Moving from Pennsylvania to Florida

Are you dreaming of a place where you can relax on the beach, go to Disney World, play golf, and even spot dolphins? Then you have come to the right place! Beyond its famous sand and saltwater, Florida is packed with entertainment, delicious cuisine, vibrant culture, and incredible wildlife. There are also a few places where you can wear shorts and flip-flops year-round, but Florida is one of them! Whether you are looking for a place to raise your family or to retire, moving to Florida will not disappoint. As you prepare to relocate from Pennsylvania, here’s what to know before moving to Florida:

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

Let's face it - long-distance moves can be pricey. From investing in quality moving supplies to budgeting expenses for gas or hotels along the way, there's a lot that goes into a successful relocation. The best way to budget accordingly is to gather quotes from different moving companies and decide if hiring professionals is the most suitable option for your needs.

The average cost of a move from Pennsylvania to Florida with North American Van Lines is around $3,300, which can include packing, transporting and unpacking. The cost also includes gas, insurance, and professional expertise.

While DIYing a move may seem cheaper at first glance, it can be more expensive in the long run. DIYing a move also requires more time and dedication, which can be a big time commitment for you and your family.

If you're looking to cut costs, you'll want to try to plan your move during the off-season. Also, consider relocating during the week rather than a weekend. Most professional movers charge by the pound, so downsizing before you relocate can also be cost-effective.

Need help calculating your moving expenses? Use our free relocation calculator to get started.

What’s the Cost of Living in Florida

When comparing the cost of living in Pennsylvania vs Florida, Florida is generally considered more expensive. However, this will widely depend on where you're moving to and from. The good news is that Florida has no state income tax. Property tax is also significantly lower than in other states.

According to Zillow, the average cost of buying a home in Florida is $385,851, and the average rent is $2,348. If you're in the market to buy a new home, you'll find many affordable opportunities. However, you'll need to plan for higher costs for everyday essentials. If you live in a flood zone, you may also need to pay for flood and windstorm insurance.

Consider comparing the different costs before you move to ensure that you and your family are ready to adjust to the new cost of living. 

Where to Live: The Best Cities for Newcomers in Florida

Florida is home to some of the most vibrant beachside communities and family-friendly attractions. Whether you're looking to start a family or kickstart your professional career, here are four great places you can consider moving to:

Miami

Known for its beautiful beaches, one-of-a-kind art deco architecture, and exciting nightlife, Miami is the second most populous city in Florida. As one of the largest international hubs in the world, Miami draws young professionals with trade and banking careers. However, it also appeals to those looking for the South Beach party scene. Its diverse population also makes it a great place to experience the food and festivities of different cultures.

Jacksonville

Jacksonville is the largest metro area in Florida and provides residents with beautiful beaches, top-notch restaurants, cultural communities, and a close proximity to historic St. Augustine and Amelia Island. With over 850 square miles of coastline, Jacksonville is home to some of the most stunning beaches in Florida. Jacksonville is an outdoor lover’s dream, where fishing, boating, beaches, biking, swimming, fitness activities, golf, and sports are a part of everyday life. Jacksonville’s strong economy makes it attractive for job seekers, with a growing tech sector, large healthcare centers, and a military base.

Tampa

Tampa provides residents with all of the amenities of a big city along with a laid-back beach town vibe. This sprawling region encompasses three cities- Tampa, St. Petersburg, and Clearwater so it is full of great restaurants, museums, professional sports teams, and an array of entertainment options. It has a hipster social scene as well as a thriving Hispanic community. On the opposite side of the bay, the beaches of St. Petersburg are perfect for water sports, dolphin watching, and parasailing while Clearwater is a popular destination for vacationers looking to relax on some of the country’s prettiest beaches.

Orlando

Known as the theme park capital of the world, Orland is best known for its host of amusement parks including Disney World, Universal Studios, Legoland, and many others. However, there is more to this Florida city than theme parks. It is a prime location for businesses, living, and recreation. The city is also home to four professional sports teams, great shopping and restaurants, loads of concerts and outdoor festivals, and ideal weather.

How Florida’s Climate Compares to Pennsylvania’s

Are you tired of harsh winters and humid summers? Ready to trade in your snow boots for a pair of flip-flops? Once you're done moving from Pennsylvania to Florida, you can look forward to the state's tropical climate. The winters are mild, and the summers are warm, so you can look forward to enjoying year-round outdoor activities.

However, there is an elevated risk of hurricanes and tropical storms. People living in Florida need to adapt to the heightened risk and have an emergency plan in case of a hurricane.

Beaches, Theme Parks & Sunshine: What Makes Florida Unique

Florida is known for its warm beaches, stunning coastlines, and family-friendly attractions. Whether you're moving to the east or west side of Florida, you can look forward to pristine beaches on every end. Some popular spots include Clearwater, Key West and Miami Beach. If you want family-friendly fun for the weekend or spring break, take the kids to Disney World or Busch Gardens. If you're more of an outdoorsy type, you can plan a weekend trip to one of the 175 state parks in the area.

Once you've fully integrated into your new community, you'll also find that there's a diverse culture and an incredible food scene. From the Cuban cuisine to the vibrant nightlife, you'll never grow bored in a state like Florida.

Cost of Moving from Pennsylvania to Florida

Moving can be expensive but that doesn’t mean you have to break your budget. At North American, we understand the costs that come with a long distance move and we work with you to design a moving plan that is just right for your budget. The average line haul cost to move from Pennsylvania to Florida with North American is $3,300. It is important to keep in mind, however, that many factors go into determining the cost of a move including the exact distance you are moving, the number of items being moved, special shipping or handling needs, and additional services such as packing and unpacking. At North American, we understand the importance of upfront pricing and that’s why we have made it easy to get an accurate quote using our Quote on Demand tool listed above.

Make Your Move Easy with North American Van Lines

At North American Van Lines, we understand that moving to a new city and state can be challenging. Our team of professional movers is here to help you navigate the complexities. We offer reliable and customizable moving services, so you only pay for what you need. Whether you need a full-service moving company or affordable storage units in Miami, we have you covered.

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