There's undoubtedly a significant trend of people migrating from the northernmost states to the Sunshine State and other Southern states. All sorts of factors come into play when making such a drastic move; for some people, it might be retirement and wanting to be in a warmer climate, for others maybe the strong economy, and for some people, it could be politics. Either way, everyday people are moving in and out of any state, and that will never change. But there’s no denying trends; in 2022 and 2023, Florida has seen the second-highest percent growth in population by 1.6%, only behind South Carolina's 1.7%. It’s estimated that around 1200 people per day move into Florida, and about 6% of those people are coming from New Jersey.
You might ask why Florida of all places? A huge reason people make the move to Florida is for a lower cost of living and a seemingly booming economy. Florida residents also reap the benefits of not having to pay state income tax, which really helps families save money and live more comfortably.
Here are some common questions I hear about relocating to Florida: What goes into making the move down to Florida from New Jersey? Where do I start? How do I sell my house and buy a new one? How do I move my belongings?
Luckily, as a Real Estate Expert and Relocation Specialist, I will lay out a roadmap to make the process as simple as possible in this post.
Choose an area which best suits you - Florida is a huge state, and there are many different options to choose from. I would suggest moving somewhere that best fits your lifestyle.
Finding a job - Now unless you plan on retiring in Florida (which is extremely common), you will likely need to replace your income and find a job that’s suitable for you and your career path. With Florida’s booming economy on the rise, job opportunities are abundant, especially in fields such as tourism, construction, healthcare, and education. Not to mention remote jobs have become a trend in today's world as well.
Get your home on the market - Many people would think this wouldn’t be a beginning step; however, ensuring your home is on the market before you begin actively searching for a new one is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, having your current home listed signals to sellers that you are serious about buying and are in a position to move forward with a purchase. This can give you a competitive edge in negotiations and increase the likelihood of your offers being accepted. Secondly, by starting the selling process early, you can better gauge the market value of your current home and make informed decisions about your budget for your new home. Additionally, having your home on the market before you start looking allows you to streamline the transition process, minimizing the risk of being caught in a time crunch between selling your current home and finding a new one. Overall, getting your home on the market before you begin your search ensures a smoother and more efficient home buying process. Not to mention using a strong listing agent such as myself can help you get top dollar and leverage other offers on your home to help you close on your timeline.
House hunting - Now that your home is on the market, it’s time to find a new one. First figure out your finances on how you plan to purchase your new home. Are you using the proceeds from the sale of your home, or maybe speaking with a lender and getting pre-approved for a mortgage? Now once you’re a qualified buyer, it’s time to check out some houses. Flights to Florida from New Jersey cost on average $85 depending on which airline you choose. Once you find a suitable home, it’s time to make a strong offer, and make sure your closing timelines are as close as possible. Once you are under contract and have a firm closing date, it’s time to get moving.
Move your stuff - The cost of moving to Florida costs anywhere from $977 to $6,754. Hiring a full-service moving company can be more expensive; however, it will save you a ton of time and heavy lifting. If not, rental trucks and moving containers will be a cheaper option.
Ship your car - If you don’t take the long drive down, you can always ship your vehicles. On average, it costs $900 to ship a car depending on size, traffic, etc.
Change over your license - Make sure you notify the Florida Department of Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) of your change of address, allowing you to legally operate your vehicle in the state. Upon relocating from New Jersey to Florida, it's imperative to inform the FLHSMV within 30 days of your move.
Here are some other things to consider:
- Transfer your utilities, including electricity, water, gas, and internet, to your new Florida address.
- Update your mailing address with important entities such as your bank, insurance providers, employers, and any subscription services.
- Familiarize yourself with Florida's local services and amenities, including healthcare providers, schools, grocery stores, and recreational facilities in your new neighborhood.
- Consider registering to vote in Florida and explore any local ordinances or regulations that may differ from those in New Jersey.
Relocating from New Jersey to Florida is an exciting journey filled with opportunities for a better lifestyle and financial savings. By carefully planning each step—from choosing the right area and securing a job to getting your home on the market and managing the move—you can ensure a smooth and efficient transition. Don't forget essential tasks like updating your address with the FLHSMV and transferring your utilities. With this roadmap, your move to the Sunshine State can be seamless and enjoyable, setting the stage for a bright new chapter in your life.
If you are ready to take the next step in relocating from New Jersey, feel free to reach out to Andrew Laumbach for top-notch guidance
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