a popular destination for Spring Break, your child can go to college and have a good time close to home.
These colleges are also a great option if you want to go back to school in your retirement years. If you are a Florida resident, you can pay a low cost for community college classes that you are interested in.
Experience the Everglades
Florida has a biome like no other in the United States, known as the Everglades. This area features dense swamps, which are home to many unique species of alligators. Because this space is federally protected, you can explore it in its full glory.
Many Florida residents take their kayaks and canoes on expeditions through the swamps in the Everglades. You can take a guided tour with an expert or simply go out on your own as often as you'd like if you live in Florida.
Enjoy Florida Living in the Sunshine State
If you want to move to Florida, you should not have to worry about if you will have a good time. With these benefits, your move will be well worth it and you can get started with your Florida living experience.
Want to know more about places you can move and travel to? Take a look around our blog for more advice and recommendations.