Florida is Still Shining

By Colleen Crowley

Every year, United Van Lines releases a national mover study, tracking who is moving and where they’re going. The results from the 2020 study are less than surprising, showing a push out of the Northeast and Midwest into the sprawling West and warmer southern regions of the U.S. For the last decade, Florida has consistently seen an influx of people moving inbound. These new neighbors are more than just snowbirds; they’re choosing to stay in the Sunshine State long-term.

• Florida was the ninth most popular state for overall inboundmoves, according to the 2020 moving report.

• Of all the people moving inbound to Florida, 38% are 65 years of age or older.

• Another 32% are between 55 and 64 years old.

• Although retirement is the leading reason for moving, nearly 23% of new Floridians cited their job as the reason for their move.

• Another 21% t cited “lifestyle” as their reason to relocate.

• 26% of inbound movers have an income between $100k and $150K; 42% percent have an income higher than $150k

• According to the U.S. Census, New Yorkers, Georgians, and Pennsylvanians are leading the charge in the move to Florida.

The Sunshine State continues to see an uptick in new resident migration

Unsurprisingly, the southern and central Florida coasts continue to be the most popular destinations for new residents. With move-in ready communities, easy accessibility, and plenty of year-round outdoor activities, the following areas or locations are particularly popular:

• According to the moving report, the Sarasota-Bradenton region, 60 miles south of Tampa, is the second most popular area in the country to relocate to; 78% of people moving in the region last year were fresh arrivals.

• The Fort-Myers-Cape Coral area and the Palm BayMelbourne-Titusville region came in fifth and seventh on the list, respectively. The latter, also known as the “Space Coast,” is approximately 60 miles east of Orlando.

• The median value of a single-family occupancy house in Florida is $215,300, according to the U.S. Census.

Economic factors are a huge driver of inbound Florida migration. Residents don’t pay state income tax, and there’s a business boom on the horizon:

• According to the University of Central Florida’s Institute for Economic Forecasting, “From 2020-2023, Florida’s economy, as measured by real Gross State Product, will expand at an average annual rate of 1.5%. After contracting by 2.4% in 2020, real Gross State Product will rise by 4.9% in 2021.”

All this, plus an average of 237 sunny days a year, makes Florida a clear choice for anyone looking for a new place to roost.

Waterfront Living

Breathtaking Sunsets

Championship Golf

Marina with FREE Boat Dockage

Fishing, Kayaking, Sailing

World-Class Arts Center • Beaches just minutes away • So Much More

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