From Massachusetts to the Sunshine State

Originally inhabited by Wampanoag, Narragansett, Nipmuc, Pocomtuc, Mahican, and Massachusetts tribes, Massachusetts is the most populous state in New England. Named after the Massachusetts tribe that used to live in the east side of the region, its official name is the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Boston is the capital of Massachusetts and at the same time, the most populous city in the entire region of New England. During the last decades, there has been a constant increase of people, many of whom are snowbirds, moving from Massachusetts to the state of Florida — the 8th most densely populated state in the US.

Compared to Massachusetts’ humid continental climate with cold winters and warm summers, Florida generally has a subtropical climate with mild winters and hot and humid summers. If you move to Southern Florida, you will experience a tropical climate. Even though snowfall won’t be “chasing” you to the Sunshine State, Florida, just like Massachusetts, is prone to hurricanes and tropical storms.

Housing and living costs

Depending on where in Massachusetts live and where in Florida you are planning to move, the housing and living costs may vary. If you’ll be relocating from Boston to Orlando for example, you’re in luck!  Living costs in Orlando are 43% less expensive than in Boston, while the median home cost is 61% less expensive. If you move to Tallahassee, your cost of living will drop by over 44% compared to Boston, while housing costs will be up to 70% less expensive. Unlike Massachusetts, the state of Florida doesn’t have a state income tax.

Economy and employment

A report by the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis indicated that the economy of Florida reached the sum of $996.3 billion during the first quarter of 2018. According to the Florida Chamber Foundation, the state of Florida managed to reach a Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of over $1 trillion in mid-July 2018. If the state of Florida were an independent country, it would rank as the 17th largest economy in the world.

“Becoming a $1 trillion economy means Florida is continuing to grow and create jobs, keeping unemployment lower than the national average, and creating economic opportunity,” according to Dr. Jerry Parrish, Florida Chamber Foundation Chief Economist. “Thanks to the focus of Florida’s business community and strong leadership from the Governor, Cabinet and legislature, Florida continues to move in the right direction,” Dr. Parrish added.

In comparison to Massachusetts, which is one of the leaders in biotechnology, engineering, higher education, finance, and maritime trade worldwide, Florida’s economy is mainly based on trade, financial services, manufacturing, construction, transportation services, and tourism.

Things to see and do in Florida

Have you ever been The Universal Orlando, Duval Street, Mallory Square, Giraffe Ranch, Epcot Theme Park, Florida Keys, Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, South Beach, SeaWorld Orlando, Sanibel Island, Magic Kingdom, or the Everglades National Park? If not, we highly recommend you pay a visit to all these places.

You can also add a few historical sites such as Fort Jefferson, Mary Bethune Home, Naples Historical Society’s Historic Palm Cottage, and Harry S. Truman Little White House to your list. Florida is a great place to practice outdoor activities as well, so pick the best outfit for any activity you like, and enjoy this beautiful state to the fullest.

Moving to Florida with a car

As soon as you move to the Land of Flowers, you will have 30 days to register and title your vehicle. Just make sure you read about all the documents you need to prepare in advance, to make the registering process easier. Check out the official site of Florida DHSMV for more info.