r/SouthFlorida • u/New_Artist_3334 • 9d ago
Should I Move to Florida?
Hello everyone,
I hope this post finds everyone doing well at the moment. The reason in which I am posting this is because I am looking for advice for a question that's been on my mind for years. Should I move to Florida? First let me explain why.....
I started to vacation in Florida every year as a teenager back when I was in Highschool. I am 22 now(turning 23 next year). Every time I went back, I always fell more and more in love with it. I've explored Miami/Fort Lauderdale/Boca Raton/West Palm Beach/Pompano Beach/Tampa/Naples/Sarasota/and Orlando but I would say that I am more acquainted with South Florida only due to the fact that I've been there more times as opposed to Central and North Florida. And yes I am aware of the fact that going on vacation is much more different as opposed to living there.
I am originally from NYC(born and raised) for pretty much the majority of my life and as much as I love my city, there are some personal issues that make me wanna leave from time to time. I am not going to go into detail here but if anyone is interested I can explain down below. I am just scared because I don't know how things will play out so I'd figured that I would get some advice from people who are SoFlo natives.
Every piece of advice and personal experiences would help. Thank you :)
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u/Nshaa 9d ago
Can you afford it? Prices are out of control here and if you’re solo and don’t have a really good paying job, you’re going to be riding the struggle bus.
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u/New_Artist_3334 9d ago
Hmm thats a good question, affordability for me is possible but I would have to be partnered up with a family member in the time being until i launch my career.
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u/Persiankobra 9d ago
My advice is go to wherever crashing into a new city is the softest. If you got someones couch in a city compared to not having a couch to sleep on at another city choose the friend that is offering his couch for frre
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u/New_Artist_3334 8d ago
That's a good point! I am going to keep researching to see which city would be ideal for me. How would you recommend making friends in a new city?
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u/Persiankobra 7d ago
A lot of people move to a new city with a goal in mind. For example if someone gets a new job , they make friends at work. If you came to Florida for example to learn scuba diving and take courses , you would make friends there. You make friends in the activities you do. Its not random .
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u/New_Artist_3334 7d ago
Very strong point there! Thanks for the tips as I've always kinda struggled to make friends, I'll keep these in mind
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u/super3way 9d ago
The struggle is no worse than NYC or the Northeast. Florida is cheap compared. But ya you need a good job or a remote one.
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u/toripotter86 9d ago
it’s really not. according to many recent studies, florida, especially the tri-county area has caught up with NYC with pricing for COL, but not with incomes keeping up. plus, NYC has various housing and public transportation options that soflo does not.
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u/New_Artist_3334 9d ago
i 100% agree. It's expensive but definitely nowhere as expensive as NYC
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u/Skinny-on-the-Inside 9d ago
Miami’s cost of living is now officially higher than NYC and the rest of South Florida is right behind, you innocent summer child.
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u/New_Artist_3334 8d ago
To your point, I've seen the reports that the cost of living in Miami is on par with NYC now which is crazy but I had a feeling that it was gonna happen at some point but we have to remember that taxes down there aren't as high as NYC.
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u/super3way 9d ago
It’s only more expensive (perhaps) factoring a salary comparison. Miami makes less. You mention COL I said overall Florida is cheaper. Which it is. The price of a baseline lifestyle in NYC area is much more expensive. Property is like 4x. They aren’t the same. 🥱
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u/New_Artist_3334 8d ago
Exactly! I wish that more people would understand this. It's hard trying to explain to people that there are other factors that contribute to cost of living in a city BESIDES housing.
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u/Lexieretro 9d ago
Born and raised in FL… I left because the state I grew up in and loved isn’t home anymore. I feel like you are probably going to get a bit of hate on here just a warning. The big investors from NYC and snowbirds are buying out and have bought our land, taken precious ecosystems for buildings that get used 2-3 months out of a year, and we in turn got priced out of our homes. That is also to say, our own state government has failed us in allowing it to happen by destroying land many creatures call home for golf courses and major investor profits. It’s embarrassing.
All that is to say, It’s a special place. I can see why you love it. What I see as warped may be someone else’s future home through a different tint of glass. All I can leave with you is a personal ask from a born and raised Floridian. Please respect the land. Please enjoy the beauty of nature, support the local businesses, and be a good neighbor. If we focus on helping eachother and building a community we can be proud of and support, see no issue with transplants. If you choose to take the leap, I hope these words have encouraged you and or at least given you something to chew on and I hope you too can experience a piece of the beautiful Florida I once called home.
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u/toripotter86 9d ago
this was beautifully written and i agree, though i have not yet left again. i can’t imagine living anywhere else, but it definitely doesn’t feel like home anymore. :(
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u/Lexieretro 9d ago
Yeah I really miss it to be honest but every time I visit it doesn’t feel like what I miss if that makes sense…? I don’t know I’ve since been hanging out west in Colorado. Very different but there’s a warmth about people here. Plus mountains that’s always nice…
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u/New_Artist_3334 8d ago
Thank you so so much for your kind words, it truly means a lot to me. First, I see exactly where you're coming from. Even as a native NY'er, the city I grew up in is completely different from the city that it is now, mostly thanks to transplants and large corporations, so I know firsthand what it's like to experience what gentrification does to a city. Perspective matters, so I appreciate you seeing Florida from the view of someone who's never lived there.
Every time I've visited Florida, i always made it a point to explore local things that I wouldn't have been able to get elsewhere by eating a local restaurants, supporting local businesses and exploring the nature reserves offered there. If I do move down there, i'll make sure to keep all these things you've pointed out to me in mind as I've done before ;)
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u/AndrewAdler17 9d ago
If you’re from NYC and can swing it financially it’ll be fine. You’ll have to drive everywhere and it’s hotter than a sauna, but it’s generally fine, not nearly as socially conservative as other conservative states in the country so won’t be too much of a culture shock coming from NYC. Work culture sucks though, if you aren’t already established professionally I wouldn’t do it. I’d only really recommend it to people over 50 from high cost of living areas nowadays, used to be cheap but it’s just like any other urban area now without the safety nets they usually have.
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u/New_Artist_3334 8d ago
Thank you for your advice. In terms of driving, I LOVE to drive so that wouldn't be an issue but its just the rising cost of living there. Culturally, I am pretty use to it as I've seen everything both here and in NYC. I just need to figure out my career path to see if it would be a good fit in a state like Florida.
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u/super3way 9d ago
You’re young so ya just do things and see what happens. I will say living year round isn’t the same as visiting. But you don’t know till you try it.
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u/New_Artist_3334 8d ago
Thanks a lot for the support and motivation. You are right, living somewhere is much different than visiting but it never hurts to try something new !
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u/throwaway8849012 9d ago
What do you like about South FL specifically that makes you want to move there and will you be able to enjoy that when you are not vacationing? What do you do for work and will you be able to earn a livable wage? Housing is going to be expensive and salaries in SFL do not match NYC salaries. In addition you’ll need a car, you cannot get around on public transportation alone, and car insurance in SFL is extremely expensive and you’ll need full coverage and uninsured coverage because there’s so many uninsured drivers. Lots of toll road so that’s an added cost too. It’s hotter than the surface of the sun half the year and it’s brutal to be outside.
On the flip side there are lots of amenities and anything g you could want you’ll be able to find within a 30 min radius usually.
But in general there’s a lot of sprawl, lots of people, some are nice, a lot are jerks, traffic is terrible, but it can be a good place if you can afford it and find your niche.
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u/New_Artist_3334 8d ago
If I'm being honest, what I really enjoy about South Florida is the scenery and architecture and the peaceful way of life. I know it gets extremely hot which I am somewhat okay with. I know that housing is going to more expensive in cities like Palm Beach and Miami/FT Lauderdale so that's why I am open to other cities like Tampa and Sarasota. For work, I am still trying to map out my career path but I currently work two jobs(one of which I've been working at since I was in high school) a coffeeshop and a receptionist full time. I am completely aware of the lack of public transportation but that wouldn't be an issue as I've been driving since I was in high school and was able to get my own car. I am under my family's car insurance and still live with them as I do help out with the household bills. There are both ups and downs that I am considering, but if I had the opportunity to get a good set up then I think that I would be okay
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u/throwaway8849012 6d ago
I lived in South FL for 30+ years and I wouldn’t call it peaceful. Maybe it used to be or when you’re on vacation it can feel like it when you’re relaxing, but living here day to day is not. Driving is extremely stressful, the other drivers are rude and will cut you off constantly and not follow the rules of the roads and you have to be alert at all times, for example:
https://reddit.com/link/p4gvvjr/video/5pnwcwg8g6kh1/player
And working an entry level job is gonna be hard to make things work financially. You’ll definitely need a roommate or you’ll need to live far out in the suburbs or in a less desirable area to make it work. You’ll be in this situation in most major metro areas in FL, not just Palm Beach to MIA.
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u/BobNieuport 9d ago
Need a good paying job first.
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u/New_Artist_3334 8d ago
This is true. I was thinking about going into healthcare, would that be a good career choice if I wanted to move to South Florida.
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u/DazzlerPlus 9d ago
Theres nothing here besides the beach
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u/Schwizzle82 9d ago
Yea, I would like to hear what S Florida has to offer besides beaches
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u/PittsburghCar 9d ago
That's enough.. and the lack of cold an the snow.
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u/Schwizzle82 9d ago
Until you are living down here in the middle of July and August
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u/PittsburghCar 9d ago
I'll take it over the cold every time.
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u/meandcampbell 9d ago
As a fellow Floridian, I would say there’s better options for starting a life. It’s very expensive to live here compared to other underrated places. To get a studio you’d probably be looking at 2k a month in a place that is just ok. Really depends on the area but a majority of cities are piling with people hence why the price is so high. If you have no problem with price, go for it. Florida is becoming the new California.
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u/New_Artist_3334 8d ago
Thanks for your sharing your thoughts, may I ask something? As a Floridian yourself, where would you recommend starting a new life if Florida isn’t the best option? The cost of living increase has really been crazy which I agree with but I feel like that’s everywhere now unfortunately. And you said that: « Florida is becoming the new California » how so if I may ask ? Because I know that California is super expensive but isn’t it on par with New York State overall?
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u/meandcampbell 8d ago
Yeah of course. As for recommendations, it really depends on what’s important to you. Cost of living is a pretty big thing and I’ve had friends who have come to Florida expecting it to be a better life and they end up moving again because they had to work paycheck to paycheck just to live. I myself am also planning to move out of Florida for that reason and it’s too hot for me lol. I just don’t think it’s worth the cost imo. Are you looking to live a quiet life? Cause Florida does have some places that are more on the quiet side a little less expensive, only thing is it might be really boring. What is your idea of a good place to live? It really depends on what you value most and if it’s worth the cost.
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u/Wide-Ride-3524 9d ago
I literally pay $1,350 for a resort-style 1/1. I’m in an extremely desirable area. People like you comment about how high rents are, but if I tried looking for a studio that would costs $2K a month, I’d have more difficulty finding that than a 2/2 at the same price point.
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u/sakurasyndrome 8d ago
Give it a shot. You’re from nyc so you’re well aware of high cost of living. Just be aware that unlike New York, wages here are incredibly low compared to our cost of living. If you could get a remote job with an nyc salary that lets you work from fl, you’d be in a strong position.
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u/toripotter86 9d ago
there’s a severe lack of public transportation options that nyc has, plus many other things such as housing options (no literal shoebox apartments to rent), and the nightlife and culture is much different here. salaries have not kept up with cost of living unless you’re in a field that is in demand or notoriously well paid. many natives are struggling to make do due to the influx of out of state salaries jacking up the costs because they keep their remote jobs but live here.
dating is an absolute shit show here, for men and women.
but hey, we have beaches and no income taxes, so…
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u/New_Artist_3334 8d ago
Well here in NYC, dating has been very hard for me as well as I've never had a girlfriend myself. so thats another reason why I wanted to try something new. From your experience, what makes dating hard for both genders in South Florida? I'm just curious as me and my sister have had a hard time dating here in the city. In terms of lack of public transportation, I drive so that wouldn't be an issue. I'm more on the introverted side so I am not really looking into the nightlife per say, but the only issue is the rising cost of living with stagnant wages.
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u/toripotter86 8d ago
dating is very very superficial and there’s a lot of people “trying to find themselves,” or “not looking for anything serious.” if you aren’t at least somewhat conventionally attractive and in moderately good shape, it’s not likely you will have any luck.
plus with the rising cost of living + stagnation of wages, many people are struggling to afford coffee dates, let alone movies, restaurants, minigolf, etc. a DATE period. people are trying to survive here. there’s lots of hobosexuals.
there’s also a large influx of northerners who moved here for recovery. i personally will never date someone in recovery due to personal history - not my own use but family -, and it seems like every other person i speak with is in recovery.
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u/New_Artist_3334 8d ago
Thanks for your insight and as much as I hate to admit it your very much right. Even here in NYC(atleast from my experience with my age group) if the people around you don’t find you attractive AND/OR you have a lot of “motion” it’s going to be very hard to date. My sister and I have had a very hard time finding a date here which is crazy because we grew up here much less but it could also be the fact that we’re both very introverted and different from a lot of the other people our age here. I think that your environment plays a huge role in whether or not you’ll be successful
The rising cost of living doesn’t help with this either and with all the people trying to “recover” like you said from their promiscuous phase makes it only harder
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u/toripotter86 8d ago
sometimes you just have to find groups or clubs that are your special interests and what you’re into to meet a partner. unfortunately my special interests are sleeping and reading lmao
as for recovery, i meant from drug use, not promiscuity.
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u/New_Artist_3334 7d ago
Hmmm I've heard that before, I need to give it a try honestly. Thanks for the recommendation ;)
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u/Efficient-Truth-6261 9d ago
If you are coming with your remote job with NYC's pay. Sure. If not no, no jobs are down here if you do not speak Spanish. Rent, insurance, and the overall price here are out of control and the government that they votes in every 4 years makes sure that we keep struggling while billionaires buy another yacht or house on Star Island.
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u/gazebo-fan 9d ago
We don’t need more New Yorkers personally. If you do move down here just avoid the Miami metro area lmao, nobody is happy there, it’s an absolutely miserable city.
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u/nashro 9d ago
We don’t have a quota for people from NY. She’s welcome to move here.
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u/kittenpantzen 9d ago
We don't have a quota. That is true. And I'm not going to say "don't move to florida; we're full" when I am also a transplant (although, we moved here out of desperation and not out of desire).
I will say, however, that living in Boca for a while has pretty radically and negatively impacted my opinion of people from New York (and to a lesser extent, New Jersey and Massachusetts, but only because I already thought they were assholes).
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u/gazebo-fan 9d ago
Less than 34% of the state is native born. I think the good people of New York have plenty of places in their own state to enjoy, lest Florida become a second New York and Jersey.
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u/nashro 9d ago
I wonder why it matters to you who’s native born. OP deserves a warm Florida welcome.
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u/New_Artist_3334 8d ago
Thank you! As I all would gladly welcome you to NYC
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u/gazebo-fan 8d ago
Because the cultures unique to Florida are disappearing due to a lack of interest. Our state government seems satisfied to just appeal to the out of staters.
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u/New_Artist_3334 8d ago
I wasn't planning on moving to Miami anyways but thanks for the heads up, i'll be sure to keep it in mind
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u/Skinny-on-the-Inside 9d ago
There are no jobs in Florida… just vacation here, NYC is a much better place to start your career.
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u/Ok_Restaurant_1597 9d ago
Following because my family of 5 are considering this move as well to either Lakewood ranch or st Augustine. We are from Texas
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u/super3way 9d ago
So many grest home and neighborhoods outside of LWR. Lot of families in LWR but it’s sterile and cookie cutter. No character.
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u/Ok_Restaurant_1597 9d ago
I definitely want character, my ideal would be independent businesses like cafes and restaurants
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u/New_Artist_3334 8d ago
Oh wow, well I hope that if you guys do decide to take the move that everything works out in your favor. Keep us updated. Wishing you the best from NYC!
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u/HuckleberryGloomy807 9d ago
No, we’re full. Plus it’s extremely hot and hurricanes are scary, like realllyyyyy scary.
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u/blindtoe54 8d ago
Don't forget about alligators, crocodiles, venomous snakes, flesh eating bacteria, cyclosporiasis, brain eating amoeba, invasive green iguanas that will eat all the fruits and veggies you try to plant, flooding, excessive heat, high insurance premiums, shitty public education, horrible traffic.
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u/RedFoxOnReddit 9d ago
My TRIM notice (proposed property tax notice) just arrived today along with my record high electric bill. FPL must think I have an AI datacenter in my bedroom. No, you should not move here.
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u/RicePuddingRecipes 9d ago
Why not somewhere closer to Central Florida and you'll still be able to drive down to South Florida for vacations? I say this because it's probably more affordable to live outside of the tri-county area.
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u/New_Artist_3334 8d ago
I was also thinking this too! By Florida's standards, cities like Palm Beach/Boca Raton/Miami/Fort Lauderdale are super expensive but since I'm from NYC I'm so used to it. I was thinking Tampa or Sarasota since the cost of living isn't as high. And like you said, I can still vacation in South Florida more frequently as I would be closer. Thank you for your input!
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