While it’s known as the home to Orlando, the “theme park capital of the world,” there’s much more to Florida than rip-roaring rides and the faces of familiar characters. From vibrant urban areas like Miami to awe-inspiring natural wonders like natural caves and the untamed wild of the Everglades, there’s never a dull moment in the Sunshine State.
Simply put, if you’ve been setting aside boxes for moving and are itching for a place to move, Florida is an excellent choice.
Are You Ready to Take on the Heat?
If you’re a tried-and-true New Yorker, it can be tough giving up your winter when you move out of state. At least, that’s how you might feel until the reality of the brutal cold starts settling in. At that point, the Florida sun might seem like the answer to all your problems.
There are many genuinely compelling reasons to make the trek to Florida, but prepare to adjust to a different, more laid-back lifestyle than what you’re used to in New York. And of course, your New York friends might wonder why you’re choosing to leave the city’s hustle and bustle. And while Florida has its fair share of fast-paced city living, it still might be a major change of pace. That’s why your first step should be making sure this move is the right decision for you. This handy guide should give you a good idea of what to expect! Once you figure that out, you’ll want to find the right moving company to make your transition as smooth as possible.
The Average Cost of Moving from New York City to Orlando, FL Is:
The average cost of moving from New York to Orlando, Florida is between $2350-$3500 (for moving 1 bedroom). A NY to FL long-distance move usually takes moving companies between 6 and 9 days. The express duration takes movers between 4 and 7 days and adds another $500-$600 to the cost.
Cost of Living
The cost of renting an apartment in Florida will undoubtedly be cheaper than prices in New York. Here, a one-bedroom on average goes for around $1,150 a month. Plus, the astronomical cost of buying a home in New York City may have rendered home buying a pipe dream. Buying a home out of state is an opportunity worth exploring in Florida! The average sales price is in the ballpark of $200,000 (instead of in the millions).
The cost of living is low compared to New York. Additionally, the average cost of food is low in relation to the rest of the country. In any case, the more reasonable cost of living will mean you’ll probably have more space. Even better? More financial freedom to pursue new projects. Plus, Florida is a low-tax state, with no state income tax.
Public Transportation
While cities such as Orlando, Miami, Tampa, and Jacksonville are all served by public transit (whether that be Miami’s Metro Rail or Orlando’s Lynx bus system), getting a car is probably the preferred way of moving about in Florida. South Beach, Daytona Beach, and Key West are all bicycle-friendly. Don’t rule out rocking your biker bod on the beach once you’re all settled in.
Climate
When exploring life in Florida, you’ll have to get used to the idea of sunshine and a generally warm climate on a year-round basis (that shouldn’t be too hard). Summers are long, humid, and very warm with frequent thunderstorms keeping the temperature down in the evenings. Winters are milder, sometimes dipping into sweater weather territory.
In contrast to mainland cities like Orlando, the weather differs slightly on Florida’s coast. The shore breezes of Tampa, Jacksonville, and Miami bring cooler temperatures in the summertime. Overall, Florida weather doesn’t vary too wildly from place to place. The following cities reflect the differing weather all over the state.
- Tallahassee – Situated inland in northern Florida, the state capital Tallahassee is most susceptible to extreme cold and even snow (though these occasions are not common), with lows in the 30s during the winter but generally warm to hot weather year-round (especially in the summer).
- Jacksonville – Conditions in Jacksonville are similar to those in Tallahassee, as both are situated far north, but its coastal positioning means slightly hotter winters and mildly cooler summers than its neighbor inland.
- Orlando – Situated pretty much in the middle of the state, Orlando can still get a little bit of the chill from the north (freezing temperatures are possible but uncommon), but the city is warmer overall throughout the year and especially during the winter. As we move toward the southern end of the state, rainfall averages are higher, especially in the summertime.
- Tampa and St. Petersburg – Moving south along Florida’s western coast, these two destinations continue to bring the year-round Florida heat, tamed throughout the summer by the coastal wind.
- Miami and West Palm Beach – As you approach the southern tip of Florida (where you’ll also find the Keys and Fort Lauderdale), the weather gets hotter, with more rainfall in the summer. As southern coastal cities, Miami and West Palm Beach heat up in the winter. During the summer, the breeze from the ocean keeps temperatures down.
DMV
As Florida is definitely a driving state, you’ll need some wheels. If you own a car already and are looking to drive it to your new home in Florida, you’ll have 30 days after establishing residency to transfer your license, title, and registration with the Florida DMV. You’ll also want to officially change your address, register to vote in your new state, update your organ donor status, and send your old license plates back to New York. The DMV website will provide a handy checklist based on your moving needs so you won’t miss any steps along the way.
Employment
People from all backgrounds, with or without education or work experience, are able to find employment in Florida. Major industries driving Florida’s economy include agriculture, financial services, aerospace, aviation, and, of course, tourism (this is the “theme park capital of the world,” after all). Different cities offer differing markets (those looking to start working their way through the world of contemporary art, in either a creative or administrative capacity, should look into a move to Miami, home to a vibrant art scene and the Art Basel fair, for example).
Moving Tips and Things to Know when Moving from NYC to Florida
- While packing for your new life, make room for the future. Leave a lot of your heavy winter staples behind.
- Move during the summertime, instead of the winter. This is how you can avoid the “snowbirds” (a local pet term for people from the north who spend their winters in the warmer climate).
- There’s lots of available parking in Florida. Moving vehicles do not require special parking permits.
- Try not to consume all of the good food and beverages in your new state at once. Though, if you want to try, we recommend fresh seafood and a local craft beer. A slice of key lime pie can also begin your local culinary adventures.
- Find a great moving company, with exceptional cross-country moving experience.