Why Move to Florida? Pros and Cons

Florida has long been one of the fastest growing states in the U.S., as it had the third largest population increase from 2010 to 2015. During that time, over 1.4 million people moved to the Sunshine State, and many of them were from New York. In fact, Florida is among the top places to move for people in the Northeast, and there are a few clear reasons for that. Of course, you might encounter a few drawbacks of moving to Florida, as no state is perfect. So if you've ever asked yourself, "Why move to Florida?" check out the pros and cons of this popular state.

Pros of Moving to Florida

No Harsh Winters

One of the most popular reasons people from New York move to Florida is the lack of snow in the winter. If you're tired of shoveling snow and wearing several layers of clothing just to step outside in December, Florida will likely appeal to you. The highs in the winter are about 70 to 80 degrees, with lows around 40 to 50 degrees. This benefit alone is why many people up north make the move to the Sunshine State.

No State Taxes

When you're used to paying taxes aplenty, it's hard to get used to the idea of no taxes. That's right, in Florida, there's no personal income tax. This means you just might save money when you move to Florida.

Lots to Do

When you move to Florida from New York, you'll have a lot of local attractions to check out. If you live inland near Orlando, you're near numerous theme parks, including Walt Disney World, SeaWorld, Universal Orlando and LEGOLAND. If you live on the coast, there's always the beach and the many eateries, clubs and shops the coastline tends to attract. And then if you live in southeast Florida, there's Miami Beach, the Florida Keys, Everglades National Park and more. Clearly, you won't run out of things to do in Florida.

Cons of Moving to Florida

It's Humid

The humidity can be a shock for anyone not used to it. And though it's the worst in the summer, it's actually present year round. Florida is technically the most humid state in the U.S., so keep this in mind if you like dry climates.

Public Transportation Is Lacking

If you're used to New York City and surrounding areas, you might take excellent public transportation for granted. But don't expect the same experience in Florida. Having a car is basically a necessity unless you want to ride the bus or walk a lot.

Lots of Tourists

You're not the only person who wants to enjoy the beach or Walt Disney World. It turns out millions of other people do, too, translating into tons of tourists year-round. You might be used to this if you're from New York City, but not if you're from upstate. So be prepared to experience long lines and lots of traffic anywhere near well-known attractions.

As long as you take these pros and cons into account, you should be ready to move from New York to Florida. According to the stats, however, the pros outweigh the cons for most people, since this state's population has been exploding for years.