Many people thinking about moving to Florida ask me why I made the move myself. Coming from New York, I’ve lived through brutal winters, high taxes, and the fast-paced Northeast lifestyle. So, why did I pack up and settle in St. Augustine, Florida? If you’re debating whether relocating to Florida is the right move, let me share my journey and what I’ve learned along the way.
Why I Left the Northeast for Florida
I grew up in the New York tri-state area—Long Island, Brooklyn, and Jersey City—so I was used to the energy of big cities. But over time, my husband and I started escaping to Delaware for long weekends just to take a break. Eventually, we decided to leave New York completely, moving first to Boston, then New Hampshire.
While I loved experiencing new places, I quickly learned that endless winters and freezing temperatures weren’t for me. New Hampshire’s winters stretched from November to May, and as someone who loves being outdoors, that just didn’t work.
Now, moving doesn’t scare me—I actually enjoy change—but I know that’s not the case for everyone. That’s why I help so many of my clients navigate their moves, giving them honest insights into what to expect.
Why I Chose St. Augustine, Florida
Like many Northeasterners, the cold weather pushed me over the edge. I wanted out of the snow belt and away from long winters. But it wasn’t just the weather—here’s why St. Augustine became my new home:
1. Staying Coastal
We have a sailboat, and the Atlantic side of Florida is much better suited for her. The Gulf Coast just didn’t work for us.
2. No State Income Tax
Living in New Hampshire, we were used to no state income tax. Moving to another state with high taxes (like New York) was a dealbreaker. Florida checked the box with zero state income tax—a huge financial advantage.
3. Dog-Friendly Beaches
Believe it or not, one of the biggest factors in our move was our dog. She loved the beach, so we weren’t going to settle anywhere without dog-friendly beaches. South Florida was too restrictive, but St. Augustine was perfect. The city even has a Facebook group called St. Dogustine—if that’s not proof of a dog-friendly town, I don’t know what is!
4. A Manageable Florida Climate
Yes, Florida summers are hot, but after years of visiting Fort Lauderdale, I realized St. Augustine’s weather is much more bearable. There’s humidity, but it’s not as oppressive. Plus, St. Augustine has some seasonality, with short, cooler winters in December and January.
💡 Tip: If you’re planning to spend only your winters in Florida, St. Augustine might feel too chilly. For year-round warm weather, South Florida is a better fit—and if that’s what you need, I have a fantastic colleague down there who can help!
5. Lower Cost of Living
Compared to New York, the cost of living in Florida is much more reasonable. Even though New Hampshire has no state income tax, Florida’s property taxes were still lower—a huge win for homeownership.
6. The Right Lifestyle
The most important factor for me? Lifestyle.
Coming from New York, I love:
✔️ Culture (art galleries, live music, historic sites)
✔️ Great food (I’m a foodie, and St. Augustine has everything—Greek, Polish, French, Thai, Indian, Italian, you name it!)
✔️ A lively atmosphere—but not as overwhelming as NYC.
St. Augustine is the perfect blend of small-town New England charm with a touch of New York’s vibrancy—but just a touch, because I left NYC for a reason!
Why I Love Living in Florida
1. Endless Outdoor Activities
☀️ I spend more time outside than ever before. In New Hampshire, winters kept me indoors, and summers were hot and buggy. In Florida, the ocean breeze makes the heat bearable, and I can be outside year-round.
Some of my favorite things to do:
- Walking trails at GTM Reserve or Washington Oaks Gardens
- Biking in Palm Coast (we keep our sailboat there and love the trails!)
- Beach days, boating, and kayaking
2. More Real Estate Opportunities
If you’re considering buying a home in Florida, you’ll find plenty of options. From coastal homes and condos to quiet inland communities, St. Augustine real estate offers something for every lifestyle and budget.
🏡 Thinking about moving? I’ve created relocation guides to help you research—check out the links in the description!
The Downsides of Florida Living
No place is perfect, and Florida has its challenges. Here are the biggest ones to consider:
1. Tourism & Traffic
Being the oldest city in the U.S., St. Augustine attracts millions of tourists. Traffic can be frustrating, especially during peak travel seasons. But coming from New York, it’s honestly nothing in comparison.
2. Hurricanes & Storms
Yes, Florida gets hurricanes—but Northeast Florida is less affected than the Gulf or South Florida. Before moving, I was concerned about storms (especially since we have a boat). So far, I’ve been through several storms, and we’ve been fine.
💡 Tip: If you’re worried about hurricanes, I can share insights on insurance, flood risks, and preparedness.
3. The Heat
Florida summers are hot—there’s no sugarcoating it. But personally, I prefer the heat over freezing winters. You adjust to it, and with the ocean breeze, it’s manageable.
So… Should You Move to Florida?
For me, moving to St. Augustine, Florida was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. I wanted:
✔️ A lower cost of living
✔️ A relaxed lifestyle
✔️ A coastal community with a vibrant atmosphere
✔️ A place where I could be outdoors year-round
And Florida delivered on all of it.
As a realtor in Northeast Florida, I see more and more people moving here for the same reasons—whether they’re escaping the Northeast winters, looking for affordable housing, or just wanting a better quality of life.
Thinking About Moving? Let’s Chat!
If you’re considering a move to Florida, let’s talk! I’ve been in your shoes, and I can help you navigate the process.
Complete the form below and I’ll be in touch.