Key Things to Know: Moving to Texas From Florida

Florida, the place almost every American wants to be. But sometimes, just as many people love the sunshine of this state, some individuals prefer their taste for adventure somewhere else. In 2022, Florida and Texas led, in that order, with the highest net migration increase. However, Florida’s outbound migration growth rate has steadily averaged 1.5% annually, for the past ten years.Despite the distance stretching over 1,300 miles, many people leap from the southeastern region of the U.S., Florida, to South Central Texas. A cool fact: moving from Florida to Texas is like switching from one flavor of awesome to another. But before you trade palm trees for cowboy boots and sandy beaches for ranches, there are a few key things you’ll want to know to make the transition as smooth as possible. Here’s your insider’s guide to moving to Texas from Florida.

Weather Changes

The climate in Florida? Nothing short of humid and tropical. When moving from the Sunshine State, you’re probably used to the occasional hurricane season and long sunny days with hot air. But, here’s the thing, Texas also serves up its brand of heat.While the Lone Star State does have plenty of sunshine, it’s also known for its unpredictable weather. For instance, in cities like Austin, Dallas, and San Antonio, you’ll experience a more arid, dry heat. Summer temperatures can easily soar above 100°F, but the lack of humidity might make it feel more bearable than Florida’s swampy stickiness. However, if you’re moving to somewhere like Houston, prepare for a climate similar to Florida’s, with high humidity and regular rain showers.

TexasFloridaStatewide Annual Average Temperature65.8°F72.3°FAverage Number of Sunny Days225 days237 daysAnnual Average Rainfall27.25”54.76”

Moreover, Texas also has its fair share of thunderstorms and tornadoes, so bear that in mind when contacting any Florida to Texas movers for your relocation purposes. Note:Not all companies, like Haulin’ Assets Moving & Storage, are well-equipped to handle the unpredictability of Texas weather. So, you will need to look for a suitable moving company and, perhaps, make the weather channel your best friend for updates on climate conditions.

Popular Food Switches

Florida’s food scene features fresh seafood, Cuban influences, and tropical flavors. But once you hit Texas, your taste buds are in for a treat that’s a bit more spicy.In Texas, it’s all about BBQ and Tex-Mex. That is slow-cooked brisket, ribs that fall off the bone, and tacos with a kick that will make your mouth water.Don’t be shy about trying out the BBQ joints once you get to Texas. The Tex-Mex restaurants and food trucks are where you might discover new favorite foods you never knew existed.If you enjoy cooking, try incorporating Texas flavors into your meals. Stock up on BBQ sauce, tortillas, and plenty of spices.

Time Zone Differences

If you’re moving from the eastern part of Florida to most parts of Texas, you will cross into the Central Time Zone. It’s only a one-hour difference, but it can take some getting used to, especially if you have friends, family, or work contacts still on Eastern Time.That one-hour shift might seem minor, but it can affect everything from your work schedule to when you watch your favorite TV shows. Early risers in Texas might find themselves a bit more in sync with the rest of the country, while night owls might enjoy the extra hour in the evening.When moving to Texas from Florida, set your devices to adjust automatically for the time zone change. Calendar apps are great for managing time zone differences, especially if you travel frequently. Pro Tip: In about a week or so, you should have adjusted to the time difference.

Moving and Living Affordability

Given the distance, you probably have concerns about the cost of moving from Florida to Texas. Long-distance moves such as this tend to be expensive. But again, it depends on how much belongings you are moving and if you need additional services.The average moving cost is around $3,000. It’s best to get a quote from your chosen or preferred moving company and, at least, two other movers — having multiple quotes allows you more financial wiggle room.However, as you move from Florida to Texas, it’s important to consider your other expenses.The good news is that both states do not levy a personal income tax, but the overall cost of living in either state varies.

Economy and Job Market

TexasFloridaCost of Living7% lower than the national average2% lower than the national averageAverage House Rent$1,928$2,499Median Home Value$354,100$409,700

Florida and Texas both have strong economies. However, Texas is particularly known for its booming job market, especially in industries like information technology, energy, and healthcare. Other industries, including biomedical research, aerospace, and agriculture, are not excluded. Some of the top employers in Texas include:

Amazon American AirlinesAT&TCapital OneDellExxonMobil Facebook

On the other hand, the Floridian economy is chiefly focused on tourism and agriculture. Companies like Publix, Jabil, Darden Restaurants, Bloomin’ Brands, and DPWN Holdings (USA), Inc. are some of the largest employers in Florida.When moving from Florida to Texas, consider the dominant industries there. Most of these major corporations are in cities like Austin, Dallas, and Houston. So, if you’re seeking career advancement or switching to any of these industries, you have better chances of scoring a decent job in these cities.

TexasFloridaPopulation29,145,50521,538,187Median Household Income$73,035$67,917Unemployment Rate4.1%3.3%Poverty Rate14%12.7%

Note:The tech industry in Austin, for instance, has seen such explosive growth that you may want to head there first if your chosen career path is in tech.

Transportation

If you’re used to Florida’s relatively compact cities, Texas’ vast landscapes and spread-out cities might be a bit of a shock.Texas is really big, so getting around often requires a car. This is especially the case if you live outside of the major city centers, where public transportation routes and means are not well-developed. Public transportation, however, is available in cities like Dallas, Houston, and Austin. Still, it’s not as widespread as in other states like Florida.When moving to Texas from Florida, know that Texas’ size and sometimes long commute time of 26.6 minutes necessitates having a reliable car. Moreover, Texas has an extensive highway system; getting around often means spending time on the road. Pro Tip: Download a good navigation app and get comfortable with highway driving.

Landscape: Beaches to Deserts

Florida’s flat terrain and coastal beauty are iconic. But Texas offers a more diverse landscape, ranging from deserts and mountains to prairies and forests.As you’re moving to Texas from Florida, it’s important to prepare your mind for some adjustments. For instance, if you’re used to Florida’s beaches, well Texas isn’t known for much of that — try finding a local lake or river for water activities. Note:Texas may not have the same coastline, but it offers plenty of water sports and outdoor adventures.Wrapping Up — Preparing You for The MoveDepending on your chosen city when moving to Texas from Florida, you could find yourself in the rolling hills of the Hill Country, the arid West Texas, or the urban cities like Dallas. Regardless of where it is, just tell yourself this one and simple truth, you are up for an adventure. From embracing the dry heat and diving into BBQ and Tex-Mex to adjusting your schedule and enjoying a more affordable lifestyle, Texas is a place where you can truly thrive.So, pack your bags, clear your thoughts, book those movers, and get ready for new adventures.Good luck!