Despite its many advantages, there are some cons to living in Florida as well. So, it’s not a surprise a lot of people are following a recent trend of moving out. Whether you can’t get used to harsh weather or crave mountains and valleys, the reasons are endless. On the other hand, Pennsylvania gained popularity in recent years, mostly due to its landscapes and great quality of life. However, if you’re thinking about moving from Florida to Pennsylvania, you’ll want the help of Verified Movers. That way, you can find just the right moving company to assist you with your relocation. If you want to know more about the advantages life in Pennsylvania can offer, and the differences between these two cities, stick around.
How to prepare for a move from Florida to Pennsylvania
Moving is never easy and simple. And since we are talking about a relocation on such a large scale like this, getting some help from the best interstate moving companies Florida is recommended. Moving from Florida to Pennsylvania will take a lot of resources, mostly time and money. After all, you’ll have to move a whopping 1,125 miles to reach your destination. So, in order to make your move a successful one, you’ll have to prepare in advance. Start planning the relocation optimally six months in advance. Things will quickly get overwhelming, so you’ll be glad that you have more than enough time.
A great way to be in control of the move is to make a list. Keep all the information about the move in it, so you can have everything you need in one place. Also, roll your sleeves and start researching. You are moving to a whole new environment and surroundings. To be one step ahead, do some research on these topics:
- Research the living costs – this is a make or break for many movers
- Find a suitable setting for you and your family – this should be hard as Pennsylvania has some of the best suburbs in America, like Chesterbrook
- Find suitable property to buy or homes to rent
- If you are moving with children, find school and/or college options
The financial side of moving to Pennsylvania
As we’ve said before, no relocation is simple and easy, both time and money-wise. For this move, you’ll have to pay a considerable sum of money, so it’s recommended that you look for ways to reduce moving costs. Some estimates go from as low as $950 to costs higher than $6000. The reasons for such a wide range are numerous. You’ll have to take into account the number of items that you are relocating, as well as the time period you have chosen. Also, the cost of hiring interstate moving companies isn’t negligible. However, you should keep in mind that you are more likely to spend more on moving by yourself than with the help of moving professionals. The costs of renting vans and storage units can quickly spiral out of control.
The differences in living costs
Living costs in Florida and Pennsylvania are surprisingly similar. Living costs in Florida are around 1.5% higher than in Pennsylvania. However, when we look deeper, some bigger differences pop up. While the costs of groceries and eating out in restaurants are around 5% cheaper in Pennsylvania, you’ll have to pay 10% more on transportation. Both gasoline and public transport are more expensive than in Florida. The biggest difference, however, is the median home price, which is 24% cheaper in Pennsylvania. Housing will also cost you less, 37% to be exact. However, expect to pay 5% more on utilities. Health-related expenses have the smallest difference, which is slightly (around 1%) cheaper in Pennsylvania. You should also keep in mind that other miscellaneous costs, like clothing, repairs, and entertainment, are all around 10% higher.
Home prices in Pennsylvania are on the rise
If you’re moving from Florida to Pennsylvania in the search of a new home, you’re right on time. The values of new homes are on the rise in Pennsylvania and they don’t seem to be stopping soon. So, if you are looking for a nice property for yourself, now’s the time to buy. With the help of interstate moving companies Pennsylvania you too can enjoy your new dream home. Just in the last year, the prices for homes have increased by 11.6%. Compared to Florida, homes in Pennsylvania are 1.3% cheaper, which doesn’t seem like a lot, but it can impact the prices considerably. Also, consider that around 12% of the houses and properties are vacant and on the market, so you will have quite a choice in Pennsylvania.
Pennsylvania isn’t as kind to the renters as it is to home buyers, though. Only around 3% of homes and apartments are available to be rented. However, this shouldn’t discourage you in any way. While it might take some time to find a suitable home, you’ll be pleasantly surprised that renting is cheaper, on average. Some examples are:
- Studio Apartment – $896
- 1 Bedroom Apartment – $1,021
- 2 Bedroom Apartment – $1,238
- 3 Bedroom Apartment – $1,531
- 4 Bedroom Apartment – $1,752
Educational opportunities in Pennsylvania
If you are moving with a family, Pennsylvania has a rich choice of schools and other educational institutions. There are over 500 public schools, twice as many private ones, and plenty of institutions of higher education, like the University of Pennsylvania. So, it’s safe to say that your children will be in safe and capable hands. The state of Pennsylvania is proud of its high school graduation rate, which is higher than 90%. Another good statistic worth mentioning is that 87.9% of Pennsylvanians aged 25 or older have a high school diploma or better.
To sum up, moving from Florida to Pennsylvania won’t be an easy process. It will require a lot of time and money, but with some professional moving assistance, you can have a smooth and stress-free relocation.