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Why So Many People Are Moving to Florida

By
Real Estate Agent with Downing Frye Realty Naples Golf Guy

🌴 Why So Many Are Moving to Florida: Tax Savings, Sunshine, and a Smarter Lifestyle

In recent years, a record number of people from New York, New Jersey, and Virginia have made the move south — trading high taxes and cold winters for Florida’s warm climate, financial freedom, and resort-style living.

If you’ve ever dreamed of sunshine, lower costs, and a better quality of life, now may be the perfect time to call Florida home. Here’s why more individuals, families, and retirees are making the move.

💰 1. No State Income Tax = More Money in Your Pocket

moving to Florida means you will keep more of your money

Florida is one of only nine states with no personal income tax — a major advantage over high-tax states like New York (up to 10.9%), New Jersey (up to 10.75%), and Virginia (up to 5.75%).

That means you keep more of your income, retirement benefits, and investment gains, year after year. Whether you’re a working professional, small business owner, or retiree, Florida’s tax-friendly environment can translate into thousands of dollars in annual savings.

🏡 2. Lower Cost of Living and No Estate or Inheritance Taxes

No Inheritance Tax in the state of Florida

Beyond income tax savings, Florida offers no estate or inheritance taxes, making it one of the most retirement-friendly states in the U.S.

The cost of living — particularly property taxes and everyday expenses — remains competitive compared to major metro areas in the Northeast. Combined with energy-efficient newer homes and no need for costly winter maintenance, Floridians enjoy a simpler, lower-stress financial lifestyle.

☀️ 3. Year-Round Sunshine and Outdoor Living

Imagine swapping snow shovels for golf clubs and winter coats for flip-flops. With over 230 days of sunshine per year, Florida’s warm, tropical climate allows for year-round outdoor activities.

Residents enjoy boating, golf, beach walks, tennis, pickleball, and al fresco dining almost every day of the year. Cities like Naples, Sarasota, and Fort Myers combine small-town charm with luxury amenities, making them ideal destinations for both retirees and remote professionals seeking lifestyle balance.

⛳ 4. Resort-Style Communities and World-Class Amenities

The Vineyards Country Club Naples FL

Florida offers an incredible range of master-planned and golf course communities that rival resort living. Gated neighborhoods like The Vineyards, Talis Park, Mediterra, and Pelican Bay offer:

  • Championship golf courses

  • Private clubhouses with fine dining

  • Fitness centers, spas, and resort-style pools

  • Tennis, pickleball, and bocce courts

  • Social calendars packed with events and community gatherings

Whether you prefer coastal elegance, active living, or peaceful nature preserves, Florida’s communities provide something for everyone — all within minutes of white-sand beaches.

🚀 5. Booming Job Market and Business-Friendly Environment

moving to Florida from NJ, NY and VA

Florida’s economy continues to expand rapidly, with strong growth in technology, finance, healthcare, and remote work sectors.

Companies and entrepreneurs are drawn to the state’s low corporate taxes, pro-business policies, and no state income tax. Many major employers have relocated or opened regional headquarters in Southwest Florida — offering opportunities for both established professionals and new graduates alike.

✈️ 6. Easy Travel and Global Connectivity

With multiple international airports (including Southwest Florida International in Fort Myers and Miami International), residents can easily connect to destinations across the U.S. and abroad.

And with direct flights to major cities like New York, Newark, Washington D.C., and Boston, staying connected to friends, family, and business opportunities up north has never been easier.

🏖️ 7. A Lifestyle That Feels Like Vacation Every Day

Lakewood Ranch Esplanade Pool

Perhaps the biggest reason people move to Florida: quality of life. From world-class golf courses to award-winning beaches and vibrant arts and dining scenes, life here feels like a permanent getaway.

Whether it’s a sunset walk on Naples Beach or a round of golf at Talis Park, Florida living blends relaxation, recreation, and reward like no other place in the country.

📦 Ready to Make the Move?

Naples Golf Guy Team 2024

If you’re considering relocating from New York, New Jersey, or Virginia, let the Naples Golf Guy Team help you explore the best Florida golf and lifestyle communities.

From gated golf neighborhoods to maintenance-free condos near the beach, our team can guide you through every step — from finding your perfect home to connecting with trusted local experts.

📞 Call or text 239-370-0892 to start your Florida relocation journey today.
💻 Explore available properties at NaplesGolfGuy.com

Comments(16)

Show All Comments Sort:
Kelly McGovern
Realty Concierge International - Bellingham, MA
Working with Kelly is a good move

One day, maybe. I’ve been searching Florida, Georgia and SC for retirement areas.

Nov 04, 2025 08:52 PM
Laura Cerrano
Feng Shui Manhattan Long Island - Locust Valley, NY
Certified Feng Shui Expert, Speaker & Researcher

Every couple of years this happens, I find where you have that popular section of town created own  scene

Nov 04, 2025 10:56 PM
Matthew Klinowski, PA
Downing Frye Realty - Naples, FL
Naples Golf Guy | Find Your Dream Lifestyle

Kelly McGovern all three states have fantastic cities! Matt

Nov 05, 2025 04:27 AM
Matthew Klinowski, PA
Downing Frye Realty - Naples, FL
Naples Golf Guy | Find Your Dream Lifestyle

Laura Cerrano we certainly see larger waves of buyers some years more than others. This upcoming year we anticipate will be busy! Hope you are busy as well. Matt

Nov 05, 2025 04:28 AM
Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Real Estate Broker

Good morning, Matt... all excellent reasons that Florida has become such a destination point. For me, those risks of hurricanes will keep me away. 

Nov 05, 2025 05:09 AM
Wayne Martin
Wayne M Martin - Oswego, IL
Real Estate Broker - Retired

Good morning Matt. Florida, Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina along with other states may see a boom in the next 24 moths unprecedented. Lace up your shoes and be ready to serve. Enjoy your day. 

Nov 05, 2025 05:28 AM
Brian England
Ambrose Realty Management LLC - Gilbert, AZ
MBA, GRI, REALTOR® Real Estate in East Valley AZ

There are a lot of good reasons to move to Florida!  When someone tells me they are moving there, I don't even have to ask why, haha.

Nov 05, 2025 05:34 AM
Matthew Klinowski, PA
Downing Frye Realty - Naples, FL
Naples Golf Guy | Find Your Dream Lifestyle

Nina Hollander, Broker totally understand! Not to mention Charlotte is a bit cooler :)

Enjoy your day. Matt

Nov 05, 2025 06:03 AM
Nina Hollander, Broker

Matthew Klinowski, PA that, too. I like having four seasons.

Nov 05, 2025 06:21 AM
Matthew Klinowski, PA
Downing Frye Realty - Naples, FL
Naples Golf Guy | Find Your Dream Lifestyle

Wayne Martin getting ready! I suspect several of us are going to be quite buys over the next two years.

Nov 05, 2025 06:13 AM
Dorie Dillard Austin TX
Coldwell Banker Realty ~ 512.750.6899 - Austin, TX
NW Austin ~ Canyon Creek and Spicewood/Balcones

Good morning Matthew Klinowski, PA ,

Your reasons why so many people are moving to FL are spot on. You've spell out concerns so many are dealing with living in NY, New Jersey and Virginia! 

Nov 05, 2025 06:13 AM
Matthew Klinowski, PA
Downing Frye Realty - Naples, FL
Naples Golf Guy | Find Your Dream Lifestyle

Brian England I think the same thing about Arizona! Both places are excellent places to live. I find some people just prefer a different climate :) They are both a bit warm in the summer, one is just more humid than the other! Matt

Nov 05, 2025 06:17 AM
Brian England

Yes, our areas are similar in that respect Matthew Klinowski, PA and I am sure that Florida gets as many snowbirds as we do, maybe more, haha.

Nov 05, 2025 08:28 AM
Matthew Klinowski, PA
Downing Frye Realty - Naples, FL
Naples Golf Guy | Find Your Dream Lifestyle

Good morning Dorie Dillard Austin TX , yes I suspect we will both see an increase in activity over the next couple of years. Austin is a fantastic city! Have a great day. Matt

Nov 05, 2025 06:25 AM
Joan Cox
House to Home, Inc. - Denver Real Estate - 720-231-6373 - Denver, CO
Denver Real Estate - Selling One Home at a Time

Matthew, great post to entice more Northerners to come to Florida.   I would be afraid of the gators.

Nov 05, 2025 01:07 PM
Kathy Streib
Cypress, TX
Retired Home Stager/Redesign

Hi Matt- I echo your sentiments!!!  One winter spent in South Fl and you will never want to leave!  When we lived in FL, my husband once said "we're living where every day is like a  vacation"

Nov 05, 2025 07:31 PM
Matthew Klinowski, PA
Downing Frye Realty - Naples, FL
Naples Golf Guy | Find Your Dream Lifestyle

LOL, Joan Cox you would not be the first one! Thankfully there are plenty of communities without gators :) Have a great day.

Nov 06, 2025 04:17 AM
Matthew Klinowski, PA
Downing Frye Realty - Naples, FL
Naples Golf Guy | Find Your Dream Lifestyle

Kathy Streib I walk out my door every day and I'm thankful for the blue skies, sunshine, and palm trees. Have a great day! Matt

Nov 06, 2025 04:18 AM