To many people, moving to Florida would be a dream come true. Harsh winters and expensive costs of northern large cities can make those in the north look to the south for better options. It could be a great move, depending on what you’re looking for, but there are things to consider before making the big move to Florida.

 

There are Distinct Areas

 

In Florida, there are distinct areas of Florida: Northern, Central, and Southern Florida. Each section has its own sense of culture and there are distinct features for each area. For example, there is a huge difference between living in Miami and living in Fort Lauderdale. My advice is to research each area and, if possible, visit each area so that you have a good idea of what kind of place you’ll be moving to. Some areas are busier than others, and some may have more employment opportunities than others. Within each of the areas in Florida, there are even more distinct cultural areas within them. For example, within Miami, there are many distinct districts, each having their own unique personalities.

 

Cost of Living

 

Compared to the majority of the United States, the cost of living in Florida is in line with other parts of the country. According to cost of living, the state of Florida comes in 99 out of the 100 national index and living expenses and cost of goods is in line with the national average. However, the cost of living in different areas of Florida can be drastically different. The average rent amount for a one bedroom apartment in Miami is $2025, however in Gainesville, the average drops dramatically to $955 per month. Do your research before the move to see how your current location compares to your new destination in Florida by visiting the Cost of Living Calculator on Nerdwallet’s website.

 

Tourism Capital

 

It’s no surprise that Florida brings the tourists. With Disney World, Universal Studios, and the beautiful Florida beaches on every shoreline, Florida is definitely a tourist destination. Florida cities like Tampa and Miami are regularly visited by tourists, specifically spring break students. If you’re planning on living in one of Florida’s tourist cities, just know that the traffic is probably going to be difficult to navigate at times and it could get busy during the months of major tourism.