Hurricanes, giant roaches, and lawless gators are just a few of the top reasons why people regret moving to Florida
. But a high cost of living might be a more serious reason to steer clear. If you’re considering a move away from your dreary existence into the sun-kissed climes of Florida, don’t jump too quickly to pack up your things. While moving to Florida has its attractions—mild winters, no income tax, and access to some of the country’s best beaches—you might regret your decision unless you’ve carefully weighed all the pros and cons.
Here to help you face the harsh realities of a Florida life is Jerry
, the super app
that makes buying car
and home insurance
a breeze. Below are the top six reasons why people regret pulling up roots to move to the Sunshine State. RECOMMENDEDNo spam or unwanted phone calls · No long forms
1. Florida summers are a tour of agony
Of all the reasons people regret moving to Florida, the weather tops the list. If you’ve visited Florida in the winter, you might not be prepared for just how ghastly a Florida summer can be.
Florida is made up of two distinct climate regions. Northern and Central Florida have humid subtropical climates, while South Florida is a true tropical climate with a distinct rainy season.
During the summer months, temperatures across the state average between 90° F and 95° F. If that sounds bearable, keep in mind that, according to a 2018 study
, Florida has the highest relative humidity of any state in the contiguous United States. Humidity significantly increases the real-feel temperature, meaning that your manageable summer heat is cranked up to an average heat index between 100° F and 110° F. That humidity comes along with the months-long rainy season, which produces an average of 53.7 inches of rainfall per year. But even more troubling than all that rain is Florida’s annual hurricane season, which stretches from June to November.
Not only can Florida’s rainy hurricane season put a major damper (pun intended) on your summer fun, but it can pose serious threats to your home and your safety. On the Insurance Information Institute’s list of U.S. cities most at risk for hurricane-associated storm surges, Florida cities make up six of the top 10.
Consider instead: California
If you want to experience the beach life without slogging through the nine circles of Florida summer, consider moving to California
instead. While southern California has its fair share of hot summers, you won’t have to deal with the smothering humidity—or the constant risk of flooding. 2. A state of tourists and retirees
Look, there’s nothing wrong with visiting Florida as a tourist or settling down there for your retirement. But if you’re not in one of those groups, you’ll find that the overwhelming presence of retirees and tourists makes it hard to enjoy a regular life in the Sunshine State.
Florida has the second-oldest population in the U.S. (shoutout to Maine
, #1 on the list) and is the fourth most visited state in the country. This means that a lot of the state’s infrastructure, budget, and investments are geared toward these groups. It also means that you’ll be sharing the roads with tourists in the summers and snowbirds in the winters. Yes, the traffic gets bad. Consider instead: Utah
In contrast to Florida’s aging population,Utah
has the nation’s youngest population, with an average age of just 31.1 years compared to Florida’s 42.2. While Utah doesn’t share Florida’s coastal charm, it might just be the most beautiful state in the country, as proven by its five stunning national parks
. MORE:Everything you need to know about driving in Miami
3. Living in Florida isn’t cheap—and jobs can be hard to find
If you’re looking for seasonal work at a theme park and a cheap apartment, Florida might be an affordable place to live. But the Sunshine State ranks at a dismal #31 on U.S. News’s 2021 Affordability Rankings
. According to 2020 data from the Bureau of Economic Analysis, the average person needs $43,615 a year to live comfortably in Florida.
What makes living in Florida so expensive? Housing is one of the biggest factors in Florida’s above-average cost of living. A 2022 study
found that Florida had the fifth-highest average rent for a one-bedroom apartment at $1,426 per month, and home prices are on the rise. Consider instead: Iowa or Ohio
If you’re looking to buy property, Iowa
has the most affordable housing prices of any state in the country. But if you’re just looking for an affordable place to live, you won’t find a lower cost of living anywhere outside of Ohio
. The Buckeye State also ranks incredibly high for job opportunities—and, just like Florida, it’s famous for its amusement parks! RECOMMENDEDNo spam or unwanted phone calls · No long forms
4. Roaches will be your constant companions
Forget about gators—cockroaches
, termites, and carpenter ants are the real menaces you need to worry about if you’re considering moving to Florida. Consider this: 30.4% of Florida homeowners report at least one roach infestation per year. Think about that for a minute. “At least one.” And don’t forget that keyword—report. If nearly a third of homeowners deal with a cockroach problem bad enough to report once or more every year, just imagine how many roaches you’ll deal with on a regular basis.
Termites are a serious problem, too. In fact, Florida’s home to the country’s most diverse termite population
. And it’s getting worse: according to a study by researchers at the University of Florida, as many as 50% of South Florida homes will be at risk of termite infestation by 2040. We won’t even get into the other types of creepy crawlies you’ll be living shoulder to antennae with in the Sunshine State. We’ll spare you that.
Consider instead: South Dakota
South Dakota
is consistently flagged as one of the happiest states in the country. One reason for the unusually high quality of life in South Dakota is probably the fact that it’s got one of the lowest populations of household pests like roaches and termites thanks to its pleasant continental climate. 5. It’s theme-park culture
It’s not that Florida doesn’t have any culture. It’s more that the culture takes the form of endless theme parks. Believe us, Disney World is just the beginning.
In fact, Florida is home to no less than 494 theme parks. It’s also got the most golf courses in the country, with over 1,100 courses hosting 48 million rounds of golf every year. If golf and theme parks are your idea of culture, you’ll feel right at home.
Consider instead: New York
If you want to be surrounded by the best culture the country has to offer, there’s no better place to live than New York
. Of course, NYC
is the undefeated cultural hub of the state, but there are plenty of (more affordable and less congested) spots outside the city where you can soak up all of the culture and none of the subway juice
. 6. It might not be long for this world
Okay, now we’re getting into really grim territory—but it’s true. Scientists estimate that, as climate change causes sea levels to rise, large portions of Florida will be permanently submerged by 2100
. And if that sounds like a comfortably far future, mortality rates on Florida’s coasts could rise significantly as soon as the 2030s. Consider instead: Anywhere else
If you want to live with confidence that your home won’t be swallowed by the ocean, anywhere other than Florida is a safe bet. May we suggest North Dakota
, the happiest
(and most landlocked) state in the U.S.? How to save on car insurance in Florida
If you’re considering a move to Florida, we hope this article has given you a lot to think about. If you already live in the Sunshine State and just want to process your regrets, we’re here for you too—and we might have something to add a little real sunshine to your life.
Download the Jerry
app, and you could save over $800 a year on car insurance in under a minute. No, it’s not a joke—and it’s not a scam
(the app is completely free to use!). Jerry is a licensed insurance broker backed by the power of technology and over 55 partner companies whose rates could be the breath of fresh air you need in that muggy Florida summer. Sometimes it’s the little things that matter most.
“I had limited time to find a new insurance plan in Florida, so I tried Jerry
. My experience was personalized and professional, and they found me a plan that fits my portfolio. You should give them a try.” —Valencia T.
RECOMMENDEDThis app is great, but the customer service is even better! Not to mention convenient! My husband and I got the lowest rate (much lower than the rates I was finding online through my own searches), quickly, and pretty much all through text message! Thank you so much for a hassle free experience👍
4.7
