No doubt, living in Florida is a dream come through for many residents. With all the benefits that Florida offers, it’s hard to not love it. However, what else should you know about living in Florida?
In this article, we’ll use info gathered from residents to tell you the pros and cons of living in Florida.
If you love some honest conversation, then read on!
Life in the Sunshine State
If there was nothing else to know about Florida, you sure won’t miss the weather. Florida is famous for its awesome summer weather. Love to enjoy a great time at the beach? You better grab your sunscreen!
Florida lies in the southern part of the United States. It is also the oldest state to have been inhabited in the country. According to the World Population Review, Florida is the 7th fastest-growing state in the country.
In 2020, the population growth of Florida was rising at 14.56%. Today, the state boasts of over 21 million residents. It also ranks the third biggest state in the US.
Florida alone has over 30,000 lakes — ranging from small to large lakes. You can imagine what living there feels like. Florida also boasts of having the Everglades National Park — the only park where crocodiles and alligators coexist.
The state is also famous for having Walt Disney World. This kids’ resort is the biggest, and most visited in the world. Moving to Florida with your kids? Disney World should top your list of fun places to be.
One thing the United States doesn’t lack is oranges. This is because 70% of the country’s oranges are produced by Florida.
Did You Know?
The first-ever communication satellite by NASA was launched from Cape Canaveral, Florida in 1960.
Florida – The Good and the Bad
There’s more to living in Florida. Whether as a visitor or resident, Florida promises to give everyone a thorough experience.
We’ve put together some advantages and disadvantages of living in Florida. Weigh them, then take your time to make an informed decision.
Summary of Pros and Cons of Living in Florida
| Pros of Living in Florida | Cons of Living in Florida |
| Warm Weather | Dull Topography |
| No State Income Tax | Horrendous Traffic Jams |
| There’s No Snow in Florida | Poor Customer Service |
| No Dull Moment in Florida | High Cost of Living |
| Multicultural State | Hurricanes |
Pros of Living in Florida
1. Warm Weather
The sun shines at its greatest strength in Florida. Love the tropics? Love playing on the beach and running in the sun? Florida’s your dream city. Any weather preference short of that, you may be disappointed.
2. No State Income Tax
Not paying income tax is a huge benefit for Florida residents. Florida takes advantage of sales tax instead, as opposed to other states.
Residents in other states relying on income tax complain of the tax burden. And income tax is progressive! You earn higher, you pay higher. This makes living in Florida even more affordable than in other states.
3. There’s No Snow in Florida
Goes to strengthen the first point. Unlike in Canada, you don’t have to shovel your way through the snow to get to work. Yeah. Being cold for almost 7 months in a year? You won’t have to deal with all that in Florida.
4. No Dull Moment in Florida
Looking for a place with tons of activities to engage in? You’ve found the right place. Nobody gets bored in Florida. With the number of parks, restaurants, lakes, beaches, and all other great places in Florida, you’ll never be caught bored.
5. Multicultural State
According to the World Population Review, Florida has a diversity score of 68.18. It ranked 8th most diverse state in the United States. The factors for consideration were cultural, household, socio-economic, political, and religious diversity.
If you’d love to live in a place where diversity is respected and celebrated, Florida is a great option!
Cons of Living in Florida
1. Dull Topography
Do you love the sight of mountains as you take a ride? Florida is mostly flat and uninteresting for mountain lovers. If you thrive more in mountainous areas, living in Florida may not be ideal for you.
2. Horrendous Traffic Jams
Since everyone goes to where they have the most fun, you can tag this a fair price for living in a populated city. Almost everyone has a car in Florida. It’s only natural that roads are always cramped and busy. If you’re going to live in Florida, road rage is something to consider.
3. Poor Customer Service
Big on how you’re attended to at a restaurant? Florida has been rated poorly on customer service, especially in Miami. Residents exempted Chick-Fil-A for being great. Other restaurants were categorized as very slow at responding to the needs of their customers.
This is particularly not surprising, considering the number of people living there. There’s always another customer!
4. High Cost of Living
Florida is the 15th most expensive state to live in the United States for rentals. According to the Bureau of Economic Analysis, goods and services offered in Florida are only 0.6% above the nationwide average.
The report also shows that one resident living in Florida consumes an average of $43,615 annually. The amount was further broken down into these costs:
- $9,255 for housing and utilities
- $6,675 for health care
- $3,693 for food and beverage
- $580 for gas and energy
- $23,412 for other personal expenses
A further breakdown shows that each resident spends about $3,635 per month. If you must live in Florida, perhaps you should consider other cheap cities recommended in this article.
5. Hurricanes
Hurricanes are a heavy price for living in the tropics. The coastline of the southeast U.S is known for its susceptibility to hurricanes. The threat is real from 1st June to 30th November— the 6 months of Atlantic hurricane season.
While hurricanes may not affect the whole of Florida, its impact may be felt miles away from the initial location. Nonetheless, there are still safe locations to settle in Florida.
Like I said at the beginning of this article, your reason for living in Florida is valid. All you need to do is carefully weigh the pros and cons.
I’m sure this helped!
Frequently Asked Questions About Living in Florida
Where do hurricanes hit most in Florida?
Over the years, Southeast Florida has been rated most susceptible to hurricanes. Other places of impact after Southeast Florida are:
- Florida Keys and Key West
- Southwest Florida
- West Florida
- Outer Banks Island
- Central Texas
- Central Florida
- Florida Panhandle
- Central Gulf Coast
- South Texas Gulf Coast
Is it safe to live in Florida?
Depending on where you live. Over the years, Florida has been accessed to have a record of violent and property crimes. In 2018 alone, 370 violent crimes and 2,200 property crimes were recorded.
However, here are 10 cities that are proven to have fewer crimes:
- Satellite Beach
- Key Biscayne
- Marco Island
- North Palm Beach
- Parkland
- Naples
- Lynn Haven
- Oviedo
- Sebastian
- Groveland
What part of Florida experiences fewer hurricanes?
Leesburg is considered one of the safest places when hurricanes hit. Leesburg has a zero score for tropical storms and hurricanes. Its flood score is also very low.
But Leesburg is just one of the safest places. Here are other places to consider:
- Orlando
- Sanford
- Kissimmee
- Palatka
- Lake City
- Naples
- Ocala
- Gainesville
- Fernandina Beach
Where is the cheapest place to live in Florida?
If we have to ignore the crime rate, culture, and availability of jobs, then these cities are recommended:
- Bartow
- Homosassa Springs
- Dade City
- Palm Bay
- Kissimmee
- New Port Richey
- Jacksonville
- Palm Coast
- Saint Peterson
- Cape Coral
These cities are considered affordable for having living costs between 1 – 16% lower than the national average.
Can I raise my kids in Florida?
Florida offers so much fun that may be rather too much for kids. Most residents prefer to raise their kids in Orlando or Pensacola. This keeps them away from the fast life.
