Goodbye cold winters, hello sunshine! You’ve made the big decision to leave Chicago and head to the warm, sunny beaches of Florida. Living in Florida means enjoying the outdoors all year round, soaking in the beautiful weather, having tons of fun things to do and not having to pay state income tax! With so many benefits, it’s easy to see why so many people decide to call Florida home. Here’s a quick look at what you can expect in Florida, along with some helpful tips for making your long distance move.
Benefits of Moving from Chicago to Florida
If you enjoy laying out on the beach, swimming all year, exploring the Everglades, going saltwater fishing, grabbing a Cuban sandwich or riding wild roller coasters—then Florida is the place for you. It’s packed with fun things to do and plenty of adventures. Whether you like the buzz of city life or being close to nature, Florida has a bit of everything. Here are some of the top reasons people love living in the Sunshine State.
Beautiful Weather
Florida is famous for its warm temperatures and sunny skies—that’s why it’s called the Sunshine State. With over 300 sunny days a year, the great weather is a big reason so many people want to live there. You won’t have to deal with Chicago’s freezing winters anymore. Instead, you can wear t-shirts and flip-flops all year long and leave the heavy coats behind.
Gorgeous Beaches
Florida is bordered by both the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico, making it perfect for anyone who loves the beach. Some of the world’s most stunning beaches are right here in Florida. One of the best things about living in the state is that you’re never more than about 45 minutes from the coast—no matter where you are. It’s like having a little piece of vacation every single day!
Affordable Cost of Living
With everything Florida has to offer, you might expect it to be pricey—but it’s actually one of the more affordable states to live in. There’s no state income tax and both sales and property taxes are on the lower side. Homes are also reasonably priced which makes Florida a great place to settle down.
Outdoor Activities
Whether it’s swimming, fishing, camping or boating, Florida has tons of outdoor fun you can enjoy all year long. The state’s mix of swamps, forests, oceans and even jungle-like areas means there’s always something new to explore. You can try scuba diving, snorkeling, sailing, parasailing, hiking, biking or even bird watching while taking in the beautiful scenery and amazing wildlife.
So Much to Do
Besides outdoor adventures, Florida is packed with fun places and attractions to explore. It’s home to some of the world’s most famous theme parks like Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, LEGOLAND and Busch Gardens. You can visit the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral and even catch a rocket launch. In Miami, enjoy the unique art deco buildings and exciting nightlife. Take a trip through Everglades National Park to see amazing wildlife or spend a weekend in St. Augustine—America’s oldest city—shopping, dining and sightseeing. Florida also has awesome shopping spots, delicious food, major sports teams and so much more to enjoy.
Most Popular Cities to Live in Florida
Tampa
Tampa is one of the top cities people are moving to in the U.S.—and for good reason. It has a strong job market, affordable living costs and great public schools. There’s also no shortage of things to do. Tampa is known for its stunning beaches with soft white sand and amazing views of the Gulf of Mexico. The city also hosts outdoor music festivals and is a hot spot for baseball spring training.
Miami
Miami is a lively city full of cultural diversity, often called “The Magic City” because of its exciting nightlife. It’s also a major international business center, attracting professionals in banking, trade, tourism and more. People who live in Miami enjoy beautiful beaches, unique art deco buildings, amazing food and one of the best nightlife scenes in the country.
Orlando
Most people think of Walt Disney World when they hear “Orlando”—and for good reason. The city is known for its many attractions and theme parks like Disney World, Universal Studios, SeaWorld, the Orlando Museum of Art and so much more. While all of that is a big bonus, Orlando also has lovely parks, peaceful lakes, delicious food spots and a very diverse community. It’s also in a great location, making it easy to visit other popular places in Florida. You’re only about an hour from the beach and not far from cities like Miami, Fort Lauderdale and Tampa.
Jacksonville
Jacksonville is a great choice if you’re looking for beautiful beaches, great food and a lively arts and culture scene. The city hosts music festivals, art walks, local theater shows and markets where local artists showcase their work. With its scenic coastline, it’s also a perfect spot for outdoor fun like fishing, swimming and boating. Jacksonville is very family-friendly too, with nice neighborhoods and lots of fun places to visit.
Cost of Moving from Chicago to Florida
Long-distance moves can get expensive, so it’s important to choose a moving company that’s both reliable and budget-friendly—like STI. On average, a move from Chicago to Florida with STI costs around $2,945.63. However, the exact price depends on several things like how far you’re moving, how much stuff you have and whether you need extra services like packing and unpacking. The best way to get a precise estimate is by using our Instaquote tool above.
How to Move from Chicago to Florida
Moving is never a simple task—especially when it’s a long-distance move. That’s why it helps to work with a trusted moving company in Chicago. With over 21+ years of experience, STI knows how to make the whole process easier. From packing and loading your things to delivering them safely to your new home in Florida, STI Moving & Storage handle it all smoothly. Our team is here to offer helpful advice and can work with you to build a moving plan that fits your needs.
Call today to find out how STI can help with your relocation from Chicago to Florida!
