Why Are So Many New Jersey Retirees Heading to Florida’s Coast?

Is Moving from New Jersey Taxes to Florida Worth It?

Every winter in New Jersey, the same thought crosses the minds of retirees: Do I really want to do this for another 10 years? The snow, the icy roads, the heating bills — and let’s not forget, the property taxes.

For decades, Florida has been the answer. But today, it’s more than a cliché — it’s a genuine trend. Census data shows thousands of New Jersey retirees moving to Florida every year, and the coastal towns of St. Augustine and Palm Coast in Northeast Florida are among the top landing spots.

So, why are they leaving?

Saying Goodbye to High Costs

Ask any retiree who made the move, and they’ll tell you: it starts with the numbers.

  • Property Taxes: New Jersey has some of the highest in the nation. In Florida, they’re a fraction of that.

  • Retirement Income: New Jersey taxes it. Florida doesn’t.

  • Housing: A modest home in Palm Coast or St. Augustine FL often costs less than a downsized condo in New Jersey.

The financial difference is so big that many retirees find themselves living not just comfortably — but better.

Trading Snow Boots for Flip-Flops

The second reason? Weather.

  • New Jersey winters = icy sidewalks, snowstorms, and gray skies.

  • St. Augustine Florida winters = 60s and 70s, perfect for morning beach walks or an afternoon round of golf.

Retirees swap snow shoveling for sunshine, year-round outdoor activities, and evenings watching the sunset over the ocean.

A Built-In Retirement Lifestyle

Florida has been welcoming retirees for generations, and it shows.

  • 55+ Active Adult Communities: Pools, pickleball, and social clubs.

  • Healthcare Access: Flagler Hospital, AdventHealth Palm Coast, plus major systems in Jacksonville.

  • Familiar Faces: With so many Northeasterners moving here, new residents rarely feel like outsiders. You’ll probably run into fellow New Jerseyans at the farmers market or on the golf course.

Closer Than You Think

Retirees aren’t moving to disappear — they still want family connections. Florida’s coast makes that easy.

  • Direct flights from Jacksonville and Orlando connect daily to Newark, JFK, and LaGuardia.

  • Grandkids are far more likely to visit when “winter vacation” means Disney or the beach instead of digging out the driveway.

Is It Right for You?

Of course, living in St. Augustine FL or Palm Coast comes with its quirks:

  • Hot summers

  • Hurricane prep

  • Seasonal tourist traffic downtown

But for many retirees, the trade-off is worth it. Lower taxes, lower costs, and higher quality of life tip the scales every time.

Final Thoughts

New Jersey retirees aren’t just chasing the sun — they’re chasing freedom.

  • Financial freedom: No state income tax and lower property taxes.

  • Freedom from winter: Sunshine instead of snow.

  • Freedom to enjoy life: Beaches, golf, and community events at your fingertips.

👉 If you’re starting to wonder whether Florida’s coast could be your retirement chapter, let’s talk. The Kim Devlin team specializes in helping New Jersey retirees relocate to St. Johns County Florida, from Palm Coast real estate to the best neighborhoods to live in St. Augustine Florida.

We’ll help you figure out not just where to buy, but where to live in St. Augustine FL so your retirement feels exactly how you want it.