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Virginia and Florida are tied to the hip when it comes to the presence of a fantastic coastline and stunning scenery. But there are a couple of compelling reasons why a move to Florida might just be the change of scenery you need. You’ll be amazed at the laid-back lifestyle it offers and the strong economy the state boasts of. Let’s get you up to speed with all there is know about making the decision to move from Virginia to Florida!
CALCULATE MY MOVE
With a not too hot and a not too cold climate, Virginia has rightfully earned the name “Goldilocks Climate”. The same cannot be said about the climate in Florida. With a humid subtropical climate, even the winters in the state can become severely dry at times. To give you a better understanding of the weather in both these states below, is a juxtaposition of the same.
Here’s the difference in temperature that you can expect during peak summers:
It all boils down to whether or not you are willing to stand the intense heat that Florida may dish you occasionally. That being said, a state surrounded by water bodies is bound to have hot days at times but it isn’t half bad considering the overall summer weather in Florida is pretty bearable. In terms of winter conditions, Virginia experiences cold frigid temperatures while Florida winters are considered ‘sweater-weather’. By this, we mean that the winters are generally very mild.
Here’s the difference in temperature that you can expect during peak winters:
If you listen closely, you can hear your wallet heaving a light sigh of relief as soon as you mention a move from Virginia to Florida. The cost of living in the state of Virginia is about 2% higher than the national average. Whereas, it is only 0.6% higher than the national average in Florida. Though there is not a drastic difference between the two, still, money saved is money earned. Here is a little in-depth comparison between the two states when it comes to housing expenditures.
See also: 15 Cheap States to Move to: The Lowest Cost of Living States in the US
Standing on a slightly expensive footing, property prices in Virginia trump those in Florida. Whereas, given the kind of affordability and lifestyle you’ll be getting in Florida, it is basically a steal! Here is a quick comparison between the two states in terms of median home values.
Median Home Value in Virginia (According to Zillow): $354,000Median Home Value in Florida (According to Zillow): $269,950
Using the national average rent of $1,650 as a benchmark, the average rent in Virginia is virtually identical at $1,660. In Florida, however, the average rent is $1,790. This disparity is due in large part to the fact that Florida is a popular state, and for those who cannot afford to buy a home, renting is the best option. On a larger scale, this is a classic situation of supply and demand.
Coming down to the nitty-gritty of daily life in these two states, there is not much difference when we talk about utility bills. In terms of electricity, gas, internet, water, cable, and garbage, the average in Florida is at $344 while things sit at $357 in Virginia. A loaf of bread is priced at about $2.92 in Virginia while the same will cost you around $2.85 in Florida. A liter of milk, About $0.85 in Virginia and $0.95 in Florida.
The major difference in expenses that you can witness clearly is the kid’s section. No, we are not talking about their clothes, but their education. Childcare costs are about 32% lower in Florida than they are in Virginia. Phew! One less thing to worry about.
Touching on the subject of the job market in both these states, the unemployment rate in Virginia stands at 3.2% which is quite lower than the national average of 4%. On the other hand, the rate is about 4.4% in Florida, a slightly higher figure than the national average. A good enough justification for this difference is that Florida sees a great influx of people being the popular state that it is. With more people coming in every year, there is bound to be a situation with competition for employment opportunities. Below are some of Florida’s biggest companies that play a big role in providing employment options.
According to Zippia, Some Of The Largest Employers In Florida Are:
The industries which play a key role in the state’s economy are tourism, healthcare, and construction. The state is also making constant efforts to increase job opportunities across various domains to ensure its resident earns a decent lifestyle.
Before we head over to the next aspect of life in Florida, here is a brief comparison Between The Two States In Terms Of Annual Income:
Also Read: Job Relocation Guide
While the state of Florida is constantly making efforts in creating a solid transportation network, the residents still resort to cars for their commute purposes. The most commonly used interstate route is the I-4 which connects the major cities of Orlando, Tampa, Lakeland, and Daytona Beach. The I-10, I-75, and I-95 are among the other interstate highways connecting various cities of the Sunshine State.
You can avail of the state’s famous airport services like the Miami International Airport, Tampa International Airport, and the Orlando International Airport to name a few.
The Florida Department Of Transportation (FDOT) has been making big strides in reaching its goal to provide the most convenient and sturdy transit system to its residents. To name a few, below are some of the commuting options you can resort to in Florida.
How often do you see a pop singer making a song about moving to a particular city? Yes, we are talking about Enrique Iglesias’s song called “Move To Miami”. Well, his reasons for the move may differ from yours, but hey, being the host of diverse cultures, there is room for everyone in Miami! Known for its excellent weather conditions and being a vacation spot for sports players from all around the globe, Miami is the city you just cannot miss out on.
Median Home Value: $470,570Median Rent: $1,999
With surprisingly low median house value for a state capital, Tallahassee is one of the places you might want to move to for its temperate weather conditions. The city is easily the hilliest spot in the state as it sits on the southern tip of Florida. It is also famous for its rolling red hills. So, if you want to experience the hilltop lifestyle and views, give Tallahassee a chance to climb at the top of your list of cities to move to.
Median Home Value: $243,895Median Rent: $1,396
The core strength of this city is the high employment option it has and the excellent educational opportunities it has to offer. Stuck on the decision of whether to take your kids to a zoo or an amusement park? Visit the Busch Gardens in Tampa that gives you the best of both these worlds.
Median Home Value: $365,700Median Rent: $1,765
Comfortably enjoying its seat between Orlando and Miami, Port St. Lucie boasts about its near-perfect weather conditions. The city’s love and obsession with golf know no bounds. It is to the point that you will find golf-cart parking spots even at grocery stores! With fairly affordable rent, this calm, serene, and green city are worth considering.
Median Home Value: $351,890Median Rent: $1,225
You may call this city an amphibious state too. No, this is not an official nickname, we took the liberty to name it so because the city has attractions both on land and water. You can enjoy a plethora of water sports and activities right here in this city. If you are one with nature, this city is also home to the country’s largest system of nature park trails.
Median Home Value: $273,740Median Rent: $1,415
Also Read: 6 Best Places To Retire In Florida
Now that you have decided to move to the beach city of the country, it is important for you to know what your total moving expenses would look like. For a move from Virginia to Florida, the average bill would amount to about $2875 - $4296. Keep in mind that the distance separating the two states is a good 800 miles. To give you a better idea of the different estimates that you can expect depending on the kind of services you avail of, here is an overview of the same with regards to an average 2-3 bedroom apartment.
If you are on a thrifty budget, a full-service moving company might not be the most ideal option for you. In such a case, you can hire a moving container company or a truck rental service to save on costs other than transporting your belongings. This means you are going to have to take care of the packing and unpacking department as these companies generally won’t provide such services. The cost of packing supplies and other minimal costs would be lower than what you will incur should you hire a full-service moving company.
While there is not that big a difference between the two states in terms of cost of living, but on a larger scheme of things, you will be saving quite a good amount of money considering the fact that the state has a no-income tax policy.
An average move from Virginia to Florida would cost you anywhere around $2875 - $4296. This cost may depend on the type of services you avail of and the location among other things.
To be legally called a resident of Florida or a ‘Floridian’ perhaps, you need to be living in the state for six months minimum.
Also See: Moving from Colorado to Florida
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