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As much as we love our coastal New England life, we can admit it’s not for everyone.
Perhaps you’re not a fan of the cold, tired of cleaning off your car, or simply looking to retire in your favorite vacation spot. Whatever your reason, we support that and we want to make the process simpler.
This Relocation Blog series is dedicated to helping you navigate the move from New England to Florida, or whatever your southern choice may be. To get started, we’ve created a simple list of things you will want to consider before booking those flight tickets.
Have questions? Drop them in the comments and we’ll get back to you in our next blog.
It’s not all sunshine in the sunshine state
Keep in mind that with the warm temperatures and sunshine, comes one of the longest hurricane seasons and heavy lightning. Have the resources prepared to secure your home and an evacuation plan in case of emergency.
Also, bear in mind, the wildlife in Florida also looks much different! Have small animals? Be sure to educate yourself on the area and understand that you likely can’t leave pets outside unattended.
Florida is one of the most tax-friendly states in the US
Florida has no state income tax, making it one of the most tax-friendly states for retirees. There are no state taxes on Social Security benefits, pensions, IRAs, 401(k)s and other retirement income.
However, if you maintain your New England residence in addition, you’ll need to show that you spend no more than 183 days (or half the year) in Florida. Don’t forget to keep a written record of the time you spend in FL! (Source: Kiplinger)
You can get a great bang for your buck with real estate.
Daytona Beach, Gainesville and Tampa – St. Petersburg are some of the best places to look if you’re hoping to save a buck or be more cost-effective. Don’t forget, you may run into some tourists in those areas (if that’s something you’re hoping to avoid!)
Plan on spending extra on insurance
As we mentioned, when moving to Florida, you run the risk of hurricane damage. Keep extra in your emergency fund should you need to cover any unplanned expenses.
Still unphased? Good news – you’re ready for the move!
In our next installment of Relocating 101, we’ll cover the basics of getting started with your move. From finding a real estate agent, to finding a new home and everything in between, we’ll make sure you’re prepared for every step of the way.
Keller Williams Realty, Inc. is a real estate franchise company. Each Keller Williams office is independently owned and operated. Keller Williams Realty, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer and supports the Fair Housing Act.