Florida, once a popular destination for retirees and sun-seekers, is now facing a mass exodus of residents who are looking for more affordable and comfortable places to live. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, an estimated 275,266 people left Florida in 2022, which means that nearly 754 people are choosing to leave Florida every day and nearly 23,000 people are leaving each month.
But where are these Floridians going, and why are they leaving? Here are some of the top destinations and reasons for the Florida outflow, by city.
Orlando
Orlando, the home of Disney World and other attractions, is also one of the most expensive cities in Florida. The median rent in Orlando is $2,153, which is higher than the national median rent of $1,967. Many residents are struggling to afford the high cost of living, especially after the pandemic and the hurricanes that hit the state.
Some of the most popular places that Orlando residents are moving to are:
Atlanta, Georgia: Atlanta offers a lower cost of living, a vibrant culture, and a booming economy. Atlanta is also a major hub for transportation, education, and entertainment.
Charlotte, North Carolina: Charlotte is a fast-growing city that has a diverse population, a mild climate, and a strong job market. Charlotte is also known for its banking and finance industry, as well as its sports and arts scene.
Nashville, Tennessee: Nashville is a music city that has a lot of charm, history, and creativity. Nashville is also a friendly and welcoming place, with a low cost of living and a high quality of life.
Tampa
Tampa, located on the Gulf Coast, is another city that is seeing a lot of residents leaving. Tampa is known for its beaches, sports, and nightlife, but it is also facing some challenges, such as traffic congestion, crime, and environmental issues. The median rent in Tampa is $2,255, which is also above the national average.
Some of the most popular places that Tampa residents are moving to are:
Austin, Texas: Austin is a hip and trendy city that has a lot of appeal for young professionals, entrepreneurs, and artists. Austin is also a tech hub, with a vibrant startup culture and a lot of innovation. Austin has a warm climate, a lively music scene, and a lot of outdoor activities.
Denver, Colorado: Denver is a mountain city that has a lot of natural beauty, adventure, and recreation. Denver is also a progressive and diverse city, with a strong economy and a high standard of living. Denver has a mild climate, a rich culture, and a lot of opportunities.
Raleigh, North Carolina: Raleigh is a research city that has a lot of education, science, and technology. Raleigh is also a family-friendly and affordable city, with a low cost of living and a high quality of life. Raleigh has a temperate climate, a green environment, and a lot of attractions.
Miami
Miami, the most populous city in Florida, is also the most expensive. The median rent in Miami is $3,066, which is much higher than the national average. Many residents are finding it hard to make ends meet, especially with the rising inflation and the stock market dips. Miami is also prone to natural disasters, such as hurricanes, floods, and sea level rise.
Some of the most popular places that Miami residents are moving to are:
New York City, New York: New York is a global city that has a lot of diversity, culture, and excitement. New York is also a financial and media capital, with a lot of opportunities and resources. New York has a cold climate, a vibrant nightlife, and a lot of attractions.
Los Angeles, California: Los Angeles is a sunny city that has a lot of glamour, entertainment, and creativity. Los Angeles is also a cultural and artistic center, with a lot of celebrities and influencers. Los Angeles has a warm climate, a beach lifestyle, and a lot of events.
Chicago, Illinois: Chicago is a windy city that has a lot of history, architecture, and sports. Chicago is also a business and industrial hub, with a lot of growth and development. Chicago has a cold climate, a diverse cuisine, and a lot of festivals.
Conclusion
Florida is losing a lot of residents who are looking for better places to live, both in terms of affordability and comfort. Some of the most common destinations for Floridians are Atlanta, Charlotte, Nashville, Austin, Denver, Raleigh, New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago. These cities offer a variety of benefits, such as lower costs of living, higher quality of life, more opportunities, and more attractions.
However, Florida still has a lot of appeal for some people, such as retirees, remote workers, and the wealthy, who enjoy the warm weather, the low taxes, and the relaxed lifestyle. Therefore, Florida is not likely to lose its status as a popular state anytime soon.