Key Takeaways:
- Moving from PA to Florida can cost between $750 and $6,000.
- Florida offers warm weather, diverse lifestyles, and no income tax.
- Consider differences in climate, cost of living, and job markets.
- Hiring long-distance movers can ease the transition.
Are you moving to Florida from PA, which is about 1,115 miles away? Ready to swap PA’s cool vibes for Florida’s warm hospitality? This guide is here to help you through the journey. Moving can cost anywhere from $750 to $6,000, but don’t worry! We’ve got some great tips to make it easier. Whether you’re excited about Florida’s beautiful scenery and rich history or making new friends, we’re here to help your move go smoothly and turn it into an adventure!
There are many reasons behind moving to Florida from PA (Pennsylvania). Florida, known as the “sunshine state” of the USA, boasts numerous beaches and has a thriving entertainment industry. Additionally, it has incredibly affordable real estate and no income tax. Not to mention, Florida is accommodating regardless of what kind of lifestyle you want. Florida has skyscraper buildings and plenty of job opportunities in fast-moving job industries if you wish for fast-paced city life. However, if you are looking for a relaxed suburban life, you can of course avail of that here as well. This flexibility of the job market coupled with the warm, sunny weather makes Florida the ideal place to live in.
However, you may want to consider some additional factors as well. Florida is more humid than Pennsylvania, but it also suffers from semi-frequent thunderstorms. Additionally, while Pennsylvania has a vast array of different landscapes, Florida is flat in topography and has many insects, so beware of mosquitoes and roaches.
Regardless, if you will be moving to Florida from PA, you will need to hire long-distance moving companies for a smooth move!
Why PA is better than Florida?
- Four Seasons: PA has winter, spring, summer, and fall. Florida is mostly just hot.
- History: PA has lots of American history sites.
- Nature: PA has mountains and forests for hiking and skiing.
- Schools: PA is home to top universities like Penn State.
- City and Country: PA offers both big cities and quiet countryside.
- Cost of Living: Generally, living in PA can be cheaper than in Florida.
- Water and Scenery: PA has beautiful lakes and rivers.
- Community Events: Lots of local festivals and fairs in PA.
- Weather: PA doesn’t get hurricanes like Florida does.
- Travel: PA is close to other big cities and places to visit.
PA has a mix of everything, from seasons to cities, making it a great place for different experiences.
Moving to PA from FL: Benefits & Key Differences
Pennsylvania is known for its stunning natural beauty, from the rolling hills of Amish Country to the picturesque Pocono Mountains. The state is also home to world-class cities like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, offering a rich cultural scene and plenty of job opportunities.
Here Is a Differentiate Table for a Better understanding of the major differences between Pennsylvania and Florida:
| Factor | Pennsylvania | Florida |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of Living | Lower than the national average | Higher than the national average |
| Job Market | The unemployment rate of 4.8% (as of Mar 2023) | The unemployment rate of 5.5% (as of Mar 2023) |
| Climate | Four distinct seasons with cold winters and mild summers | Warm to hot temperatures year-round with frequent thunderstorms |
| Quality of Life | Higher ranking in overall well-being and healthcare access | Lower ranking in overall well-being and healthcare access |
| Housing Market | Lower median home prices and rental rates | Higher median home prices and rental rates |
| Education | A strong education system with top-ranked universities | Varied quality of K-12 schools and universities |
How Much Will Moving to Florida from Pennsylvania Cost Me?
According to the American Moving and Storage Association, the average cost of an interstate move is around $4,300 for a distance of 1,225 miles. However, this is just an average, and the actual cost of your move will depend on several factors, such as the size of your household, the distance of your move, and the services you require.
To get a more accurate estimate of your moving costs, it is recommended to obtain quotes from multiple moving companies. The costs associated with moving typically include the following:
- Transportation costs: This includes the cost of renting a moving truck, hiring professional movers, and fuel costs.
- Packing and unpacking costs: If you choose to hire professional movers to pack and unpack your belongings, this will add to the total cost of your move.
- Storage costs: If you need to store your belongings for any period during your move, you may incur additional storage costs.
- Insurance costs: Moving companies typically offer insurance options to protect your belongings during the move. The cost of insurance will depend on the value of your belongings.
- Additional fees: There may be additional fees for services such as moving bulky items or navigating narrow or steep roads.
Save Costs While Moving to Florida?
If you are looking to cut costs during your move, one easy way to do that is by getting as much help from your friends and family and doing some of the heavy lifting yourself. For instance, if you are confident, you can pack some of your belongings. You can ask for help from your loved ones to help load and unload your furniture. You can even drive some of your belongings directly to your new home in Pennsylvania!
Please note all of these are optional, you don’t need to do it yourself, but if you are confident that you can, it will help you cut costs.
How do I Prepare Before Moving to Florida from PA?
Do your research! Before moving to Florida from PA, the most important thing to realize is that everyone’s moving process will be different. This will depend on a variety of factors; the neighborhood you are moving from and to, your specific requirements, and your budget.
You must first ask yourself if moving to Florida from PA is the correct decision for you, and plan. You will need to look into the job market, Florida’s economy, real estate prices, taxes, etc. Best to plan all this out beforehand.
Additionally, before getting in touch with a moving company, you must have a list of questions you wish to ask them. Hence, it is useful to research the kinds of services you wish to avail of, the routes you prefer, and whether or not there are expensive pieces of furniture that you own that will require special care!
Hire A Long-Distance Company When Moving to Florida?
Professional long-distance moving services can provide a wide range of services to make your move from Pennsylvania to Florida a breeze. In the subsequent paragraphs, we will give you a brief run-through of these services.
One of the primary services is packing services. If you have availed of a full packing service, then the movers will pack all your belongings and move them from your home in Pennsylvania to your new residence in Florida. If you instead ask for a partial packing service, they will only pack specific pieces of furniture for you. There are also loading and unloading services which you can avail of.
If you are worried about your apartment complex’s lack of storage facilities, you can also get their storage services. Professional long-distance movers provide storage units where you can temporarily store all your belongings. On the day of your move, the movers will drive the storage unit to your new residence. There are also services for moving heavy appliances like your washing machine, dishwasher, or drier.
Any service that you can think of, long-distance movers will be able to provide for you. If you have one or two pieces of expensive furniture that you need to move from your home in Pennsylvania to Florida, don’t worry! Long-distance movers also have services for carrying a single piece of furniture.
| Name | Rating | US DOT | ICC MC |
| Allied Van Lines | 5 | 076235 | 15735 |
| International Van Lines | 5 | 2247789 | 729978 |
| Alliance Movers | 5 | 2398933 | 824939 |
| Trinity Relocation Group | 5 | 3218709 | |
| Gateway Moving and Storage | 5 | ||
| American Van Lines | 5 | 614506 | 294798 |
| Infinity Van Lines | 5 | 1443732 | 545673 |
Taking the opposite path? With our Moving from Florida to Pennsylvania guide, we’ve got you covered.
Comprehensive Moving Checklist for Moving from Pennsylvania to Florida
To make your move as smooth and stress-free as possible, it’s important to have a comprehensive moving checklist in place. Here are some essential tasks to include in your moving checklist:
| Task | Timeline |
|---|---|
| Research moving companies | 2-3 months before move date |
| Create a budget | 2-3 months before move date |
| Notify your employer/school | 2-3 months before move date |
| Sort and declutter your belongings | 2-3 months before move date |
| Book your moving company | 1-2 months before move date |
| Arrange for packing materials | 1-2 months before move date |
| Start packing non-essential items | 1-2 months before move date |
| Transfer or cancel your utilities and services | 1-2 months before move date |
| Notify important contacts and subscriptions | 1-2 months before move date |
| Secure important documents | 1-2 months before move date |
| Plan your travel to your new home | 1-2 months before move date |
| Finalize packing | 1 week before move date |
| Defrost the refrigerator and freezer | 1 day before move date |
| Double-check all rooms and spaces for items | 1 day before move date |
| Hand over the keys and perform a walkthrough | On move-out day |
| Arrive at your new home and perform a walkthrough | On the move-in day and after that as needed |
Top Florida Cities to Consider When Relocating from Pennsylvania
Florida is a popular destination for those looking to relocate. But with so many cities and towns to choose from, it can be overwhelming to decide where to settle down. To help narrow down your options, we’ve compiled a list of the top Florida cities to consider when relocating from Pennsylvania.
Orlando: Theme Parks, Downtown Vibes, and Job Opportunities
Orlando is a popular destination for families and young professionals alike. Known for its world-famous theme parks like Disney World and Universal Studios, the city boasts a vibrant downtown area with plenty of restaurants, bars, and entertainment options. The job market in Orlando is also growing, with a strong presence in the technology and healthcare industries.
Miami: Beaches, Diversity, and Endless Entertainment Options
Miami is a fast-paced, cosmopolitan city that offers a unique blend of cultures, languages, and lifestyles. The city is known for its beautiful beaches, diverse population, and endless entertainment options, from nightclubs and art galleries to sports events and festivals. Miami also has a strong job market, particularly in the finance, hospitality, and healthcare industries.
Tampa: Coastal Charm and Outdoor Activities
Tampa is a city that combines coastal charm with modern amenities. Its beautiful beaches, waterfront parks, and year-round warm weather make it a great place for outdoor enthusiasts. The city also has a strong business community, with healthcare, finance, and technology opportunities.
Jacksonville: Affordability and Beachside Living
Jacksonville is the largest city in Florida and offers urban and beachside living. It’s an affordable place to live, with a lower cost of living compared to other cities in Florida. The city has vibrant arts and culture, beautiful beaches, and parks.
St. Augustine: Historic Charm and Cultural Attractions
St. Augustine is a charming historic city with plenty of cultural attractions. It’s the oldest continuously inhabited European-established settlement in the United States. It is known for its Spanish colonial architecture, museums, and art galleries. The city also offers a high quality of life, with a strong job market and excellent schools.
Sarasota: Beaches, Arts, and Culture
Sarasota is a city that combines beautiful beaches with a thriving arts and culture scene. The city has several museums, theatres, art galleries, and a world-class opera house and ballet company. Sarasota also has a strong job market, particularly in the healthcare and education sectors.
Naples: Luxurious Lifestyle and Pristine Beaches
Naples is a city known for its luxurious lifestyle and pristine beaches. The city is home to several upscale shops, restaurants, and some of the most beautiful beaches in the state. The job market in Naples is also strong, with opportunities in the healthcare, hospitality, and finance industries.
Fort Lauderdale: Waterfront Living and Boating Culture
Fort Lauderdale is a city known for its waterfront living and boating culture. With over 300 miles of waterways, it’s a great place for boaters and water sports enthusiasts. The city also has a thriving business community, with opportunities in the tourism, finance, and healthcare industries.
Gainesville: College Town Vibe and Outdoor Recreation Options
Gainesville is a city that offers a unique blend of a college-town vibe and outdoor recreation options. The city is home to the University of Florida, contributing to its vibrant arts and culture scene. It’s also surrounded by natural beauty, with several parks, trails, and lakes for outdoor enthusiasts to explore.
Tips for Settling into Your New Home when Moving from Pennsylvania to Florida
Moving to a new state can be an exciting but stressful experience, especially when moving from Pennsylvania to Florida. To help make your transition smoother, here are some tips for settling into your new home:
- Get familiar with your new community: Once you’ve moved, take some time to explore your new neighborhood and community. This will help you understand what’s around you, find local hotspots, and meet new people.
- Register your vehicle: When you move to Florida, you must register and obtain a Florida driver’s license within 30 days. Remember to update your car insurance to meet Florida’s requirements.
- Update your address: Be sure to update your address with your bank, credit card companies, and other important contacts. This will ensure you receive all important mail and bills at your new address.
- Meet your neighbors: One of the best ways to get acquainted with your new surroundings is by meeting your neighbors. Not only will they be able to provide helpful tips and recommendations, but they can also become new friends.
- Explore your new surroundings: Florida has plenty of attractions and natural wonders to explore, so take advantage of your new location and go out and explore. There’s something for everyone, from beaches to theme parks to nature preserves.
Frequently Asked Questions for Moving from PA to Florida
Q1. What should I budget for a long-distance move from PA to Florida?
Expect to spend $750 to $6,000. The average is around $3,300.
Q2. How do I choose a moving company for the move to Florida?
Get quotes from several companies, check their reviews, and make sure they’re licensed.
Q3. What are the key differences in climate between PA and Florida I should prepare for?
Florida is warmer and more humid than PA. It has mild winters and hot summers.
Q4. How should I handle vehicle registration and driver’s license changes when moving to Florida?
Register your car and get a Florida driver’s license within 30 days of moving.
Q5. What are the tax implications of moving from PA to Florida?
Florida has no state income tax, which might save you money.
Q6. What steps should I take to find housing in Florida?
Look online, consider hiring a real estate agent, and visit neighborhoods.
Q7. How can I prepare my family for the move?
Talk about the move together and visit Florida beforehand if you can.
Q8. What should I know about Florida’s wildlife and environment?
Be aware of alligators, snakes, and marine life. Learn safety tips.
Q9. How do I update my voting registration after moving to Florida?
Do it when you get your Florida driver’s license or online.
Q10. What are some ways to acclimate to the community after moving to Florida?
Check out local events and join clubs or groups to meet people.
Q11. Are there any specific legal requirements or regulations in Florida I should be aware of?
Look into Florida’s fishing, boating, and environmental laws.
Q12. How can I ensure my pets are ready for the move to Florida?
Make sure they’re vaccinated and check pet-friendly places and rules.
Moving from Pennsylvania to Florida can be an exciting and life-changing experience. It’s important to do your research, prepare a budget, and have a comprehensive moving checklist to ensure a smooth transition. While it may be a big adjustment, Florida offers many benefits, including warmer weather, beautiful beaches, and vibrant culture.
By following these tips and putting in some effort, you can make your move to Florida a success and start enjoying your new home in the Sunshine State.
