Moving from Florida to New York

You’ve seen it in movies, read about it in books, and dreamed about living there. That would be New York. It’s a state like no other, and there is something uniquely special and charming about it. From the bright lights and bustling streets of New York City to the incredible scenery and gorgeous views of the upstate, it’s tough to beat the magic of New York. Moving from Florida to New York? It’s time to trade in your flip-flops for snowshoes! In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about the cost of living, popular cities, and moving expenses. Here’s what you need to know before moving to New York:

What’s the Price of Relocation? Estimating Your Move to New York

The average linehaul cost to move from Florida to New York with North American is $3,900. However, the exact price of your move from Florida to New York will vary, depending on your home size, item weight and the exact distance. 

If you have some flexibility with your moving plans, consider relocating during the winter. There's less demand for long-distance moves to New York during the colder months, so the rates for hiring professional moving companies tend to be cheaper. Planning your move during a weekday instead of the weekend can also be more affordable. Also consider downsizing before you relocate or storing your items in a storage unit, if you’re only moving temporarily. 

North American has been in the moving industry for more than 90 years, and we strive to provide customers with exceptional service at a price they can afford. If you’re ready to start planning your move, you can use our on-demand quote tool for an accurate estimate of your upcoming expenses. 

What’s the Cost of Living in New York

Before you make the move, you'll want to compare the cost of living in Florida vs New York to ensure you can afford your current lifestyle. The cost of living in New York is significantly higher than in Florida. Gas, food, restaurants and everyday expenses are typically more expensive in New York. However, some cities in New York are more affordable than major cities such as Miami or Tampa. 

If affordability is your main priority, consider exploring job opportunities in Ogdensburg, Buffalo, or Albany. If you prefer to live closer to New York City, you’ll want to assess your budget to ensure you can afford to maintain your desired lifestyle in these parts of the state.

Where to Live: The Best Cities for Newcomers in New York

There are several livable cities and neighborhoods throughout the state of New York. If you're a newcomer, not sure where you should move next, here are two popular options:

New York City

People come from all over the world to experience the magic of this incredible city. Made up of 5 boroughs, New York City is the largest city in America. It is home to some of the nation’s tallest buildings and historic landmarks, and never ceases to amaze people with its grandiosity. It is known for its round-the-clock fast-paced lifestyle and draws young professionals looking to advance their careers and experience the excitement of the Big Apple. It’s the financial capital of the world, with hundreds of banking institutions located in the city. It also leads the way in health care jobs, retail trade, insurance, real estate, and professional and technical services. Whether you are looking to find a new career or simply experience the thrill of the city, people come to NYC to pursue their dreams and test the adage “if you can make it here, you can make it anywhere.” 

Buffalo

Located on Lake Erie, Buffalo was once a hub for the transportation of goods between the East Coast and the Midwest. Today, it has become one of the nation’s most advanced medical locations and has experienced a rebirth of businesses in the downtown area. It is less busy than larger areas such as New York City, and provides residents with a more relaxed way of life. It is also located just 20 miles from Niagara Falls and is only an hour from popular ski destinations, making it a great place for outdoor enthusiasts. Buffalo has an intense sports culture with a population of devoted fans ready to cheer on the Sabers and Bills. It also features fantastic food, exciting entertainment, and is located just minutes from parks, waterfalls, country roads, and beautiful green space. 

What Makes New York Unique

New York is a great place to live, with tons of job opportunities, endless entertainment, outdoor activities and American history. No matter how you enjoy spending your free time, you'll never grow bored once you make the move to New York. Here’s what you can look forward to:

The Excitement of New York City

New York City is one of the most iconic cities in the world and is unlike any other place on earth. Whether you are a roaming artist, a hopeful businessperson, or an aspiring entertainer, people flock to NYC to chase their dreams. Despite its hectic and fast-paced environment, people still find the city to be incredibly beautiful and charming. 

Filled with iconic sites like the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building, Grand Central Station, Central Park, Radio City Music Hall, Times Square, and so many more, there are endless places to explore. Nicknamed the “city that never sleeps,” NYC is bustling no matter what time of day it is. Whether it’s 2:00 in the afternoon or 2:00 in the morning, New York City is one of the only places in the world where you can still get a manicure, hit the gym, or go out to eat. 

Offering everything from top-notch sports teams to world-famous restaurants and an exciting nightlife, New York City is one of the most unique and incredible places in the world. Whether you want to go sightseeing, see a Broadway show, or go out to eat in a cultural neighborhood, NYC is one of the best cities in the world for entertainment, art, and culture. 

Gorgeous Scenery

While the first thing that comes to mind when most people think about New York is skyscrapers, the truth is that New York is one of the most beautiful states in the country. Upstate New York is home to some of the most gorgeous locations, including Lake George, Niagara Falls, wine country, and the Catskills. Here you can experience incredible lake and mountain views unlike any other place in the country.

The Sports Scene

It’s tough to find a New Yorker who isn’t a sports fan. Sports are a way of life in New York, and it’s a unique attribute that brings people together. Whether you’re cheering for the Yankees, Mets, Buffalo Bills, Giants, Jets, Rangers, Islanders, Nets, or Knicks, there is always excitement surrounding each team and an energy unlike any other. 

Fantastic Food

From its world-famous pizza to its bagels and hot dogs, New Yorkers know a thing or two about food. Whether you want to dine at a 5-star restaurant or indulge in a local favorite, you will have a hard time finding a state with more to offer when it comes to food. Thanks to its incredible diversity, New York features delicious cuisine from all over the world. 

How New York’s Climate Compares to Florida’s

It's no secret that New York is significantly colder than Florida. The winters are harsh, and the summers are humid. However, you'll get to experience all four seasons, which is something you likely didn't get in Florida! No matter what part of the state you decide to move to, you'll get at least one good snowfall every year. Once the snow melts away and the flowers are ready to bloom, you can enjoy pleasant spring weather. While the warmth of Florida can be appealing, there is also beauty in the colors of fall foliage and the sparkle of the first snowfall. 

Make Your Move Easy with North American Van Lines

Are you moving from Florida to New York? North American Van Lines is the long-distance moving company you deserve to have on your side. Our team will help you navigate the challenges of relocating long distances, ensuring you receive the hands-on support you need throughout the transition. We offer full-service moving packages for long-distance relocations of every size and any kind. We also have affordable storage solutions in both states and auto transportation services if necessary. Whether you're relocating to upstate New York or a luxury apartment in Manhattan, you can count on us to get the job done. 

Contact us today for a free, no-obligation quote.