Living in Florida has always been a popular choice for Americans (and many Europeans and Latin Americans) who want mild winters, low taxes and great beaches. But in recent years, moving to Florida has reached new heights of popularity.

The numbers are impressive. For example, between July 2020 and July 2021, the state added 211,305 residents. Florida ranked as the No. 1 state for net migration – the number of people moving in vs. the number moving out – in 2020 and 2021.

There’s no sign of the trend slowing, either. The number of people moving to Florida in the first few months of 2022 is even higher than the rate in 2021.

Why Are People Moving to Florida?

It’s easy to see why so many people want to move to South Florida and other parts of the Sunshine State. While every person has their own moving story, almost everyone benefits from the following aspects of living in Florida.

• Zero state income tax
• Some of the best-rated beaches in the world
• Low property tax rates
• More entertainment options than just about anywhere else
• A culture that blends the best of the U.S., Latin America, and Europe
• Huge events all year round
• If you enjoy water-related activities, it’s the best place to be
• Being able to say the following and mean it: “I will never have to shovel snow again”

Florida also features some of the fastest-growing cities in the nation, where job opportunities, affordable neighborhoods, great restaurants, and a laid-back, tropical, or sub-tropical lifestyle await new residents. Those cities include Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Tampa, St Petersburg, Orlando, and Jacksonville.

States People Leave to Live in Florida

Where are all of these people coming from? It’s no surprise to Floridians (or New Yorkers) that numbers from the U.S. Census Bureau show more people leave New York to live in Florida than any other state. There’s always been a strong connection between the two states, with many New Yorkers vacationing in Florida and some eventually making a permanent home there. That number has grown in recent years.

But Americans from many other states are also starting to choose Florida in higher numbers.

Here are the top states people are leaving to move to Florida, using census bureau data.

• New York. The number of New Yorkers moving to Florida reached 57,488. That’s nothing new, as New Yorkers have come to Florida since the late 18th century. Even black and white Hollywood movies such as “It Happened One Night” and “Some Like It Hot ” revolved around people “running away” from New York for Florida. In reality, New Yorkers enjoy lower taxes, warm weather, and a business-friendly environment.
• Georgia. In 2019 alone, 49,681 people moved from Georgia to Florida. Why make such a relatively short move? Because Georgians want to escape high state income taxes and enjoy the job opportunities in every major city in Florida.
• Pennsylvania. Like New Yorkers, the 34,965 people who made the move from Pennsylvania to Florida likely wanted to escape higher taxes and harsh winter weather. Like New York, Pennsylvania – the nation’s fifth-biggest state – has lost population in recent years.
• Ohio. In Ohio, 30,335 decided to leave the Buckeye State and make the move to Florida. The Midwest is another area where many people have migrated to Florida. The Tampa Bay area is especially a popular destination for many Midwesterners who are drawn to the growing economy in the Tampa Bay area (and the many great sports options).
• California. If any state on the list is a surprise, it’s California, a state most people associate with a place people move to rather than a place they leave. Data shows that 28,628 people moved from California to Florida. It makes sense for Californians who want a warm climate without the high taxes.
• New Jersey. In 2019, 28,222 people moved from New Jersey to Florida. Many did so for the very same reasons that people moved from New York – weather, taxes, lower cost of living, and more affordable homes and rentals.
• North Carolina. Like the people in Georgia, North Carolinians benefit from living close to Florida – 28,207 moved south in 2019.
• Texas. In 2019, 26,174 left Texas for Florida. The states share many common attributes in terms of taxes and cost of living. However, many make the move because of a new job, retirement, or to live closer to more (and better) beaches than they have in Texas.

Are You Considering Relocating to Florida? Call (561) 683-1313 to Speak with a Relocation Specialist Today

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While the trend that gets the most attention involves people leaving New York for Florida, the opposite is happening, too. Plenty of people chose to move from Tampa to New York. For many of them, it’s a move that achieves a lifelong dream.

Of course, some people move to New York because they are moving back to New York City and the Tri-State area. They made the long-distance move to Florida to try life in the Sunshine State and, for whatever reason, they found themselves longing for home.

Many things draw people to New York. Here are some of the reasons we’ve heard over the years as we’ve moved people from Tampa,  Florida to New York, New York.

Practical Reasons to Move to the Big Apple

Yes, there are actually smart, practical reasons why living in New York can make your life better. Consider the following.

Job Opportunities

While the job competition in New York City is legendary, so are the opportunities. It’s hard not to find a job in your chosen field in a metro area of more than 20 million people. Once you land a job, you get the chance to work with the best people in your chosen field.

Better Salary

There’s no way around the fact things are more expensive in New York. But high pay tends to make up for high costs, and then some. In almost every profession across the board, New York salaries are higher than those in Tampa (or pretty much anywhere in the country).

Save Money On Cars

You can say “goodbye” to the need for a car in New York. That alone saves tons on maintenance and insurance. You will need to pay for a Metro Pass and sometimes take Uber or cabs, but overall you save money. Speaking of transportation, New York City has one of the best transportation systems in the world. New York is also one of the most walkable major cities in the world.

Convenience

The word “convenience” doesn’t always spring to mind when you think of New York, but it’s one of the few places on the planet where you can get world-class everything, often within a few blocks of your apartment. You’ll certainly be able to find all the necessities within walking distance in your neighborhood, as well as laundry, gyms, and great local restaurants.

Health

Many people choose to walk in New York, both to get from Point A to Point B and because they want the exercise. That’s one reason people in New York are healthier than in other cities. They also have access to some of the best healthcare in the nation.

Other Advantages of New York City

In addition to these practical considerations, it’s also important to consider all the advantages of living in the financial and arts capital of the country (some might argue the world).

• World-Class Art, Music and Theater. Broadway. The Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Museum of Modern Art (not to mention the Whitney and the Guggenheim). The Lincoln Center. New York has a reputation as the center for the arts, and that’s because it is. Nowhere else will you find so much art in such a small area.
• Night Life. New York truly never sleeps. An entire industry runs from sundown to sunup. If you want to drink and dance, you can drink and dance anytime you like. And it’s not just the party places: you can get some of the best food you ever ate in your life – steaks, pizzas, you name it – at 3 a.m. in New York City.
• Sports. If you’re a sports fan, welcome to paradise. There are about a dozen professional teams in the area in the major sports (NFL, MLB, NBA, WNBA, MLS, and NHL), as well as many more minor league teams and teams affiliated with other sports.
• Food. You’ll never eat at a chain restaurant again. There’s also a diversity of food in the city that is several notches above most other cities. That includes high-end restaurants as well as cheap pizza slices and food carts (if you don’t know who the Halal Guys are, you will, very soon).

Moving from Tampa to New York makes sense for those who want to live in a place where they can get the best of everything, all the time. It also offers great job opportunities and the chance to work with the best in your field. If it’s calling to you, now might be a good time to answer that call.

Are You Considering A Move To NYC? Contact A Relocation Specialist Now: (561) 683-1313

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Organize Your Time

The first step is to make a list of the items below and add in anything else that is specific to your situation. Assign a day to get them done. That way you can roll through all of them systematically.

Get Utilities In Your Name

This is one to do right away. When moving in, you want to make sure electricity, water and gas are all in your name. In some cases, people might think that if the power is on, then everything is fine. But a utility might be in previous owner’s (or tenant’s) name, meaning it will get shut off once they call to disconnect and stop paying the bill.

Clean

Hopefully, you had the chance to clean the place before you moved in. Or, if you are renting, the landlord may have had it cleaned before you arrived. But for a lot of people, it’s not really clean until it’s cleaned by you. Have the cleaning supplies in a place where you can easily unpack them so you can clean your new home to your satisfaction.

Find water main valve and fuse box

At some point, you will need to know the location of the main water valve and the fuse box. Make sure you know where they are ahead of time so you can reach them quickly and easily when the time comes.

Update Voter Registration

You don’t want the next election to roll around and find out you can’t vote in your new area. It doesn’t take long to contact the local voter registration office and get squared away with an updated voter registration.

Find Healthcare Providers

You’ll want to update your insurance with your new location and find new doctors and specialists in your area. This can prove time-consuming, so it’s best to start as early as possible.

Register Your Car

States require you to register your car where you live. This is something to knock out as soon as possible. Give yourself most of one day to handle this one, as the lines can be long.

Inspect the Home

You have likely already looked over your home. However, now is the time to make a thorough inspection so that you know it inside and out. That way, you can find any small areas of damage or any other problems (water leaks, loose floorboards, etc.).

Secure Your Home

If you have purchased the home, it’s a good idea to get all new locks. That ensures that only you and your family have keys to your new home.

Keep Unpacking

Many people never really unpack after a move. The classic case is when boxes are simply stacked in a guest room closet or in the garage. Plan to keep unpacking your boxes, even if it’s just one a day or one a week.

Meet Your Neighbors

Especially if you have bought your home, take some time to walk over and say hello to your new neighbors. They can help you get to know your way around the new neighborhood and city. They may also turn out to be great friends for you in the years to come.

Taking care of these issues are the last steps to take when you make a move. Make a list, knock them out as fast as possible, and soon you will be able to simply relax and enjoy your new home

Are You Planning A Move? Get Your Free Moving Quote Today!

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It’s also why the state has one of the fastest growth rates in the country.

The trick to relocating or retiring to South Florida is to know the pros and cons of moving here. In the list below, we focus on the pros of living in South Florida and the cons, most of them surrounding the move itself. That’s where many things go wrong.

The Pros of Moving South Florida

You will find many articles and lists – including some on this site – that offer details on why South Florida is a great place to live. Why do you think that the population is more than 6 million?
Here are some of the things people love about living in South Florida.

• No state income tax
• World-class beaches
• More entertainment options than just about anywhere else
• A culture that blends the best of the U.S., Latin America and Europe
• Huge events such as Art Basel and the Miami Book Fair
• You will never shovel snow
• Lots of sunshine
• If you enjoy water-related activities, it’s the best place to be

Another factor that doesn’t get considered enough are the people and how easy it is to make friends. Whether you are a young professional or a senior, plenty of people your age have moved to South Florida (and more are coming here every day). That makes it easy to make friends.

The Cons of South Florida

Moving can get complicated and stressful. Under those conditions, people sometimes make mistakes. Here are some mistakes to avoid.

Hiring Inexperienced Movers

You want movers who have years of experience handling moves just like yours. If you are coming from out of state, you also want movers who are licensed to handle moves that cross state lines. You also want to ensure that movers:

• Offer an accurate, free estimate for what the move will cost
• Are licensed with the state
• Have a solid online reputation

The mover you hire can make or break your move. Make sure you hire a Moving company you can trust.

Not Knowing the Area

South Florida is home to more than 6 million people. It’s huge! There are dozens of cities and towns, and many different neighborhoods within each one of those cities or towns. You want to inspect in person – or at least by using Google Maps and Street View – and talk to people in the area. It’s important to find the neighborhood that’s the right fit for you.

Getting Too Little (Or Too Much) House

People sometimes underestimate the room they will need when they move to South Florida. Do an honest evaluation of what you have and how much room you will need. Conversely, because home prices can be so affordable compared to other locations, some people will buy much more home than they need. This is especially important for seniors, who typically want to downsize when they move to South Florida.

Other Issues

Outside of the move itself, there are issues about living in South Florida. They include the following.

• It’s hot and humid in the summer. This is why they invented air conditioning!
• It’s crowded and traffic is bad. That describes just about every metro area in the country. You will learn what times to avoid some roads.
• You must drive forever to leave the state. Yes, but the Miami and Fort Lauderdale airports have direct flights to hundreds of cities in the U.S. and around the world.

Keeping these ideas in mind can help you better plan for your move to South Florida. It’s a great place to call home. But you’ll want to avoid the cons of making a move to the Sunshine State.

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But even if you have professional movers working with you, you’ll need to take certain steps to make the move go smoothly. Read the following eight ideas that can keep you on the right track as you prepare for your moving day.

Make a Plan

This is where you start. And you need to start pretty much as soon as you know you are moving. There are many things to remember when making a move – too many to keep in your head! Start early by writing down a list of everything that needs to be done, which is going to include everything on this list. Here are a few things people often forget:

• Get mail forwarded to a new address.
• Turn on all utilities where you are moving in advance (and turn off your current utilities).
• Send out your new address information to all your friends and family.
• Make sure your new house/apartment is ready for move in on your scheduled day to arrive (you’ll want to double and even triple check this).

Research Movers

This is the second most important thing after creating an airtight plan. A mover can make or break a long-distance move. The wrong mover can add stress to an already stressful time. Take the time to look at different movers online. Ask friends for their positive experiences. Look at online reviews. You want movers with a good reputation and years of experience. They also need to have all the proper licensing to do a long distance move.

Get An In-Home Moving Estimate

You want to hire a mover who will come to your home and assess the size of the move. You don’t want a mover who just makes an estimate based on a phone call. A free estimate and price, both of which are offered by Good Greek Moving & Storage, also helps with planning ahead for how to pay for your move.

Planning Your Expenses

In addition to an accurate in-home estimate, you also want to consider all the other costs associated with a move. That includes gas for your vehicle, storage if needed, paying to turn on utilities and buying food and lodging while on the road. Another financial aspect to consider is moving during the off-season, when prices might be lower. The prime moving season is late spring and early summer.

Downsize Your Stuff

So hard. But so worthwhile. Taking the time to go room to room and get rid of items you no longer need is difficult, but you will thank yourself later. The best place to start is by creating an inventory of what you have. Then, together with everyone else in the house, you can determine what you do or do not need. What you don’t need, you can donate. Or, you can hold a yard sale and make some money to help cut down on the cost of the move.

Pack and Label

This is another area where a professional moving company can provide a big help by offering packing services. Or, if you want to pack yourself, the moving company should offer all the material you will need to do the packing correctly. Make sure to pack everything safely and to clearly label where each box is going. You’ll want a variety of box sizes, as well as packing tape. Keep in mind that heavier items should go in smaller boxes.

Update All Documents

You’re going to want to register your car in your new state so you can get a license plate with your new location (always a fun moment). Most states also require that you get your driver’s license transferred to your new state. Yes, that’s probably going to require a trip to the DMV! You’ll want to block a big chunk of your day out for that trip.

Get Insurance

A licensed mover will offer basic coverage that pays a set amount if something is damaged, typically calculated by the size of the item. But you may want to purchase third-party insurance for their belongings, especially since it is a long-distance move.

These are some of the tips to keep in mind as you prepare for a long distance move. It’s going to be one of the biggest events of your life. It’s also going to go a lot smoother with plenty of planning and professional mover on your side.

Are you planning an out of state move? Call (561) 683-1313 to speak with a relocation specialist today. 

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The No. 1 rule is to not be in a hurry. Take your time and compare different companies. Create a short list of companies you think will work best for your move. Make sure you have explored all your options. This is not a time to rush into anything.

Before contacting any movers, keep the following tips in mind. They can help make the process much more manageable.

Timing

The timing of the move can impact cost and the ability to get it scheduled right when you want it. The big move season is typically at the beginning of the summer. June is busy because kids are out of school, and many families want to relocate to the new house and get settled well before the new school year starts. Consider picking a time that is not during the busy season. It may be easier to schedule the move when you want it and get a better price.

Is The Cheapest Always Best?

Not only is the cheapest not the best way to go, it’s often the worst. The world, including South Florida, is full of companies who promise a great move at low prices and then rip off their customers. There’s no reason to spend more than what is acceptable for a move, which will depend on the distance you are moving and the amount of items you are transporting. But when hiring a mover, you are definitely going to get what you pay for.

Finding a Mover

The phrase to remember here is ”do your homework.” As mentioned above, you don’t want to get caught in a moving scam. Take the time to read the online reviews and history of a company. Find one with plenty of years of experience. Look for those who have become a part of the local community, which is another big sign that they are a good business. Check to ensure that they are fully licensed to handle your move, whether it’s across the state or across the country.

Make sure that the company offers an in-home visit to assess your move. Make sure they offer a free written estimate for you. These are all signs of a professional company.

Questions to Ask Movers

When you finally create a list of movers to call, keep these questions in mind.

• Can you show me proof of your licensure (stay away from companies that can’t prove they are licensed)?
• Do you provide packing services?
• Do you provide packing supplies?
• What dates are you available for my move? How long will it take?
• Is the estimate I receive going to change on moving day?
• Do you have storage available for my items?
• What kind of coverage do you offer for my items? Can you direct me to third parties that offer moving insurance?
• Do you handle fragile items (artwork, pianos, etc.)?

What To Expect

Every move is different. But good movers all have certain things in common.

They will show up on time. You can expect a crew that is professionally dressed and respectful. They also will plan with you and will arrive in time to help with any disassembly of light furniture, such as beds, or any packing they have agreed to do.

Once everything is loaded on the truck, you will be given an estimated arrival time for your belongings (traffic conditions obviously can play a role in this). You then will drive your own vehicles to your destination, typically arriving ahead of the truck and preparing the new home for the delivery of your items.

Though all of this, you will have contact numbers that you can call at any time to get updates on the truck location and any other information you need.

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Materials You Will Need

1. Obtain strong, double walled corrugated cartons designed specifically to protect fragile china and glassware. Ask your moving agent about obtaining this packing materials.
2. Unprinted news wrap for packing.

How to Pack Your China

Wrap each piece of China individually with clean news warp. Take several sheets of paper at a time and wrap them around the item starting from the corner. Continue to wrap the item diagonally, tucking in the edges as you go along. Add another layer or two of news wrap to server as an additional protection.

Layering Flat Items

Add crumpled news wrap to the entire bottom of your box. The bottom portion of your box is best suited for platters and other large china and glass plates.

Wrap large dishes individually in news wrap, and then bundle with one or two other individually-wrapped dishes of similar size. Secure the bundle with two or more sheets of news wrap. Keep in mind, the more you add, the more secure the dishware. Place the secure bundle in one of the rows on the edge of the box or dish pack.

Repeat this process, being careful to leave no unfilled spaces around the bundles. Add more crumpled paper on top of the bundle to create a cushion and protective platform for the next layer.

Next, pack saucers, smaller plates and shallow bowls. Wrap and pack this layer the same manner you packed the bottom lawyer. Continue until the box is fully packed, with each layer consisting of items lighter and smaller than those below it.

Packing Bowls:

Bowls may serve as bottom or middle layers, depending on their size. They may be wrapped the manner you wrapped the other pieces.

Large bowls such as mixing bowls can be nested in groups of two to three, upside down. Shallow bowls such as cereal or soup bowls can be stood up on the edge in the dish pack.

Packing Sugar Bowls:

Lids should be wrapped in tissue. The lid can then be inverted on top of the sugar bowl. Take the sugar bowl and the inverted lid and wrap them together in news wrap, topping it off with another double layer of news wrap. Again, the more wrap you add, the more secure the item.

Packing Cups:

Cups should be wrapped individually, with handles protected by additional news wrap. It’s important to pack the cups upside down. If using a cell divider in one of dish packs than they are packed correctly. Otherwise, if you are not using a cell divider, wrap cups with an additional layer of news wrap and place them upside down on an upper layer, completing the process as described for plates. Make sure all cup handles face the same direction.

Packing Cream Pitchers:

Wrap pitchers in clean news wrap, topped off with another double layer of news wrap. Pack items such as sugar bowls, cream pitchers and other smaller pieces of china and tea sets, together upright in the box. Complete the layering process to the top as described for plates.

Good Greek Moving Can Help with Your Next Move

Whether moving fine china or large items such as furniture, Good Greek Moving can help make your next move “The Best Move Ever“. We take pride in providing customers with outstanding service.  Good Greek Moving & Storage is a Palm Beach County Moving Company dedicated to providing customers with a great moving experience in Florida and throughout the US.  Call for your free estimate (561) 683-1313. Our friendly staff is looking forward to assisting you.

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