Whether you have decided to leave the New Jersey completely or simply find a second home, Florida is a great option for anyone who enjoys sun, surf, and sand. Making the decision to relocate or invest in a vacation home is an important one, so it is critical that you consider all of your options and know exactly what you are getting into.
From homes in Celebration to Downtown Orlando, Ocoee to the Winter Park Chain of Lakes and everywhere in between, our team at Your Home Sold Guaranteed Realty - Nancy Kowalik Group is here to help you find the perfect home for you and your family. Nancy has been recognized as one of the best realtors in South Jersey, and she is dedicated to assisting home buyers like you relocate to Florida or discover the ideal second home.
Our team has the resources and experience needed to locate your dream home in Florida. Whether you are looking for a home further inland or you are considering investing in a waterfront property, Nancy is here to assist you and give you all of the tools and information to ensure you are prepared for the home buying process and understand what to expect. From challenges to expect during the process to tips for first-time waterfront home buyers, Nancy and her team are happy to discuss any and all questions or concerns you may have.
Are you ready to relocate from New Jersey to Florida or invest in a second home? Here are some of the most important things you should know before you make your decision:
Advantages of Moving from New Jersey to Florida
When you make the decision to relocate or invest in a second home, it is vital that you find out everything there is to know about the new location. This includes the many advantages you will be able to enjoy once you start living in your new home. If you are considering moving from New Jersey to Florida, there are a variety of benefits waiting for you in your new home. These include:
Lower Cost of Living
Although many people may not expect it, the cost of living in Florida is actually less expensive than in New Jersey. When it comes to housing, utilities, groceries, and state income taxes (actually, a lack of state income tax), Florida residents enjoy a more economical life than those living in New Jersey.
Out of a 100 cost of living index, New Jersey comes in at 119.8, which means that it is much more expensive to live in the state compared to the national average. This number will vary by city or county, but the general notion is that New Jersey is quite expensive. By comparison, Florida has a cost of living index of 103.1. While this is still slightly higher than the national average (and will increase, depending on the specific city in which you live), it is less expensive than New Jersey.
Consistent Climate
Living in New Jersey means that you will experience a variety of different weather, depending on the season. From heat and humidity to freezing temperatures and snow, New Jersey certainly gets all of the types of weather conditions you may think of. In the winter, you will get, on average, 23 inches of snow, and the average low temperature in January is 22F. It can also be quite rainy in New Jersey, getting about 48 inches of rain throughout the year.
Florida, on the other hand, is much more consistent – consistently warm. Even in the heart of winter (January), the lowest average temperature you will experience in Florida is around 49F, making it one of the warmest locations in the United States. During the summer, you will find that the warm weather and humidity combine for higher than normal temperatures. Overall, it will likely always be warm throughout the state with 0 inches of snow, 237 days of sun, and 55 inches of rain throughout the year.
Cheaper Taxes
One of the main financial concerns for many individuals moving from New Jersey to Florida is the differences in taxes that each state charges its residents. A major advantage of living in Florida is that the state charges no state income tax. This means that you will not lose a significant amount of your hard-earned money in the same way that you do while living in New Jersey.
Other taxes are quite important as well, and you will find a significant difference there as well. For property taxes, New Jersey charges its residents 2% based on the value of your home (one of the highest in the US) while Florida only charges 0.97%. For investments such as stocks and bonds, Florida does not charge any tax, but New Jersey charges tax on ANY income that you earn.
One of the similarities between the two states is that neither charges an inheritance tax or estate tax. You may still be charged federal estate taxes if your assets are valued above $11.4 million, but the states themselves do not charge the taxes.
Drawbacks to Consider When Moving from New Jersey to Florida
As you can see, there are many advantages to moving from New Jersey to Florida. However, it is also important to know about a few of the drawbacks that you may encounter.
We have already said that the weather in Florida is fairly consistent, and you will not need to worry about unpacking your parkas or long underwear while living in the Sunshine State. However, the warm weather is accompanied by serious humidity, and that can be a problem.
For about 8 months out of the year, Floridians will have to deal with humidity. New Jersey residents also feel humidity during the summer months, but it goes away within about 6 weeks or so. Humidity can wreak havoc on your clothing, hair, and even your home. The humidity creates moisture which can lead to mold problems, if not taken care of right away. Living and working by the beach can provide some relief with a breeze coming in across the water, but the humidity will definitely be something to consider.
Another drawback to keep in mind when relocating to Florida is the variable sales tax throughout the state. In New Jersey, you get a consistent 6.625% sales tax, but Florida has a base rate of 6% that can change depending on your location. In fact, a local municipality can increase the sales tax up to 8%! That can certainly add up while you shop.
Why Call Nancy Kowalik Before You Move
If you are thinking about investing in a second home or moving from New Jersey to Florida, it is essential that you have all the most important information and tools at your disposal so that you can make the best decisions for yourself and your family. The best way to ensure this happens is by working with a real estate expert with experience and knowledge of both locations.
At Your Home Sold Guaranteed Realty—Nancy Kowalik Group, Nancy and her team are here to answer all of your questions, address any concerns you may have, and make sure you find the right home in Florida. Nancy will do everything she can to help you get the ideal home and ensure that your investment dollars are put to excellent use.
To learn more about buying a second home in Florida or moving from New Jersey to Florida, give Nancy and her team of real estate experts a call at (856) 478-6562 or email them here [javascript protected email address]. You can also fill out the form below with the requested information to get a detailed response from one of our experts.
We look forward to hearing from you and assisting you with your next investment opportunity in Florida!