Moving From New York to Florida: 5 Things You Need to Know

With the high cost of living, frigid winters, and congestion of city life, many New Yorkers are packing their bags and heading out of The Big Apple. According to Bloomberg, on average 277 people move away from New York daily—making it the largest net loser of any U.S. metropolitan area. So where are all of these New Yorkers going? Florida tops the destination list with its warm winters and favorable taxes. However, that isn’t all The Sunshine State has to offer.

1.    There is Plenty to Do—Especially in Miami

If one of your favorite aspects of New York is the lively social scene, moving to Miami is a good alternative. While the beaches alone offer everything from snorkeling to sailing, this area has a lot more to offer than sand and water.

The diversity in Miami means there is an assortment of exquisite international cuisine right at your fingertips. So, whether you’re craving the taste of sweet and salty Vietnamese or some authentic Cuban cuisine, good food is never hard to find. Love art? Some key places to get your art fix include Vizcaya, the Museum of Contemporary Art, and the Perez Art Museum. However, you can also find smaller galleries and exhibits sprinkled throughout the area.

There are also other draws like trendy nightclubs to get your party fix. Or, you can always visit the Zoological Wildlife Foundation or Tropical Park to enjoy the peacefulness of nature.

2.    School Starts a Month Earlier

School starts in Florida about a week into August—a whole month earlier than most New York schools. So if you want your kids to start the school year on time, be sure to plan your move accordingly. School district calendars are accessible online or you can also obtain information by contacting the school board directly.

Thinking of a private school? Private schools cost less than half as much as they do in New York. For a child to attend preschool or kindergarten for a full day, on average it costs 66% less in Florida. That’s a jump from around $2425 a month to $825.

3.    Taxes and Salaries Heavily Differ

One big difference between New York and Florida is the taxes and salary rate. Here are a few key points to keep in mind.

• By moving from New York to Florida, you will be leaving behind what is considered one of the least tax-friendly states for one of the most. Florida charges no state income tax and its property taxes are below the mid-point. In fact, New Yorkers with a median U.S household have a state and local tax burden that is almost double Floridians, with taxes charged at 12.9% and 8%, respectively.

• In Florida, you may experience a significant pay cut—often anywhere from 30%-50%—so budget accordingly. This does get offset with the lower taxes and a lower cost of living, but it is definitely worth factoring into your budget.

• While this doesn’t just apply to a Florida move, it is worth noting that long-distance moves are no longer tax-deductible (unless you are a military member). This deduction got eliminated by the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) in

4.    Planning is Crucial

While with shorter moves you can always make a few trips, this isn’t the case with a long-distance move to Florida. This why planning is so important. Not sure where to start? Here are a few long-distance moving tips to get you started.

Make A Checklist. Write down all the tasks that need to get done for your move. This should include bigger tasks like home repairs and booking movers, as well as smaller to-dos like canceling your gym membership and returning library books. For optimal organization, it is best to organize this list by the date each task needs to get done. Putting all tasks in a calendar format can also be useful.

Book Accommodations. The sooner you book everything from your flight to a moving company, the better. Don’t forget to also make any necessary accommodations for pets. This may include time at a doggy daycare while the moving truck gets loaded or finding a pet-friendly hotel to break up the trip.

Shipping Media: Did you know it can be cheaper to ship your books for a long-distance move? If you have an extensive book collection, the weight it adds to the moving truck can increase the fees from weigh stations. Instead, you may want to ship your books with flat-rate USPS media mailers or a similar service to save you money.

5.    Renting Before Buying May Be Favorable

The decision to rent or buy a home comes with many factors, but when moving long-distance, it can be a good idea to rent before you buy. This will give you a chance to get a first hand feel for all the different neighborhoods. Plus, the weather in Florida is a big change. While having year-round sun may seem like heaven on earth for New Yorkers that have to bear frigid winters, the humidity in Florida can be overwhelming—and ultimately, some people find the tropical climate isn’t right for them. However, if you have already spent a fair bit of time in Florida, this may be less of an issue for you and buying may be more economical.

Deciding whether to rent or buy is a big decision in any moving process, so be sure to start your search for a new home as soon as possible. This will help you see what is available, evaluate various price points, and assess how each option will meld with your lifestyle and budget.

Making the move to Florida from New York can be a bit anxiety-provoking, but there is so much to gain. With a little planning and research, your long-distance move to The Sunshine State can go off without a hitch. And you can be relaxing on one of those warm beaches in no time.

Previous post:
Converting Your Property Into a Senior-Friendly Home

Next post:
The Most Brilliant Interior Design Trends Of 2020