Why So Many New Yorkers Are Moving to Florida

American National Movers
13 hours ago
3 min read

Comparison of living costs: a sad man in a $3,000/mo New York apartment vs. a happy couple at a $1,800/mo house in Florida with palm trees. — In New York, you pay $3,000 to live in a closet sized apartment. In Florida for much less than that, you get a full-sized house with walk-in closets.

So many New Yorkers are moving to Florida, mainly because of the better quality of life that Florida offers. The Sunshine State provides warmer weather, a cleaner environment, friendlier communities, and more affordable rent.

At American National Movers, we’ve helped countless clients relocate from New York to Florida — and we’ve witnessed this shift firsthand.

In this post, we’ll break down why Florida is winning the migration game, what that means for your long distance move, and how to make the transition smoothly without paying more than you should.

Cost of Living & Tax Benefits.

New Yorker's may have a higher income but all of it goes to taxes, everyday living expenses and bills. In Florida you save more of your income—another reason NYC residents are moving to FL.

One of the strongest motivators for New Yorkers moving to Florida is savings. With no state income tax in Florida, residents keep more of their earnings.

Housing often comes at a lower price, utilities and everyday expenses tend to be friendlier, and the numbers tell the story: from 2018 to 2022, over 125,000 New Yorkers moved to Florida, taking around $14 billion in income with them.

Better Weather & Lifestyle Space.

Let’s face it: the cold winters, crowded subway rides, and cramped apartments of New York appeal less when you imagine a home with a backyard or a balcony near the beach in Florida. Plus, in NYC, you pay an average cost of about $3,000 for a one-bedroom to live in a small, boxed-up apartment. For that price, you can live in a large 2 to 3-bedroom house or in a luxury apartment with amenities.

Remote Work & Relocation Flexibility.

Over the last few years, remote work has changed how and where people live. Many New Yorkers who once had to stay close to the city for work are now free to live anywhere — and Florida is one of the most attractive destinations for remote professionals.

The ability to work from home makes moving to a lower-cost, higher-quality environment like Florida not only possible but practical. Combine that with fast internet, growing business hubs like Miami and Tampa, and no state income tax, and it’s easy to see why so many are trading New York’s hustle for Florida’s flexibility.

At American National Movers, we’ve seen this pattern firsthand — many of our customers relocating from NYC are remote workers looking to maximize their income and enjoy a calmer lifestyle without compromising their careers.

Friendlier Community & Cleaner Environment.

Florida's community is filled with friendly people—New York can be a very tough environment. NYC people can be very aggressive, fast-paced, and the streets have mice and rats, which can be a turn-off. Overall, people say they feel more comfortable raising a family in Florida rather than in New York.

What To Know Before Moving From NY to Florida.

Moving from New York to Florida isn’t just a lifestyle shift—it’s a logistical one. The two states are over 1,000 miles apart, so planning ahead will make all the difference in avoiding delays, stress, and unexpected costs.

Here’s what to keep in mind before relocating:

Timing Matters: Fall and winter are the best seasons to move. You’ll avoid the Florida heat, tourist congestion, and higher summer moving rates.
Slower Pace & Transportation: Unlike NYC, Florida’s slower pace often requires driving. You’ll likely need a car for errands or commuting, even for short trips.
Employment & Income: Remote workers benefit most from the move, but local job markets can offer lower wages than New York. Plan ahead if you’re job hunting after your move.
Binding Estimates: Always request a written, guaranteed price. A binding estimate protects you from sudden price increases after loading day.
Delivery Windows: Expect deliveries to take around 3–6 days from NYC to most parts of Florida. If timing is critical, ask about expedited or dedicated truck options for faster service.

Conclusion: Ready to Start Your Move from New York to Florida?

Hand holds a wooden block labeled "QUALITY" with a checkmark. Another block labeled "$ PRICE" sits on the table. Light background. — Move to Florida and get a better value for your money.

Relocating from New York to Florida is more than just a change of scenery — it’s a chance to improve your quality of life while reducing your cost of living. Whether you’re chasing sunshine, more space, or financial freedom, planning the logistics of your move is what determines how smooth the transition will be.

At American National Movers, we’ve handled hundreds of Florida long distance relocations from NYC. We combine affordable pricing, transparent estimates, and faster delivery times so your experience feels professional from start to finish — not stressful.

If you’re ready to begin your move, get a free quote today or call (800) 245-7967 to speak with a relocation specialist. Let’s make your move to Florida simple, affordable, and reliable.